Pepper’s Kaleo Wassman Lays Down Some Love. All Photos by Tim Needles

Pepper
Roseland
August 8, 2008

There was no shortage of energy or enthusiasm when Pepper hit the stage friday night at Roseland as part of the Summer Tailgate Tour along with Sly & Robbie and Slightly Stoopid. The Hawaiian reggae-rock trio has a sound reminiscent of Sublime (both of whom were produced by Paul Leary of the Butthole Surfers) and kept the packed young crowd in a near frenzy for their entire performance. Both guitarist Kaleo Wassman and bass player Bret Bollinger rocked serious 80’s metal wigs as they sang and rallied the audience. The band performed without a formal set list asking the audience to shout out songs but they did hit a few songs off their new album Pink Crustaceans and Good Vibrations such as “Davey Jones Locker” and “Blackout.” After a break from Pepper’s hour long set, Slightly Stoopid took the stage and kept the momentum flowing by performing some of their classics like “Ese Loco” and the very appropriate “Officer” (as loads of kids were being thrown out). Even with all the drama and hysteria, getting through security and the hordes of young kids the show was a classic for any reggae rock fan.

—Tim Needles

bassist Bret Bollinger