If you were a rocker in the early 1990’s, you know Riki Rachtman. If not, Riki was the host of Headbangers Ball from 1990-1995 on MTV (when they actually were a music channel). Before that, Riki ran the iconic Los Angeles nightclub Cathouse. While that may not ring a bell if you lived outside of Los Angeles, you have definitely seen the t-shirts advertising it. They have been worn by all your favorite 80′ and 90’s rockers and was in countless music videos though out the years. It was the home of “Raunch and Roll” and the place to be in the 80’s. The shows there were events that would go down in infamy. Alice Cooper on Halloween, Guns and Roses, Megadeth (performing as Vic and the Rattleheads) and Body Count when they were banned in Los Angeles from playing at any venue just to name a few. Like I said, epic!
This spoken word tour highlights the stories of the Cathouse and on set antics of Headbangers ball all told by Riki himself. Each stop is in a small, intimate setting (usually 2-300 people) that allows the attendees the opportunity to feel like they are really part of the show. These. often sold out, shows are a chance to hear the stories of your favorite bands partying in the 80’s from someone who was there.
This stint will feature 3 stops at the House of Blues (New Orleans, Houston and Dallas) as well as several smaller clubs across Texas, Arizona and southern California each providing a unique experience. This leg of the tour will also visit Hollywood California, just blocks away from where the Cathouse was located and is sure to be an epic event. So epic in fact that he is planning on filming it. To be honest, no one really knows who will show up to hear stories of themselves and their friends, All I know, is I will be there.
This tour offers 3 levels of tickets. There is general admission, VFI (Very F’n Important) passes which include a meet and greet and premium seat selection and Road Crew (now all sold out) where you get to get to help load in, have dinner with Riki and his wife Lea Vendetta and get to sit on the stage during the show. The latter two packages also includes an exclusive t-shirt and laminate. The Hollywood VFI holders will also be invited to an exclusive after party. Tickets are available at Cathousehollywood.com and are going fast. If you love rock n roll, you should be at one of these shows!
I will be doing a full review of the Hollywood show afterwards, so look forward to it after August 13, 2023.
Tour Schedule
8/2 House Of Blues – New Orleans, La
8/4 Bronze Peacock At The House Of Blues – Houston, Tx
8/5 Come and Take It Live –Austin, Tx
8/6 Cambridge Room at House of Blues – Dallas, Tx
8/8 Rialto Theatre – Tucson, Az
8/9 Marquee Theatre – Tempe, Az
8/11 Saint Rocke – Hermosa Beach, Ca
8/13 The Bourbon Room – Hollywood, Ca
Follow Riki Rachtman Online:
Photographer of about 10 years, I have been shooting concerts for about 8 of those years. I started to get serious about concert photography about 6 or 7 years ago and now try to shoot as many as I can. I shoot mostly rock but, have done some country and big band stuff. I love music and since I am nowhere close to being a musician, this is a way I can be a small part of what, in the words of Henry Rollins, “gets me through the highs, the lows and everything in between”.
