THE FOUR HORSEMEN – Left For Dead [Live 88-92] *HQ Exclusive*

320_1 /// 320_2 /// HQ 1 /// HQ 2

A few days ago we featured the reissue of “Nobody said it was Easy”, the debut studio album by the awesome THE FOUR HORSEMEN. Now we have here something you need to hear too: “Left For Dead [Live 88-92]“, a CD / DVD released some time ago by the surviving members, a killer live set showcasing how incredible this rockin’ band was alive.
Historically arising from the same rock-n-roll explosion that was Guns N’ Roses but even more chaotic, from 1988-1992 THE FOUR HORSEMEN released one album and one EP. Only 16 songs in total, but they turned into a cult legend.
There’s many bootlegs of their live shows, but none sound as fantastic as the recording featured here, captured during their final North American tour in 1992. Sound quality is excellent, true live.
It’s a brilliant live set, loaded with energy and the late Frank C. Starr’s unmistakable charisma. Every track sweats whiskey. With an opening one-two punch of “’75 Again” and “Moonshine”, you know you’re in for an action packed ride. “Moonshine” is particularly cool, because the album version featured an authentic over-the-phone lead vocal, but the live one is full-on. Throwing in a couple extra screams, Frankie added the icing on the cake. Man, we so miss Frank C. Starr.

It’s a raw energy affair, which actually suits this band just fine. It’s appropriate that a Four Horsemen live album isn’t an overdubbed and glossed collection. What it sounds like is a live band in a tiny club. All three of the Horsemen’s singles are included in live form.
The slide-drenched “Tired Wings” goes down a treat. “Nobody Said it Was Easy” and “Rockin’ is Ma Business” are both electrifying; the latter especially so. You don’t hear a singer with a voice like Frank’s very often. He had the grit, the power and the ability, wrapped up in a rock star-sized bottle of Jack. Frank Starr has to be one of the greatest unsung losses in Rock.

And what a band behind him! There is a constant and very hard-hitting beat at the back, courtesy of the man-mountain Ken “Dimwit” Montgomery. Seems Dimwit was a psychiatric nurse in addition to being a hell of a punk rock drummer. The name Dimwit was clearly a joke, but there is a dark side. The rigors of his work and the amount of care and emotion that went into it may have contributed to the depression and substance abuse that eventually took his life. It’s sad really, but thankfully these live recordings exist.

One non-album cut is included in this set, a slow raunchy one called “Can’t Get Next To You”. The AC/DC influences are obvious as this one is clearly in the musical mode of “The Jack”. The fans wouldn’t have known this song, but Frank wants to see how many people know the album.
Introducing “Hot Head” he announces, “Let’s see if some of you fuckers actually went out and bought this shit!”…right before an equipment breakdown! And it’s all there, documented for history. Leaving in things like amp troubles makes for a more authentic listening experience.

All told, only two songs from the legendary Four Horsemen record are not on the live CD: “Can’t Stop Rockin’” and “Homesick Blues”. Although unlisted, “I Need a Thrill” does contain the “Something Good” coda, just like the album. It’s even longer, with some absolutely consummate playing from lead guitarist Dave Lizmi.
This was a dirty rock and roll band and that’s how the live CD sounds. That seems right. With almost the entire first album plus an unreleased song, any Four Horsemen fan should own this album.
But if never heard The Four Horsemen, or never heard “Left For Dead” – not on label, released by themselves 2 decades ago and now out of print – do yourself a favor and grab this piece of authentic hard rock / rock n’ roll.
KILLERRRRR

01 – ’75 Again
02 – Moonshine
03 – Tired Wings
04 – Can’t Get Next To You
05 – Nobody Said It Was Easy
06 – Hothead
07 – The Roadie From Hell
08 – I Need A Thrill
09 – Wanted Man
10 – Rockin Is My Business
11 – Let I t Rock
12 – Lookin For Trouble

Vocals – Frank C. Starr
Rhythm Guitar, Slide, Vocals – Haggis
Guitars, Vocals – Dave Lizmi
Bass, Vocals – Ben Pape
Drums, Vocals – Ken “Dimwit” Montgomery

BUY
thefourhorsemen.com/products/left-for-dead-dvd-cd