Billy Idol meets rockabilly

Slicked back hair, polka dot dresses and pin-up tattoos filled the crowd at the Social on May 6.

The HorrorPops, originally from Denmark, consist of Patricia Day (lead vocals/upright bass), Kim Nekroman (guitar/vocals) and Henrik Neidermeier (drums/vocals). With each slap of the upright bass, each explosive guitar riff, and each pulsating drumbeat, the intimate venue was transformed into a choppy sea of bouncing pompadours and whirling dresses.

The opening bands, 7 Shot Screamers and Longway, were first to take the stage and get the crowd moving. Longway guitarist, Trevor, weaved himself through the crowd with his guitar and climbed onto the back bar.  He stood on top of the bar and played while the crowd sang along and pumped their fists to the band's cover of Billy Idol's "Rebel Yell."

"It sounded like a highly caffeinated Billy Idol, but with a rockabilly twist," said Michael Chaput, an interpersonal/organizational communication major. "It was a great cover and they definitely got me excited to see the HorrorPops."

As soon as the HorrorPops entered the stage, the crowd hung on to every word that Day spoke.

They played a healthy dose of songs from each of their three albums: Bring it On!, Hell Yeah! and their latest Kiss Kiss Kill Kill. The entire concert was a high-octane energy rush but it did share some softer moments. 

Day and her husband Nekroman played back-to-back at many points during songs.
The band also interacted with the crowd from the moment they took the stage, up until their final song.

"They aren't the type of band who just shows up and goes through the motions," said Chaput. "With the HorrorPops, you never know what to expect."

The band stopped several times for shots of Jägermeister.

"I've never seen a woman drink that much Jägermeister in my life.  And on top of that she's playing the upright bass and singing," audience member Mark Lund said.  "I think I'm in love."

During one of their songs, Day and Nekroman let a couple of audience members dance on stage.

"We need some girls who aren't afraid to get down and dirty and shake it," Day said.

"They definitely aren't a band that stays inside the lines," Chaput said.  "They break all the rules, and they do it right. I really like the way they blend so many different music styles."

During their song "MissFit," the band paid tribute to the British ska band Madness by singing the words "My fist in the middle of your face" to the tune of their popular 1983 hit "Our House".  The entire pit sang in unison with their fists held up high. 

"If you see the HorrorPops live, you're definitely in for a ride," said Lund.

Leave your inhibitions at home. Seeing the HorrorPops live is like jumping in a Cadillac convertible and driving down Route 66 with the wind in your hair.

What will happen? You don't really know. You might be headed straight for that edge, but don't worry — the HorrorPops will take good care of you.