Draft:The Wild Cats

The Wild Cats
The Wild Cats in 2017: Sven Hendrikson, Cris Mayfield, and others.
Background information
Also known as	The Flowers of the Universe (2015 – 2017)
Origin	“interplanetary”
Genres	Glam Rock, Rock and Roll
Years active	1973–present
Labels	Līdo, Storz Records, Go Cats Go, Hellskitchen Records.
Members	Cris Mayfield Mycroft Trubecki Stardust Steve Sandra Helena Waldma Cristin Clesment Tom Kinkar Henry Leppnurm Pexte Paxter
Past members	Ed Edinburgh Steve England Rein Foxx Tacciana Gaszimowa Roel Hazelhof Sven Hendrikson Eimel Kaljulaid Bruno O’Ya Lex Priest Phil Ridden Peter Schenk Mark St. John Big Jim Sullivan Tony Belcher Kees van Bemmel Tony Blackplait Cat Bloomfield Achim Bredow Camille Camille Kees Jan Dekker
Website	The Wild Cats www.apollo.ee/lp-the-wild-cats-we-come-in-peace.html

The Wild Cats (often shortened to just Wild Cats) is a glam rock band that gained prominence in the 1970s. With a motley lineup and a fusion of punk, glam, and rock influences, the band introduced itself as an "interplanetary" glam rock group. Known for their “intergalactic” members, the band has experienced various transformations. Originally formed as The Wild Cats, the band briefly adopted the name The Flowers of the Universe from 2015 to 2017.

Kiss and The Wild Cats

Kiss and The Wild Cats shared several TV shows. The TV broadcasts combined music, visuals and audience engagement. In addition, TV performances gave the opportunity to observe the traces of influences in the bands’ work.

Holidays at the Whisky a Go Go, and The Wild Cats’ Christmas Residency

By the late 1970s, The Wild Cats had honed the glam rock aesthetic, gaining attention for flamboyant costumes, glittering makeup, and anthemic guitar riffs. Performances at Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood on December 22, 23, and 24, 1977 marked an important moment, solidifying their presence in the glam rock scene. The Wild Cats' influence persisted, inspiring subsequent generations. Their eclectic fusion of rock, glam, and pop elements became a signature hallmark. Despite disbanding in the late '70s, The Wild Cats' music and legacy lived on, recognized as pioneers challenging musical norms.

Through the Glam Rock Decades (1985–2015)

Netherlands, Baltic, and German shows

The Baltic region experienced The Wild Cats’ concerts in the cities like Uitgeest, Tallinn and Krefeld. On March 26, 1989 The Wild Cats performed in Uitgeest at De Ooievaar (Kerkbuurt 3) alongside infamous The Rumble Cats. On February 2nd, 1999 The Wild Cats played in Tallinn at Guitar Safari (Müürivahe 22) alongside the famous Matchbox (band). On October 19, 2002 The Wild Cats rocked in Krefeld at Kulturfabrik (Dießemer Str. 13) alongside the Matchbox again.

The Wild Cats’ Night at Muziekclub 4AD in Diksmuide, Belgium (2002)

In November 9, 2002, The Wild Cats entertained the audience at Muziekclub 4AD in Diksmuide, Belgium. Taking the stage at Kleine Dijk 57, the rock band began the performance at 10 PM, leaving a mark on their live performance history. Cris Mayfield’s vocals, Big Jim Sullivan’s and Tony Belcher’s guitars, Sven Hendrikson’s bass and Henry Leppnurm’s drumming delivered a show for those in attendance.

Riga Tour 2004: Priekšpavasaris Ziemelaustrumi-Eiropā

In 2004, The Wild Cats embarked on the Priekšpavasaris Ziemelaustrumu-Eiropā tour across Europe. The tour commenced in Latvia at Limbažu Kultūras Nams in Lemsalu, coinciding with Johnny Rotten's birthday. The band performed in Riga, Jelgava, and had a TV appearance at Austrumu Robeza. The tour concluded with a concert at Cita Opera in Riga on April 23, commemorating William Shakespeare's 440th birthday.

Paris Tour 2004: Tournée du Chat Noir

The Wild Cats extended their activities beyond Baltic borders to Paris, creating many concert experiences. The Tournée du Chat Noir in June 2004 featured conceptual tour in the cinematic locations as Place Saint Sulpice and Quartier Latin. Paris witnessed unconventional performances by The Wild Cats, including a show in an old Parisian bus in Quartier Latin. Place Saint Sulpice and Ą La Goguette provided soirées with bohemian atmosphere.

Small Europe Tour 2004: Tournée du Chat Noir 2

In 2004, The Wild Cats embarked on the Tournée du Chat Noir 2, performing in Warsaw, Berlin, and Helsinki. Berlin witnessed a blend of punk and glam influences at the Wild At Heart on November 3, 2004. The tour continued to various venues, including Vastavirta Klubi and Virelä in Tampere, Finland, in 2005. The band celebrated Eugène Bigel's 134th birthday in Vantaa in 2006, performing in northern European venues.

Pirates of Destiny Tour 2008

In 2008, The Wild Cats embarked on the Pirates of Destiny Tour, which included performances in Dharamsala, India, as well as Raisio and Turku in Finland. The tour began in Estonia and featured collaborations with artists globally. Notable performances included the Hullud Otsivad Sind! event in Tallinn, where the band shared the stage with RPM, Cpt. Rock Hard And Master Bates, and Chungin & The Strap-On Faggots. The tour extended to Tartu, Pärnu, and included appearance in events advocating Tibet's independence, and even participating in the Tibetan Olympics 2008. From Tibetan Olympics in Dharamsala to Street Bar 95 in Turku, The Wild Cats embraced the pirate theme, adding an extra layer of theatricality to their performances, and collaborations with other artists complemented their musical show during this era.

Magnus Ducatus Litvaniae Tour 2008

In the summer of 2008, The Wild Cats embarked on the Magnus Ducatus Litvaniae Tour, performing in various cities as Tartu, Viinistu, Pärnu, and Mustla. Notable events included playing at the wedding of Ingmar Saksing & Reet Reimann in Pärnu and participating in the Mustakurmu Motopall. The tour extended to Berlin, featuring a performance at Clash and celebrating Reginleif Trubetsky's birthday. In Helsinki, the Magnus Ducatus Litvaniae Tour continued, showcasing the band's ability to integrate storytelling into performances, including birthday celebrations and literary figures. The band's adventures expanded beyond Western Europe, with The Swindle Continues Tour in 2009 covering Riga and Valka, followed by the Apollo 9 Tour in 2010, which included performances at Nabaklab and Depo in Riga.

Belgium-France Mini-Tour 2011

As the years unfolded, The Wild Cats’ journey continued with a mini-tour in Belgium, France, and Finland. In 2011, The Wild Cats, led by Cris Mayfield, underwent a space-themed transformation during their tour of Belgium. The tour featured four concerts, collaborating with Belgian glam punk band Keeper Volant. Memorable Performances: The first concert took place in Brussels, where Keeper Volant opened the stage, followed by The Wild Cats. The band lineup at that time included Sofia Joons on violin, and Henry Leppnurm on lead guitar... The reception was warm, and the organizers even arranged a memorable evening for the bands, reminiscent of a grand celebration with long tables, attended by brides and parents. The tour continued with a performance in Antwerp and a concert in Lille, France, near the Belgian border. The latter proved to be the highlight of the tour, drawing a diverse audience of middle-aged and older rock enthusiasts. This marked a departure from the more common rosters in France, where rock music was less prevalent. The final concert took place in Geel at the Jeugdhuis de Bogaard youth center, offering a different setting from the preceding events due to its local and youthful ambiance. Unforeseen Challenges and Journey Home: The return journey brought unexpected challenges when Brussels airport authorities initially hesitated to allow the band’s instruments on board. Resourcefulness prevailed, and the guitars found their way onto the plane via a discreet route through the airport restaurant. An unforeseen turn of events occurred during the flight when the plane experienced engine issues over Poland, necessitating a return to Belgium. Upon landing, the band had to switch to another plane in Brussels. Luckily, the transition was smooth, allowing them to bypass security checks with guitars in tow. By 2012, they were back at Depo in Riga.

Under the banner of The Flowers of the Universe (2015–2017)

Main article: The Flowers of the Universe

From 2015 to 2017, The Wild Cats adopted the name The Flowers of the Universe, exploring a more space-inspired and fantastical musical direction. Led by Cris Mayfield, this period showcased the band's commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and experimenting with diverse musical landscapes. The Flowers of the Universe era featured conceptual live performances blending music and visual art, creating cosmic experiences for the audience. This experimental phase adds complexity to the band's legacy, highlighting their ability to adapt and thrive in changing musical landscapes. The Flowers of the Universe are an experimental chapter in The Wild Cats' history.

Discography of The Flowers of the Universe

• 1. The Glamrocker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Līgo, 2015, CD)
• 2. From Here to Eternity (Līgo, 2016, CD)

Return to The Wild Cats

As the Flowers of the Universe era drew to a close in 2017, the band once again embraced their usual name, The Wild Cats. This transition marked a return to their roots.

Modern Times

As the year went by, The Wild Cats continued to evolve while staying true to their roots. Their January 6, 2018 performance in Riga, Total Three Kings Day Energy Show, showcased their continued popularity.

The Wild Cats in Riga

On July 20, 2019, The Wild Cats headlined a glam rock night at Depo, an iconic rock venue in Riga, Latvia, located on Valnu iela 32. The event featured opening acts Tavas Māsas Nāsis, The Diamond Blow from Australia, and legendary Vennaskond. In the fall of 2020, The Wild Cats performed at Depo in Vecrīga again, on September 4th, and at Republika on Mazā Pils iela 11 on October 9th. The Depo performance featured supporting acts Abraham Kenny (Dark Star) from Melbourne and All In, while the Republika show included The Cinema. The Wild Cats presented a sonic spectacle blending '70s glam rock with modern skate punk elements.

Notable Performances

The Wild Cats have a history of touring, with performances in various cities and countries. Their tour dates include appearances in West Hollywood (Whisky a Go Go, 1977), Köln (WDR Studio-L, 1978), New York (CBGB, Continental, 1999), Paris (Ą La Goguette, Place Saint Sulpice, 2004), Lille (Le Yeti, 2011), Berlin (Wild At Heart, 2004, Clash, 2008), Krefeld (Kulturfabrik, 2002), Brussel (DNA, 2011), Diksmuide (Muziekclub 4AD, 2002), Antwerpen (Venue 219, 2011), Geel (Jeugdhuis De Bogaard, 2011), Uitgeest (De Ooievaar, 1989), Stockholm (Estniska Huset, 1999), Warsaw (Progresja, 2004), Riga (Cita Opera, Austrumu Robeža, 2004), Lemsalu (Limbažu Kultūras Nams, 2004), Jelgava (Četri Balti Krekli, 2004), Valka (Borderrock Festival, 2009), Helsinki (Ravintolalaiva Wäiski, 2004, Club Liberté, 2008, Hard Rock House, 2024), Turku (Street Bar 95, 2008), Tampere (Virelä, 2005, Vastavirta Klubi, 2006, Maanalainen, 2024), Vantaa (Vernissa, 2006), Raisio (Krookilan Kotiseutukeskus, 2008), Tallinn (Lauluväljak, 2009, Haus der Estländischen Ritterschaft, 2011), Dharamsala (Tibetan Olympics 2008, McLeod Ganj TCV Day School, 2008).

Discography

• 1. Alright (Storz Records, 1973, 7’’)
• 2. We Come in Peace (The Wild Cats, 1974, LP)
• 3. Behind Bars (Go Cats Go, 1986, 7’’ EP)
• 4. Apeman Boogie (Hellskitchen Records, 2002, CD Maxi-Single)
• 5. Wild Romance (Hellskitchen Records, 2003, CD)
• 6. Sue Catwoman (The Flowers of Romance, 2004, CD)
• 7. Paris (Līgo, 2006, CD)
• 8. Take and Give (Hellskitchen Records, 2008, CD)
• 9. The Glamrocker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Līgo, 2015, CD)
• 10. From Here to Eternity (Līgo, 2016, CD)
• 11. We Come in Peace (Līgo, 2020, LP)

Web Presence

• Official Youtube playlist of The Wild Cats
• Official Facebook page of The Wild Cats
• Official Twitter page of The Wild Cats
• Wikimonde page of The Wild Cats
• Apollo page of The Wild Cats
• EAA page of The Wild Cats
• Facebook fan page of The Wild Cats
• The Wild Cats – We Come in Peace LP
• The first album of the Estonian glam rock band The Wild Cats has been released
• 50 Years of Kiss ⟩ Tõnu Trubetsky looks back at the glam rock giant
• Kiss 50: The Timeless Echo of Glam Rock

Category:Glam rock groups Category:Rock and roll music groups Category:Punk rock groups Category:Musical groups established in 1973 Category:Musical groups disestablished in 1978 Category:Musical groups reestablished in 1985