Spotlight on: HOTGOTHIC

Glam Rock demystification.

Photo by Sara Mathius.

As an antidote to pretentious Rock, this Crack-Rock band is such an original, amusing parody that plays with the demystification of the glamorous ‘Rockstar’ image. 

The holy threesome formed by the leader Malibu Stacy (vocals), accompanied by Dr Jacket (lead bass) and Cocaine Katy (lead keys), is pure dynamite on stage! They are called HOTGOTHIC and they are here for you to make the most of their performance! The hottest transgression of the London music scene.

​Stacy -the vertex of this hot triangle- is not just a vocalist or songwriter, he is absolutely a showman: from narrator to actor, he is the pivot who makes you a part of this party with his unparalleled raucous live character. It should also be noted that he is a fantastic cinematographer and directs his own video clips, in addition to having collaborated with other bands of the London music scene.

Mr. Malibu has spread his independent project HOTGOTHIC to several countries: from his hometown in New Zealand through Finland and finally to London (UK), where I have witnessed his strident live performances in the grubbiest of music venues. Influenced by the likes of Suicide and GG Allin, he describes his project as ‘something more akin to an art collective than a band’. 

Keep in mind that some of their songs are sheer, clever criticism hidden under the guise of Post-Punk parody. Stacy can perform on stage as the coolest man in Rock N’ Roll, while demystifying this genre and a society of appearance with his intertwining narrative.  

Photo by Sara Mathius.

For example, in 'Trumpcard' he speaks about “people voting against their best interests in order to support Trump and the lie that was perpetuated by the right-wing; that a billionaire capitalist would seek to enrich the lives of the working classes when obviously he would not”. Or another of my favorites, 'Cockfight', is about the homoeroticism inherent in the culture of toxic masculinity. 

All of this poignant commentary links seamlessly with their singles from start ‘till end, thanks to the charm of Stacy and the undeniable chemistry between him and the rest of the team, since Katy and Jonno are also great contributors to this project.  Mr. Malibu gives the show absolute continuity like a stand-up comedian. Because HOTGOTHIC ​is not a performance of separate pieces, it is a totality in itself that simply has to be seen live!

They are so clever in their work that they toy with the paradox itself;  giving criticism of capitalist society whilst showering the audience in banknotes; ‘cause, you know... Rock stars love big money drops! This is mainly what happens when Stacy gives way to 'Big Dollars' one of my favorites within their self titled album HOTGOTHIC. More than one weekend I remember getting up with an odd bill in my bra... Such a shame it was just fake! Blame Stacy! 

​​​Written by Sara Mathius.

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