Richmond, VA – The second night of my three nights in Richmond brings me to the Fuzzy Cactus, a place I haven’t been to for quite a while to check out some rock and roll with Richmond’s Mel Machete, U. S. Bastards and from the mountains of Virginia, Valkyrie.
Starting off the night was Mel Machete, a band I thought was based out of Northern Virginia or DC based on seeing a friend of mine who is from the DC area catching them live. As it turns out they are from Richmond and have been playing for years, this is my first time ever seeing them live. They are fun to see and deliver on the punk and rock and roll!!!
Rock N Roll Ritual
Come Correct
In The Flesh
My Last Party
City Girls
Ruff Cut
La Pistola
Machete
Mel Machete: Instagram|Bandcamp
Most of the crowd came to see U.S. Bastards, myself included. The last time I saw them live they were a three piece, picking up a second guitarist only adds to the fire the band brings to the stage. As always the band brings the attitude and snark that is missing from rock music today. If you like Motorhead, you’ll love U.S. Bastards!!
SET LIST:
Ripsnorter
Wasted Life
Scenester Deceiver
Knife Crime
Killer
Piss Boner
Bad Deeds
Inmate
You’re Gonna Fucking Die
Darkness
U.S. Bastards: Facebook|Instagram|Bandcamp
Another band I have never seen before is Valkyrie, until I saw the show flyer for the event, I had never heard of them. I had no idea they had been recording for years and have released four albums. They closed the night out with a set of songs from their two most recent efforts “Fear” and “Shadows”. They sounded really good and if get a chance to check them out, do so.
SET LIST:
Secrets Of The Mind
Feeling So Low
Afraid To Live
Fear & Sacrifice
Wintry Plains
Temple
Mountain Stomp
The Choice
Carry On
Valkyrie: Facebook|Instagram|Bandcamp
After the chaos of GWAR, it was nice to switch gears and rock out with some good bands on a Friday night.
Show Date: 03.20.2026
