Review JOHN DIVA & THE ROCKETS OF LOVE ‘The Big Easy’

John Diva & The Rockets Of Love is, contrary to expectations, a German band that is dedicated to glam rock. If you listen to the songs of the band, you feel like being on a time travel to the 80s when bands like Bon Jovi, Ratt, Mötley Crüe,… had their heyday. At the same time, I had to think of Bonfire a time or two, because at some points John Diva sounds a bit like Claus Lessmann.

The past times are of course also reflected in the lyrics, for example listen to ‘Back in the Days’.

With ‘Mama Said Rock is Dead’ the band released their debut album in 2019 after signing a deal with Steamhammer. Afterwards they went on tour with Kissin’ Dynamite which underpinned and at the same time forced the considerable attention of the album.

Almost two years later ‘American Amadeus’ was released and now it’s ‘The Big Easy’ which should continue the story of success.

Photo: Bernd Manthey

After the intro ‘California Rhapsody’ has faded away, the title track takes over. With a powerful riff and a good sense for melodies, the song immediately makes its way into your mind.

It follows with ‘God Made Radio’ a throbbing rock’n’roller which the band already presented live, in fact in the half-time break of the European League of Football game Rhein Fire against Frankfurt Galaxy. It’s one of the best songs on the album and you can’t resist the sparkling party mood.

Also worth mentioning are the hard-hitting ‘Thunder’ and the swinging ‘Boys Don’t Play With Dolls’.
However, the band also masters the softer tones. Here the clichés are served and yet ‘Hit And Run’ doesn’t seem forced. Rather it is a well done rock ballad that can also convince with a soulful solo part.

Somehow John Diva & The Rockets Of Love sound like a better version of Steel Panther. While the latter concentrate rather on their image than on the music, John Diva, despite all ironic undertones, have a certain authenticity in play. Here the music and the fun of life are in the center of attention. This album is as colorful as the artwork suggests. The big easy just started.