Author Archives: J.J. Perry

Classic Rock: Fear and loathing in The Red Devils

From their amazing music to the devastating effects of drugs, The Red Devils’ story is told this month in a compelling piece by writer Paul Rees in the new issue of Classic Rock Magazine. Issue #195, with Queen on the cover, is out in the UK and in digital editions now. Rees has done aContinue reading “Classic Rock: Fear and loathing in The Red Devils”

Welcome to nofightin.com

For those coming to this site for the first time, welcome to nofightin.com. We have been here since 2009, cataloging the short but stellar career of The Red Devils and Lester Butler. Wander around and find rare music, videos and reviews, and meet other fans — and some of the musicians who made the records weContinue reading “Welcome to nofightin.com”

Paul Size sells guitar licks

Paul Size is selling cool little blues licks via video from paulsize.com. “I decided to start selling very cool and special licks that I think anyone interested in my style will dig,” Paul told us. “All licks include tablature at the end.” It’s easy to get into a rut with a shuffle, but Size comesContinue reading “Paul Size sells guitar licks”

The usual suspects?

Jutta Härkönen shared this pic she took of The Red Devils from Kungsgatan, Sweden, with Jonny Ray Bartel surrendering. That’s guitarist Zach Zunis fourth from the left. Jutta does not remember what the occasion was — she did say the band was not in the men’s room! — and we have no confirmed dates for theContinue reading “The usual suspects?”

Lyrics: “She’s Dangerous” at Pinkpop 1993

Here’s a different take on the story “’bout a girl I know and my best friend.” The live version of “She’s Dangerous” is an insistent rocker, much more aggressive than the stop-time swagger of the definitive “King King” version. In concert, Lester Butler plays with the lyrics, an ever-shifting narrative of who is catching whoContinue reading “Lyrics: “She’s Dangerous” at Pinkpop 1993″

Red Devils coming to Classic Rock magazine

More than 21 years after “King King,” The Red Devils are ready for international exposure again. UK journalist Paul Rees has taken on the Devils for an article for an upcoming edition of Classic Rock magazine. Just finished writing a piece on #thereddevils – great lost band, cautionary story. Check 'em out here:http://t.co/PyYJSm0ek3 — PaulContinue reading “Red Devils coming to Classic Rock magazine”

‘King King’: There’s only one

I’ve been thinking a lot about “King King” the last few weeks, what makes it special in a way other albums — of any genre — rarely are. The success of The Red Devils and the “King King” album come down to three things, very simple but so elusive. It’s those five guys (plus one onContinue reading “‘King King’: There’s only one”

Dave Alvin remembers Butler and Red Devils

Dave Alvin posted his thoughts to Facebook Dec. 4: Got to thinking today about the late, talented Lester Butler and the short lived but tough little blues outfit, The Red Devils, so I found a good clip of the guys playing some European festival over a decade ago. Yeah, that’s Blaster Bill Bateman on drumsContinue reading “Dave Alvin remembers Butler and Red Devils”

Burnside/Butler remix: “It’s Bad You Know”

Found on YouTube: A new remix of “It’s Bad You Know” from R.L. Burnside’s “Come On In” record. Lester Butler played the harp lick, which became famous in promos for “The Sopranos.” The video was posted June 3, 2013, by Russ Stevens, with the description: “THIS IS AN EXTENDED VERSION, BY MARE AND SOLARIS, GIPSYContinue reading “Burnside/Butler remix: “It’s Bad You Know””