Stray Cat Lee Rocker Visits Rochester Opera House

Stray Cats founder Lee Rocker hits the Lilac City on Sunday, June 18 in support of his latest record, “Gather Round.” The gig will go down at the Rochester Opera House where, if you’re a fan of rockabilly, you’ll want to gather ’round and take in Lee’s take on his solo work along with Stray Cats’ favorites as well.

The Granite Rodeo had the opportunity to ask the legendary bassist, singer, and songwriter a few quick questions in support of the occasion.

Granite Rodeo: Let’s chat about your latest record, “Gather Round.” What were your goals for this one? How do past recording experiences (including those with the Stray Cats) inform how you approach the art of cutting a new batch of tunes?

Rocker: “Gather Round” has a really interesting story. I wrote the songs while traveling around the country with my wife, Deborah, in our Airstream RV. The pandemic was going on, so we were sort of in our bubble. Every album I’ve ever done, including Stray Cats, has its own story and process. This one is probably the most personal record that I’ve done.

Granite Rodeo: Why music? Why do you seek it? Why do you create it?

Rocker: I’m just obsessed with music. It’s a compulsion for me; like breathing it’s just something I have to do.

Granite Rodeo: What keeps the chase of making music fresh after all these years? What inspires forward movement (from the musical perspective)?

Rocker: Every time I write and record, my goal is to keep it fresh and new. The amazing thing with music is how there are infinite ways to put songs together.

Granite Rodeo: You had a history of playing different instruments before landing on bass. What led you to choose this particular instrument as your primary mode of expression?

Rocker: Bass just moved me; it has power and foundation. As a kid, I took lessons and played cello, piano, and guitar.

Granite Rodeo: I read your favorite bass player is Willie Dixon. I’m also a big fan. What’s your favorite Dixon record (and why)?

Rocker: Willie Dixon was an incredible bass player, but he was also a writer, singer and record producer. All things I aspired to do as a musician. His playing of upright bass was imaginative, driving, and unique. I only got to see him once in New York City in the 1970s. I was a teenager and was blown away.

Granite Rodeo: How many stray cats have you taken in in your day?

Rocker: No actual stray cats have been adopted (laughs).

Granite Rodeo: You’re coming to pay us a visit here in New Hampshire for a gig at the Rochester Opera House. What excites you about the show? What can folks expect?

Rocker: Can’t wait for Rochester! I’ve cherry-picked the songs from throughout my career, from “Rock this Town” and “Stray Cat Strut” to music I’ve played my entire life. Classic rock and rockabilly.

Granite Rodeo: Is it weird to step out onto a stage to a sea of eyes staring right at you? Or is there comfort in trying to win them over?

Rocker: Stepping onto the stage for me feels like home. I think I might be more comfortable there than anywhere else.

Granite Rodeo: You’ve been rocking this town (and many others) for nearly five decades. That’s a haul. What do you attribute that longevity to? What advice do you have for the “next generation” of musicians looking to make music their career?

Rocker: I love what I do and will rock until the end. To get to travel make music and meet people is amazing. Music brings us all together, and that’s a beautiful thing.

Visit www.rochesteroperahouse.com and/or www.leerocker.com for further information.