Going For Broke

They're among Vegas' more raucous, go-for-broke live acts, a hard-charging blend of booze-fired rock 'n' roll, rockabilly and even a little touch of old-school outlaw country thrown in for good measure. They're The Ruffnecks, and they tend to live up to their name. Upright bassist Rob Edwards bellies up to the bar to spill the beans on his band.

What do The Ruffnecks sound like?

"We sound like we are having a hell of a lot of fun -- and we are. Still. Some say we sound like a 'seasoned veteran garage band.' I would say, barn band, really."

You guys have been hittin' it hard for close to 25 years now. How much longer before your livers file for divorce?

"Liquor. Ahh, yes. Thank God we don't play much more than once a week, or our livers would revolt. Really, we slowed down on the drinkin' -- well, at least it seems that way. Our livers each filed for divorce a few times over the years, but these livers always come crawlin' back."

Your shows are a lot of fun -- too much fun, at times. What's the craziest thing you've seen an audience member do from the stage?

"Well, many things have been seen over the years. We've seen a $700 tip put down in front of us, and 37 females have shown us their breasts (so I've heard, my eyes are always closed) and 23 fights have been witnessed (four started onstage). We've seen fires, floods and blackouts, but the craziest thing ever was at Shifty's. This dude pulled a gun out on a 'friend' of his right in front of us, and he was swarmed and tackled by three others. No shots fired. Whew! Oh, and at Calamity Jane's, we saw a couple gettin' it on next to the stage."

You're going to help commemorate the 19th anniversary of the Sand Dollar soon. What are some of your most memorable moments from playing there?

"The Sand Dollar is/was vital to Vegas. So many bands have been formed from there, and there are many great memories. I still remember our first gig there. The Boogieman Band had the weekends goin' pretty good, so John Earl tried us on a Thursday. There was no stage yet, no lights, no house sound system. We brought our PA every week. Bill Johnston (great harmonica singer) played with us and we had a great time, and the place wasn't packed but it was rockin' 19 years ago!"

See The Ruffnecks at 10 p.m. Saturday at the Sand Dollar, 3355 Spring Mountain Road. Call 871-6651.

Contact reporter Jason Bracelin at jbracelin @reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0476.