The tale of love, blood, rock & my stretch Fuck’n Jeans
Wednesday, September 16th, 2009 by Rachael Rine
Hello fashion slaves and doms, this is Rachael Rine from the band Cockpit and I have a little bed time story for you. There was no once upon a time, no dark and stormy night, no long time ago… this tale is of a different nature. 
This story is made of a quickened pulse, a burning passion, bleeding hearts, those that rock, those that roll, boulevards, living dreams, the Prince of Darkness and my Stretch Fuck’n Jeans.
Calm before the storm - click to view full size
The famed Sunset Strip is my backdrop. Everyone has their own idea of the strip. Some revel in the glory of what it used to be by partying amongst the living and dead ghosts of rock n’ roll. Some try to recreate the grandeur of decades deceased. Others just come to see it with no notion of what it could, should, or used to be. People come from far and wide to walk the pavement that led many a soul to the top and drug even more to the bottom. Sunset Boulevard has been privy to more rock n’ roll debauchery and decadence than any other spot on earth. However, I can guarantee it has never seen a night like the one we recently shared.
Hangin' out at the Rainbow - click to view full size
I must first explain something for those who have never been to or played a show here. Hollywood is famous for having pompous lack luster crowds not easily roused into the slightest bit of excitement. That was definitely not the case last Saturday. That was definitely not the case for The Prince of Darkness.
It was the day of the Sunset Strip Music Festival. The boulevard was blocked off and all day bands played at every venue on the strip including the two stages set up in the middle of the street. Ozzy Osbourne was the main attraction and attract he did!
Dave The Snake Sabo from Skid Row ... I got away without being punched somehow! - click to view full size
My night began hanging out at the Rainbow while waiting for the Ozzman to cometh. The place was packed like a crazy train so I decided to take a walk to the Cat Club for a drink with some girlfriends. We wanted to revel in the mayhem on the street and stop at the exotic car shop to look at which rides I might like to steal. We hung at the Cat Club only long enough to down our shots and off we ventured.
As we walked out of the Cat Club you could hear the intro rolling a couple blocks away. By the time Ozzy busted into his first song “I Don’t Know” there was a thunder of feet on the pavement. We started running with the screaming herd up the block towards the stage. The piper was calling us. The crowd thickened as we neared where the band was playing. I never would have imagined the rabid fanatic insanity that I witnessed in
Sunset & Weatherly - click to view full size
the crowded street. People were pushing and fighting to get as close to the stage as they could. There were girls climbing the trees on the sidewalk, people hanging out of office windows, scaling walls, and filling roof tops. The side street Weatherly was just as crowded going up the hill as it was in front of the stage a block away. Packed together were lovers, fighters, leaders, followers, blue collar, white collar, friends, foes, artist and muse. For that night we all were one in the same…. we all were the pulse… we all were crazy babies… we all were devil’s daughters… we all were THE FANS! It was pure madness, it was beautiful. You could feel the electric excitement in the air. I have never seen a crowd in Hollywood with such ferocity and passion as the one that stood in the middle of Sunset Boulevard that night.
Rockin' out with Mickey Finn - click to view full size
After Ozzy tore through his set, the soaking wet crowd started to disperse. I was walking to my car watching girls ringing out their Coach bags still reveling in the glow of the beating they just fought for. They took the fire hose dousing from Ozzy like true rockers. I couldn’t stop smiling as “Mama I’m Coming Home” rang in my ears for the rest of the night. Rock & Fuck’n Roll isn’t only alive; it’s got a fire brewing in our hearts that’s getting ready for an Armageddon. Brace yourselves. Better yet, pour yourself a stiff Jack & Coke, put on your Cockpit CD, turn it up, throw your fist in the air and enjoy the ride!
Love,
Rachael Rine
Drummer & Heartbreaker
PS- I went for a drink at the Viper Room a couple nights later with photographer and fashion designer Holly Finney. Ran into a few old friends and did an impromptu photo session in my Stretch Fuck’n Jeans in the bathroom stall. All inspired by my Ozzy T-shirt. Enjoy you twisted rock n’ rollers! Oh and while you’re at it, go add us and say hi!
Mannequins with Kill Appeal:
The blood in my veins:
