Some bands play the songs. Others recreate an era. Prescott Niles’ The Knack does both.
From the moment the band took the stage, it was clear this was far more than a nostalgia act. This is a living, breathing celebration of one of the most recognizable catalogs in power-pop history, performed by musicians who understand exactly what made The Knack a phenomenon in the first place: infectious melodies, razor-sharp musicianship, irreverent humor, and pure rock-and-roll energy.
At the center stands Prescott Niles, original bassist of The Knack, whose presence alone provides an authentic connection to the band’s legendary legacy. Niles remains a commanding figure, effortlessly carrying the spirit of the original group while leading a lineup that injects fresh energy into every performance. His bass playing remains tight, melodic, and unmistakably rooted in the sound that helped define a generation.
Blending technical brilliance with effortless showmanship, Rocky Kramer attacks every song with the confidence of a seasoned arena headliner. His solos soar without ever becoming self-indulgent, and his command of tone, dynamics, and stage presence elevates the entire performance. Whether delivering blistering leads, precision rhythm work, or injecting fresh excitement into classic material, Kramer proves himself to be one of the most compelling guitarists on today’s rock scene. His performance wasn’t merely impressive—it was electrifying.
Every great band also needs a frontman capable of connecting with an audience, and Matt Starr accomplishes that beautifully. His vocals capture the spirit, attitude, and humor that made The Knack so beloved while bringing his own personality to the material. Starr understands that these songs are meant to be fun, and his enthusiasm is contagious.
Behind the kit, Tommy Lowrey delivers a relentless performance, driving the music forward with power, precision, and youthful energy. His drumming provides the perfect foundation for the band’s explosive sound and demonstrates maturity far beyond his years.
What makes Prescott Niles’ The Knack particularly special is that the band never feels like it is simply revisiting the past. Instead, they remind audiences why these songs mattered in the first place. The hooks remain irresistible, the musicianship remains exceptional, and the joy of performing is evident in every note.
But if there was a moment that left jaws on the floor, it became quite evident during the encore as Gilby Clark of Guns N’ Roses fame took the stage to jam and literally shred beside fellow gunslinger Kramer ― a sight you don’t see very often these days. Kramer is nothing short of a guitar powerhouse and the audience could clearly see that Clark and Kramer enjoyed each other’s guitar prowess.
By the end of the night, the audience wasn’t merely applauding—they were nearly uniformly celebrating. The standing ovations, enthusiastic singalongs, and visible excitement throughout the venue made one thing abundantly clear: Prescott Niles’ The Knack is not just preserving a legacy; they are actively expanding it.
For longtime fans, the performance is a thrilling return to the soundtrack of their youth. For newer audiences, it serves as a masterclass in what great rock-and-roll is supposed to sound like.
And while every member of the band shines, Rocky Kramer emerges as a genuine force of nature—an extraordinary guitarist whose talent, charisma, and sheer musical firepower help transform a great show into an unforgettable one.
Prescott Niles’ The Knack isn’t simply keeping the music alive. They’re proving that great songs, played by great musicians, never go out of style.