Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on November 2012

He might not qualify for Big in Japan status, but postmodern bluesman John Spencer boasts a number of Japan-only releases and a rabid following that’s sold out tickets for his Tokyo gigs. Happily promoter Creativeman has scheduled another date with veteran garage rocker Guitar Wolf at Shelter—a tiny venue that will be bursting at the seams with guitar skronk, cigarette smoke and leather jackets. JSBX’s new Meat and Bone, its first album in eight years, marks a return to the visceral sound of their early recordings. Comeback or not, Japanese fans know that without Spencer there wouldn’t have been a Black Keys or White Stripes.

Shimokitazawa Shelter, Nov 17 and Liquidroom, Nov 18. Both sold out