(Artist Report)

Written by: Cody Denning   

Today we are covering The Detroit Cobras, one of the Motor City’s most interesting garage rock bands. Formed in 1994 by guitarist Steve Shaw, the band is known for their vintage garage rock sound and off the wall shows almost always being packed out and keeping the crowed guessing for what comes next.. The Detroit Cobras have earned their spot in Detroit’s music scene and continue to push forward, despite the loss of their magnetic frontwoman Rachel Nagy in January 2022, the Cobras remain a vital force, honoring their past while forging ahead with new material and tours.

In August of 2023, the band released the EP “Right Now” under Third Man Records, a digital offering featuring original tracks penned by long-time drummer Kenny Tudrick. The EP, including singles “Stay Down” and “Lightning Byrd,” marks a shift from their signature cover-heavy catalog to fresh, band-driven compositions, showcasing their evolution while retaining their raw, unpolished edge. Tudrick, alongside guitarist Mary Ramirez, bassist Dale Wilson, and guitarist Steve Nawara, has been instrumental in keeping the Cobras’ spirit alive, with the EP serving as a tribute to Nagy’s enduring influence.

The band’s East Coast tour in 2023, described as “tearing up” venues, demonstrated their unrelenting energy and commitment to their craft. Fans can expect more live performances in 2025 A notable highlight was their dynamic set at the MC5 Book Release event hosted by the Detroit Institute of Arts, where they shared the stage with punk rock legends, further expanded the band’s reputation in Detroit

The Detroit Cobras’ legacy is inseparable from Rachel Nagy, whose velvety, powerhouse vocals defined albums like “Mink Rat or Rabbit” (1998) and “Life, Love and Leaving” (2001), the latter celebrated as their best-known work. Nagy’s ability to transform obscure R&B and soul tracks into gritty rock songs earned the band a greater following. Following her passing, the band embarked on a 2023 memorial tribute tour, with guest vocalist Marcus Durant filling in, honoring Nagy’s contributions while keeping the Cobras’ spirit alive. The Detroit music community and fans worldwide continue to mourn her loss.

The Detroit Cobras are celebrated for their ability to make vintage songs their own, with guitarist Mary Ramirez and Nagy often rejecting the “cover band” label. Their music, drenched in layers of garage rock attitude, has influenced bands like The White Stripes and continues to resonate with fans of raw, unfiltered rock ‘n’ roll. The Houston Press praised Nagy’s vocal range as wide enough to “build a ten-lane highway on,” a testament to the band’s enduring appeal.

Looking ahead, the Cobras are expected to continue their resurgence with new music and performances, maintaining their reputation as “the bad girls by the exit doors” of rock. Fans can stay updated via the band’s Instagram. As always we thank you for reading this report and encourage you to keep up with us on and follow us on X. Your support for rock music makes the world a better place, keep on rockin.

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