Live Rochester NY, July ’77 is a live album by The Dictators, offering fans a time capsule of the band’s high-energy performance during their peak era. Released in 2015 through Norton Records, this album captures a concert recorded in July 1977 in Rochester, New York. The show took place during the tour supporting their second studio album, Manifest Destiny. This live recording showcases The Dictators’ raw punk energy, razor-sharp humor, and undeniable musical chemistry.
The lineup for this performance featured Handsome Dick Manitoba on lead vocals, Ross “The Boss” Friedman delivering blistering guitar work, Scott “Top Ten” Kempner on rhythm guitar, Andy Shernoff on bass and backing vocals, and Richie Teeter anchoring the performance on drums. The setlist is a thrilling mix of tracks from their first two albums, Go Girl Crazy! and Manifest Destiny, as well as spirited covers, including their fan-favorite rendition of The Stooges’ “Search and Destroy.”
The album received acclaim from long-time fans and punk rock enthusiasts for its authentic capture of the band’s live energy. The raw sound quality adds to the album’s charm, making it a must-listen for those who appreciate the grit and intensity of 1970s punk rock.