? and the Mysterians claim to be the world’s greatest garage rock band, and on Saturday May 19 at The Winchester here in Lakewood, the group made a pretty strong case for themselves. Dressed in a midriff-baring, leopard-print blouse, black leather pants, a cowboy hat, and his trademark wraparound sunglasses, lead vocalist ? (that’s his legal name) led the band through a rousing set of songs drawn primarily from their two late '60's albums. Although the group is best known for its #1 hit single “96 Tears,” their set included plenty of other strong material including “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love,” “I Need Somebody,” and “Don’t Tease Me.” The Mysterians may be in their fifties and sixties, but they played with as much energy as a band less than half their age, and looked like they were having a good time all night.

Cleveland’s Lords of the Highway started the evening out with a short set of punk-injected rockabilly. They played a few old favorites, but much of the set was drawn from their forthcoming album ‘Die Monster Die.’ Also turning in a strong set was The Dad of Rock, who have added a keyboard player since last I saw them. The new addition suits their brand of quirky rock well, and the band delivered a fine opening set.