Slim Cessna's Auto Club is the kind of rawk show where the traditional fist pump is replaced by the hallelujah high-five. Cessna, who 12 years ago said his only goal was to one day sell out the Lion's Lair, returned for two shows last week that were so elbow tight, Jesus and Satan would've had to be on the guest list to get inside.

The Lair, a 100-seat shoe box (with more like 18 bar stools) was the first nook or cranny to give the Auto Club a gig back in 1993, and it inspired one of its most endearing hits, "Last Song About Satan," which, of course, was anything but.

The band just announced it will again play two shows Dec. 30-31 at the Bluebird, but there's nothing like seeing these lions at the Lair. Cessna, Jay Munly and Co. sang all the hits, and "Hold My Head" not only turned everyone in the room into lead singers, it sent the lanky Cessna bodysurfing so close to the ceiling, his stomach got tile burn.

Cessna left Denver with beer on the floor, the devil over his shoulder and a lens from his glasses somewhere on East Colfax.

By John Moore