Category Archives: Live Shows

CONCERT REVIEW: PUNK IN DRUBLIC FESTIVAL | LEGEND VALLEY | COLUMBUS, OH | JUNE 24th & 25th

This review may have taken a minute to complete, mostly because of life, but also because of the high I was on from such a killer weekend of music and friends.

When I think of the band NOFX, I have so many countless memories, like seriously, it is probably unhealthy how much this band means to me.

I recall the first time my friend Mike put on “Linoleum” for me when we were teens. I fell in love almost instantly with them and have not stopped listening since. I have all of their albums, tons of their 7″s, plenty of ticket stubs, and a slew of merch including a 90s red bucket hat that is bleached from the sun and doesn’t even fit on my fat head.

I first saw them in 1996 at Warped Tour in Cleveland that was under the Valley View bridge at Cloverleaf, a former racetrack turned flea market on a gravel lot. Two years later they played with Hi-Standard and the Bouncing Souls at the Agora where after the show they asked me to take them to the local nudie bars, but my pals with me were underage so they moved on to the next bunch of fans and off they went.

Just like everyone else out there who appreciates this punk rock foursome, I was legit bummed out when they announced NOFX was going on one last tour.

Of course they wanted to finish up touring in style:

40 Years, 40 Cities, 40 Songs

They announced their final tour would be presented by Fat Wreck Chords Punk In Drublic and that they would be bring plenty of supporting acts with them. I about fell out of my chair when I saw the Columbus lineup and knew I had to be there:

June 24th

Bad Cop Bad Cop
Codefendants
Adolescents
Strung Out
Less Than Jake
Circle Jerks

June 25th

The Last Gang
Mustard Plug
Get Dead
Suicide Machines
The Bouncing Souls
Descendents

The added bonus was two nights of NOFX playing five of their albums in their entirety in addition to an entire set.

The albums they picked for Columbus were:

Punk in Drublic
Wolves in Wolves Clothing
White Trash, Two Heebs, and a Bean
So Long and Thanks for all the Shoes
The Decline

It is worth noting that the band was actually supposed to play Self/Entitled originally, but Smelly learned the wrong album so they just decided to go with it.

There was no way I was missing this weekend, and I did not. I lucked out and was able to join some of my pals who opted out of camping in favor of an AirBnB and, at my age, I was totally ok with that. What was even cooler is that I secured a photo pass and came out of retirement in a sense to shoot the set. Saying I was stoked was an understatement.

Legend Valley is actually about 30 minutes east of Columbus and is a stage, some gravel, and a hill of grass. It is like a bare bones Blossom Music Center and I was completely fine with this. It reminded me of Cloverleaf, that flea market grounds I first saw NOFX at.

Each day for the first three hours, breweries from all over handed out “10” samples of their hoppy goodness. The quotes are because it was more like unlimited. I am not a drinker anymore so cannot tell you what was the best out of them all, but my pals all were feeling pretty good by late afternoon before even buying their first over-priced can of alcohol.

Aside from the brewery tents, there was merch galore by Fat Wreck, Smart Punk, and others. There were a few food trucks too closer to the stage. Punk Rock Saves Lives was doing their thing and Dylan Flynn from Pass the Bass had a tent where he was raising money for the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) by taking donations and selling merch.

As an added bonus, Jared Gaines was selling his punk inspired flash on prints, pins and shirts. He even drew up limited edition flash specifically for the Ohio Punk in Drublic show:

Come 2pm, the bands started playing every hour on the hour. They played mostly 30-minute sets each to give enough time for the next band to get set up and have sound check.

Bad Cop Bad Cop started the festival off. This all-female band played as if they were head-lining the weekend and people were just eating it up. Linh Le’s energy was indescribable during their set. It should be noted that throughout the entire weekend, she and Stacy Dee could be seen on the sides of the stage singing loud and proud. I loved seeing this support for the touring bands as well as just two women living the moment just like all of the other thousands of fans in attendance.

Codefendants were the one act I really wanted to see, and I am glad I was able to. This punk/rap hybrid may not have fit the bill compared to the other acts, but they delivered and were just amazing to watch. Dee from Bad Cop Bad Cop came out to sing her verses in “Disaster Scenes” which honestly I was hoping for. Sadly, The D.O.C. did not join them on stage during “Fast Ones,” but goddamn that song sounded amazing live. I was overly impressed with their set and have the feeling the won over a ton of new fans.

Seeing the Adolescents live just incredible. Tony Reflex rocked a large black mask that covered his face and he tore through their set as if it wasn’t even there. I think the one thing that hit me while watching them was knowing that Steve Soto passed just around this time of the year in 2018. Hearing “Welcome to Reality” and “Amoeba” was an added treat.

Strung Out was entertaining as hell and they flew though some great tracks without slowing down one bit. Opening up with “Too Close to See” just started off their set with plenty of momentum. I was stoked to hear “Daggers” as well as “Bring Out Your Dead.”

Less Than Jake never disappoints. I absolutely adore this band and I was not the only one. Everyone was having a good time to this band, singing along to tracks like “Lie to Me”, “Look What Happened”, and All My Best Friends are Metalheads.” I lost my mind and sang as loud as I could when they played “The Science of Selling Yourself Short.”

The Circle Jerks had a bit of a longer set as they were the last band prior to NOFX taking stage. Keith Morris took some of this time just to chat it up with the crowd. Some of me wishes they played more songs, but at least I can say I got to hear “Wild in the Streets” and the version “When the Shit Hits the Fan” which may have been the best thing to happen day one to this aging punk rocker.

NOFX took the stage and Fat Mike admitted he was slightly under the weather and on some antibiotics but did not let that slow him down at all. I have to admit, they did it right by not playing the albums they planned to cover from start to finish. By mixing up the tracks from Punk in Drublic as well as Wolves in Wolves Clothing, this was more than night one of their last show, it was a straight up blowout.

They played so many great songs, but I was most stoked to hear “Theme from a NOFX Album”, “Don’t Call Me White” and obviously “Linoleum.” Hearing “Doornails” with Lee playing acoustic guitar was incredibly poignant. I was with my pals for most of the set and can honestly say I was in the best company possible. They took one break, caused many laughs, and did exactly what they said they were going to do by playing 40 songs.

Having made it to the end of the night, we opted to skip the Melvinator after show DJ set in lieu of heading back to the house we were staying at, but we screwed up and sat in a van in a field for likely the entire performance. At least there was A/C in there… I am kicking myself for missing that one as I heard it was a good time.

Day one was just what I was hoping for. I got to see tons of bands I appreciate and did so with pals I have known for almost 20 years. The crowd was awesome all around too and everyone really seemed to be enjoying themselves. I had thought I would see more drunken debauchery around the grounds, but maybe I was not looking hard enough. I also learned that a certain minivan had a kick to it and may have done an accidental burnout in front of a cop on the way out…

Day two came up quick and literally flew by. My pals went for the beer tents as soon as we arrived and I went for the merch booths and stood my ground preparing to take more shots of the bands.

I just have to add that out of all the shows I have shot in my life, this was the first show/fest that I buddied up with other photographers. If you guys are reading this, thanks for being rad and I enjoyed covering this weekend with y’all.

Ok, back to what most of you likely care about…

The Last Gang stsrted off the second day and completely won me over. I admit I sat on this ska punk band for years now, and that ended on a Sunday afternoon in Columbus. Brenna Red and crew played hard and promised the crowd they would come out and sign things after the set. I can confirm they did this for some super excited fans. Their set was just awesome and almost matched that Bad Cop Bad Cop-day-getting-started kind of energy. Their cover of “Guns of Brixton” was well received by many in the crowd as well as some of their originals like “Gimme Action” and “Noise Noise Noise.”

Mustard Plug literally pulled in a good crowd and as soon as ” Not Enough” started, the place went crazy. I am not sure security was ready for that one so early in the day. The energy these guys had was just outstanding and you could tell they were enjoying the response from the crowd. At one point they played their version of “Waiting Room,” and naturally everyone sing along. Their set was from start to finish just perfect and hearing “Aye Aye Aye” as well as “On and On” just ruled.

Get Dead was another band I was really excited to see. They played a great set full of old and new tracks including “Hard Times” and “Stickup.” Seeing them pull off “Abscessed” was just incredible. I loved that they also played “Fuck You” and I was not the only one as everyone joined in on singing duties.

The Suicide Machines had the place going crazy the moment they tore into “Islands.” Jason Navarro admitted he too was partaking in the fun and was feeling good. I swear, he spent more time against the crowd letting them take turns singing than on stage. Aside from a slew of tracks, “Break the Glass” and “New Girl” were sung loud and proudly by yours truly, along with thousands of other fans. I loved the moment when he gave a shoutout to my dudes in the Toledo punk band, Shitty Neighbors.

The Bouncing Souls certainly had plenty of fans and one of them even had a gift for them. It was a small toilet with “TOILET SONG” written on it. It made its way to the stage and Bryan was happy to hold it up, but the band admitted it was not on their set. No one really cared because they played plenty of old and new tracks for all to suck in. “The Gold Song”, “Sing Along Forever” and “Hopeless Romantic” were the tracks I enjoyed the most. I honestly wish they took the stage longer and I know I was not the only one.

The one band I was most stoked to see play was the Descendents and they sounded perfect. They nailed every song and played a hell of a set. I loved hearing “Everything Sux”, “Silly Girl”, “Clean Sheets”, “.Merican”….I should stop here right? No way, not this time. They also played “I Don’t Want to Grow Up”, “I’m the One”, “Bikage” and even “Weinerschnitzel.” It was just freaking perfect.

So something happened to me before NOFX took stage that sadly I will never forget. I was catching up with one of the other photographers up my the merch tents and an inebriated, young man approached us and spotted our VIP tags and cameras. He asked us if we could get him backstage to which we explained to him this VIP was not really all access, but more of an opportunity to use a bathroom with AC. He put his hand on my shoulder and asked me if I could help him grant his dying wish. I told him it really depended on the ask and he told me he had cancer and wanted me to get his bracelet to Fat Mike in hopes Fat Mike would yell at him. I told him I was not sure I could commit to that and encouraged him to try and just get close and give it his all. I am not sure the truth behind the interaction, but I really hope the best for that young man.

NOFX took the stage likely for the last time in Ohio before the sunset. Just before this happened, the band, along with many performers over the weekend took a moment to do a celebratory shot behind Smelly’s drumkit. It was seriously bittersweet to see this moment. They came out son after just as they did 24 hours ago dancing to the “Time Warp Dance.”

Once again, they blasted through songs off the albums they promised to play in their entirety: So Long and Thanks for all the Shoes and White Trash, Two H–bs, and a Bean and well as tossed in some others including their cover of Rancid’s “Radio” and even “Can’t Get the Stink Out.”

I enjoyed their second set slightly more than the previous night’s. Mostly this was due in part to finally seeing NOFX play “The Decline.” For years when I would see them play shows since the song came out, they would tease it, but they never committed. I was happy and sad as they played this punk rock opus. In fact, at the very end, I was overcome with emotions, and I know I was not the only one. If this band never plays Ohio again, at least the last song I got to hear was the one I have been hoping they would play for me for years.

For two nights, NOFX played my favorite albums in their catalog and more. I was in great company and could not have had a better time. They brought on so much talent with them to make the festival even more special. I left that Sunday night on a high I have not felt in a long time. It was an incredible sendoff for a band I have been listening to for 30+ years.

As my friends and I left, I could not help but to think to myself how lucky I was to have been able to make this one. Fatherhood has changed life for me over the years in the best ways, and I was not sure I was going to be able to make this one work let alone cover it, but there I was, leaving Legend Valley with my pals about to do one more burnout in the mini-van just to get some last laughs by everyone with me.

Day 1 Photo Dump (more will be added soon):

Day 2 Photo Dump:

Concert Review: Lagwagon, Grumpster, Heart & Lung – Mahall’s | Lakewood, OH | 21-SEP-2022

Lagwagon has been a punk rock staple when it comes to music for me since my teenage years. When they announced they were touring to celebrate “30-ish” years as being a band tour with a stop in Cleveland, it was a no-brainer for me to make sure I was there.

I was shocked yet stoked they were playing Mahall’s and not another Cleveland venue. I knew it was going to be more of an intimate performance within a small club. I couldn’t have been more right, the night was everything I could have wanted as a fan.

Lagwagon is a California punk band that started in the late 80s. I’d assume you have probably heard of them if you are reading this, so really there is nothing much more to say other than they rule. They have toured the world over and over and have a fanbase like none other.

For a Wednesday night, the club filled up pretty quick just after 8 and people wasted no time drinking all the hipster beers made available at the bar. I was impressed to see so many folk slamming Black Labels there. Back in my day we drank that shit because it was like $3 a 6-pack.

I should as well add that people of all ages were at this show. Young and old combined to see a band that had a major impact on their lives and I for once did not feel like grandpa punk.

Cleveland sweethearts Heart & Lung opened the show and warmed up the crowd with their catchy ass pop punk fun and never-ending humor. By the time their set was done, a few strings were broken, maybe 1 or 2 egos were diminished within the band, but the club was packed with people who really enjoyed their set.

Grumpster, as bassist/vocalist Donnie Walsh explained: “spelled G-R-U-M-P-S-T-E-R”, were just awesome. I recently got into this up and coming Cali punk act and will say they gave it their all. The place was packed as they busted through song after song and everyone seemingly was eating it up. I can see why Lagwagon asked them to play some shows with them.

Lagwagon finally took the stage and the place was just packed and everyone lost their shit the second they started playing. I seriously felt like I went back in time for a moment there and was living my teenage years all over again. What a feeling.

I may have geeked out slightly seeing Joe Raposo (he’s played in Mad Caddies) playing bass as well as marveled at Chris Flippin just shredding away mere feet in front of me. Joey Cape, however, was mostly the focal point as he went through a decent set of songs spanning over the band’s career.

Standing close to the pit, I sang along as almost everyone else did there and for a brief moment, I let my guard down and immediately someone fell/slammed into me almost knocking me off my feet. This was the one time I am glad that mirror pillar to the left of the stage existed as I quickly grabbed onto it and saved myself from falling onto the ground. I cannot say others were ask lucky as the fans were letting loose and recapturing their younger years. All in good fun.

The setlist included so many great songs including “Violin”, “Sleep”, and even “Mr. Coffee.” I tried hard to keep a record of them all, but honestly I just was sucked into the night and wasn’t taking too many mental notes. Sometimes a fan just needs to be a fan.

The “encore” was humorous as 1/2 of the band left the stage while others kind of just hung out explaining to the crowd what was happening. Cape stole Flippin’s guitar while who left for a moment and started playing “Alien 8” solo only for the big man to come back and almost lift him off the stage by the guitar strap as Cape tried to continue to play.

Ending the night with “May 16”, the band concluded a night I know personally I needed. It wasn’t cut short, people were living it up, and best of all there were so many smiles in the crowd. If you were not having a good time at this show, there was clearly something wrong with you.

Cape said it best “we wouldn’t be doing this if it weren’t for you” as he closed out the night in a most humble way. It was true, the band’s success was based off the fans and on a Wednesday night in Cleveland, it was apparent that many of the fans came out to celebrate over three decades of the band doing their thing. What a wild night.

Album Review: SACK – Ripper

Party thrash punkers SACK rip so hard that I got Covid when I saw them live.

No seriously, they played Cleveland at the end of June at a local BBQ joint/bar/venue and I went with a few pals. Two days later, I tested positive for that stupid bastard virus and was knocked off my ass for a week. Totally worth it though, it was one of the better shows I went to this year.

Disclaimer: Not everyone who sees this band is guaranteed to contract a virus.

SACK hails from the Denver area and honestly have had changes in their lineup since they started making music in the early 2000s, but have always entertained the hell out of me.

Currently, Kody of The Lillingtons and Teenage Bottlerocket fronts the band along with a couple of dudes from Peru, some gym teacher, and apparently a local electrician.

Ripper is a 12 song banger of sorts that was recorded at The Blasting Room and released earlier this year on Red Scare Records. This album is for the drunks, the punks, some more drunks, and anyone looking to just rock the hell out. From start to finish, Ripper absolutely slays, slaps, shreds…shit like that.

“I Hate The Beach Boys” has zero love for that surfer boy band your mom and grandma probably batted lashes at in their younger years. The distaste for the band is evident with Kody just screaming out reasons why he hates them.

“The Return of Mr. Bong” is definitely to be adored by all the stoner heavy metal lovers. Clearly a tale of a party encounter with a superior water pipe taking on everyone.

True story real quick: I was driving somewhere with my windows down blasting “I Tried Suicide” recently and stopped at a light and looked over just in time to see that the song offended another driver enough to make a face of disapproval while rolling up their window. This song is about ending it all with no buffer.

“I Used to Give a Shit” has been my theme song lately. All about not caring and just living life sometimes is the best logic to carry in this day and age. Take it from SACK, caring is stupid.

“Night Shift” for whatever reason reminded me of something that should have been playing in Repo Man when Otto and Bud were driving around L.A.

I loved “The Thesis”, even if it was just a complete train wreck that clocked in at 0:43. I guess I just appreciated the raw, insanity of the track. I could see it as paying homage to a few 80s punk acts.

“Turf War” was upbeat, but clearly tied gangs maintaining their hood. I kind of wish SACK did a music video for this one. It could be like Warriors meet Grand Theft Auto or some bullshit like that.

Ripper was just that when describing the sound held within the album. I literally listened to this for weeks on end over and over. It is fun, raw, and just aimed at having a good time. Sure, if you like Teenage Bottlerocket you will likely be into these dudes especially since “Headbanger” was originally a SACK track. Kody really gives it his all with this band vocally and there is no doubt about that.

Also if you like Guttermouth, FEAR, or even Zeke, chances are you will eat up SACK. Yes, I wrote that on purpose.

No LP yet for Ripper (hint hint), but the album is out all all $treaming $iteS or you can snag a CD from Red Scare if you still rock that compact disc life.

If SACK happens to play a show by you, go. Seeing Kody try and pound a 12-pack during their set was impressive as hell. Just make sure you let the man hit the bathroom after because chances are, he is going to need to relieve himself after that feat.

Concert Review: Me First and the Gimme Gimmes / Masked Intruder / Pears – House of Blues – Cleveland, OH – 04/12/2017

It’s not every day that you hear a cover band sold out a venue on a Wednesday, but that is exactly what happened last night at the House of Blues in Cleveland.

This honestly wasn’t a fluke though seeing how said covers band was none other than punk rock supergroup Me First and the Gimme Gimmes.

If I am not mistaken, the last time the Gimmes even played Cleveland was back in 2003 at the Warped Tour, so this was a pretty big deal to all of the Gimmes fans out there.  Needless to say, I was pretty stoked myself to see they were coming back to my hometown with special guests Pears and Masked Intruder.

The Gimmes roster consists of Spike Slawson (Uke Hunt / Swingin Utters), Joey Cape (Lagwagon), Fat Mike (NOFX), Chris Shiflett (No Use For A Name / Foo Fighters), and Dave Raun (Lagwagon).  They have been covering various tunes for over 20 years now and do not take themselves very seriously at all.  The result is an overdose of fun covers of songs with a punk edge that in incredibly addicting  They have 8 covers albums out now featuring all sorts of genres of music and were bold enough to just release a “Greatestest Hits” album.

The one ever so slight downfall with this leg of the tour was that Fat Mike was not playing due to scheduling conflicts, but Jay Bentley from Bad Religion was filling in on bass duties, so there were no complaints from me.  Chris Shiflett also was not playing this stretch of shows, but his brother and Face To Face guitarist, Scott Shiflett was filling in.  If you notice the photo of the flier above, you’ll see that they even took the liberty of photoshopping Jay and Scott in appropriately.

The House of Blues slowly filled up before the show started with big thanks to the Cavs and Indians games both going on at the same time making for parking to be a pricey nightmare.  People of all ages even including some kids with their punk rock folks were hanging about.  I really liked seeing such a variety of fans.

New Orleans hardcore punkers Pears started the night off with a pretty insane set.  Sadly, I think less than 10 people were really into them and the rest were just trying to get their place in the pit for the other bands on the bill.  Those Pears fans did sing along to every single song and had a hell of a time.  Vocalist Zach Quinn noticed this and at one time jumped out into the crowd to hang out with his fans.

I am not sure the crowd really was digging what Pears were playing as many seemed to just observe and take in their set, but when the band played a cover of “Judy is a Punk”, the place erupted.  Playing a few songs off last year’s Green Star as well as some from their debut Go To Prison, I really dug what I heard and was reminded that I really need to listen to them more.

Masked Intruder took stage with Officer Bradford, but there was a noticeable inconsistency.  Red was missing.  Apparently Red was serving time for picking pockets, but  Big Luke Ferguson from Lipstick Homicide was filling in on drumming duties.  Jarret Nathen from Pears actually filled in for one song too.

Blowing through songs like “I Fought the Law”, “I Don’t Wanna Be Alone Tonight”, and “Saturday Night Alone”, the crowd was robbed of all of their attention by the masked musicians and were perfectly ok with it.

Blue at one point instructed the crowd put their hands up in the air and then the band proceeded to played “Stick Em Up”.  There is nothing quite like a sing along with plenty of profanity.

Officer Bradford did his thing throughout the set and at the end pulled a Har Mar Superstar and shed his uniform to reveal a singlet that showed off all of his manly curves.  His stage charisma is like Ben Carr from The Mighty Mighty Bosstones in a sense,  but far crazier.

Between the dance party going on in the pit with fans and Green,  Officer Bradford dancing with the kids who were lucky enough to stand on the backside of the crowd barriers, and even a “literal” gracious mention by Blue to some “Grilled Cheese Sandwiches” place, the band kept the Cleveland crowd wanting much, much more once they finished off their final song of the night, “I Don’t Want to Say Goodbye to You Tonight”.

As this was my first time seeing Masked Intruder after missing countless opportunities before, I was impressed.  The Daft Punk of pop punk were hilarious throughout and sounded pretty great live.

The Gimmes took the stage just around 10pm to a packed house and started playing “Summertime” with Spike running onto the stage dressed to impress.  From there, it was an all out party with the band dipping into their huge catalog of covers.

I was so stoked to hear “Jolene” and “Rocket Man” as well as “End of the Road” all in one night.  The band looked comfortable playing on stage and were just having as much fun as possible.

The Gimmies rocked out their version of the Beach Boy’s “Sloop John B” and Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” with the crowd singing along loudly.  They also gave Barry Manilow props for announcing to the world the truth before playing “Mandy”.

Cape and Shiflett basically manned the sides of the stage throughout the show.  Cape at times would just vanish leaving Spike to ask if anyone had seen him while Shiflett was just rocking out and having a good ol’ time with Bentley.

At one point during the set, Spike started rambling off a story about another venue in Cleveland he played at with another one of his bands where a awfully friendly man offered to pleasure him out front.  He was quick to admit it was Now That’s Class.

Bentley had me cracking up tons during the set.  When it was not his turn to play, he would pretend to start playing, hesitate, make faces, and then jump into action.  You could tell he really was enjoying the night.  At one point when Spike was shamelessly putting in a plug for Rake It In: The Greatestest Hits album that just came out, a fan in the front row held up the LP and Bentley took it from him.  The fan thought he was just going to hold it up for all to see, which he did, but then put it on the drum stage and left it there until after the set.  He eventually gave it back, but not before Bentley told the fan he would have to buy another copy.

As a special treat, Spike performed a couple of times with a plugged-in ukulele including a song from his other band Uke-Hunt as well as an amazing, intimate cover of Madonna’s “Crazy For You” and also “I Believe I can Fly” with Shiflett playing a Hawaiian riff with eventually the rest of the band kicking in.

With plenty of comedic banter between the bunch, they interacted with the crowd frequently, cracked jokes, and bashed current events just making for just a fun set.  It was like NOFX, but far less wasted.

After leaving the stage only to come back for a four song encore, the band called it a night, but not before thanking the crowd and handing off picks, drumsticks, and setlists to a few lucky fans.

I have to admit, I was kind of worried before the show after hearing that their Pittsburgh show had a shorter set the night before, but the Gimmes played for almost 2 hours.  The full setlist is listed below.

It was a  solid night for punk rock tunes with friends and fans alike thanks to a trio of Fat Wreck Chords bands.  It was my first time seeing all three bands, and I was thoroughly entertained.

Me First and the Gimme Gimmes Set List:
“Summertime”
“Jet Plane”
“Julio”
“Who Put the Bomp”
“Science Fiction”
“Ghost Riders”
“Sloop John B”
“Danny’s Song”
“Country Roads”
“Jolene”
“Crazy For You”
“I Believe I Can Fly”
“Mandy”
“Isn’t She Lovely”
“Over the Rainbow”
“Rocket Man”
“Straight Up”
“Different Drum”
Spike playing the Uke
“All My Lovin'”
“I Will Survive”
“Sweet Caroline”
“End of the Road”

Click on a photo below to open the slideshow:

Album Review: Mike Watt – “Ring Spiel” Tour ’95

"ring spiel" tour '95It seems like 1995 was forever ago.  I was fresh out of high school and naive to the world.  There were no smart phones with cameras on them, no Facebook statuses, and people actually talked to one another in the same room.  Times were different that’s for sure, and the music scene back then was amazing.

When I heard that Legacy Recordings and Mike Watt decided to release a live show from 1995, I told myself that I just had to check it out.  Having been a young fan of Watt in Minutemen and fIREHOSE in the 90s, I became a bigger fan of him in ’95 when he released Ball-hog or Tugboat?, his debut solo album full of special guests including J. Mascis, Adam Horovitz, Dave Grohl, and Henry Rollins just to name a few.  Hell, I still have the double LP promo that Mike from Disc Den gave me when he heard how much I loved the album.

In support of that new release, Watt hit the road with Hovercraft and the barely known then Foo Fighters (lead by Grohl who apparently was touring for the first time since Kurt Cobain’s death).  He formed quite the impressive backing band for this tour to accompany him consisting of Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam), Dave Grohl (Nirvana / Foo Fighters), Pat Smear (the Germs), and William Goldsmith (Sunny Day Real Estate / Foo Fighters).  This was a once in a lifetime tour and can finally be heard on “ring spiel” tour ’95.

[Side note: I actually caught Watt live in the summer of ’95 when he opened up for Primus at Nautica in Cleveland.  I do not recall him having any of the heavy-hitting musicians as his backup band there, but I still have a scar on my left thumb due to someone’s Dr. Martins making contact to a barrier with my thumb in the way.  Concert war wounds are the best.]

Recorded live at The Metro in Chicago on May 6th, 1995, Watt’s live show was beyond amazing to listen to and brought me back 20 years to my youth.  One could only imagine being at the Metro in person seeing the energy that came from Watt and his special crew taking turns playing behind the legendary bassist.

Having never heard about this live show before, it was insane to hear Watt start the set off with a Daniel Johnston cover of “Walking The Cow”.  As someone who has found appreciation in Johnson material over the last 10 years, I know I probably would have been clueless about this track had I seen it played in front of me at this show.

It only made sense for Watt to play his rendition of Chip and Tony Kinman’s (Rank & File) “Big Train” seeing how it was the first single off of Ball-Hog.  At first, the crowd really did not seem into it, but that soon changed.

“Against the 70s” was a straight up jam with Watt and Vedder singing hard.  Perhaps more toned down on Vedder’s part over the studio version, I actually liked this live version better.

“Drove Up from Pedro” deserves to be heard especially if you were too young too have seen a show in the 90s.  This track alone brought back so many memories and it was all in thanks to the crowd.  They absorbed the sounds when needed, and then just belted out their approval.

After playing fIREHOSE’s “Makin’ the Freeway”, Watt took a moment to ask the crown to chill out on the crowdsurfing by saying: “You like those people rolling all over your heads?  Why don’t we give it a break.”  Classic.

“Forever…One Reporter’s Opinion” had Pat Smear offering vocals alongside Watt.  The song was just nuts and you could feel the venue explode at the end.

The cover of Blue Oyster Cult’s “The Red and The Black” was one of the best songs I heard on this set.  I loved his take on the song , especially the ending.

Another excellent cover was of a Madonna song, “Secret Garden”.  The best part was that just hearing Smear sing.  Was this a joke?  I think only the performers will know.  Regardless of their intentions, it was a fun listen.

fIREHOSE’s “Powerful Hankerin'” ended the show with just Watt on stage doing what he does best.  The solo playing was perfect for closing out an amazing show.  The crowd approved and so did this listener the moment after a humbled Watt said thank you and left the stage.

If you were a kid of the 90s who hit up all the cool underground shows, this album really deserves to be in your collection.  If you are someone who just likes to listen to live rock and roll, it doesn’t get any better than this.  I just with there was a full video to accompany this performance.

At least there is this:

As I was trying to search for more info on Watt’s ’95 tour, I found an online journal called “Clam Blow” Tour.  There was a pretty cool read from Watt and band mates in Cleveland.  They talked about playing Repeat The Beat Records in Brooklyn, OH.  How I missed that back then, I will never know.  Apparently CBS was even there covering the performance.  Read the entries from 7/28 and 7/29.

“ring spiel” tour ‘ 95 is available online on CD and LP as well as at your favorite local music shop.  It’s also on digital music streaming sites like Apple and Spotify.