I have driven to Asheville with Mike in hope of redemption for Swervedriver. I remember the first time I saw Son Of Mustang Ford on Rage and was totally blown away. In May 1998 they toured in Australia and I got to see them in my favorite venue (The Metro), with the awesome Magic Dirt. I gotta say I only remember being disappointed by the experience, and the show landed as one of the worst I have seen. At the time only 2 other shows I'd seen were worse (Soundgarden & Garbage).
The Mothlight is a cool, smaller venue, that looks and smells new. We got there early and had time to stretch and relax before Dearly Beloved came on. From the start these guys (and girl) were great. They had an energy that burst out in their music and performance. I had never heard of this Canadian band before yet thought they were great. The crowd reacted well to them and their finale with singer/bassist in the crowd while a guitarist went nuts (almost killing an unsuspecting lady with his guitar) on the dancefloor was a highlight.
The crowd swelled significantly for the start of Swervedriver, and while crowd interaction was at a minimum, the band were in a zone from the start. Because I'm old, earplugs were used tonight, but that swirling guitar sound just isn't the same through the earplug barrier, so 3 or 4 songs in they were discarded for a much better sound. I'm not familiar with any of the new album, but it seems true to their sound and I really thought the show was great. Things picked up further with Rave Down sounding amazing halfway through the set. The crowd, however, thinned out after that song, but still Swervedriver drove on. Son Of Mustang Ford all but finished the set - and was a killer. That song is as great as it ever was and I felt privileged to here it live again.
Sadly, we bailed before the encore (I told you I'm old - and it's a long drive back to Charlotte especially when the kids are going to be up at about 7am). This is no reflection on the show. It was great and put that 98 show where it belonged - in the past. Would love to see them again, but hopefully closer to home next time.
The Mothlight is a cool, smaller venue, that looks and smells new. We got there early and had time to stretch and relax before Dearly Beloved came on. From the start these guys (and girl) were great. They had an energy that burst out in their music and performance. I had never heard of this Canadian band before yet thought they were great. The crowd reacted well to them and their finale with singer/bassist in the crowd while a guitarist went nuts (almost killing an unsuspecting lady with his guitar) on the dancefloor was a highlight.
The crowd swelled significantly for the start of Swervedriver, and while crowd interaction was at a minimum, the band were in a zone from the start. Because I'm old, earplugs were used tonight, but that swirling guitar sound just isn't the same through the earplug barrier, so 3 or 4 songs in they were discarded for a much better sound. I'm not familiar with any of the new album, but it seems true to their sound and I really thought the show was great. Things picked up further with Rave Down sounding amazing halfway through the set. The crowd, however, thinned out after that song, but still Swervedriver drove on. Son Of Mustang Ford all but finished the set - and was a killer. That song is as great as it ever was and I felt privileged to here it live again.
Sadly, we bailed before the encore (I told you I'm old - and it's a long drive back to Charlotte especially when the kids are going to be up at about 7am). This is no reflection on the show. It was great and put that 98 show where it belonged - in the past. Would love to see them again, but hopefully closer to home next time.
The Crap Facts:
This is my 392nd concert.
The Mothlight is the 109th venue I've seen a concert in.
This is my 3rd concert in Asheville.
This is my 41st concert in North Carolina.
This is my 200th concert in the USA.
Dearly Beloved are the 464th band I've seen.
This is the 2nd time I've seen Swerevedriver.
This is my 392nd concert.
The Mothlight is the 109th venue I've seen a concert in.
This is my 3rd concert in Asheville.
This is my 41st concert in North Carolina.
This is my 200th concert in the USA.
Dearly Beloved are the 464th band I've seen.
This is the 2nd time I've seen Swerevedriver.
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