It's like Charlotte hasn't got the memo yet, that concerts are back on. So I'm back in Asheville for another show. This time I have booked a hotel so I don't have to drive home late.
After walking down to over-rated White Duck Taco, I got to Salvage Station in time for Thick to get onto stage. The New York trio were great, and having the time of their lives on stage. The humor shows through in the power-pop-punk songs, especially Mansplain and Your Mom.
Me First are the reason I came tonight, and I wasn't disappointed. With CJ Ramone and John Reis (the 4th band I've seen him in) in the band a fun night ensued. Spike Slawson still has the perfect swagger of a frontman. His delivery and and between song banter are hilarious. I love when he introduces the songs as "This next one is a cover...". Sloop John B's Lobotomy start was a classic. I enjoyed Straight Up, Me & Julio Down By The School Yard and Rocket Man the best. But that's from a list of 13 great covers.
I saw Flogging Molly open for Bad Religion 18 years ago. I don't remember much of that show, only that this is the first time I've seen them since. I don't know why, but the Irish-punk doesn't really do it for me. (I feel the same about the Dropkick Murphys). Tonight, though is different, maybe it's because it's a Flogging Molly crowd, and they are dedicated to the cause. They are huge fans. They know every word from every song. And the band and crowd feed on the frenzy of each others' energy. The mass movement of a dancing crowd (not moshing, but dancing together) was so positive, you didn't know which way to look. The Worst Day Since Yesterday was probably my favorite, and I'm glad I stuck around for the whole set. I think the music on its own wouldn't bring me back to another Flogging Molly show, but if the support band was someone I wanted to see, I would miss their set.
The Crap Facts:
This is my 467th concert.
This is my 2nd concert at Salvage Station.
This is my 9th concert in Asheville.
This is my 102nd concert in North Carolina.
This is my 270th concert in the US.
Thick are the 542nd band I've seen.
This is my 3rd Me First & The Gimme Gimmes concert.
This is my 467th concert.
This is my 2nd concert at Salvage Station.
This is my 9th concert in Asheville.
This is my 102nd concert in North Carolina.
This is my 270th concert in the US.
Thick are the 542nd band I've seen.
This is my 3rd Me First & The Gimme Gimmes concert.
Me First & The Gimme Gimmes are the 500th time I've seen a band in the USA.
This is my 2nd Flogging Molly concert.
