Back in September of 2023 The Hives were supposed to play the Peel, but Hurricane Helene had other plans. The tour couldn't be rerouted, so this is a show I have been waiting for for over 18 months. I'm just glad they came back (hint! hint! Violent Femmes).
And they've bought new Aussie legends The Chats with them. As if I was ever going to miss this. I drove up and back tonight, as I knew there was no way I was going to be asleep before 2am anyway. Might as well get back and do it in my own bed.
A quick burger at Daddy Macs, and I'm in the venue 10 minutes before The Chats hit the stage. Got myself a good spot, half way up the floor on the left. And The Chats did, what the Chats do best. Short, fast, aggressive punk rock. Very much in a Australian pub rock sense. I love how they have such a great following in the US, as there wording definitely lilts towards the Ocker way. To see Americans shout out the words to 6L GTR. is amazing. I don't even know how to convert that into American. The Price of Smokes is another example of things no one else is singing about. But the song is a classic. And all played on borrowed gear, as singer Eamon Sandwith told us that none of their gear had arrived from home. But for me it was 2 of the last 3 songs that are their best. Smoko should be the new Australian National Anthem, and Pub Feed is the thought of every bloke after finishing a days work/ The Chats continue to impress, even without any new songs (for me) to throw into their setlist.
The Hives have the best front man in rock today, maybe of all time. Howlin' Pelle Almqvist has all the moves, charisma, humor and vibes in general to lead this great band. And tonight he did it in his usual style again. I was fully charged into the 2nd song, Walk Idiot Walk. There was a lot of new stuff for me to hear, but it all fit the Hives sound perfectly. An early Main Offender was definitely a highlight. Veni Vidi Vicious is my favorite album of theirs, but as time goes on, I hear less of it live. So it goes without saying that Hate To Say I Told So was another absolute banger. And Come On! and Tick Tick Boom was a great ending to a short, sharp set. A 3 song encore only covered their last 2 albums, but The Hives Forever, Forever The Hives was an appropriate ending to a great set.
I walked out with The Chats Get Fucked LP. I'm sure it will go onto heavy rotation in the near future. And even better, I'm meeting Erik in Boston next weekend and we're going to see them again at the House of Blues.
The Hives @ The Orange Peel
This is my 540th concert.
This is my 7th concert at the Orange Peel.
This is my 18th concert in Asheville.
This is my 161st concert in North Carolina.
This is my 340th concert in the USA.
This is my 4th Chats concert.
This is my 7th concert at the Orange Peel.
This is my 18th concert in Asheville.
This is my 161st concert in North Carolina.
This is my 340th concert in the USA.
This is my 4th Chats concert.
This is my 4th Hives concert.
No comments:
Post a Comment