Live Shots: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club @ Antone’s 5.19.08
photo : valerie@fremin.net
I’ve always been a fan of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, but they have always seemed to more of an after thought, than a band that I aggressively listen to, or schedule to see their live shows. The shift in gears with the Howl recording caught me a bit off guard as it did for fans of the heavier, electric guitar work from their first two recordings. Baby 81, which I admit I got on board with late in the game, is a fantastic blend of the bands talent, fusing their previous sounds into one great album and has stirred interest as to how this tour would fair against the Howl show.
Antone’s has never been my favorite venue for shows, mostly as the acts that they have drawn in the past, weren’t a part of my repertoire. The venue has been booking more music lately, that appeals to a different audience, and it’s nice to have a different option that our usual haunts. The layout is a bit awkward, but the stage is more than sufficient, and the sound is usually pretty good with the touring shows.
photo : valerie@fremin.net
This might sound a little odd, but the music that is played before a band takes the stage, has always had some effect on my excitement for the show. When done right, it really puts you in the mood for what is come. Monday’s night’s pre-show music was spot on with selections from The 13th Floor Elevators and Joy Division amongst others.
The show began with Peter Hayes taking the stage alone, aside from the company of his guitar, but was quickly joined by bandmates Robert Levon Been and Nick Jago. The band didn’t waste any time kicking it into full blown high gear with songs from earlier recordings, more familiar to me than some of the newer material. You sometimes forget that when bands are performing, it’s their job, and they sometimes have to do so day in and day out. We all can’t love our job every day, but Black Rebel Motorcycle Club seemed to be loving their job on Monday night. As the set progressed on with the band covering a lot of ground, playing for at least an hour and a half, they seemed to be enjoying the hell out of their own performance. As well as did the sold out crowd. There was the quieter acoustic moment, but for the most part, electric guitars blasted through favorites like “Red Eyes and Tears”, “What Ever Happened to My Rock-n-Roll”, “Need Some Air”, and “Weapon of Choice” with Hayes sporting a trombone on “Promise”. All the while, I’m wondering why this band isn’t one of the biggest bands around. I guess if they were any bigger and I had to go to some large venue to see them, I wouldn’t be nearly the fan. I’m glad that they are still playing the more accessible venues, selling out those venues, while allowing us the more intimate experience of the Black Rebel Motorcyle Club show.
No longer am I the casual fan the band. They officially impressed the pants off of me on Monday night, and I’ll be eagerly anticipating the next time the opportunity to catch these guys at work. At work enjoying their job.
Enjoy the amazing pics from the talented Valerie Fremin.
photo : valerie@fremin.net
photo : valerie@fremin.net
photo : valerie@fremin.net
photo : valerie@fremin.net
photo : valerie@fremin.net
photo : valerie@fremin.net
photo : valerie@fremin.net
Valerie, BEAUTIFUL pictures! Just lovely! Thank you for sharing.
I’ve enjoyed this band since the first album, but have never bothered to see them live. Almost went twice, but apathy took over. This review makes me regret missing them again this week. Next time, I swear!
Nice writeup and pictures.