A few folks moseyed up to the stage and did the beer-in-hand foot tap but, as usual, most stood toward the back or claimed their spots in the balcony. It was going to be a long night and based on the quick-rocking set that started the night, I knew by the end of it I was going to be exhausted.
I kept staring at the Sights sensing something familiar but I couldn't put a finger on it. I dismissed it, as Off Broadway on a Friday has too many familiarities to count, but then it hit me. The Sights are the thrashing good-time band that opened for Tenacious D at the Pageant over the summer. On a smaller stage this band is even more in-your-face, loud and fast.
GONN's first band practice was in '66. A guy within earshot kept yelling, "That's my Grandpa! I'm serious the bassist, that's my Grandpa." It was the first time I'd experienced a kid living vicariously through his elder, and it was also the first white-haired frontman I'd ever seen catch airtime. GONN rocked hard in button-ups and turtlenecks on instruments their teenage selves probably thought they would never be able to afford.
And then there was just one band left to move this marathon show to the finish line. King Khan and BBQ -- dressed as bedazzled elves -- took to the stage, and after the first hit of the drum I practically joined them on-stage. Someone beside me reached over and grabbed my shoulder to pull me back, as I was but a moment from face-planting -- because of course I chose to protect my camera instead. I gave him the thumbs up and planted my feet a bit wider to withstand the chaos. And so the night continued in a hot mess of hard-hitting garage, punk, funk, rhythm and shake. Off Broadway got wild, and when it came time to head for the doors I was moving on very heavy legs.
All photos by Kelsey McClure.
