Buzzo in Columbus July 1

[Captain CoryCory]

"Freebird? Who said Freebird. I heard someone say Freebird. Really, Freebird? You really want to hear the AM Radio version of the Allman Brothers? You're fuckin' lucky I don't know it." - King Buzzo, 2014

I couldn't resist writing a proper review on this one. To get a little personal the main reason I made it to this show wasn't for me but rather a friend named James missed the opportunity in Louisville due to illness. He came to me a couple weeks ago offering gas money & tickets. As I go to a ticketbastard booth I ran into my buddy Marcus who immediately handed me money and a handshake to join in. Good thing on account I'm not too rabid on driving large distances to shows alone these days! Plus it was a late birthday gift for said friend who missed it the first time.

Columbus is a town I'd love to get to know. It just seems really likable as we parked near what I assumed was a minor league stadium. As we talked to friendly strangers about different Melvins' experiences among other thing--

Whooooooooshhh... THUNK! "WHOAH! FUAAACK!"

A foul ball flies out of the stadium and smashes the car directly next to me as thunder clouds slowly loom in. The perfect premonition of a crazy night.

The merch table had tons of goodies so I picked up the card shirt, the giant monster 7" and one of Walsby's artworks. Brian's a really nice guy overall, coolest dude to be running a merch booth. Not long after Emma Ruth Rundle began her opening set. I personally dug the hauntingly minimal stuff she was doing. Marcus couldn't hear her through the echoed vocals (I guess he meant he couldn't understand her voice at all) so laughs were abroad at the moment.

Not long after the man of the hour and goddamn. GODDAMN. Watching Buzzo tiptoe and pace around the stage in the introductory riffs of Boris in raw, dirty acoustic was truly mesmerizing. This was a man in complete control and establishing dominance of his surroundings and the crowd. Then the opening line and everyone jumps a little as he stands on his toes barking out the lyrics, even marching along. The stage is set and the jaw was agape. Not long after there was the introduction of Buzz stating "Hi, my name's Buzz and it looks like we're all going to get killed in a tornado tonight. Perfect."

I'm sure you've seen the setlist by now but really the performances are getting tighter, faster and even more energetic. Leaving out Captain Pungent and Let God Be Your Gardener in favor for three more songs from This Machine Kills Artists was a perfect choice. The Patton story was hysterical as were the mini stories. When I looked over at said friends and the grin they had upon the closers of Hooch and Revolve as the rain slammed down on the city in the background, I was even happier than just going alone for selfish glee. At the end they got autographs & photos but I was content with shaking Buzz's hand and complimenting to a response of "Drive safe and take care".

Overall I was extremely thrilled and blown away by the set, hands down being better than Louisville and the respective friends had a blast! Finally I made it home at nearly 3:30 in the morning driving through the endless night and being at war with weeks of minimal sleep and sensory depravation. I didn't even make it to my bed as I lazily slumped to the ground of my house, starting my vacation laying face first slipping into unconciousness until I found a comfort zone on hardwood floor.

[jules]

     You should write reviews of every gig you go to!