Phoenix, AZ - Show # 48

[Apollonia69]

I thought I was arriving to the show late. I was given the assignment of scoping out the merch table for a COD letterpress and thought that my tardiness would surely mean there was nothing but scraps left, but to my surprise the Melvins van had rolled up just minutes before I did. A big smile filled my face as I observed Buzz and crew carrying in gear, and frantically trying to load up for one of the quickest sound checks I've witnessed. I downed a cider then hung out with my niece in the underage section. It seemed like forever before the Tweak Bird boys finally took the stage. I'll be honest, the first time I saw them I wasn't too keen on their sound. I am eating crow now because they truly blew me away last night. I loved their energy, and psychedelic sounds, and thought the drummer was pretty sexy. They played a quick set, and after a brief intermission Melvins Lite took the stage. Meanwhile, I couldn't help but notice that there was still no merch to be found, aside for some Tweak Bird items. People behind must've thought I kept giving them the stinkeye because I would look back at the table every so often hoping to see Brian's face eagerly setting up to take our money. But still nothing. It was actually rather enjoyable standing in the underage section since it was far less crowded than the 21 & up side, and I was able to secure a spot directly in front of King Buzzo. I couldn't help but notice the changing facial expressions he made during each song, and how he smirked when he played a riff he really liked. My face lit up with a grin from ear to ear watching him strum his guitar so ferociously. Midway thru their set there was a squabble in the crowd, and Buzz started making some banter with the audience, something that I've rarely seen, and which he admitted he rarely does. He talked about the tour, and how this was show #48. You could tell that they are ready for it to be over, and they could finally get some much needed R & R. Meanwhile, I glanced behind still observing an empty merch booth. The show resumed and their momentum continued at breakneck speed, they seemed eager to finish up the show. Sadly, I had to leave midway thru the last song to catch the last train home, and left the show empty handed. Brian and Cliff had actually arrived by that time, but must've been too hired from dealing with a flat tire to haul out the merch. I can understand, but I'm still disappointed that this was the first Melvins show in which I didn't walk out with something in hand, and an empty wallet in my pocket. I was still glad that I got my Melvins fix finally, at least I got some sweet pics of Buzz in lieu of a poster. It was a great show, much needed, and much overdue. Godspeed that the last few days of the tour goes well, and there are no more flat tires in their future.

[Idlehanz]

Thanks for the review Sweet!  Post some of your pics if you get time! 

[greenguy]

Show kicked ass! I did think that "sonic-ly" it was lacking, but the boys gave a show! Tweek Bird was awesome!

[submeter]

Show was fantastic! Lost it when they played Hooch.

[meezer]

The merch situation was a little distracting, but I finally got my Freak Puke poster at The 30th Anniversary Show. Plus the Sarasota Poster from Secret Serpents. I'm glad that I gave Tweak Bird a second chance. I checked them out, two months before the show and thought the vocals were a little too nasal, or high pitched. I was so geeked about the show that I tried them again, a month before the show and found them to be more acceptable (this is weird because my favorite bands when I was a freshman in high school were Rush, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden). So they rocked. Very impressive live sound, for a two piece. They don't sound like their studio stuff, but the baritone guitar helps provide a real low-end (along with a lot of effects) to the overall sound. Jacob is a very Crover-ish drummer, in a good way. Melvins review to be posted later, sorry!

[spunkmonkey]

The merch situation was a little distracting, but I finally got my Freak Puke poster at The 30th Anniversary Show.

Is that the one Mackie did?

[meezer]

The merch situation was a little distracting, but I finally got my Freak Puke poster at The 30th Anniversary Show.

Is that the one Mackie did?

Yes. Album cover. I don't know particulars on poster's maker. Can't get a decent picture of it. 

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[spunkmonkey]

Ah, thanks.  Not the one I was thinking of.  Mackie did one that was smaller than that one and on creamish colored stock.  It was the same circulatory guy though.   

[bUTTHOLEmAN]

Ah, thanks.  Not the one I was thinking of.  Mackie did one that was smaller than that one and on creamish colored stock.  It was the same circulatory guy though.

I know what you're talking about, I think that edition sold out in the first few days of the tour.

[spunkmonkey]

I got one at the Seattle show, and I think they might have sold out there.