Tonight was one of the most weird concert experiences I have ever had. One that, granted, I knew wasn’t going to spectacular but I did not expect to be nearly as disappointing and frustrating as it was.

The legendary Bad Brains, reunited, on stage, at CBs during it’s last week, and good god almighty, Avail opening! But the show was far from even mediocre. Mediocre would have been a complement. It was just flat out depressing and could drive self-respecting music fans to hit the bottle.

The night started off promising atleast after a rousing set from long-running Virginia punkers Avail. The band pile-drived through a energetic and inspiring set of crowd favorites, most favorable stuff off their opus “Over The James.” A lot of people have been asking me, “what ever happened to Avail?” Well, I think tonight proved that the band is far from down and out. They seemed absolutely thrilled to be gracing the stages at CBs one last time with their heroes. Without them, this night would have been a total wash.

After a painfully long wait, filled with dub and reggae blasting out of the PA, the legendary foursome walked on stage. I think everyone knows that HR is simply out of his mind. It’s a very well known fact that his antics prevented the band from ever become the mainstream heavyweights they deserved to be. I think Tim Barry from Avail summed it up best; these guys are right up there with The Clash in some regards.

Anyways, back to the point. Despite HR’s insane antics and near riot at the start of the set,the band was in tip-top shape, instrumentally speaking, HR, well, flat-out ruined a night filled with promise and hope. Ok..ok…”ruined” is a bad word in this occassion. I know that the man has changed dramatically since he originally belted out “Pay To Cum” all those many years ago, but come on! To barely be able to hear your vocals, because your barely singing and your mic is flat-out garbage is unacceptable. I don’t care what your mind is set to these these days HR. People paid $40-50 to maybe even more to see your band play. I think you owe them alittle more then just simply stumbling on stage completely drugged up out of your mind. I don’t accept the idea that pissing off people that worship your band as being “punk-rock.” It’s an utter insult.

Dr. Know, Daryl and Earl seemed to be into their set, but when you have your lead singer walking around stage in a bike helmet, your efforts are completely wasted. In a matter of minutes, these legends were being booed but a handful of attendees. To see complete adulation turn into scorn like that was something to see. People were just absolutely fed up with the antics. I know that not everyone there wanted to hear their reggae stuff but I think I was among the few who just wanted to see energy from the man who is the driving force behind the band.

It makes me sad because I wish I could have experienced that legendary stage show that made the band what they are. For christ sake, they were literally banned in their hometown and forced to move to NYC! Bands like this don’t exist anymore. My hope was to see a legendary band, at best, half-attempting to recreate their magic. What I got was a complete headache and an just another reason for why sometimes, it’s better to burn out then fade away. Or, atleast, just call yourself Soul Brains from now on and stop fucking around with people who anxiously are waiting to see you.

Tags: Bad Brains, show review //