Bob Mould | Fillmore NY @ Irving Plaza, NYC | 3/13/08
Here are a few things that surprised me about Bob Mould’s recent show at Irving Plaza. I understand that Mould has alienated a lot of his “hardcore fans” with his solo material (and electro leanings) over the years, but you would think people would still come out to pay their respects atleast. I mean, come on! Husker Du! Sugar! There’s no excuse! Mould’s show at the venue seemed half-full, at best. I’m not saying you have to have a packed audience for a great show but it was a bit surprising. I also realized just how little I know about Bob’s post-Husker/Sugar solo work. Despite a few songs here and there and a healthy number of Husker Du songs towards the end of the set, I didn’t recognize most of what he was playing. Although, a friend of mine who was in attendance and trying to record the setlist commented that he “had a lot of gaps” on his sheet. Finally and most importantly, rare songs and low attendance numbers aside, Mould can fucking wail on that guitar still. My ears were riiiiiiinnnngggging after the performance. I really, really, really regret forgetting my earplugs that night. Who knew Mould could pull a High On Fire on me!? Shame on me for doubting the man who perfected that wall-of-sound-guitar-roar in the ’80s. Ouch.
Mould blazed through an energetic set and I feel bad for all those “alienated fans” who missed out on his show that night at Irving Plaza. Be sure to pick up his fantastic new album District Line, out now on Anti-.
