All three bands lived up to their legendary status.
X is famous for the shared harmonies between Exene Cervenka and John Doe, which sound like they belong in folk songs, yet work beautifully with the hard, grinding punk, roots rock guitar playing of Billy Zoom and the driving banging from D.J. Bonebreak. Exene was reportedly ill, but there was no shred of evidence revealed from her stage performance. Her vocals were in top form and so was she. At times she seemed to be one with the mic as she crooned and harmonized in punk/folk fashion. She came on stage wearing a black knit dress, cowboy boots and sported scraggly hair in perfect punk style.
X opened with Your Phone’s Off the Hook, but You’re Not. The club was packed solid and John Doe even commented about the inability of people to mosh because there wasn’t room for anyone to move beyond their elbows. This didn’t stop several from attempting to do just that during their performance of Los Angeles. I was jostled in every direction, though granted, I’ve experienced much worse. This being a twenty-one and up show, most were too old to pack much of a punch.
During Hungry wolf D.J. performed a raucous drum solo, which was met with overwhelming cheers. They performed many of their classics such as New World, Blue Spark, and their infamous cover of the Doors’ Soul Kitchen (I still remember the first time I heard that version). During Breathless, Exene seemed to almost make love to the mic and, thus, to the audience.
Preceding X was another So. Cal legend, The Blasters. I’m almost ashamed to say this is my first time seeing The Blasters. I’ve always planned to when they’ve come, but for some reason, never followed through. Better late than never and this show made up for all past lost opportunities. They opened with their iconic American Music and included songs like Border Radio and the equally iconic, Marie Marie. Phil Alvin took over on lead vocals throughout with his bluesy voice that fit perfectly for these roots rockers. He occasionally swapped his guitar for a harmonica and on a couple occasions sang sans any instrument. His endless charm made him a pleasure to watch. Keith Wyatt played lead guitar and was not to be upstaged. His intensity and superb musicianship were mesmerizing. John Bazz and Bill Bateman on bass guitar and drums respectively were equally spell binding. And judging by the reaction from the crowd, The Blasters have an adoring and loyal fan base here in Seattle.
As an example of what these guys are like on stage, K.P. stripped his t-shirt off about the third or fourth song in, did a mock strip tease, ran said shirt between his legs several times, and swung it over his head. He even did a pole dance using that annoying pole that blocks everyone’s view stage right. Meanwhile, the other members (Bon Wheelie — drums, Bill Henderson — guitar, and Dale Phillips — bass, often play the “straight guys” to K.P.’s shenanigans. The fact that Girl Trouble was announced as the opener for the second night of X and The Blasters, was the deciding factor for me on which night to attend. I love Girl Trouble.
– Holly Homan
All photos property of Holly Homan, all rights reserved.
