Seeing a great band in a small venue is always something special. Seeing a relatively unknown band open a show and totally win over a crowd unfamiliar with their material is something you don’t forget. Those who were the Dragonfly Club in Harrisburg, PA on Thursday, May 8th and lived to tell the tale, witnessed both.
The Dexateens hit the stage around 9pm that night determined to kick ass and take names. While I’m guessing that few at the show knew of the band prior to the show, (based on talking to others pre-show, must not be tone.deaf.rambler readers) they should have picked up quite a few new fans after their performance. Playing songs from their 4 albums with reckless abandon, intertwined guitars, and pounding drums and bass, one can’t help but wonder how long these guys will be opening shows. Credit must be given to the Drive-By Truckers for allowing such a good band open for them, personally, if the Truckers announced tomorrow that the Dexateens were their opening band for the indefinite future I for one would jump for joy.
After an hour of ass kicking by the Dexateens and a half hour equipment change, the crowd grew restless as lights darkened and the Truckers took the stage. From the opening note of “Where the Devil Don’t Stay” to the closer of the main set “Lookout Mountain” the band remained in high gear the entire show but not for slowing things down slightly for “The Opening Act”, a personal favorite, and “I’m Sorry Huston”, sung by bassist Shonna Tucker towards the second half of the set. Also notable was the Warren Zevon cover of “Play It All Night Long” sung with the vigor one has come to know and expect from Paterson Hood.
After a short encore break, which to those paying attention noticed additional amps and guitar being brought to the stage, the band came back and tore though “Shut Up and Get On The Plane” and “Let There Be Rock.” And then, as if that wasn’t good enough, the Dexateens joined the Truckers on stage, (we’re talking five (5) guitars here) for a raucous version of Buttholeville>State Trooper>Buttholeville that brought the house down.
Now I don’t know about you, but over the last couple years I’ve heard much talk of how rock and roll is dead and music these days ain’t was it was back in the day, whenever that was. I can’t comment how shows were back in the day as I wasn’t there but I can say that rock ‘n’ roll is alive and well based upon witnessing this show from the front row (really the only way to see a show). Don’t beleive me, go see these bands and then try to tell me different, you won’t be able to do it. I will say that the ride how was somewhat uncomfortable, with all the ass kicking I received.
Related Posts:
Dexateens
Drive-By Truckers
