After thirty-three years in the game and thirty-one albums, King Buzzo and the boys are still steam steamrolling forward. Unleashing their powerful and unique sound on audiences across the country on the Escape From L.A. Tour with eighties punk rock band Redd Kross and Toshi Kasai.
The Melvins drummer Dale Crover and bassist Steve McDonald are serving double duty as they are also playing with Steve’s brother Jeff McDonald in Redd Kross through the entire tour. As I walked into The Social in downtown Orlando, I am genuinely surprised to see how packed it is while the opener is still on. This was also the most people I’ve seen in this venue which told me that this was already setting up to be a damn good show.
As Crover and McDonald make their way back to the stage for the headlining slot, Steve McDonald now sporting an all red suit and red shoes contrary to the all white attire worn during the Redd Kross set. And then out of nowhere the man, the myth, the hair, Buzz Osborne marches to his side of the stage complete with denim robe. As he stands waiting for count off, you can’t help notice the awesome looking Buzz logo on the front and back of his robe.
Before the first song can even start, there was a loud eerie sound that came out of the monitors, so eerie it caused Buzz stop and ask “What the hell was that?!” “Maybe it’s haunted like, a haunted stage.” After a quick redo it was back to “Sesame Street” off 2014’s Hold It In which set the pace for the entire show with its heavy headbanging groove.
The Melvins threw some covers in the mix half way through the set. The first was Malfunkshun’s hit “With Yo Heart, Not Yo Hands” and then one from fellow tour mates Redd Kross’ catalog “Charlie”. At no point did it ever look like anyone was slowing down. Steven McDonald was owning his side of the stage with all of his high stepping and bass swings over the crowd. Dale Crover was like a jackhammer behind the kit for not one but two full sets. And Buzz jumping around headbanging more then kids half his age.
From start to finish the show had everything you’d expect and love to see at a Melvins show. Their career stretches longer then some of the fans ages in the crowd and it is no wonder how they have had the longevity and have continued success. The Melvins are pioneers in the genre admired by some of the biggest and most respected musicians in the world. For as long as the band has been performing and putting out great music, this is the first time I’ve seen them live. But it was a show I will remember for a long time and can’t wait for the next time!
The remaining tour dates are listed below. For music, merch and band info go to http://themelvins.net/
Photos and review by Rob Cella
November 3, 2019 – Tucson, AZ – Club Congress
November 4, 2019 – Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom
November 5, 2019 – Las Vegas, NV – Bunkhouse Saloon
November 7, 2019 – Long Beach, CA – Alex’s Bar
November 8, 2019 – Los Angeles, CA – The Echo