Showdate: September 9th, 2010
We’re a little late making it to the Crystal for this set. On the way up the venue stairs I’m harangued for moving too slow for a 50-something. “You’re keeping me from my Ted.” Um, okay. I yield and the guy runs into the venue like his ass was on fire. And that was the start of the trend.
Straight up. I’m hitting this show pretty cold. I’ve spun some Ted Leo tracks. But, I’m not an expert or fan. Honestly, I’m just hoping to be entertained while waiting for The Thermals set. All I really can hope for given Ted Leo has escaped my musical dragnet. Back off. It happens.
We’ve weaseled our way into prime viewing territory again. My buddy sets up shop and looks at me as I am hanging back. The guy next to him is pretty big and looks like he wants to rock it out. I’m giving space.
Mr 50-something’s Ted is on your left. Bass and rhythm guitar are also on stage. The drummer, Chris Wilson, is excellent. Really notable. The set was worth it just to watch him.
The stage energy is high. The music is loud. LOUD. Like an old school punk rock show with extended jams. I don’t know any songs, but I’m loving it. Really, it is fire.
And then, Mr Big next to my buddy starts dancing. And I do mean dancing. Here’s my thing about shows. If you have the space? Do what you want. I really don’t care. Strip yourself naked and do an interpretive dance for all I care. But Mr. Big is repeatedly flailing his hands on his backswing toward my groin. It is frightening. He could do some pretty severe damage. I really like having that area of my body at 100%. I need all the help I can get, Mr. Big. So my concert rule now has an *.
*=do what you want with your space, but don’t threaten my groin.
Ted Leo has a quirky stage presence with some fun and pretty random banter. Every song is arranged to be interesting live and the jams are rocking without being long-ass indulgent. Totally giving it up for this show. Liked it alot.
I’ve given Mr. Big his space and now what looks like his boyfriend is rubbing chests and joining him. He’s a mess and has spilt some kind of liquid out of his cup all over me. I give my affected areas a tentative taste hoping for some high powered booze. Nah, just plain McMennamin’s Ruby beer. Blah. I’ll hope it was spiked. Really, you two could have played grab ass or made out and I would have been fine. But now? I need a new mod to my rule and my once rock-solid credo is now nuanced. Damnit. New rule **
**=do what you want with your space, but don’t spill your shit on me.
The crowd for Ted Leo/Rx is fun. Everyone is definitely paying attention, but the fans of the band are crazy easy to spot. Like Mr. Big and his chum. And Mr 50-something. You can spot them easily. Little pockets of people rocking the FUCK out. Just a person here and there going apeshit. Like having some jumping beans interspersed with your chili. Love it.
Ted Leo/Rx was definitely the fire. Really good set. Love these unexpected treats at MFNW.
