The Tubes at New York Life, 8/26/98
When I heard that The Tubes were playing in New York after all of these
years, I wasn't sure what to expect. You see, in the late seventies and
early eighties my brother and I were devoted fans of what we felt was the
most original, creative, and clever bands in the history of rock music. A
Tubes concert was a travelling carnival that came to town like a
hurricane,that left fans reeling in its wake. But after almost twenty
years, could we even dare to presume that we be treated to anything that
could begin to live up to those fabulous memories.
The answer is yes, and as I write this five days later, I am still
absolutely thrilled by the experience. What made the night special was that
the band didn't hold the mindset that many 70's and 80's acts bring to their
performances. This was no "dinosaurs of rock" tour. The Tubes attacked
their music with a freshness and wreckless abandon that made me a fan in the
first place. Whether they were playing the great works from their early
days or shredding through songs from their newest "Genius of America" album.
There was life and edge from beginning to end of their near two hour set.
As much a part of the wonderful performance by the band, was the performance
of the crowd that assembled to hear them at New York Life. It was a virtual
Soddem and Gomorrah from the first note of their set. Topless(female)
dancers, scantilly clad(male) dancers, horny groupies, and folks from every
walk of life embellished the performance to create the decadence that we
have all come to expect and love from a Tubes show. The truth is, if the
band had just turned around, and put the audience behind them, it would have
been the quintessential late 70's Tubes concert.
Everyone that witnessed this wonderful event, left with the feeling that
even though its been awhile since we've seen them, The Tubes haven't missed
a beat.
One aside, I arrived at the show quite early, and stumbled into the midst
of the band's soundcheck. When they took a short break, I met the members
of the band, Fee Waybill and Rick Anderson gladly signed an old Quay Lewd
picture I had taken, and in general couldn't have been more warm and
friendly. These guys are true professionals, and they deserve the best.
Thanks guys!!!
(
geocities.com/jdsundstrom)