Subject: Airbourne Concert Review Fri Mar 28, 2008 9:19 pm
So the night before my Vacation/Trip back home I saw Airbourne in a crappy little bar right here in Abilene "By God" Texas on March 14, 2008. Let me start with the openers.
I missed the local band (but got some really good scores at the local Hastings)
First band was Stone Riders
Imagine if you will "Deliverance" - era Corrosion Of Conformity wearing girl pants with a soulful, Mick Jagger wanna-be lead singer (who plays a mean guitar). That's kind of what this band reminded me of - if that makes sense. They were pretty good song writers and were good musicians. The vocals were very good and the songs were kind of sleazy/dirty - but with a sound that I couldn't figure out but none-the-less had me thinking "COC" the whole set. Had they been the headliners and tickets were $8 instead of $12 I'd say it was a good deal. (Such a frugal man I am!!). My one complaint is that after 3 songs or so the sounds, riffs, licks and overall feel of the songs were too samey. However, they were enjoyable.
Endeverafter
Next up was a band who also sported a sort of Mick Jagger wanna-be, complete with the goofy (fruity) limp-wristed arm posturing. Not as soulful, but actually a very good guitarist as well, he was energetic and deeply into the crowd.
This band doesn't know what it is yet. At times rather modern rock-ish, at times blasting out with nearly thrash type rhythm and intensity (maybe only in the live setting?) and at times just rocking in a normal rock/hard rock fashion. These guys were also proficient with their instraments but they were not very good song writers, in my opinion. Nothing about the song structure or melody stood out. Perhaps time will help them along or mabye they need to listen to some Zep, Stones or even some Buckcherry or Black Crows (bands they at times seem to be trying to Channel). They even pulled out a Stones song further showing a desire to have that vibe, but it seemed flat and lifeless.
O.K.!! Airbourne!!!
Having just days before snagged their Running Wild at Wal Mart I was pretty familiar with their very catchy and easy brand of AC/DC - Land Of OZ -Bar Scene inspired hard rock/metal.
The crowd was about as good as it can get in benighted Abilene, but sad when you consider the band. Maybe the next time we can make a better showing!
Their set, naturally, was basically an out-of-order playing of Running Wild. I guess they are pushing the material and, perhaps, don't have a large catalogue of other material. I'm glad, as that's what I wanted to hear!
Verdict? One of the 2-3 best live bands I've seen. They all (including ONCE again the lead singer - the lead guitarist) were very good musicians. I was very pleased with how all the songs translated Live. I came to a conclusion...Airbourne is up there with Bride and Fireball Ministry as the best Live shows I've seen. I'm quite sure it's because that kind of music is more or less made for the bar scene. More or less easy riffs, easy rhythm and not much effects (if at all). It's all very reproducable in the Live setting. Their bassist must have the easiest job in all of Metaldom!!!
They were energetic and very into the crowd. I especially appreciate that because I often feel bad for big bands with small crowds and wonder how they feel, but really respect the bands who play to 300 like it's 5000.
The singer/guitarist O'keefe was especially animated. At times he spazzed around in a way that definitely conjured Angus Young (naturally). He had a wireless guitar that allowed him the freedom to roam around where he wanted. At one point into the crowd he went, running around wildly while still playing the tune faithfully. After buzzing around the crowd O'Keefe jumped onto the bar and then climbed onto the scaffolding above the bar and finished his extened soloing/wanking up there. Fun, unusual and a first for me.
Airbourne played a tight, energetic and fun set. They seemed to cover their new album and satisfied everyone. Some of them drank, but moderately, and that didn't seem to affect their playing/singing. At one point O'Keefe grabbed a 12oz and sprayed the crowd. Lucky for me I was off to the side (where I had an incredible view and could stay out of the sweating masses who would probably touch me inappropriately at some point! ). I'm glad I went and would go again for sure if/when they come back (which they lied and said they would! ).
My only regret? They were sold-out of their "tour date" shirts which included the Abilene date. The merch hocker said to me, straight faced, that they'd have some "tomorrow night in Austin"!! Like I'd drive 4-5 hours for a $20 T-shirt! I had a flight to catch in 5 hours, anyhow!! Oh, well!
Right on. Airbourne is known in Australia as a pub band. It seems to translate well. They're playing here tonight, actually. I should have gone. Too bad I hate going to shows alone, and most of my friends around here are, well, not quite friends. Too bad.
Endeverafter are good, but I agree they're confused (see my review). Their ballad literally sounds like latter day Hoobastank, while other songs, like you said, have 80s thrash riffs. It's cool, but it sort of comes off disingenuis. Makes you wonder if they're intentionally trying to test different areas of the market.
Stone Rider is another good band. Thier album is definitely worth checking out. I don't hear any COC in the mix, though. Maybe they come off heavier live?
Cool that their pub sound on CD translates to the live element as well.
There's a ton of clips on YouTube. They seem awesome live. The singer/guitarist usually jumps on top of the bar during "Girls In Black," which is such a badass tune! I think it's my favorite on the album.
That one sounds like crap, but it's funny. He actually goes back to the bar during the solo and gets a pint of beer. Haha.
Eyesore - shame on you you non-supporting douche bag!!! Until my girl(s) are 10 and IF they are still into metal I'm almost always a solo flier. I got home at 12:30 and had to get up at 4:00 to catch a flight and still went. For $12 it was almost a steal!!! You should be there!! (With all the openers you could STILL make the show. They didn't hit the stage until 10:30-11:00.
Yeah, I know. I've honestly never been a huge fan of live shows. As a teen I went all the time, but then as I got older, a little less tolerant for idiocy, I started getting into fights at every show. Haha. Even when I was the on stage, it wasn't rare for me to jump off the stage and hit someone. Haha. Throwing a bottle at me! WTF? Haha.
But seriously, I haven't gotten into a fight in a long, long time, as I'm much more in control with my emotions now (and out of shape), but I still get really annoyed at the retards that go to these shows.
but I still get really annoyed at the retards that go to these shows.
True......locally I've found the biggest idiots to be those at the metal-core shows. I think it's their age, and not necessarily the bands.
Most shows I go to have an older crowd and they're just there to rock and appreciate the show. The crowd was very cool. They rocked hard, but everyone was respectable.
but I still get really annoyed at the retards that go to these shows.
True......locally I've found the biggest idiots to be those at the metal-core shows. I think it's their age, and not necessarily the bands.
Most shows I go to have an older crowd and they're just there to rock and appreciate the show. The crowd was very cool. They rocked hard, but everyone was respectable.
My friend and I always see 311 when they come by. Yeah, yeah, I know, they suck. Pffft! Like I mentioned, though, I am friends with the band, been a fan since 1993, and because of that, my friend Jill (ex-girlfriend) is also a big fan and friend. So we always go.
This particular show was up in ME, and as they started playing, this idiot beside started moving around, like pressure was building inside him. Haha. This dude was close to 30, had to be! Anyway, eventually he exploded into a one-man mosh pit. First thing he did was slam Jill and her sister right in the back. Bad news for him. These girls are like my sisters! I literally grabbed this guy by the shirt and the entire thing ripped off his body! Haha. So I then grabbed him by the neck, picked him up and choke-slammed him onto the concrete floor. Haha. I flipped out, pointing my finger in his face, screaming at him. He couldn't hear me, but he was scared.
And no one moshed on that whole side of the stage the entire show. It was awesome. But that guy's not the first adult to get like that. There's no age limit to idiocy, of course.
I'm going to see Airbourne in Vancouver on April 19, and, now, am even more excited than before. After months of reading about them, I picked up their album a few weeks backs, and was blown away. I find that most new bands that are said to sound like AC/DC are imitating the music in a tongue-in-cheek manner, like the Darkness or Buckcherry (both bands that I like); it's more like they're just playing dress-up. On the other hand, Airbourne sounds like their parents raised them on AC/DC. It's the real deal.
Subject: Re: Airbourne Concert Review Sat Mar 29, 2008 3:16 am
Great SM, they really are a fantastic live band.
I've seen them about 10 times in front of crowds ranging from 50 to 10,000!
The album becomes more relevant after seeing them live, when i hear Girls in Black i picture Joel on top of the bar soloing away! Or the smell of sticky beer stained carpet, cigarette butts and sloppy one night stands from when i've seen them live.
People don't get it after only hearing the album and dismissing it as poor AC/DC derivative.
Live! Live! Live!
Shame Eyesore if the only reason you didn't go was because you didn't have anyone to go with. That happens to me sometimes, but i don't care you never know who you might meet
scottmitchell74 Jada Pinkett Smith's Cabana Boy
Number of posts : 9052 Age : 50
Subject: Re: Airbourne Concert Review Sat Mar 29, 2008 8:59 am
Quote :
when i hear Girls in Black i picture Joel on top of the bar soloing away!
Ah! So that's his schtick with that song! You and Eyesore both mentioned that.
Yeah, it had me craving that album but I didn't have it packed for my trip so I went 12 days without it immediately following the concert.
mr.electric39 Heart of Metal
Number of posts : 1828 Age : 56
Subject: Re: Airbourne Concert Review Sat Mar 29, 2008 1:18 pm
A big fan of 'Running Wild'.... AC/DC were my first love of rock for years, glad that someone else (since who knows when their next disc will arrive) is carrying the torch.
Glad to hear they rip live, quality over volume.... or both if you can have it... !
Does anyone else find that the opening riff in "Heartbreaker" sounds similar to AC/DC "If You Want Blood (You've Got It)"? Not that I'm complaining. It's a wicked classic tune.
I love "Diamond In The Rough". It reminds me a lot of Ballbreaker-era AC/DC.
Subject: Airbourne Concert Review 
Fri Mar 28, 2008 9:19 pm
Had they been the headliners and tickets were $8 instead of $12 I'd say it was a good deal. (Such a frugal man I am!!). My one complaint is that after 3 songs or so the sounds, riffs, licks and overall feel of the songs were too samey. However, they were enjoyable.
or Black Crows (bands they at times seem to be trying to Channel). They even pulled out a Stones song further showing a desire to have that vibe, but it seemed flat and lifeless. 
we can make a better showing! 
). I'm glad I went and would go again for sure if/when they come back (which they lied and said they would! 
). 
