| The Queers should need no introduction. They have been doing this forever. Joe was in top form on this night. The Queers blasted through their set like no one else could. However, there was a twist to the show on this night. Phillip is in Europe with Even In Blackouts. That leaves Joe short one bass player. To fill that gap, he looked to The Independents. Their guitar player Willy B. was asked to step up. I don't think he could have made a better choice. Music just seems to run through this man's bloodstream. Switching from guitar to bass and playing someone else's music was no problem for him. As The Queers tore through their set, the crowd came alive. As the crowd surged to the unmistakable pure punk sound, Joe and Willy B. spend a good portion of the set dodging microphones that had been set in motion by the crowd's energy. But that almost seemed to encourage them. I am not sure which way the energy was flowing, from the band to the crowd or the other way around. Whichever way it was going, the energy level was heading off the scales. The newer songs were sprinkled in with the older songs and everyone seemed to know every word to each one. The band and crowd had been feeding off of each other for just about an hour when Joe pulled out one final surprise. Evil Presly of The Independents was to get up on stage to help out on vocals for a couple of Ramones tunes. Now, for someone who lists The Queers and The Independents as two of her five most favorite bands, this was a real treat. I've always noticed that a show is best when the band is having fun. And, it sure looked like they were having fun from where I stood. The Queers have once again not disappointed me. Another great show by one of the best and hardest touring bands out there today. ©2006 Christine 'Krusty' Ullrich |
