So I got drug to the Molly Hatchet concert at the fair on Monday, and boy was I in for a treat. Now being born and raised in the south you would think I would have more of an affinity for Southern rock, but the truth is I can't stand it. Skynard is WAY overplayed (another reason to hate Bama). Seriously, how many times in your life have you heard "what's your name", "simple man", "gimmie 3 steps", "saturday night special", "that smell" and I could go on forever. Even Phil Williams says they are over played. But I digress.
On this particular evening I happened upon what had to be the funniest show I have ever seen.
First, every guy in the band is in their 50s to 60s. The sound is turned way up, so they can pretend they are in their 20s again (truth be told, they probably couldn't hear it anyway). ANd don't get me wrong, I love loud music, but this was more like overcompensation. You have a lead guitarist with very long 80s hair, that looks like it was glued on and styled by Flock of Seagulls (for those who don't know it rose up on the sides, and was plastered to his head in the middle. Not to mention he was sticking his tongue out while he was playing. Next you have the other lead guitarist, a short pudgy man with a mullet who continually pointed out in the crowd like he knew you, Not the point to get you fired up, but think a more casual "hey there" kind of pointing. Next is the lead bassist, who had no idea where he was and looked exactly like Sam Elliott in "Road House". Our faithful drummer, the youngest member at age 43, sat at the drums and played wildly. All the while a fan was blowing his blond hair like he was in an 80s rock video, even while he didn't play a note. I will skip the piano player as he was mired in darkness and obscurity. Last but not least we have out lead singer. His straw cowboy hat, no doubt covering his skullett, was not the least out of date item he wore. His black on black Kenny Powers ensemble, would have been a hit if not for the huge beer belly it could not hide. And not even the red boots he wore could take away from the smoke-filled, booze injected, aged, worn out voice of the singer who had to sneak off in the back during every somg to go get a breathing treatment (no not smoke a joint, an honest to goodness medical breathing treatment).
The show itself drew on and on with their setlist, that I am sure not one remembers. Comments from the singer to some well endowed ladies, might have been cool twenty years ago, seemed lacking from a man heading into mandatory retirement. And did I mention no one yelled FREE BIRD, they didn't have to, they played it anyway. So much for supporting the strength of your own material. The show ended with the fake run to the back for the encore applause. To which they returned and played their only hit...damn I forgot. Oh yeah, Freedom Rock...I mean Flirting with Disaster.
The only part of the show I did like was the salute to the troops. No matter how much of a goober you are, you salute our armed forces, you're good with me.
All in all I fun time was had for only 5 bucks, not my 5 bucks, but 5 nonetheless. The sad part is I will feel just like all those people when Poison comes to play in a few years.
