As is apparently standard for him, Hank Williams III started off the show with a neotraditional country-western set. I actually like this style and know a fair amount about the honky-tonk greats (Hank Sr., Dock Boggs, Lefty Frizzell). But I thought Hank 3 was incredibly inauthentic. It was like he was co-opting the broad style of his grandfather for the sake of selling tickets and melding it with the commercialism and unintelligent song-writing of his father. He had the traditional instruments and twangy sound and all his songs were about drinking and carousing, but there didn't seem to be any sophistication or self-reflection behind it. After a few songs, he was joined on stage with the singer (drummer? sound guy? I didn't catch that) for his speed-metal band, Assjack. He had the vocal stylings of a chainsaw, one of countless other lame, douche-y metal yellers that perform songs about misogyny, necrophilia, and how unfair their parents are. Most of their songs were about rebelling, and I couldn't help but think, What the hell are you rebelling against? Your privileged upbringing? Your upper-middle-class roots? The opportunities you've been given? Whatever, asshole.
(You can also read Floogee's take on the show.)
4 comments:
"The lack of sophistication and self-reflection" YES. That nails his music. As for the crowd? Whatever, asshole. :)
I was surprised that you were going to see HWIII on Twitter. You'd dismissed him in the past as being pretty unworthwhile, and not a credit at all to his grandfather. Your post here confirms that I heard you right the first time. :-)
Don't you think you're asking a bit much from a band called, "Assjack?"
no mention of the short but great doom set with dave sherman of earthride fame? the 2 covers of virginia doom greats PENTAGRAM? lame. i agree, there were for sure some stupid ass people there (aryan nation guy fuck you and rot in hell) but i thought it was an incredible show. he is certainly nothing like his lineage but he really makes no claim to be. he is a punk/metal head first and foremost but doing something unique with what he knows, definitely not cashing in. not a fan of assjack but i really dug his country set and the short doom set that he did. oh well, viva la difference i spose.
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