2023 was full of amazing shows and live performances from some of my favorite bands. Here’s a run down (in no particular order) on ten of my favorite shows of the year. Thanks to all the bands that played, promoters and venues who hosted the events and everyone that came out to enjoy the music.
EYEHATEGOD, Valletta, Hot Rats – Kings – Raleigh N.C.
EYEHATEGOD have been a staple of the underground heavy music scene for 35 years now and it was amazing to see them again. They played for well over an hour, with a set that featured a lot of tracks from their “Take As Needed For Pain” LP as well as various tracks from their vast discography. Vocalist Mike IX Williams blistering snarl was as nasty as ever while guitarist Jimmy Bower’s playing was nothing short of infectious Meanwhile Bassist Gary Mader and drummer Aaron Hill held down the foundation for what was a truly stellar performance. Openers Valletta and Hot Rats both delivered enjoyable sets and are worth checking out.
Melvins and Boris – Elevation 27 – Virginia Beach
What an incredible show. Melvins played a monster set as usual with mostly songs from their landmark album “Bullhead”. Drummer Dale Crover was absent due to recovering from spinal surgery but longtime Melvins family alumni Coady Willis did a tremendous job filling in. Boris played their “2002 album “Heavy Rocks” in full which was a real treat. Overall truly amazing performances from both bands.
The Foreign Resort, Arms Bizarre and Raise Hell Over The Summer- 80/20 Burger Bar – Norfolk VA
It had been a long time since I’d seen The Foreign Resort. I toured with them all the way back in 2011 and I think the last performance I saw was in Philly back in 2015. Well this post punk/rock n roll machine from Copenhagen Denmark have not lost a step. Their performance was spot on with an unbelievable amount of energy and pin point accuracy as the trio delivered a relentless set for an enthusiastic audience. Locals Arms Bizarre and Raise Hell Over The Summer rounded out the evening with their respected brands of experimental rock and vibrant psychedelia.
Violent Femmes, The Veldt – The Norva – Norfolk VA
The Violent Femmes are no strangers to the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area having played here countless times and this show was sold out months in advance. After a bit of a delay in start time the band ran through their debut album in full as the ecstatic audience sang along to every word. Unfortunately I missed The Veldt who opened the show but they are an incredible band if you’ve never heard them you most certainly need to check em out.
of Montreal, Locate S, 1, Obscure Son – The Bunker – Virginia Beach VA
I’ve always enjoyed of Montreal’s ever evolving sound as each record has it’s own distinct vibe so I was excited they were coming back to Virginia Beach. Founder Kevin Barnes and company really impressed me at this show as they kept the energy level on high and displayed top notch musicicianship throughout their set. I missed most of Locate S, 1 but what I heard was solid.
Honestly for me this show was all about opening act Obscure Son who have quickly became one of my favorite local bands in recent years. I was honored to help release a four song cassette E.P. for the band that was unveiled at this show. Fronted by Elliott Malvas (You’re Jovian, Swirlies, Gone), the group played one of the best sets I heard all year. Check out the full performance below.
Members of Pet Name, Pearloid and Raise Hell Over The Summer as R.E.M. – LAVA Halloween – Norfolk VA
Each year Tidewater area musicians form one off cover bands of their favorite artists to perform at the annual LAVA Halloween Extravaganza. This years was really fun with highlights including The Warm Hug as Blondie, Members of Sicman of Virginia as Ween and Ana Velez of Community Witch as Kate Bush. I was grateful to be a part of a Guided By Voices cover band along with members of Bantastans, Obscure Son and Arms Bizarre. Everyone delivered excellent sets however members of Pet Name, Pearloid and Raise Hell Over The Summer as R.E.M. was the highlight of the night for me.
Pet Name vocalist Adam Hanson was an amazing Michael Stipe leading the band through an anthology of hits like “The One I Love”, “What’s The Frequency Keeneth” and “So Central Rain” while Ashley Wright Drake shined on the mandolin during “Losing My Religion”. Pearloid guitarist Drew Armstrong showed why he’s one of the most pure players in the area while drummer Stefan Skeeter held it all together behind the kit.
This performance was also really special to me because it was the first time I’d been on a bill alongside my longtime friend Mark Brown in over 25 years. Mark channeled his inner Mike Mills on the bass and put on a performance for the ages. Such a great night for everyone involved.
Photo By Alissa Harris
Bouncing Souls, Catbite, Blind Adam & The Federal League – The Norva – Norfolk VA
I’m not sure if I’ve seen Bouncing Souls 50 times but it has to be close. I’m still a fan of their early 7″‘s and I think it’s amazing they have become such a house hold name with fans of all ages all over the world. The bands performance was enjoyable and what I expected from such a long running unit,. however what surprised me about this show were the two openers.
First up was Blind Adam & The Federal League who really brought a genuine feeling of honesty in their music. You can tell they loved every second of their set and their interaction with the audience was excellent. The other opener was Catbite who really have something special. They drew the crowd in and delivered some of the most energetic music you’ll hear anywhere. I’m not much into the whole ska/punk thing these days but I respect Catbite for what they are doing and the dedication they have for their craft.
Feminine Death, Pet Name, Elliott Malvas – CMM HQ- Virginia Beach
I turned 50 this year and had a little shindig at CMM headquarters to celebrate. It was so nice having my friends from Pet Name, Elliott Malvas and Feminine Death play in our backyard. Pet Name played as a duo with Adam and Ashley playing a stripped down acoustic set while Elliott put on an awesome solo performance that included some of my favorite Obscure Son tracks.
This was also Feminine Death’s first show and I really can’t say enough about how awesome this band is. Candice Webster has written some seriously amazing songs for this project and Sean Pullman and Christopher Parkin are the perfect rhythm section for the band as they stay in the pocket and complement Candice playing in the best possible way. Check out the full set below.
Bobby Bare Jr, Ronnie Talman, Derek Smith – Smartmouth Beer – Norfolk VA
Bobby Bare Jr is country music royalty. He also happens to play guitar in one of my favorite bands Guided By Voices and it was great to get to host an intimate performance for him at Smartmouth Beer in Norfolk this past summer.
Bobby is a really charming, warm and friendly guy and it was so much fun hearing his songs and hearing him tell stories in a loose type of atmosphere. Locals Ronnie Talman and Derek Smith delivered excellent opening sets and fun was had by all who attended.
Arms Bizarre, Ghost Curve – Chichos Backstage – Norfolk VA
I think I saw Arms Bizarre four times this year but this show in particular was my favorite The band was totally locked in and sounding amazing and vocalist Josh Bizarre and bassist Sean Pullman’s vocals meshed together in fine form. Looking forward to more great things from this band in 2024.
Also on the bill were local shoegaze/post punk unit Ghost Curve who’s sound I really enjoy as well. They harnessed just the right amounts of modulated guitars with cold wave-ish bass lines to create a really intriguing set. Overall an excellent showing from two of the Tidewater areas best bands.
