Pennywise at Stubb's BarBQ - more photos... photo by jeff barringer - staff photographer |
by Harrison Davis - club kingsnake staff
Pennywise and Pepper are two bands that I had no idea were big enough to playing the outside at Stubb’s. I had heard of both but didn’t have a real knowledge of either outside of Pennywise’s 1991 debut so I had no expectations at all going in.
I walked in about midway through the Expendables set. They really sounded good; it kind of felt like one of Iron Maiden’s guitarists had joined Green Day and thrown in some ska for good measure. The band had the crowd so into it that I thought for a second that it was one of the headliners. It was very impressive to see that much command out of an opening act.
Pepper at Stubb's BarBQ - more photos... photo by jeff barringer - staff photographer |
The crowd was very hyped for the whole show but they got most excited for Pepper. It was clearly Pepper who had pulled most of the crowd because the place was filled with girls that looked fresh from the sorority house and guys that knew they were going to be there. Apparently Pepper knew this as well.
The now California based Hawaiian ska band came out 0 for 3 on shirts, which the girls seemed to be very appreciative of, so much of so that some of the decided to lose their shirts as well, which the guys clearly appreciated. The music was nothing really special, but they completely owned the crowd, often taking requests because as they said several times, they don’t make a setlist. The show didn’t make me want to go out and buy all their records, but I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing them again sometime.
Pennywise is a great live act. They brought more energy to the stage that any of the other bands and did it sounding the best as well. While some the crowd had left after Pepper, the people that stayed were glad they did. The pit erupted almost immediately and the band fed off of the crowd’s high energy. I really enjoyed the music as well, better than I ever did on their records. The highlights off the set were probably “Land of the Free?” and their most well known song, “Bro Hymn” which had the whole crowd singing along with the chorus. The show was great but didn’t have the same power on record. I would see them again, but I doubt I’ll be listening to them any other time.
Pennywise at Stubb's - more photos... photo by jeff barringer - staff photographer
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