Saturday night, members of the Klown Army, Lewdd and myself piled in Lewdd’s vehicle (like true clowns!) and braved the heat to go see The Buzzcocks play at the Double Door in Chicago. Having seen The Buzzcocks three years ago at the same venue and being completely blown away by how great they still are, I was really looking forward to seeing them again, as were the rest of my traveling companions.
The doors were scheduled to open at 8:30pm so we got there a little before that and had a drink at a nearby bar. At 8:30 we went to the club and the doors weren’t open yet, and a line started forming. We sat out there waiting in the heat for at least a half an hour, they were really late opening. This really annoyed many people in line since it was still about 90 degrees outside.
The Strays
The Strays
The club was pretty comfortable temperature wise when we got there but that was soon to change. The first band up were The Strays. They were touring with Buzzcocks and I think they too were from the UK. They played some melodic, sort of 70’s influenced punk rock which wasn’t bad, they did have some enjoyable songs. Just when I was thinking some nice thoughts about them, they did a Clash cover and that immediately turned me against them.
The Adored
The Adored
Next up were The Adored. They were almost borderline emo at some points of their set. They had a somewhat effeminate singer who went on and on about being from Los Angeles and how being in Chicago was so great. I didn’t really care for them, neither did the rest of my friends there so we just sat back and drank and waited for The Buzzcocks.
The Buzzcocks
The Buzzcocks
After a bit of a wait, The Buzzcocks finally took the stage. At this point, the rest of the sold out crowd magically appeared as the place was completely packed. This also meant that with so many people packed in like sardines, and many of them smoking (sadly the smoking ban doesn’t affect bars for three more years), the temperature inside was equal or greater to the temperature outside! I was sweating just standing still and I had the luxury of being in a section of the club that had a fan and that people weren’t allowed to stand!
The Buzzcocks
The Buzzcocks
They opened with “Flat Pack Philosophy” off the new album of the same name. It sounded even better live than it did on that excellent album. Right after that they played my favorite off that new one, “Wish I Never Loved You”. After a few more newer songs, they busted out the hits. They played some different’ songs this time out from the last time including “Why Can’t I Touch It” which I was quite pleased to hear, and it all sounded great. Its amazing that nearly 30 years later that The Buzzcocks haven’t lost a step and are easily one of the best bands you could see live these days, and the 100 degree heat didn’t slow them down one bit!
The Buzzcocks
The Buzzcocks
They played about 70 minutes total that included one encore of five songs including “Noise Annoys” which ran right into “Orgasm Addict”. They closed the show with a great rendition of “Oh Shit”. After that, the overcrowded crowd high tailed it out of the club since at that point it was nicer outside than it was inside.
The Buzzcocks
The Buzzcocks
The Buzzcocks
With some mostly unoffensive opening acts and a stellar set by The Buzzcocks it was an evening well spent. I’d easily go see The Buzzcocks every time they come to town for the rest of their existence if this show is any indication of what to expect when I go see them. Two thumbs way up!
My single complaint is the poor lighting in the Double Door. That place is tough to shoot at!
More photos can be seen by clicking below…
The Buzzcocks
The Buzzcocks
The Buzzcocks
The Buzzcocks
The Buzzcocks
Great pics. I’ve been impatiently waiting for your review and pics. Thanks for driving home and providing a place for my drunk ass to sleep.
I saw them out here in Boston a few weeks ago and was completely blown away, especially since I haven’t seen them in ages. The frontline of Shelley and Diggle remain one of the most effusive in the music business. Now if only their new records were like their first three!
p.s. Great pics MXV!
Mike, great shots my friend. I will put you on the list any time!!!!!
I’m so jealous. The last three times the Buzzcocks have pulled though I haven’t been able to get in because of age restrictions. The day will come soon though, because it really doesn’t look like they’re slowing down. The last two albums have been absolutly fantastic! Did they play anything off of the self titled?