(or, Why I Will NEVER Be A Professional Concert Reviewer)
Huh???
Billy Bob Thornton?? Bad Santa Thornton??
Oh yeah, boys and girls, THAT Billy Bob Thornton, who rolled into Calgary last night to kick some Cowtown ass. Musically anyway…
Some of you out there already know that he records. I wasn’t aware that he had FOUR albums out, but I had heard one of his earlier singles, “Angelina”, back when he was still married to Ms. Jolie. Not surprisingly, that song was not on the playlist last night…
What was on the playlist was an opening set of killer country rock – edgy and relentless. Hillbilly rock. Kick-ass country. One song even mashed together some Beatles, and The Who, as well as one Mott The Hoople cover a la hillbilly.
His band, The Boxcutters…no, that’s wrong. You’d never get on a plane with THAT name. The Boxmasters, I think. Could be The Boxmakers. At any rate, something boxy…
Billy Bob & his Boxy Band were having a ball up there, and the crowd (sold out) was lovin’ every minute of it. For the record, he’s a chain smoker, and likes his bottles of beer while performing. If you see a show advertised for your area any time soon, get out there and see him. He may be running on borrowed time. Although in one of his trademark commentaries throughout the show, he did suggest that he’s heard from one two many Twinkie-eating doctors telling him to quit smoking, and he’s willing to bet there’s less chemicals in a cigarette than there are in your average Twinkie. The night was peppered throughout with his banter, as funny as you’d expect, but make no mistake – he’s dead serious about this music gig.
At any rate, first set was a killer. After a brief intermission, they returned, with a change of costumes (very liberally – more of a dressing-down for a grunge festival), and spent the next hour cranking out a hard rock set, of even better quality than the first hour. Among the originals and other gems, we were treated to a smokin’ cover of 70’s pop song “Hitching A Ride”, and a bit of a kick at Canada’s Avril Lavigne, when they couldn’t stop grinning through a run of the “I Want To Be Your Boyfriend” song she’s accused of plagiarizing.
I have to say, this was one terrific show. There were more tattoos onstage than at an L.A. Ink taping, and every time Billy Bob gave that famous half-grin and wink, the ladies went nuts. What can I say – the guy has charisma…
Two thumbs up!!
Chow for now (Charlie returns tomorrow morning)
2 comments:
I refuse to read Saturday's blog as Charlie was a no show. I am boycotting on the grounds of well ...let's just say I have reasonable ground to boycott.
That's my story and I sticking to it.
The last Billy Bob could've done was do a duet with Charlie.
C'mon what's the world coming to when a Chicken can't get a gig?
Amen, brother, amen...
Your support gives me strength, rock on dude!!!
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