The Metal Files

Last night marked the third time since 2001 that I’ve seen Lizzy Borden.  I’ve been a fan since being introduced to them via their first EP.  They’re currently touring on the “30 Years of American Metal Tour” and last night was the 3rd of three shows in Texas.  One of my lifelong friends lives in San Antonio so I picked him up before the show and we headed to Fitzgerald’s after grabbing some Thai food.  We missed the first band and stayed outside on the patio during the second band.  Not my thing.

James Rivera’s Metal Asylum came on next playing songs from many of the bands that’s been involved in over his career as well as some of his favorite cover songs.  The sound in this venue was horrible and I’m not sure that it was equipment issues.  Beyond the huge shows at the AT&T Center and Alamo Dome, every bar gig that I see in San Antonio sounds like shit.  Last night was no different.  Rivera sounded good through most of his set, but it did seem that he was having trouble hearing himself.  Between going in and out during most of his set, it was enjoyable.

While on the patio during the second band, I saw Lizzy and his bassist, Marten, by their RV and spoke to them for a minute.  Lizzy asked how the crowd was and I told him, “Maybe 100, probably a little less.”  He looked disappointed.  By the time that they came on stage, a lot of the crowd had already left.  I figured that would happen as a lot of the crowd was there to see Rivera as he’s still very popular in Texas.

Lizzy came on and the sound issues continued through his set.  I stood up front for much of the show but moved around to gauge the mix and it was just awful.   Nonetheless, the band was solid although I was surprised to see them with only one guitarist which happened to be Ira Black who has notably played with Metal Church and Vicious Rumors as well as being on the last Lizzy album.  He played well but some of the guitar harmony stuff was noticeably absent.  Lizzy did costume and mask changes between every song which got a little tedious.  I’d love to see him just do a tour with no makeup.  Maybe I’m just getting old but I don’t need the theatrics to keep me interested in a band or their show.  His music stands on its own for me.  But that’s his thing, so be it. It was good to see them again and I really liked watching Marten’s bass work.  He’s good.

It was a fun show and a great night with one of my best friends.  And for the record, Lizzy and drummer Joey Scott (Lizzy’s brother) signed The Book in 2001 back in Norfolk.