30 years.
Throughout those 30 years, Lou, brother Pete, Craig, and Armand carved a distinct path of fury, camaraderie, and comedy. And on their anniversary tour, they did not fray from that tried and true formula.
Between Trickshot’s small club vibe and old school acts like Sick Of It All, Comeback Kid, and local favorites War-Time Manner, I felt like I was fifteen again. Having a low stage with no barriers allowed for pile-ons, stage diving, and hi-fives that reminisced of a nostalgic period in my formative years. Even the 15 dollar t-shirt prices were right out of the early 90’s. Lou, the singer of SOIA, stated that they never went to college and this ain’t a reunion. But for me he was wrong because it felt like home and we, at that moment, were all family. He did also quip that they haven’t had “real” jobs since ’97 because of all the support their fans offered over these 3 decades.
Sick Of It All ran the gamut. They included songs like the first few they ever wrote like ‘It’s Clobberin’ Time’ and ‘Friends Like You’. They challenged the crowd by seeing if they can finish the lyrics to ‘World Full Of Hate’ off their first LP. Hit on crowd favorites like ‘Scratch The Surface’ and ‘Uprise’. And included newer songs like ‘Road Less Traveled’ and ‘Take The Night Off’. It was an experience to see them still hit the stage with the same tenacity and fury as they did all those years ago including the high-flying, twirling, and dancing ninja that is Pete Koller. If only Redbull could harness and bottle that intensity.
Rounding out the show was Aggressive Response, War-Time Manner, Friend Or Foe, and Comeback Kid. Each were assailing in their delivery and a perfect fit for supporting Sick Of It All. So if you haven’t heard of them, do check them out and support the local scene. And if you need to feel like a teenager again, catch them when they come through town. But just remember, you may not recover as fast as one.
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WORDS AND PHOTOS BY CHIRS GRAFFEO
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