https://themelvins.net/wiki/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=Greg 2026-08-06T11:56:45Z User contributions MediaWiki 1.39.17 https://themelvins.net/wiki/index.php?title=September_22,_2008&diff=6781 2008-09-24T14:07:11Z

<p>Greg: Awesome first show in Hungary</p> <hr /> <div>== Fantastic inaugural performance ==<br /> <br /> This was the Melvins first ever performance in Budapest. The location of the show was not the Merlin theatre, as advertised on some websites, but the A38 Hajó, a boat that's permanently docked on the Buda bank south of Lagymányosi bridge and is now one the Hungarian capitals better restaurants, live music venues.<br /> <br /> Estimated attendance for the triple bill (Melvins, Big Business, Porn) was 150 people. Melvins turned in an absolutely fabulous show! They burned through a set spanning whole career (with 'Fly Eyes' being a choice selection off of the first album). The band did not let up a moment -- with each song following immediately on the heels of the last. The penultimate number, sung by Buzz a capella was the American anthem. Wasn't clear if this uninitiated audience knew what to make of it. Were the Melvins a bunch of right-wing American patriots? Knowing of Buzz's cynical worldview, I knew it wasn't that. I at first thought it was rather a piss take on patriotism. However, a friend of mine suggested it might be the Melvins idea of reclaiming of the anthem from the forces of greed and corruption in the George 'Dubbya' Bush administration. A reminder that there's still something to be proud of and thankful for in America: kick-ass rock and roll and truly original free expression.<br /> <br /> Disappointingly, the crowd gave only tepid applause after the show's closing number, and there was no encore. I don't even know if Melvins DO encores, but certainly, this audience did not deserve one. I hung out as long as the place stayed open hoping the band would come out for a beer and a chat. Nothing doing, though, and I was told by shirt salesman the Buzz, for one, had quit drinking so definitely wouldn't be out for beer. Nevermind: I was completely floored by the intense performance, and bought the t-shirt AND a poster. Hope the band returns to Hungary for more shows.</div>

Greg