September 22, 2008

Fantastic inaugural performance

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.

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.

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.