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Photo by Bill Manley/Chronicle
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Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros |
by Jill LoPresti
Vitality Editor
by Bill Manley
Assistant Photo Editor
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The legendary Joe Strummer and his newly formed Mescaleros lived up to expectations Saturday night at the Metro. Combining a mix of infamous Clash tunes and new material, Strummer managed to satisfy the likes of die-hard Clash fans as well as those thirsting for fresh tracks. The sold out crowd managed to conquer their sauna like experience with a vengance. From topless females scaling above the crowd to skinheads chanting the rude boy anthem, there was never a dull moment.
Middle aged men with mullets and wives reminisced as Strummer wailed all those “back in the day” tunes. “Rock the Casbah” and “London Calling” sent those punk rock fogies back into their anthem days, throwing fists in the air and rockin’ out like it was 1984.
Of course we can’t forget the all-time skin head field day tune, “Rudy Can’t Fail.” The pit swelled with bald heads, plaid shirts and suspenders as the Mescaleros did a fine rendition of the notorious tune.
The material from their newest album, Rock Art and the X-Ray Style, came off a bit country sounding. “Nitcomb” and “Yalla Yalla” quieted down the crowd with their new, unfamiliar sonic territory. I’m wondering how many people actually own the new album? Attempting to engage the audience, Strummer went on and on about how ‘The Road to Rock ‘n’ Roll” confused Johnny Cash. Stories of drunken night at bars with stars seemed amusing. Regardless, the audience kept busy between songs by deciphering Strummer’s mumbling ramblings. What the hell was he saying anyway???
Pulling together all aspects of quality entertainment with precise instrumentation, energy and harmony, Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros blew the crowd away with favorites “Tommy Gun” and “Brand New Cadillac.” Strummer closed with a fully revved up anti-authority anthem, “I fought the law and the law won,” expertly fusing together the crowd’s intensity with his own. |
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