Photos and Review by Colleen Goyer
Galleries: The Jesus Lizard, Pile
What a wild show at Roadrunner in Boston Thursday night performed by 90’s rock band The Jesus Lizard!
I doubt it was more than 5 notes into the first song, Seasick, when the vocalist, David Yow was off the stage and connecting with the front rows of fans at the pit barricade. With one hand gripping the mic and the other extended toward the crowd, an instant connection was made, setting the tone for the entire show.
Known for his wild performances, Yow held to his reputation. Some crowd surfing quickly followed by the band’s frontman kicking off an almost continuous flow of attendees being passed down the center of the crowd to the front, many of whom made the loop back to their spots only to repeat several times. Yow himself took a few turns while continuing to perform the entire time without interruption.
The other members kept the hard rocking music moving, Duane Denison on Guitar, David Wm. Sims on Bass and Mac McNeilly on drums, all of whom have been in the band either from the start or for a considerable period. The entire band was super engaged and looked to be enjoying the crowd’s reaction and love of their music. Mac McNeilly was incredible on the drum kit. Although it was a relatively small one in way of pieces compared to many of the bands from more recent periods, the sound he got out of it was incredible. He never stopped moving and not only drove the band’s sound but provided elements that lead the way drawing your attention to him and the kit. Definitely a performer and not simply a musician. Not to discount the playing of Duane and David who each certainly had their own moments.
With a solid set and two encores, The Jesus Lizard filled the evening with their own unique sound and provided the crowd with a show they will certainly be talking about for a while.