Mudvayne
Sunday, August 20, 2023
I needed a day of metal.
Today, the boyfriend and I headed to Reno for an epic concert that I’ve been waiting many months for. We may only be staying for one night, but this is a night that I NEEDED.
The show. Where do I begin? I guess, from the opening act? Yeah. Makes sense. First band up was the Butcher Babies, whom I LOVE. They, of course, put on a hell of a show. Next was Nonpoint… yes, they’re still around. I’ve seen them before, they put on a decent show. Then, it was time for GWAR.
Now I, of course, know who GWAR is. They’ve been around for quite some time. I’ve heard their music, it’s okay, not my favorite. I’ve also seen photos of them, so I knew that they dressed in full costume. I knew that their costumes were some weird alien monster hybrid. I, however, was NOT prepared to see them live. Not. At. All.
I knew something was up when the security put on ponchos and the stage and speakers were being covered with plastic tarps. I gave the boyfriend a quizzical look and he just gave me a knowing smile because he has seen them before. Let me just say, I should’ve been warned. It was, without a shadow of a doubt, the strangest show I’ve ever seen. Like, EVER. Words cannot adequately convey the sheer madness. The absolute gore and perversion. Let’s just say that, when a pearl clutcher is offended and gasps at the thought of “heavy metal”, I guarantee you, GWAR is what they’re picturing. There was exactly ONE photo that was safe enough to post on social media without risking being suspended for content violations.
Next was Coal Chamber. I’ve seen them before, but it was back in, like, 2002 or 3. I forgot that I really liked them. Probably because I like Devildriver better… lead singer, Dez Fafara’s other band.
Finally, it was time for MUDVAYNE. I LOVE them. We saw them at Aftershock for their reunion, but I really wanted to see them on their own. They did not disappoint. I’ve seen Chad Grey a couple times with HellYeah, but seeing him with Mudvayne just makes me happy. He’s also very passionate about mental health and speaks about it during any of his shows. He almost brought me to tears.
Did I mention that I needed tonight?