When front man Justin Furstenfeld walks on to the stage dressed in black with dark shades, the crowd erupts with the cheers of the faithful. Like a preacher he becomes completely engaged with his audience veins bulging and sweat pouring within moments of hitting the stage. The crowd shouts back his lyrics. Tears flow, hearts pound and fists raise. A united congregation of the faithful followers of Blue October. Their leader the emotionally volatile Furstenfeld commanding presence keeps us all entranced. That was three years ago, at Toads Place in New Haven CT. The first time I saw Blue October live. I'd never cried at a concert before, but the emotion ran wild and it will always be one of the best concerts I have ever seen.Bostons House of Blues hosted Blue October this time. Again Justin steps on stage clad in black, with dark shades opening to "Say It", there was a small difference this time. Justin seemed a bit more detached. There was no commanding the audience, no longer the preacher of emotional wisdom. He appeared tired, aloof, and almost angry. The most beautiful voice was strong and appropriate nailing every high pitch yell. No chills went down my spine. Rather I silently willed him to find his inner power. There was no interaction with the audience aside from a few obligatory points or the reaching out for the gift a wayward woman handed him (a necklace of some sort) that he tucked in his pocket. Where is the man who hovered over the crowd covering them in the sweat and passion of his words?
The band were great as ever. This time Ryan Delahoussaye taking over as the personality of the stage. Wielding a violin guitar and keyboard at once he used a loop to not miss a beat. For his work he earned a slap on the butt from Furstenfeld. They were guys hanging out and having fun. We were watching through the front yard windows. I really wanted to go in, to join them, to be part of it but we weren't allowed. The door was closed.
Blue October has the most awe inspiring music and lyrics of any modern day band. They are story tellers and each member fits a role. Musically wonderful, with the new addition of guitarist Juliane Mandrake. He was subdued and doing his job. Were they all just "doing their job'?
Justin sitting down to play the answering machine as the new band instrument of choice. I have said it before and I will say it again never leave Justin voice mail- you'll end up on a record. Ask his mom.. ask his ex wife. To play the intro to "The Flight" was voyeurism at its best. The idiotic women in the crowd screaming "JUSsss TIN we LOVE Youuuu" just proved that the audience just doesn't get it. Here is a broken man exploiting one of the most hurtful events of his life and you're screaming his name? I nearly belted the cow. But I also nearly belted Justin. We know of his emotional escapades and I empathize with them. Part of all of his fans want to protect him. But I will leave out the media frenzy of emotional disorders. This is a rock show, not Doctor Phil. The point here is to be a part of the experience you really should be paying attention to the vibe your leader sends out. Furstenfeld was sending out defeat. Defeat and anger with fits of fury but that's it. He wasn't asking you to join him either. He kept you at arms length as if afraid of more hurt.
The songs were there, from "Into The Ocean" to "Dirt Room" and back. He did not get 'preachy preachy' about his latest cause for Fathers rights. All he ever wanted was to be a father…
I absolutely adore this band. I have followed them like a cult for years now. The band started up in 1995 and today at 2011, they have grown and evolved in so many ways. Visually interesting and musically captivating their entire performance revolves around Justin Furstenfelds current passions and causes. Three years ago riding the high of the hit "Hate Me" and new fatherhood he was poised and in control. Last year on the intimate "Pick Up The Phone" tour for suicide prevention awareness he was candid but powerful. He shared but did not carry his baggage as a burden but rather in triumph. Contagious is not the word it was jaw dropping.
On Monday night in Bostons House of Blues, we saw yet another Justin. Could it be the almost 'too much information" material on their latest "Any Man In America" release? Was it perhaps the result of a difficult year? It doesn't matter. The show was very good, but not to the caliber I have come accustomed to.
By far the most amazing thing about Blue October collectively is the brotherhood of the band. Ryan, Matt, and blood brother Jeremy and now new guy Juliane seem to act as the constant in an otherwise erratic adventure. The best part about it? Vocal perfection. The worse thing about it- I worry for his life. Be strong Justin- your fans really do care.
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