The Black 47 are an incredible party band. I think the problem here is where you decided to have a party. We headed out to Springfield MA, to catch an outdoor show with the guys (who for some reason never ever get this close to me!) and I was pretty darn stoked to meet up with the incredible Geoff Blythe. Got there right on time and was greeted by streets full of motorcycles. I just figured the band had a large biker following. No problems.
The band took the stage at 8 which gave me a couple hours to explore the city with nothing in it. What a wreck of a place littered with junkies strip clubs and billiard halls it was like a comic book of life fail. I often wonder why we never go to gigs in this city- there are no clubs that chicks aren't paid to take their shirts off. 'nuff said.
The band got on stage and I was tugged in by their unique 'Celtic rock' sound. I had heard them recorded but never live, they were fantastic and polished. I totally want a piccolo now, by the way or bagpipes those that's not ladylike. I'm gonna jam with them–anywhere but Springfield.
We made it through three songs. A fantastic rendition of "Three Little Birds" which is adorable when you swap in an Irish accent for the Jamaican. I love Larry Kirwan's vocals and energy. He took that crowd and owned them like a cool MC, unfortunately he was playing to the throngs of drunk bikers.
I am not a part of their 'culture' I believe if your boobs are smaller than your gut you should maybe size up on the shirt. I'm not a fan of the entire mentality and I was in a vortex of drunken wonder and cigar smoke. It saddened me that in each attempt to get closer to the stage to escape the drunken smoking hackers I would bounce from one beer bellied hog rider to the next. I am no prude and have been in some of the most dangerous and most filthy clubs in the world- this was worse. I actually stopped to speak to a police officer on my way out. Apparently the city dubs these 'biker Thursdays', had I known this in advance I would not have gone, so in away I am glad. I really loved the band (just as Iman said I would) I asked if this was a typical crowd- and the officer stated this band had a bigger draw. That pleased me, these guys are great even if these people who were out tonight were not my scene I'm still glad their following is loyal.
I understand 'biker nights', it brings in money on booze and cigarettes and there is plenty of discretionary income for it since none is spent on hygiene or dental care. Yeah, I went there. I will never understand the movement and I avoid it like the plague.
To Geoff Blythe and the amazing Black 47, I promise to come see you again in a different setting. I will make the venture to see GIBlythe as well- I am really taken by this unique blending of sounds and excited to learn more. If you'll excuse me I need to take shower in bleach.