Every couple of weeks or so I try to diligently record a review of some local (or not so local bands) that I saw that weekend. People that read these reviews may get the impression that I really know my way around the clubs and byways of Detroit. Nothing could be further from the truth.
This weekend's "review" is basically a primer on how NOT to see a show in Detroit. Friday night was actually quite successful, with no hint of the debacle that would follow the next day. I stopped at the Magic stick and caught the set by the Mistreaters out of Milwaukee. This was the Magic Stick Christmas party and I was very surprised when the headliners, who were supposed to be the "Wild Bunch" turned out to look and sound exactly like the Detroit Cobras. It was a short set, but I certainly wasn't going to complain if a Christmas gift came early.
On Saturday night I faced a terrible dilemma: both the Buzzards & the Bomb Pops were playing. After carefully perusing the band listings I figured that with some quick driving and excellent timing I could catch both of my favorite bands at two different places. I got to the Lager House early enough to catch the Mistreaters again. They were lots of fun and I was already congratulating myself for an excellent plan. The Buzzards came on next and after some early equipment problems put on their usual excellent show. The crowd was hopping and everybody was anticipating the return of Bantam Rooster. However, I reluctantly passed on the boys from Bantam Rooster and headed for a quick ride to Lili's to catch the Bomb Pops.
The plan went as well as the Detroit Lion's season - I got to Lili's just in time to see the Bomb Pops finish their set. By that time it was already too late to get back to the Lager House and so - I MISSED both the Bomb Pops & Bantam Rooster. I could have just stayed home and saved myself the aggravation. Next week I will try to do something completely different and actually see the bands that I came for.
Well, at least the Ramones made it to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and I can hopefully catch both Bantam Rooster & the Bomb Pops soon again! And if you really need to see a band - don't ask me to get you there on time.