Foxboro Hot Tubs @ THe Brickhouse

We have two reviews for you, one from our newest contributor Nathan Dobson and Stephanie Baldwin our resident photographer.   First, lets hear from Nathan!

Concert Review by Nathan Dobson, From The Crowd Contributor

Many people will say things of Green Day’s new, shall we call it style? They’ve been called posers, sell outs, and bandwagon jumpers. But last night’s show at the Brickhouse had nothing to do with the men behind American Idiot, or even the boys behind Dookie for that matter. Although The Foxboro Hot Tubs are technically Green Day in the most literal sense, this performance featured a whole other kind of beast.

The show could essentially be summed up in one phrase. Limitless Energy. Perhaps it was the fact that the audience was comprised ninety-percent of fans who were crazy enough to stand in the blazing sun for six plus hours (I myself being one of them), but front man Reverend Strychnine Twitch, also known as Billie Joe Armstrong to those of you less educated in non de plumes, held no qualms to get in the thick of it with the audience. Presenting the kind of alcohol fueled sin and debauchery that is rarely found in modern rock, Reverend Twitch left no member of the audience unloved. Where as most stars of their level would have cringed at the thought of fans getting close to them, Foxboro welcomed the love, turning half of the songs that night into an onstage dance party.

That was probably the most beautiful part of the entire show, that these performers, who had played music for crowds of over one hundred thousand people, could just as easily throw down in 500 maximum club. And through out the entire night, only one Green Day song was played, and that being the extremely deep cut track “Blood, Sex, and Booze.” I had personally expected to hear more Green Day material at the show, seeing as Stop Drop and Roll is only around 40 minutes long, but even without hearing a single mainstream Green Day song, the show was still fantastic. The Foxboro Hot Tubs songs are so well crafted, that even despite most people knowing none of the songs, the crowd was still singing along before the night was over.

I hate to sound as if I’m blindly worshiping Foxboro like some pre-pubescent fan boy, because their were a few minor problems to the show. One of course would have been the opening band, who didn’t even step onto the stage until nine o clock. I’m not sure if Girls With Guns usually puts on a performance like they did last night, but overall it felt as if they were purposely being bad to make Foxboro look better. Their singer was drunk beyond reason, and their sound tech had the kick drum so loud you could hear nothing else, but such is the way of things.

Overall, Foxboro puts on a show that should not be missed. While Green Day has become the arena rock juggernaut, the Foxboro Hot Tubs will remain the crazy after party that everyone really wants to be at.

Now, for Stephanie's Review of the Foxboro Hot Tubs

Sometimes you find yourself in the right place at the right time, even if it takes 10 hours to get there. This was the journey for many, on Sunday, May 25, 2008 at the Brickhouse in Phoenix when they got into line at 12pm, for the 10:30pm performance of the Foxboro Hot Tubs.

The faithful had gathered to hear, Reverend Strychnine Twitch (Billie Joe Armstrong) and the rest of the Hot Tubs (Mike Dirnt, Tré Cool, Jason Freese, Kevin Preston and Jason White), lead them through a pilgrimage of 60’s garage band rock, reminiscent of Anthony & the Sophomores, The Monkeys, The Kinks and other greats of that era. The congregation, ranged in age from seven to 67, perhaps even older, but one thing was clear, it did not matter what age group you were in, everyone was prepared to rock and have the time of their life.

“Come closer to me” beckoned the Reverend, decked out in a 60’s era wardrobe of a sheepskin jacket, bleached hair and Jackie O white sunglasses, “Come closer, that’s what we’re all here for tonight”. The crowd exploded with screams in response, as they rushed the tiny stage. The band erupted into the title track of their release, “Stop Drop and Roll!!” which was followed by “Mother Mary” and “Alligator”.

For the next song, the Reverend requested to have people come on stage, a rare thing during any concert, however, a common theme through the entire evening. For some, this was a chance of a lifetime, as they interacted with the band, dancing and signing along. After the first massive rush of the crowd on stage, the Reverend paused between songs, “Hold On”, he said, “everyone that was up here didn’t get kicked out right?” The Reverend continued, “Raise your hand if you were just up here”. About 15 people raised there hand, once he was satisfied, he moved onto the next song.

The evening progressed with the Hot Tubs playing tunes from their latest release (Stop Drop and Roll) and even covered a song, as the Reverend put it “By a band we hate, The Network” (a speculated side project of Green Day).

There was a raw energy in the air that was almost palatable. Perhaps it was created when the Reverend grabbed a small boy from the audience and carried him on his shoulder around the stage while belting out a tune or the first time the Reverend dived into the crowd himself. While it may not be possible to pinpoint the exact moment it was created, everyone in attendance realized that this was one of those once in a lifetime experiences, that could never be recreated again.

Don’t be fooled, the Foxboro Hot Tubs, are not just another side project for the boys of Green Day, rather the Hot Tubs are their own persona, and I have a feeling, they are here to stay.

If you have the opportunity to see one of these shows, don’t be an ‘American Idiot’, get there 10 hours early and prepare to have the time of your life.

Remaining Foxboro Hot Tubs Tour Dates:

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