Andy Frasco and the U.N. vs Big Something (RVA Royal Rumble)

Andy Frasco and the U.N. vs Big Something (RVA Royal Rumble)
 
I once hailed, Andy Frasco and his wild onstage performances as, “the closest thing to the WWE in the music world.” Last night, these visions came true. Included in this augmented reality were the heavy hitting, Big Something, who have amassed quite a following over the past few years. While Andy is my clear favorite, I wasn’t sure what the night had in store or if he could keep the run of outstanding performances going. Never short on energy, Frasco comes alive onstage, transforming into a beast, a creature of music. His base instincts kick in: party, rage, drink, and fight. It’s the heady mixture, the musical brew; the alchemical reaction we all have when it’s time to party. No need to review the songs just one will do, “Blame It On The Pussy” was played and I’m glad to see it’s still alive and well. It was certainly the crowd favorite of the night. I totally caught a few people, who will remain nameless, in the bathroom making exuberant amounts of sniffing sounds... cold and flu season is going around. Nonetheless, everyone was having a blast in RVA.
 
Big Something aren’t always my favorite band, not because of their obvious talent but some of their songs don’t connect with me due to their almost, Alt-Rock nature. This show however completely shattered all my expectations of what BS can bring to the stage. While I’d love to see them take more chances and improv more, they still brought The Broadberry down. I am very impressed with the growth from guitarist, Jessie Hensley and the rhythm section in general. They seem to have grown exponentially as musicians. I am sure I will be seeing this band again on summer tour.
 
At the end of the performance, both bands would join the stage together in a massive throw down that would see wrestling moves, erroneous dancing and even, a pole climbing competition. I think that’s about the only thing that pole is good for. Both bands would play Peter Gabriel’s, “Sledgehammer” and The Talking Head’s seminal classic, “Psycho Killer,” all wearing Luchador masks and jumping on top of one another. Oh, and I must touch on Kyle Ayers who was the referee and opening comedian. I certainly was not expecting to hear comedy that evening and honestly, didn’t pay attention. I guess my headspace was not ready for this combination. After reviewing some of the other videos and shows, I have come to the conclusion that, Kyle, did a great job opening up the audience and his birthday roast of “Sweet Dick” Andy Frasco was hilarious. I want to commend everyone involved for taking chances and trying something different.
 
These two bands are very important to the up-and-coming Jam scene that we have all have been cultivating for the past few decades. Things have been changing but what remains the same is the love for music and new ways in which bands carry us forward. Improvisation, long solos and collaborations are what make this world turn but stage presence and energy are just as important. Bands like BS And Andy Frasco and The U.N. are the reason that I am still going to shows and covering live music. Both bands keep this scene alive and we have to support them in anyway possible. Go see live music, support the music you love and tell everyone you know. Better yet, take a friend to a show and you change their lives. It truly changed mine.
 
JBP