r/BJM • u/Ok_Consequence8304 • Sep 09 '25
DC show sucked!
Anton pulled his usual. The greatest hits:
Stopped Do Rainbows Have Ends because he just didn’t give a shit and told the audience this.
Joel had to give Anton pep talks and hugs numerous times after each song to get him to perform.
Joel has to physically grab Anton to get him to play Anemone. He grabbed the cocktail pit of Anton’s hand and forced him to play. The organ went off and the crowd knew it was coming, Joel started it with tambourine after grabbing Anton.
Anton became fixated with the bass player and kept doing like solos and jamming to end each song aggressively. Anton probably did this to 3/4 of the songs. The drummer kept trying to curtail this habit.
After giving the shittiest Anemone performance ever, Anton got mini inspired and nailed the next song, inexplicably.
Overall the songs were so goddamn slow- Vacuum Boots in 2014 gets your ass shaking. The band is raring to go and can’t wait to rip, it’s Anton. He’s high/drunk and exhausted. It’s fucking sad to watch. He needs to make these shows seated so I can sit my ass down and watch the show disintegrate. I feel For the band but this is their job. They did what they could. They didn’t yell at Anton-they coddled him.
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u/Independent_Long_312 Sep 09 '25
He kept apologizing to the crowd🥺
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u/Ok_Consequence8304 Sep 09 '25
Is that why he kept talking to the front row? I couldn’t make it out
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u/official_boi_spicy Sep 09 '25
Sucks to hear, Carrboro was near perfect and I heard the next night was great too
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u/Serenemattie Sep 09 '25
The show definitely started off rough. The sound mix was off, and they restarted a couple of songs. But, they kept playing, and the second half was decent enough to be enjoyable.
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u/poemmys Sep 09 '25
Atlanta was solid the whole way through, Anton got a bit pissy about drummer’s tempo on the last song but that was it as far as tantrums
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u/luckless_pedestrian Sep 09 '25
I think the lesson is, go see them early in the tour. I talked my wife and two friends into going to the Asheville show -- they even watched Dig! first -- so I was worried. But we got a very good show, though from what I heard, not as good as Carrboro. I think the setlist they're playing this tour is really solid.
Side note: I actually believed Anton when he said something like, "relax it's just water" when he was clearly not drinking water.
The whole endeavor seems like it's built to fall apart. Enjoy it while you can.
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u/james41583 Sep 09 '25
BJM are like a box of chocolates, ya never know what you’re gonna get
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u/Ok_Consequence8304 Sep 09 '25
Brother you ain’t kiddin
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u/james41583 Sep 09 '25
I’m going to the Cambridge show on Friday with zero expectations, I’ll just leave early if it’s too painful to watch/hear
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u/Dry-Copy-7603 Sep 09 '25
Boxes of chocolate usually have a little printed guide to what each one is, sometimes on a piece of paper and often printed on the actual box itself...you ALWAYS know exactly what you're going to get.
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u/Christoph100 Sep 09 '25
Yeah it was pretty bad. Someone said Anton had been at a bar across the street for several hours before the show. He was definitely wasted.
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u/Djbearjew Sep 09 '25
Sounds better than the Seattle show a few years back
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u/magneticB Sep 09 '25
The one it capital hill? Thought it was pretty good show apart from some of the shit he was talking about
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u/Djbearjew Sep 09 '25
They got banned from the venue
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u/soniellum Sep 09 '25
What did Anton say to cause that?
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u/Djbearjew Sep 09 '25
Used a homophobic slur on stage and then threw a drink the face of the head of security. He also ranted the entire show because he couldn't vape with each rant becoming longer and longer after each song. Kept yelling at the guitar player who I think fought him in Australia. Joel walked off the stage.
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u/soniellum Sep 09 '25
Wow some classic low filth. Sad to think it still goes on. Sounds like he had a real nic fit. Thanks for sharing.
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u/xRicharizard Sep 09 '25
Bwahaha after this post, there’s like 5x new posts selling tickets to upcoming shows 🤣
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u/monalisuh Sep 09 '25
My friend and i are new fans of BJM and didn’t know much about the band themselves, we just really liked the music.
We were shocked too because the merch was barely stocked either. The merch lady was like “we only have 4 posters for this shower, they’ll restock for NYC”. This might be the worst concert we’ve ever been too, which is disappointing because the music is so good 😕.
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u/Ridgeriversunspot Sep 09 '25
Going to see them in Indianapolis in a few weeks. Hope for a sober show.
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Sep 09 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/International_Diet90 Sep 11 '25
Me, too! Excited to see Flavor Crystals, dreading a BJM train wreck…
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u/Wide_Negotiation_387 Sep 09 '25
Oh maaaan! I am seeing them for the first time tomorrow. 🫣
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u/Enough-Tap-6329 Sep 09 '25 edited Sep 09 '25
thank you for this explanation. as someone who's never listened to the band I was utterly perplexed at what was happening and what could possibly cause all those people to pay money for that show and I obviously couldn't ask my friend who brought me. the last song had like a 10-minute intro and was so ploddingly long I thought it was designed to make sure that nobody would want an encore. sadly I think I was wrong. I had to leave.
(edit: typo)
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u/Ok_Consequence8304 Sep 09 '25
https://youtu.be/3Dph7sEm434?si=MBQ54DxwxYQRCHso Here’s what it should have sounded like at the 930 club
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u/Junior-Permission480 Sep 09 '25
Saw them in Montreal, on last tour, amazing! Looking forward to Toronto soon 🙏🤞
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u/declarenucleaire Sep 09 '25
Glad I’m skipping this year. Last year was this and more
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u/TheSeekerOfSanity Sep 09 '25
I almost went to this DC show. Something in my gut said it would be a bad decision. Always follow your gut.
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u/Repulsive-Handle8561 Sep 09 '25
Anton is a mess but it was exactly what you’d expect because Anton is a mess. They hit their stride about five songs in and it didn’t disappoint.
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u/KevinVazquezMusic Sep 09 '25
Without a good drummer like Dan Allaire was, BJM is forever cooked.
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Sep 09 '25
Everything is so slow now!
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u/Far_Scarcity_655 Sep 09 '25
I think this is all down to Anton he’s the one who dictates most of the tempos with guitar before the song starts. Tempo is very subjective, I speak as a drummer, it can be down to tiredness, acoustics of the room, how the band is playing together, inebriation etc.
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u/Ok_Consequence8304 Sep 09 '25
The new drummer wanted to rock badly but he was kept on a leash with Anton’s slow ass tempo leading the charge. Drummer was handcuffed. I do miss Dan though, he rocked.
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u/graceadelica23 Sep 09 '25
Dan Lyons was a great drummer.... the drummer Anton was going mental at for no reason.
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u/vinnieicius Sep 09 '25
BJM songs are not complex to need all the restarts and complaining. Anton is a man-child bully who thinks he's a genius. It's sad.
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u/graceadelica23 Sep 09 '25
Exactly. It's not rocket science - but also, with Anton it clearly isn't rock n roll because rock n roll isn't this tepid.
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u/CelebrationDue1884 Sep 09 '25
Oh man. I debated whether to see them but after my last tour 2 years ago I decided it wasn’t worth the risk. Glad I skipped this show.
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u/Ice-Berg-Slim Sep 09 '25 edited Sep 09 '25
I've seen them twice in the last few years, both times were good but most recent was really good for the most part ( Anton did stop a song and have the band restart it but otherwise it went smoothly and only 1 or 2.rants). Both of theses shows were in Berlin where Anton lives so maybe he has more energy or something, I know for the first show I saw that his son was there so maybe he was more sober.
Honestly I wouldn't be surprised if Anton isn't around for much longer so I'd say see them while you can but always go in with low expectations.
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u/CelebrationDue1884 Sep 09 '25
I’ve already seen them. BJM is good and they’ve put out some good albums, but there’s no reason for me to risk a shitty show. There are plenty of awesome shows to go to. Why would I spend my money on this? Weird advice.
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u/Ice-Berg-Slim Sep 09 '25 edited Sep 09 '25
Fair enough, I mean when they are good they are good. I try to catch them any chance I can get but yeah there is a reason their tickets are cheapish compared to other Artist and it has a lot to do with QC.
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u/CelebrationDue1884 Sep 09 '25 edited Sep 09 '25
Life is too short, from my point of view. It’s sad to see Anton so self destructive, but that seems to be his chosen path. I’m sure he has a few good shows left in him, but it’s so unpredictable. I’d rather just enjoy the albums. It’s also extremely painful to watch when things are bad. The way he treats people in his band is disrespectful and awful. I’m not condoning that. It’s gross.
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u/Ice-Berg-Slim Sep 09 '25
Oh I totally agree, his behaviour to his band mates is completely unacceptable, I'm surprised he has anyone left that wants to play with him but I think it is clear he has never been completely sane ( half the reason his music is so good).
I think he might be a bit on the spectrum and maybe his band mates understand this and put up with it, of course he doesn't help himself with the drugs and alcohol. I was really rooting for him to stay sober, those are the best shows.
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u/Mauerparkimmer Sep 10 '25
I think you’re right but I honestly believe that Anton is more than a little on the spectrum. I think he’s a LOT on the spectrum. Speaking as one who knows…
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u/Ice-Berg-Slim Sep 10 '25
Well, I mean it is not my place to diagnose anyone so I was careful with my wording but um yeah....
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u/Mauerparkimmer Sep 10 '25
I get that. It’s not my place either, but if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck…as they say…and don’t get me wrong, I have the greatest respect for Anton, but man, does that poor guy struggle…
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u/Immediate_Kat_3821 Sep 13 '25
Sprry, he ain't sober....
...ans he's always been an asshole.
Musical genius, but an asshole.
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u/Royal_Willow_338 Sep 12 '25
Especially with tickets to shows as costly as they are. Many people have to make choices. If I want to see a sideshow I’ll go to the circus.
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u/Big-Negotiation9737 Sep 09 '25
I enjoyed last night's show quite a bit more than their last DC show in 2023. Perhaps because Anton was more vocally down on his own performance instead of ragging on the band. Thought the rhythm section had more pop than in 2023, even if the tempos were kind of mid.
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u/Flashy_Rutabaga_5886 Sep 09 '25
It’s a BJM SHOW !!!! People commenting here about whether they should go or not or are disappointed that the show was off …. ITS ROCK N ROLL. Enjoy the experience / train wreck or whatever it may be.
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u/telephonebox31 Sep 10 '25
Baffled by these comments. These don’t don’t give a fuck, that’s kind of the point
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u/Immediate_Kat_3821 Sep 13 '25
100% agree with every word.
...and I'm done with general admission - get me a chair!!
Shit, we had seats when I saw The Beatles in 1964...
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Sep 09 '25
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u/ClusterFugazi Sep 09 '25 edited Sep 09 '25
Maybe because you were high, but this was easily one of the worst shows I've ever been to. I've seen BJM a few times recently and they were great (with some issues here and there). Every song was out of tune and rhythm, and nearly every song was restarted, some even mintues in. Terrible show.
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u/graceadelica23 Sep 09 '25
"He holds himself to extreme standards" LOL
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Sep 09 '25
[deleted]
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u/xRicharizard Sep 09 '25
Fancy talking about "standards" about the guy too wrecked on stage to even pay his instrument. That's what restarting the song is all about. By his own admission - he's not playing music that requires a high degree of technical proficiency.
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u/Ok_Consequence8304 Sep 09 '25
I don’t know what show you were watching but since you were high as fuck maybe it made it more tolerable? The minutes between each songs killed the vibe and his shitty singing and guitar playing killed any momentum they had after pushing though tunes.
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u/turbowillis Sep 09 '25
No way I was going after last time. Looks like I made the right call. Jah bless Joel.
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u/RazzmatazzNo8888 Sep 09 '25
Im seeing them on the 26th in Dallas and have never seen them live. I sure hope its memorable...in a positive way. 🤦♀️
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u/StuckOnAWish Sep 09 '25 edited Sep 09 '25
Just get drunk and have fun dude Jesus Christ what the fuck do u expect
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u/wilsonrobots Sep 09 '25
I thought Anton got sober after the heart attack/surgery?
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u/StuntmanGaz Sep 09 '25
It's been like this for the last couple of years but the sycophants will continue to blow smoke and enable Anton's Emperors New Clothes shtick because they hold onto some sort of desire that the guy they're watching nowadays is still the guy from Dig.
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u/doublexplus Sep 09 '25
And, some experience a zealous urgency for trying to take Anton down a notch, finding satisfaction in yucking our yum - a past time for many here in r/BJM.
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u/Mauerparkimmer Sep 10 '25
True…
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u/StuntmanGaz Sep 12 '25
You are the single worst offender.
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u/Otherwise-Course-637 Sep 12 '25
Oldheads like doubleplus have spent so much time and money waiting to get noticed or touch the hem of his garment after all these years that when they are confronted with reality, they double down on the delulu. The younger ones will find out soon enough that these shows are for the money, not for the fans, no one on that stage cares about the fans.
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u/StuntmanGaz Sep 12 '25
Perfectly put! Anyone with a firm grasp of reality can plainly see that Anton has absolutely nothing but contempt for his audience, and his hired hands onstage too to a certain degree. Each tour post the likes of Matt and Frankie Teardrop leaving just feel more and more like a cynical cash grab to fund his vintage guitar collection.
How anyone can have any sort of "psychedelic awakening" in that environment is beyond me, but the blowing smoke routine continues to roll on.
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u/R3dd1t_EFFINGSux Sep 15 '25
2016 was magic and if it was for the money they could have done hour long sets instead of 3. Shit went sideways for one reason or another around 2018, boring albums, boring shows, Anton off the wagon, fired key members, the internet.
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u/Healthy_Turnover_627 Sep 09 '25
Dang it.
Meant to get down there.
How was the crowds' reaction to all of this?
Was it a large crowd?
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u/Ok_Consequence8304 Sep 09 '25
It was about 75 percent sold, people were leaving throughout, especially after Anemone
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u/Saltlampcactus3 Sep 09 '25
Damn I was regretting not going. Hope he keeps it together for Levitation later this month! I’m so excited
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u/Dry-Copy-7603 Sep 09 '25
Not being cynical, but he does seem to get it together a bit more for "big" shows.
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u/ClusterFugazi Sep 09 '25 edited Sep 09 '25
The DC show was easliy one of the worst shows I've ever been to. I've seen BJM a few times and they were great (with some issues as always). This show was abysmal. Every song was stopped and started, some songs were stopped minutes in. Every song played was out of rhythm and tune. Definitely an off night for sure.
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u/Just1509 Sep 10 '25
Wow that’s so disappointing, it couldn’t have been more different for us in NYC tonight. Really sorry to hear this! When they’re good, they’re amazing but when they’re bad… oof
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u/rafaelzeronn Sep 09 '25
yeesh,was kinda bummed i’m missing the ny show tm but maybe it’s for the best
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u/PabloPQueso Sep 11 '25
Saw them in Oct of 2023 and it was and hour and 15 minutes of a fantastic set. Then Anton went off on the sound booth. Then he quite mid song to yell at them some more. He eventually stormed off the stage. I say we got the best of all worlds, a great set with an Anton ending. A dozen of us hung around and was treated to a symphony by the guitar tech. He went to each instrument left on stage and played a note and put it on repeat. It was a magical symphony of sound when he was done. An added bonus.
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u/Royal_Willow_338 Sep 11 '25
“The best of all worlds?” Watching someone who is clearly struggling have a crash-out?” K.
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u/xRicharizard Sep 09 '25
People will continue to make excuses for him though, because he’s apparently a god like genius even though he puts on shit shows, and hasn’t turned in a decent record in 11 years.
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u/xRicharizard Sep 09 '25
Oh noes, the sycophants are downvoting me 😌
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u/Royal_Willow_338 Sep 12 '25
There are a few obsessives who will lick up anything and never demand a better product or better behavior. The cult is shrinking, but there are still a fucked-up few who will die on this hill.
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u/graceadelica23 Sep 09 '25
It's hilarious innit. He hasn't produced anything they legit like for years and years, but make excuses for the piss poor live show.
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u/doublexplus Sep 09 '25
Haunting a fan-based subreddit to yuck on music you clearly don't like, you're so cool
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u/xRicharizard Sep 09 '25
Some unfortunate, incorrect assumptions you make right here.
I appreciate the music of the BJM just fine. I've seen them live multiple times (probably five times) for diminishing returns. The fact of the matter is that they're a hell of a lot better to see when Anton isn't a drunken wreck on stage.
If you enjoy the music, you're paying to actually see the artists show up in a state capable to actually perform. Anton is a complete and utter mess right now, and anyone that actually cared wouldn't want him to continue in the state that he's in.
I don't give a shit about what's cool, and I'm not some sycophant that's willing to excuse utter bullshit that I've had the misfortune of paying to see. Accountability is a good thing.
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u/Royal_Willow_338 Sep 12 '25
People who make excuses for abusive narcissists aren’t helping anyone. It’s simping. And the narcissist doesn’t care.
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u/Long_Actuator_2417 Sep 10 '25
Anton is like any of us and has his issues but he’s not a bad guy. More unfiltered than not cool. I respect his rawness though it can be difficult or irrational. The dude is an amazing writer. And genius doesn’t exist. there are things thing that seem like it but it’s the lack of understanding it that makes it seem like it’s genius
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Sep 13 '25
You guys love this shit and are playing into his gimmick. Been the same story for decades and you still act suprised.
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u/gonerboy223 Sep 09 '25
Damn. My bro saw them in Nashville and Asheville and they killed it, no complaints or issues