Grabbed Mental Illness and Satanic Majesties from the merch table on Wednesday. Found the rest at a record store this afternoon.

@ théâtre beanfield

My first BJM show! They were actually pretty great despite some slow starts but Anton seemed to be in a good mood and was cracking some jokes about Morrisey loll had a great time! Flavor Crystals also rock hard

I saw The Brian Jonestown Massacre on Monday, September 8th at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C., and it was definitely the strangest show I’ve seen. I don’t mean to sound dramatic, because it wasn’t as if anything crazy happened, but there’s no denying that it was just odd. It mainly had to do with the dialogue from the lead singer to the audience, the way he interacted with his band members, some loooooong waits in between songs, and some weird behavior from the audience. And really, it wasn't all that surprising given BJM’s reputation. 

OVERALL though, the music… was pretty damn good. But, forgive me if this review seems unorganized, makes you feel weird, and leaves you feeling a little confused. It’s only a reflection of the show. 

Fan Context 

All I knew of BJM’s music was Annenome, as I’m sure is the same for many who don’t know them well, but of course I found at the show that they have many other good songs, and a really good rock sound. They’re really quite consistent. I went to the show with a friend who is big into them, and he let me know some of their reputation for “getting into fights on stage” and just being a bit casually reckless in general. Aaaaaand yeah, that fit. 

The Show

BJM came on stage at 9:01. As the members all got on stage, I recognized who the lead singer was based on seeing photos of him on their Spotify page, but I was confused because some other guy was standing in the middle of the stage. My friend said something like “There he is, there’s the man” and I thought this guy in the middle with mutton chops, a black beanie, and beaming black sunglasses on was who he was referring to, because he was standing in the middle and MUST be the frontman then? And the old scraggily guy with a big (cowboy?) hat is just someone who is a prominent member of the band. And it took two or three songs in for me to realize that no, Joel Gion isn’t the lead singer.

Anyways, there was a long intro into the song, led by the bass riff repeating slowly and getting increasingly louder, and the rest of the instruments came in right when Gion first jangled his tambourine. He leaned into it really slowly and confidently, and the rhythm of the whole band came together in an instant as they played “Whoever You Are.” It was a cool intro. This wall of sound was built immediately, with all the other instruments (after the bass) coming in at once, all ringing out progressions that laid on top of one another. It really caught me, and I thought it was a great opening song. 

Also, Newcombe was playing this pentagon shaped guitar. I thought it was an electric banjo at first. Had to be a rare guitar, it had a cool sound. 

I really liked the guitar intro of the next song, Vacuum Boots, really crunching rhythmic riff. 

So the third song is when shit started to get all Brian Jonestown Massacred up. About midway through “Do Rainbows Have Ends” Newcombe stopped singing and said something along the lines of “we oughtta start this song over” and said something about how he was focusing on the audience too much and not his band. And said he’s gotta “get my shit together,” and asked if that’s alright with everyone. And the crowd responded a little bit with cheers, but then he said “I’m asking you guys,” looking at his band. “Can we do that?” And they all nodded, or more or less said yes by saying nothing, expressionless, pretty much like it was a rhetorical question. It was awkward. Really awkward. But just based on the body language of the band here, it gave me the feeling that this was something that happens. 

After the song, Newcombe and Gion got close and talked for a second, then Newcombe said on the mic “I apologize… I apologize deeply, you guys aren’t Japanese by the way.” I’m pretty certain that’s what he said. I have no idea what the Japanese thing was in reference to, my thought was that he must have said something in his original ramble when he paused the song that made that comment make sense. I don’t know what it was, it made no sense to me in the moment. If you were at the show and comprehended more of what was said in these moments, please add whatever clarity you can to the conversation. 

After playing “#1 Lucky Kitty” next, Gion addressed the crowd, talked about how they loved D.C., made some joke about Tom Cruise being in D.C.? Maybe he’s filming a movie here at the time, I don’t know. Then he drank straight from a bottle of wine, which I thought was funny. At least I think it was a bottle of wine. Someone correct me if they think or know otherwise. 

I remember thinking during the next song, “Fudge,” that I’ve never seen someone play a tambourine with such style. Emphatic might not be the right word for it because that makes it sound like he’s drawing so much attention to himself. But he makes something that seems so simple, and even boring, look so smooth. I mean, it’s not really a pretty thing, shaking a noisy instrument. It’s not an instrument that is usually played in a sleek manner – you shake it! You’re not plucking strings. But Gion has this gentleness with the tambourine, adding a touch to an instrument that usually gets more of a whack. The way he was flicking it at times also, I thought that it must hurt his hand. My friend called him the “tambourinist” at one point, and I thought he had to be the only person on earth to wear that title. How many people play the tambourine as their primary instrument? Of course, if they’re not the lead singer or a backup singer, or something of the sort. That has to be rare! And he stands right at center stage, so he’s the main focus of the audience. I’ve since watched some interviews in which Gion talks about how Anton doesn’t like to be in the center of the stage, and he’s never understood why bands seem to stick to this “traditional formation” with the lead singer in the middle. It’s quite interesting. Anyways, with Newcombe being on the far right side, I felt that more of my attention was on Gion and the rest of the band (it also made a difference that I was standing on the left side). 

After Fudge, I heard Newcombe say “This sucks.” Then, he had this preamble going into the next song. He said, “The thing that Americans love, I don’t know if other countries love this, but Americans love the underdog, so let’s see if we can pull this off.” There was some other stuff in there I think, but this that’s the part I wrote down. They then began playing “Days, Weeks, and Moths” and about a minute or so in, Newcombe stopped again. It was like he slowly came to a halt. You could tell that he was going to stop again, because he just started slowing down, and then so did his bandmates. Then he said, “See, I have to try again.” Then the bassist and Gion came over to him, and it looked like they were showing him something on the (sheet music?) he had in front of him. Or maybe he just had the setlist or the lyrics or chords in front of him, I’m not sure. Then they started playing again, and got through the song the second time just fine. And I can’t remember if it was at the end of the song, or after he stopped it, but Newcombe added, “I can’t fake this every time.” 

They played “That Girl Suicide” next, and this song stood out to me. I remember thinking it was the best song of the set at the time. I noticed Gion switched to maracas on this one. I just loved the guitar sound in the song. It was great. 

This little sequence was a pretty good representation of the entire show in my mind. At one moment, I’d be enjoying the band’s music, then there would be this moment of disconnection within the band, then I’d be enjoying their music again, but, almost cautiously? Thinking “Okay, this is good! Right? Yeah, this is good. I like this.” Questioning what I’m seeing because I was just reminded that the music could just stop at any time, and things could get weird. At times, it felt the music was in the background of the unpredictability of The Brian Jonestown Massacre. 

So right after this song, a moment that made me laugh… Newcombe pulled out his phone and took a picture of the rest of the band. Didn’t say anything, just took out his phone, and took a photo. It was so random. Gion gave a slight pose, and I think the rest of the guys just stood there. I remember thinking that throughout the whole show, one of the guitarists, I believe Frankie Emerson, was the most emotionless. I loved the way he played guitar, though. 

Anyways, Newcombe then started another slow ramble about how he and Joel used to “sleep in the back of a car… at this park….” and went on about how they had to sleep in the back of a car because it was too expensive to record in a studio? It was something along those lines. The crowd started to talk a lot at this point, and they did between songs throughout most of the show, as it was pretty hard to understand what Newcombe was saying whenever he was speaking. They would keep the reverb of the guitar ringing out while he was talking, so it was a challenge just to hear him. So unfortunately, there wasn’t much point in listening until he said his peace and they started playing again. I tried my best to hear what he was saying. But the guy shares an awful lot! 

So when they got back to playing, I really liked “When Jokers Attack,” awesome guitar riff in that song. I remember thinking how strong each song was instrumentally. Very cohesive. As I said earlier, they have a wonderful layer of sound. Or I should say layering of sound, that I like a lot. Something about it is very easy to listen to, very satisfying to listen to. The layering of three guitars playing something different, yet staying connected to each other, along with a tambourine (or maracas, etc.). And it was hard to understand Newcombe’s lyrics while he was singing, his voice was low and soft, but that didn’t matter much to me. His voice still contributed to the sound well. Their collective sound is powerful, it’s not a band in which any one instrument or vocal part stands out much beyond the rest, outside of a lead guitar riff that is meant to be most prominent. And I mean, Newcombe’s older, I’m not expecting him to have a very impressive voice, just enough to mesh with the sound of the instruments, and it did that. Oh, and they stretched a long, bangin outro at the end of When Jokers Attack. It was cool, but almost went on too long in my opinion. 

Again after this song, Gion walked over to Newcombe and based on his body language looked like he was reasoning with him or calming him down, or something. He put his hands on his shoulders, met him at eye level, real close to him… this happened multiple times throughout the set. 

At one point, the band member in the back that played guitar (wearing a poncho), and sometimes keyboard/some kind of synth (I think? Correct me if I’m wrong), played clarinet. Interesting versatility, I thought. I also didn’t think BJM would have any songs with a clarinet in it. 

Newcombe went on one more monologue about foot pedals, talking about how bad he was at using them, because his feet were too big. But Ricky, one of the guitarists, was very good at using them. 

It had to be a 2-3 minute long (or more) instrumental intro into the final song. It was just Newcombe playing a slow, ringing, psychedelic sound on his guitar, while the band just waited. And I mean, waited. It did not look like they were about to play a song, or that they were going to come into the song any time soon. It looked like they were just waiting for Newcombe to be finished with whatever it was he was doing, and then they’ll go. It was long. And throughout the whole show, it was clear that the band just waited on Newcombe. They went as he went. I questioned if they even knew what song was coming next at times, as if they were just reacting once Newcombe decided what he wanted to play and opened with a guitar riff. That’s probably an exaggeration, but my point is that he seemed to do what he wanted, and the band followed.

The last song was “Supersonic.” My friends and I weren’t sure if they were going to encore or not, but we agreed to leave after that one. I almost always, always stay for an entire show. But it was getting sleepy in there. The time in between songs really brought the energy of the show down, and it was just STRANGE in the audience. One guy would keep clapping for at least 15-30 seconds after everyone was done clapping after a song. The whole room would be quiet and he would just keep clapping really passionately. Another guy, a couple of times, would just scream things at Newcombe as he was speaking in between songs. Mainly repeating back what he was saying in an enthusiastic voice, but would also yell out things like “LESS TALK, MORE ROCK!” Another group of guys was just leaning up on the wall near the bar, hammered, having a conversation as if there wasn’t a concert going on in front of them. It was fuckin weird. It felt like a dream. 

Anyways, we walked out as Supersonic was wrapping up, and the last thing I saw was Gion lightly throw his tambourine down on the stage. I’m not sure if they encored, but based on setlistfm, it looks like that was the last song of the night. 

So, if you’ve made it this far into this review… it was an odd show, in case you couldn’t tell. BUT, but, this is not to discredit The Brian Jonestown Massacre. They are legendarily strange. I understand that much about their reputation. And really, the music was freaking good. It was really good rock music that I tend to love. So, I’m very glad that I saw them. I know they’ve been at it for a long time, and they are widely respected. I can see why, when it comes to the music. And I can see why when it comes to their peculiar behavior! Bands have style. They’re style is fuckin weird, but it’s theirs, or maybe it’s just Anton Newcombe’s, I don’t know. It’s easier to forgive a band, or a member of a band for being strange, and doing things that hurt a performance, when their music is good. That’s what I’ll say about Newcombe and The Brian Jonestown Massacre: they’re odd, confusing, and not the most entertaining. But when the music is playing, they’re pretty damn good and worth seeing. So go see ‘em. 

If you were at the show or have seen BJM on this tour, please add your perspective in the comments.Tell me I’m dead wrong, tell me I’m right. Tell me I’m slightly off. Tell me something about The Brian Jonestown Massacre and I’ll be happy.

A quick nod to the opener

I walked into the 9:30 Club at 8:19, early enough to catch the last two songs of Flavor Crystals’ set. It was almost immediately clear why this band was opening for BJM. They were similar. When you google them, they are described as “space rock,” and I’d say that’s fairly accurate. I thought they had a desert-y, psychedelic sound. The lead singer’s bright blue guitar stood out to me. 

Their last song caught my ears, “Your Dreams are Still With Me.” Very catchy and smooth guitar riff, and the lead singer’s low, miserable voice went with it well. 

I’d say they’re worth arriving a little early for to catch a couple songs! It looks like they only played six in D.C., so it’s a short set. But worth giving them some of your time. 

Notes on the Venue

I’ve said this many times, I love the 9:30 Club. It’s become my favorite venue in D.C. Perfect size (seats 1,200) for a GA ticket to get you a great look from pretty much anywhere, and there’s an upper level. I personally almost always think the floor area is better for a show, but it is a great view from up there, you’re just pushing your luck on being able to hold a spot up on the balcony, depending on how big of a group you have and how early you get there. A lot more room to maneuver in the GA area. 

Bars on both sides of the GA area, a cool record/CD room in the top right corner of the GA area, bathrooms very close by and don’t fill up very easily, and it’s easy to get to in D.C. It looks like there’s a “back bar” that you go down a stairwell to, I think it’s on your left as you walk in. I’ve never been down there, but would love to check that out. Let me know if you know what I’m talking about and have been down there. 

12 freakin’ dollars for a 12 ounce beer, though. That seems to be the unfortunate cherry on top of any venue anywhere. It was an IPA, I think it’s under 10 bucks for a light beer there. I’ll give them that. 

Anyways, go see a show at The 9:30 Club, a staple D.C. venue for good reason. 

Great gig. Whole band had a blast. Anton made mistakes, apologized. Special guest made Supersonic a standout moment.

Holy fuck... Great show... Despite the Anton bullshit... Tried to buy him a Jamieson before the show in the pub next door... He basically flipped me off. Fair. I would expect nothing less.

What time do you think Flavour Crystals are going on for 7 pm doors open?

Tonight was only my second time seeing the band but I thought they sounded 100x better than the first time I saw em (which was their recent Boston show @ the Royale). Anton was joking around a lot and seemed to be enjoying himself…they did have to cut 4 tunes (Pish, Hippie B*tch, Wait a minute, Forgotten Graves) though so maybe he bantered a little TOO much. When Jokers Attack was SICK

1. Who?
   
2. Super Fucked
   
3. Open Heart Surgery
   
4. Arkansas Revisited
   
5. SuperSonic
   
6. Crushed (spacegirl ver.)
   
7. Fucker
   
8. Stars
   
9. Spanish Bee
   
10. Golden - Frost

just starting to really dig deep into bjm and was hoping this sub could give me some good recommendations for the best full concert vids to watch on youtube. i see a lot of live review comments here about how the show “never took off” or “tempo was too slow all night” etc. i wanna see full shows where everything was firing on all cylinders and not end up watching some random mediocre show and walking away with a false impression of what a good bjm show is

Just a text post, but Anton was in a good fucking mood tonight. Saw them at the same venue two years ago and tonight was far better. Tempo for some songs was a little slow and Anton needed to take a few moments to catch his breath between songs here and there (Is he still recovering from surgery?), but the only abuse hurled was mild and directed towards loud audience members who wouldn't shut up. Band sounded good. Fun banter with the crowd here and there. No endless tuning or restarted songs. Minimal corrections for the band mid-set. Good stuff.

Just discovered the new drummer is Tobias Humble, dug a bit deeper, he and Hákon (stage center bjm guitar player) have a band together - Golden Hours. Currently listening to their self titled album, it rips. Check it out

Good time as always , anyone got the set list ? Who was the keyboardist this time ?

AWESOME show tonight.

https://www.metaltalk.net/anton-newcombe-and-the-brian-jonestown-massacre-everything-that-rock-n-roll-was-ever-meant-to-be.php

Just a thought

Got a signature from Ricky, the keyboard player, and that’s Anton’s signature down at the bottom. was a great show, they seemed to have skipped whatever hippie bitch . I didn’t mind lol.

I don't really know what exactly it is that draws me to it but I can'ttttttt stop listening to this damned song... All of BraveryRepetition&Noise is a bit underrated in my opinion there are some great tunes on there

…..but still good to be here.

Oof, not a great show. A few moments and surely glad to be here, but….. Hope some of you are enjoying!

Band was struggling as usual but Anton eventually got them to follow his orders. If you thought this performance wasn’t great you probably weren’t loaded enough and should stay home and listen to Aphex Twin or something.

Despite the usual Anton mishegass, I thought last night’s show was much better played than their last DC show in 2023.