Legendary metal band announces local show
Over the last couple of weeks I have been able to announce some cool shows coming to Augusta. Alice in Chains at the Bell Auditorium on May 1 has to be my highlight of them all so far.
This past Monday was no exception, when I was able to announce legendary metal group Down would be gracing us with its presence at Sky City on May 27. Maybe “grace” is not the right word to use when describing Down; fierce, loud and intense may fit a little better. Lead by former Pantera frontman Phil Anselmo, Down has been a staple in the metal community since the ‘90s.
At the beginning of their demise, Pantera was one of the elites. No one was better. Their 1994 album “Far Beyond Driven” is still one of my favorite metal albums of all time, and actually debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard music charts. Even with the band’s success, the following year is when Anselmo released Down’s first album, “NOLA.” Though there was some criticism from the devout Pantera fans, mainly mad that Anselmo was giving Pantera the cold shoulder, Down proved that as long as Phil was the lead, the band would be on top.
Throughout the years, Down has went on multiple hiatuses and through multiple member changes, but still proves to be a top act and one of the most requested to promoter Steve Hall, who is bringing Down to Augusta. This show will be insane, loud and full of black T-shirts and extra security. Tickets go on sale, Friday, February 15, at noon. For only $20 in advance, I vote on buying tickets early.
Even though the Fat Saturday Pub Crawl was last weekend, I have a feeling I am going to be bar hopping again this weekend. There are two shows on Saturday night that I am looking forward to and I don’t plan on missing. The first show is AcostA at Stillwater. This is AcostA’s first appearance at Stillwater and I already see myself there with a Hoplanta, my favorite beer at Stillwater. AcostA should be hitting the stage at 10 p.m., which works out great, because Ponderosa hits the stage at 11:30 at Sky City. I have been waiting for this band to return to Augusta. Ponderosa is one of those bands that just blows you away. Ponderosa will be joined by Cute Boots and Tikka, and it’s only $5. I recommend you download Ponderosa’s latest album, “Pool Party,” and get ready to see one of the next big bands. Mark my words.
If your Monday is open, you can head back down to Sky City for an early no-smoking show with Fishbone! That’s right, Fishbone. I was going to try and describe Fishbone, but that’s tough. Do rock, funk and punk cover it? Barely. This show is $10 in advance and $15 day of show. Have you seen some boobs for free lately? Okay, that came out wrong, let me explain. On Thursday, February 21, The Playground Bar welcomes back the Barb Wire Dolls. The reason I mention boobs is because last time they performed you could see some thanks to their lead singer, and let me tell you, they were glorious. The band is great live, so venture on over to the Playground for that.
I don’t know if this week’s article is all about Sky City or that they just have a ton of things going on over there, but mark your calendars for the 2013 Lokal Loudness Choice Awards on Friday, February 22. The annual awards show features some of your favorites from around the CSRA. Along with handing out some awards, enjoy live music from Celia Gary, False Flag, She N’ She, Stillview and The Ramblin’ Fevers. $5 will get you in the door, so go support local music.
Side note: the Grammys were this past Sunday night. Wow, does that award show suck or what? That’s a serious question; I skipped that crap and watched “The Walking Dead.”
What shows are coming to Augusta? Who do you want to see? Who’s your favorite member of GWAR? Email me at matt@themetrospirit.com.You Might Also Like:
