Bad Brains at the Summit Music Hall

Neither Bad nor Soul, just Sad Brains Perhaps the most popular "concert review" I've ever written was my 2001 column about Bad Brains. At the time, they were going by "Soul Brains" and I wrote about their show in a very positive and uplifting way. In truth, I wasn't exaggerating, as that concert still stands out as one my favorite live expereiences. As a direct result of that review, over the years, I've continuously received complimentary feedback, updates from other Soul/Bad Brains fans and even a thankful email from the band's bass player, Daryl Jenifer. Sure, there was no way to validate that it was, in fact, from Daryl... but there was no real harm in me believing it was.

I've been a on a live music kick recently, so when I saw that Bad Brains were returning to Denver on a Friday in LoDo, it was a given that I would attend. I was expecting another great experience and wasn't shy about bugging my friends to also get tickets.

We got to the Summit Music Hall around 8:30 in the midst of the opening local band, "The Other Russia". They had a tubby, bearded, lead singer who seemed to scream a lot. Their songs seemed rather scattered and I honestly couldn't get a good feel for them. I was waiting for a song to stick in my head, but it wasn't happening. Instead, I took a few minutes to check out the "Summit Music Hall", since it was my first visit. Just down the street from Coors Field, this place has been everything from a nightclub, sports bar and was even the short-lived "Lodo Music Hall" in the late 90's. It has a bar at the back, which allows you to plop down and actually see the stage without having to turn around. Sure, you have to look through some taps, but considering how packed the place can get, it's appreciated. The place has a very stern-looking industrial feel throughout, with rigid metal mesh covering the lights and a square overhead balcony with a landing on each side. Size-wise, I'd say it's much bigger than the Ogden; but not as cavernous as the Fillmore.

As the Summit filled up to capacity, real estate became scarce, so we camped out at our bar spot. The next band was another local product, Frontside Five. I've seen these guys a few times before and they were definitely a step up from the first band. Their sound is similar to something you'd find on the Warped Tour, but a bit on the heavier side. From our vantage, the lead guitarist looked a little like Glenn Danzig, with his black greasy hair and muttonchop sideburns.

In between acts, we did some People Watching to get a gauge on the crowd. Mixed bunch, as there were a few kids in their 20's, but mostly older folks in their 30's and 40's sporting black t-shirts that were just as old. A few concert denizens looked they could guest star as the "un-sub" on Criminal Minds, but that's really nothing new. Our award for "Weirdest Concert Un-Sub" went to a skanky bleached blonde in her 40's, who broke out the old Motorcycle Captain's Hat to compliment her worn black leather outfit.

Attitude Right Brigade Sailin' On Regulator Jah Love Give Thanks and Praises Universal Peace F.V.K I Luv I Jah Soulcraft At the Movies Re-ignition Pay to Cum I Against I

Bad Brains finally took the stage and launched right into "Attitude". For the record, they've dropped the "Soul Brains" idea and have been simply "Bad Brains" for the past several years. Dr. Know was wearing a camo-patterned top and was in synch with his longtime partner Darryl Jenifer. The two have always meshed well together and this was no different. With his advanced age, Know now looks he could be an art professor at the local state college, while Jenifer looks like a taller, more bad-ass, version of Snoop Dogg. In a twist, lead singer HR was actually playing his own guitar as well. Perhaps he was just playing a few chords or random notes, as it appeared he was only using his left hand. The mild animation was needed, because as soon as HR shed his guitar, he just stood there...crooning along as if he was waiting for a bus to arrive.

Indeed, there was minimal crowd interaction, as the foursome (also including drummer Earl Hudson), just played their music. They included a few staples like "Right Brigade", "F.V.K" and "At the Movies". But also blew through a very rapid version of "Sailin' On". I wasn't until about a minute in the tune that I realized: "oh, this is Salin' On". Also included was the obligatory "Stuff from Our New Album", which featured a few tracks from their 2007 album "Build a Nation". They even blew right through two reggae tunes, "Jah Love" and "I and I Survive". The crowd was definitely more into the hardcore numbers, but I was more than a little disappointed that the reggae cuts were just played in a business-like manner. In my previous encounters with Bad Brains, I felt that they were into the tunes and putting their feelings into them. This time out, the entire setlist felt like the band was just punching a clock.

They ended their set in about an hour after playing "Pay to Cum". Unless I missed it, the band didn't say "Thank you, good night", as they just left the stage. They returned shortly to play a one song encore with "I Against I". That sparked me up a little and the crowd was even chanting along with the sing-along sections in the middle of the tune. Everyone expected more, but the hall lights turned on and the show was over. Again, I was disappointed. A short encore? Can't they dust off "Daytripper"? A roadie then came out on stage to snap a picture of the crowd for the band's scrapbook and we knew it was time to hit the road.

Maybe it was because I had pumped up this show to so many people, that I was doomed for a letdown. Sure, the tickets were cheap ($23 plus fees), but I expected a more organic experience; not the rigid performance I got. I was like both the band and me deserved something more. Whatever the cause, I felt like I could have stayed at home, cranked up some old Bad Brains and had the same experience.

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