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Ahh, the Rev. I've been a big fan
of his music for years now, and when I found out that the band would be making
a stop in Bend on this most current tour I immediately told everyone I know
that they had to come to it. I had my reservations about how crowded this
particular show would be due to the fact that it was 21+ only and I wondered
if there would be enough fans of the Rev in Bend to fill the Midtown Roller
Rink. Arriving at the venue I was very surprised with the turnout, as it was
much more crowded than I expected. Only two bands would be playing tonight and
the opener-Unknown
Hinson soon started their set. Hinson himself appeared on the stage,
sporting what I assume to be fake sideburns and fangs. His dark hair and
facial expressions as he sang made him appear like Bela Lugosi style Dracula,
but all dressed up to be the front man for a rockabilly band. The band
launched into an entertaining group of songs about women, how rock & roll
is straight from hell, and even a modified version of "I fought the law
and the law won." but changed to end with " and I won."
Hinson's excellent guitar work and no nonsense stage persona left the crowd
very happy and ready for the main attraction of the evening: The
Reverend Horton Heat.
The Rev and gang put on an excellent show this
evening, rolling through a wide variety of songs across the bands entire 10+
year career. I'm constantly impressed with the skill of The Rev (aka Jim
Heath), Jimbo, and Scott. All three men are masters of their chosen
instruments, and each member gets a chance at least one in the shows I've seen
to solo with their tool of choice, be it the Rev on guitar, Jimbo on standup
bass, or Scott on drums. As always the song content from the band kept the
crowd very entertained and loving every minute of it. Everyone likes songs
about beer, girls, drugs, drinking, and girls. Ever the entertainer the Rev
and gang kept up a good repertoire with the crowd, but this is sadly where I
have to say I was very disappointed with the show. I've had the pleasure of
seeing this band several times now, and each time they had the same basic shtick
they went through with the crowd, only changing the name of whatever city they
happened to be playing in that particular night. "I tell ya,
_________(insert town name here) has the best looking women ever. It must be
something in the water because there are some beautiful ladies here in
_________." Overall I had a damn good time at this show, it's one of the
better bands ever to grace our humble little town, and with any luck we'll
continue to see more bands of this style rocking Bend in the future.
