The energy level at the Canyon Club in Agora Hills on Friday night was high and the 80’s vibe was strong as the crowd anxiously anticipated the arrival of Fee Waybill and “The Tubes” to hit the stage. But before the hit band of 40 years of iconic music appeared, the opening band, “Se7en Reasons Why” with front man Mick Scott took the stage, and the floor, and the bar and the rafters!
photo courtesy of Judy Hansen Pullos
Se7en Reasons Why is a throw back band in hard-rock-80’s style that is known for heavy metal songs such as “Writing on the Wall”, “Living in the Now”, and the time appropriate song, “World Gone Mad”. Scott is an amazing performer and acrobat who draws the audience in with his piercing expressions and spontaneous gymnastics.
photo courtesy of Judy Hansen Pullos
He is backed by a talented and eclectic group of musicians including Jason Stalk, the primary songwriter, lyricist and lead guitarist of “Se7en Reasons Why”. Hiro Goto, the band’s violin player, is a well-known composer for singer-songwriters and films. He also serves as a live sound engineer and audio technician. On the drums is the versatile performer, Michael Villiers, who is considered the backbone of the band. Break Twomey rounds out the sound with his melodic bass playing and dramatic style. Together, “Se7en Reasons Why” creates an unforgettable, unique experience for their fans and audience members.
photo courtesy of Judy Hansen Pullos
With just enough break time to get a new cold beverage, The Tubes began to set up their equipment for their tour-through-time-and-space, back to the punk rock era of the 1980’s. The Canyon Club quickly filled with patrons and the hundred degree heat from outside began to leak into the venue itself. That didn’t stop the band and fans from rocking until their hair dripped with sweat.
photo courtesy of Judy Hansen Pullos
The phenomenal journey through 40 years of The Tubes music began with an instrumental performance by Roger Steen on guitar, Prairie Prince at the drums, Rick Anderson on bass and David Medd on keyboard. The audience was swaying with the melody waiting patiently for the arrival of the star of the show, and master of disguises, Fee Waybill.
photo courtesy of Judy Hansen Pullos
The audience jumped to attention and the hoots and howls began as Fee sauntered onto stage wearing a gorgeous, perfectly crafted Zoot Suit complete with hat and swagger. He opened the set with “You Never Can Tell”, followed by “Monkey Time”.
photo courtesy of Judy Hansen Pullos
His costume changes were almost as spectacular as the tunes he was belting out. He changed from his suit to a straight jacket, to a Quaalude shirt and pill box mask, to a ball gag with a bare chest and leather pants. After many other clothing changes, his fans were nearly brought to tears as he was escorted out onto the stage in a “Rocky Horror Picture Show” style drag queen outfit complete with 24 inch heals and sexy platinum wig.
photo courtesy of Judy Hansen Pullos
He belted out the cult classic “White Punks on Dope” and he truly mesmerized the audience. The band took over again as he once again changed his outfit.
photo courtesy of Judy Hansen Pullos
This time he appeared in a turn-of-the-century, red and white striped, barbershop quartet-style jacket and pants and wowed the crowd with “She’s a Beauty”.
photo courtesy of Judy Hansen Pullos
photo courtesy of Judy Hansen Pullos
The other songs that set the crowd on fire were “Life”, which he sang with passion and clarity, and he closed the show with two fan favorites, “Saw Her” and “Talk”. The night was magical, incredibly hot and excessively memorable. Two great front men from two different bands. The Tubes rocked the house like it was still the Reagan era. It was a great night of traditional, good old-fashioned rock and roll.
