Bouncing Souls @ Grand Arcade
Tuesday, 06 January 2009 10:22
The day after Christmas, the Bouncing Souls threw what was basically their 20th birthday party—a three-night 
extravaganza of music and fun at the Grand Arcade in Asbury Park, NJ.
These were the second annual “Home for the Holidays” shows, and were supposed to take place at the Stone Pony a few blocks away. Because of renovations, the celebration was moved to the Grand Arcade on pretty short notice. Imagine going to a raucous show in what (for lack of a better description) is a mini-mall, and you can imagine this. The Grand Arcade is basically a mini-mall between the Paramount Theater and the Convention Hall of Asbury Park—except, unlike an Avril Lavigne video, this mall was made up of bars, a stage, a giant Christmas tree and more Jersey souvenirs than you could ever want.
The first night featured Static Radio, L.E.S. Stitches and Spanish Bombs making rounds before the Souls. Spanish Bombs filled in for The Casualties who were originally supposed to play, but didn't make it due to singer Jorge's hospitalization—a likely story. From what I hear, they were still working out the kinks in the sound system that night, but I'm sure it was still a good time.
I went the second night, got to meet the Souls (lifelong dream), and had a fucking blast! This was basically “Old School Jersey Night” with the line-up featuring some local legends. Higher Giant was the perfect opener. They really set the stage for what was to come, and then came Vision. Man, I haven't seen Vision since high school, and I had no idea they were still around. I can honestly say they're still as awesome live as they were back then, except they don't dress like thugs anymore. Token Entry reunited to play before the Souls. Having only heard stories about them, it was great to see that band in the flesh.
The Souls took the stage dressed in cheesy Christmas sweaters, and began to play to the fully-packed arcade. When you're obsessed with a band, the set list will always leave some to be desired, and this was no different. But even though I would have died to hear “Old School”, I was still completely satisfied with the set. Classics, covers and even some new songs they'll be releasing this year. The pit was outta control. Only at a Bouncing Souls show can you make 35 new friends over the course of a two minute song. It was really a spectacular show.
I can only imagine what the third night was like, as the modern day Jesus Christs of New Jersey, the Gaslight Anthem, played with the Souls. But I'm still happy I went on the hardcore night.
The best part about all this is that the Souls were surrounded by family, friends, girlfriends and fans old and new. You could really feel the love in the air. People that have been characters in Bouncing Souls songs for years, like Timmy Chunks, Johnny X, Kate (is Great) and plenty of others, came out to support this band—their friends—on their 20 Year Anniversary. Well boys, here's to 20 more.
- Kyle Timlin
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
