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Catch 22 / River City Rebels / Madcap

live in Chicago
2003
live show

Review by: SaxxyRebel
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River City Rebels (link)

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Published on May 27th 2003

Alright so this show was at the Metro in Chicago, IL. In my opinion i think the Metro is possibly the best place ever for a show, its always packed, and always a good atmosphere, and of course, no exceptions on this night.

Now before when i had seen bands, like RCR and C22, they played smaller clubs like, The Fireside, and so on, but on a night like this, and on a tour , that hailed 4 victory records bands, it was obvious a larger venue was needed.

So im from springfield, and its quite a drive to windy chicago, so we left very early in the morning, and when we got their, to the metro, to our misfortune, there was a Cubs baseball game, so in otherwords, we had to pay 15 bucks to park somewhere for the day, luckily it was only about 15 mins walking from the metro, however, this was the first time i ever actually had to pay for parking, but whatever.

So we kill some time in Chicago, going to all the lousy places to buy shit in the are, like the Alley, aka: Big Hot Topic. Anyways.

We head back to the Metro around showtime, and of course bands are already there loading in and everything, and i noticed the sign on the metro, you know the one with the letters of bands playing, had changed, apparently another band was added, 10 mins before the show. And all i could think was that the times for sets would be cut short, but whatever.

Doors open, and we leave the crowded streets of Chicago and head in to the venues, where of the course the first stop is always merch, because if youve ever been there you know the merch stand is right by the front doors. Sp we buy a lot of merch, and head up to the balcony area, you know, to conserve energy for the headliners.

Fortunately, we didnt have to worry about conserving our energy during the first band, Stole Your Woman, they were one of those Pop Punk/Emo bands, a dime a dozen in Chicago, the only exceptional things to mention were the drummer and their cover of "Henry the VIII".

Next up was Count The Stars, another one of those typical victory bands, making $ off the popularity of the bands they sound like, who did it before them, and have built a fanbase, obviously you can tell im not a fan, of this nu-metal, emo garbage, and in my small town of springfield, it was always a "no-no" to push emo kids around at a emo show, cause they'd get hurt and cry about it, so i figured since it was the Metro it would be fun, and i's show these fucks was the soringfield kids were made of. So right after the first note, it was mayhem, well, as chaotic as it could be, for lousy metal-emo blends and about 50 kids watching. So anyways, i wasn't impressed with the first 2 openers.

Next up we had, all the way from sunny California, Madcap. Now i hadn't heard much from these guys, disk wise, but i saw them the first time they played warped, and on the last Mest tour, with catch 22, but i had no idea, their fanbase was so huge in chicago, it seemed like everyone had packed in the room, even before the headliners, so i knew i was in for some fun. And I couldnt have been more so right. It was a good time, you could tell everyone enjoyed them. Might i add, they are now signed on Victory records.

Alright, now next up was the slice of pie i originally came for, River City Rebels, apparently these guys were huge in chicago now too, which is very weird because, everytime i had seen them before it was in some small club, somewhere with 10-15 kids, so needless to say i was excited for them, they were playing a packed house at the metro, and on top of that they were filming for a video that night, so they must have figured the show was gonna go off as big as it did. Lights dim, crowd gets antsy, then they blast out on stage, and start rocking with their usual one minute opener, called "as the bend breaks" and from there forward is was chaos, they played all the classics, such as "6am" "daddy was a drunk" and "small town pride" off their 2nd cd, "playin' to live, livin' to play" and played way older ones like "hate" "millitary attitude" and closed with "thats the way" off their first cd "racsism, religion and war" and of course to promote the new cd "no good, no time, no pride" they played what i'd now call "crowd pleaseres" "no good" "aborted" and "lifes a drag" which ironically is the song they were shooting the video for, and they also pulled off the cover of Johnny Thunders "Chinese Rocks". If you dont like what you hear from them on cd's i suggest going to a live show, their energy and emotion into the music, will make you put them at the top of your list, for live shows, and as is the night could night get any better, Brandon the horn player smashed his trombone, how rock n roll, is that? Sure all the real punk smash their guitars and drums, but, only the band geeks smash their trombones. Rcr fucking rules, if you dont know about them, go see them live, and bring your energy.

Next up was Catch 22, now of course, if you throw 2 really rocking bands in right before the headliner, the crowd is kinda dead, not the case here though. Catch 22, is by far one of my favorite bands, but ive always though, their live show lagged, however the playing ability impressed me this time, but as always the energy is extremely lacking, its funny how i see pictures of these guys on the website and they are jumping around and shit, yet i never seem to catch them doing that live. So if nothing else about catch 22 tonight, they proved ska was on its way back into the hearts of its fans, after playing some of their new material, and suprisingly, playing a different song other then 1,2,3,4 for an encore, thats a first for me, and this has been my review.

Stole Your Woman - 4

Count The Stars - 5

Madcap - 9

River City Rebels - 10

Catch 22 - 9

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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, November 23, 2003 at 9:16 PM (EST)
My Score:

www.newdirexion.com

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 1, 2003 at 1:36 PM (EDT)
My Score:

I don't think it adds the flavor you think it does.

Posted by SaxxyRebel on 2003-06-01 13:34:52
My Score:

It adds flavor man.

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 1, 2003 at 12:20 PM (EDT)
My Score:

This is anoother review that could do without the whole inclusion of "my adventure before I got to the show".

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 1, 2003 at 12:18 PM (EDT)
My Score:

My name is Douche Mc Suck, because Springfield sucks.

Posted by SaxxyRebel on 2003-06-01 12:01:58
My Score:

whats your name?

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, June 1, 2003 at 2:40 AM (EDT)
My Score:

hey im from springfield, il

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, May 31, 2003 at 1:07 AM (EDT)
My Score:

All these bands suck. Catch 22 was one of my favorite bands a couple years ago, I still pop in Keasby Nights once a week. But their live show has gotten soo bad that I wouldnt pay 5$ to see them. The timing is completley off and they play everything so damn fast.

Posted by SaxxyRebel on 2003-05-29 23:52:15
My Score:

Well im more into this shit then most people would expect someone from springfield IL to be, and river city rebels is my number one band. i know more about them, then they do sometimes it seems!

Posted by harry_the_dentist on 2003-05-29 23:30:41
My Score:

RCR really are a great live band. I saw them last year when i didnt know who they were at an eagles club or elks or moose club anyways they drove 9 hours ot play 2nd in front of 20 kids who didnt knwo them and they kicked ass and played one of the best sets i had ever seen (other than ltj) it made me a fan. and eventhough i dont liek their cds all that much i will continue to support them because of their show and for giving it their all when most bands wouldnt have

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, May 29, 2003 at 7:39 PM (EDT)
My Score:

"and they also pulled off the cover of Johnny Thunders "Chinese Rocks"."

Actually, Dee Dee Ramone wrote that song. But, at least you know Johnny performed it. Some other reviewer would have sited it as a "new song from an upcoming album".

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, May 29, 2003 at 3:48 PM (EDT)
My Score:

Wow. You're impressively unfunny and right wing. Way to go... for idiots.

Posted by SOYBOMB on 2003-05-29 11:03:17
My Score:

I've seen River City Rebels like 4 times... That's enough for me.

I remember one of them eyed me funny at The Temple in Brooklyn a while ago when he was talking about how much he hated George Bush and I yelled "I LOVE GEORGE BUSH!"

Peace,
-SOYBOMB-

Posted by FortyMinutesWest on 2003-05-28 23:39:46
My Score:

I helped free the slaves helped end the bloodiest war ever fought on American soil! Oh shit, I'm thinking of Abe Lincoln again, nevermind.

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 28, 2003 at 9:03 PM (EDT)
My Score:

rcr is the best band out there now, and if u dont think so, fuck off. brando is the man. wut they have done for the vt scene is awesome. theyve started a revolution. wut the fuck have u done?

Posted by medievalness on 2003-05-28 19:37:04
My Score:

just going to say something else...I RATED THAT FUCKING REVIEW HIGHER THEN THAT! stupid fucking stars...

Posted by medievalness on 2003-05-28 19:36:15
My Score:

RCR kicks fucking ass.

and i know Brando has been reading these so here's to him: i love you all, screw those who don't. and i'm friends with The Yarbles, set up a show with them sometime. i love seeing you guys play at the same shows, its a dream come true.

not that i don't mind any other opinions or anything, everyone's entitled to their own, but i had to say mine.

Rock on everyone.

Posted by GregSka on 2003-05-28 17:49:06
My Score:

Yeah Madcap is far from mall punk, calling them that is just plain retarded

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 28, 2003 at 3:56 PM (EDT)
My Score:

"Madcap. Please take full time employment at the mall and leave me alone, stop playing music.. thanks. I like my fair share of pop punk.. but so many bands do exactly what you do, only better."

Wow. Way to prove you have never actually heard their music or seen them live. These guys are not at all pop-punk... My only complaint is that they borrow too much from the Clash. Even the way they dress. Agh.

Posted by SaxxyRebel on 2003-05-28 14:12:10
My Score:

Thats not suprising about stole your woman getting on to shows at the last second, they have some weird luck, also sorry about calling count the stars emo -metal, sure they are pop punk, but i dont even care about them, so hopefully they wont be showing up on my reviews anymore.

Posted by SaxxyRebel on 2003-05-28 14:09:31
My Score:

Yes fireside is also a good place, i will be heading their june 7th, to see rcr again, and i get the feeling theres going to be way more then about 200 kids there this time.

Posted by SaxxyRebel on 2003-05-28 14:03:36
My Score:

Sorry this is my tifrst time getting back to these questions you have, yes they played straight forward, its a great live song, but not to be continued, they played about 2 new ones though. it was impressive.

Posted by Strewtho on 2003-05-28 10:30:42
My Score:

Ah, Shattered Realm gags are always good.

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 28, 2003 at 2:09 AM (EDT)
My Score:

I say Silverstein or Guttermouth is one of the worst bands around. But what do I know? I'm seeing Peter's Playhouse on Family Guy.

Ramo

Posted by GregSka on 2003-05-28 01:53:05
My Score:

Catch 22 fucking rules, I love seeing them live and I hope they keep playing for years to come. Someone said the new songs are kind of slower? I was actually hoping they would be, the super-fast live songs get pretty tiring after a while

Posted by FortyMinutesWest on 2003-05-28 00:49:20
My Score:

Count the Stars might be the worst band around right now, atleast they give Shattered Realm and Total Chaos a run for their money.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 27, 2003 at 11:40 PM (EDT)
My Score:

rcr are THE most underrated punk band out today. but yeah, fuck their trombone-ist. that fat fuck can eat shit as far as im concernced.

Posted by gutterhippo on 2003-05-27 22:59:49
My Score:

what the fuck are you talking about? count the stars in nu-metal? If you've never heard count the stars, they're pop punk. If you don't like pop punk, then you won't like them. But if you do, then they're fucking good and their new album kicks ass

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 27, 2003 at 10:36 PM (EDT)
My Score:

I saw rcr and catch awhile back in Philadelphia, and not a lot of people enjoyed rcr that much that I could tell.

They didn't like their attitude.

I thought they were brilliant.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 27, 2003 at 10:04 PM (EDT)
My Score:

The Metro is indeed the greatest venue to see a live band.

Minor Threat

Posted by TJmoney on 2003-05-27 21:29:29
My Score:

I was at that yellowcard/rufio (I know, minus some punk points but big deal) show in orlando and stole your woman is pretty lame...one of the guys in the band looked and acted like he was a blink 182 wannabee mtv reject or some shit. sideout isn't bad though....Catch 22 is great

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 27, 2003 at 8:54 PM (EDT)
My Score:

This concert took place forever and a day ago... kinda weird to see a review of it now.

regardless here are my two cents:

RCR's trombonist is a dickhead and really ruins the band live.. he isn't funny.. he isn't cool.. he isn't even fun to hate.. he just sucks. The rest of the band is pretty energetic and were def. the highlight of the show.

Madcap. Please take full time employment at the mall and leave me alone, stop playing music.. thanks. I like my fair share of pop punk.. but so many bands do exactly what you do, only better.

Catch 22. They were off during this show... very off. Their new singer got caught up all the time in words and was stumblind over himself. The show had little energy and they played their typical set list.. not much fun. New songs sound like Weezer only with horns, and slower and stupid. Not good.

Count the Stars...... just so you guys know... jumping off of an amp 1 time or 2 times when needed is cool and it can really add energy. however their bassist did it...... 18 TIMES. Yes 18 times, i counted... i was pissed the whole show and he really upest me.. fuck off stop making music.

catch 22 played earlier in the year @ HoB and the show was much more fun.. i'll still go see em but def the worst show i've ever seen em play..

--cactussac

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 27, 2003 at 8:53 PM (EDT)
My Score:

Catch22 were pretty weak at this show, very off key and they need Tomas back. BOTAR need to tour in their place. I walked in just after the RCR set, what a fucking letdown. Oh well.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 27, 2003 at 8:19 PM (EDT)
My Score:

Madcap needs to quit dressing up like the Clash. It's kinda lame since their heads are all out of proportion and it just makes them look deformed like puppetts.

Its so cliche to say "Catch 22 need to stop", but I saw them just last month and they were great. That's all.

Posted by Shindo on 2003-05-27 19:34:09
My Score:

Commas for all!

"Now i hadn't heard much from these guys, disk wise, but i saw them the first time they played warped, and on the last Mest tour, with catch 22, but i had no idea, their fanbase was so huge in chicago, it seemed like everyone had packed in the room, even before the headliners, so i knew i was in for some fun."

Posted by Icapped2pac on 2003-05-27 19:17:46
My Score:

Christ, I hate ska.... unless it's Slapstick, of course.

Posted by ommaddon on 2003-05-27 18:37:47
My Score:

Catch 22 should have called it quits a long time ago. Losing their vocalist killed that band.

Keasby Nights ruled though. My favorite ska album by far.

- Jonathan

Posted by StratManX on 2003-05-27 18:29:23
My Score:

I saw this show in Seattle with Glasseater and it was great...well except for Count The Stars, they were horrible.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 27, 2003 at 4:36 PM (EDT)
My Score:

Stole Your Woman have a habit of latching onto shows at the last minute. I had to move a show I was booking here in Orlando for Rufio and Yellowcard last month, but as a token of appreciation the club owner said I could try and put a band in the opening slot. As soon as I had a band lined up with a demo to play for her, she tells me that Stole Your Woman, along with shitty local high school punk favorites Sideout had already gotten the spots.

Posted by inagreendase on 2003-05-27 16:19:50
My Score:

you're an idiot about that count the stars comment. i really hate the band too, but metal-emo? where the fuck did you derive that from? they're just pop-punk, that's all. uncomplicated power chords with the repetitive strokes that make it easy to sing over it without putting any actual emphasis on the guitar. it's ok to make fun of a band that plays the genre of music most people love to hate, even if it makes you look like you're jumpin' the 'wagon. if anyone's metal-emo, it's like static lullaby, or even silverstein (listen to the riffs). please learn from megan's mistakes and bash bands the right way.

Posted by thriceequalsgod on 2003-05-27 16:07:28
My Score:

***first one to call the first-commenter a douche.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 27, 2003 at 2:10 PM (EDT)
My Score:

i wasn't at this show. but: i think that the Fireside Bowl is a much better place then the Metro.

Posted by sonicice on 2003-05-27 14:01:00
My Score:

I saw this tour in Grand Rapids &in Detroit, and I have to say, Madcap and Catch 22 rocked the house, Count the Stars blew, and RCR stole the motherfucking show.

Posted by fatman on 2003-05-27 13:50:05
My Score:

I was lucky enough to grow up in NJ and see the early days of Catch 22. Their live show used to blow doors off almost any band they would play with. However now they are just a joke of themselves.

fAt mAn

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 27, 2003 at 1:09 PM (EDT)
My Score:

i saw catch22 and madcap on the mest homegrown tour, madcap was pretty good, and catch 22 was so amazing yet out of place considering the headliners. If i remember correctly, the version of ...to be continued was changed and made much longer than the version on washed up and thru the wringer, did they play that song? or straight forward?

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 27, 2003 at 12:33 PM (EDT)
My Score:

first comment. rebels fucken rule!