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| Rise Against / Alkaline Trio / Thricelive in New York [first night]2008 live show   Review by: Brian See others by this writer ![[staff]](/images/icons/staffsticker.gif){kind=icon}
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Published on October 17th 2008
After Rise Against released Revolutions Per Minute in 2003, they found themselves at a crossroads. They were to bound to go one of two ways: become a cult favorite in melodic hardcore over the years, putting out mostly consistent albums on independent labels all the way; or sign to a major label while retaining some punk roots and achieve moderate commercial success with fluctuating results in musical achievement. Obviously, Rise Against chose the latter.
Set list:
Set list:
Lou Koller came out for some guest vocals on one song. "Who's Sick of It All?" asked a girl in her mid-20s to her boyfriend. Later I overheard them making fun of Rise Against during "Stained Glass and Marble": "Rarrrr! Metal songssss!" What could've been acknowledged as an encore occurred when the entire band walked off stage, with Tim and Zach Blair returning to play "Hero of War" from the latest deal, Appeal to Reason. Say what you will about the song musically, but at least it crawls further from sounding like a Staind song (as the band was getting dangerously close to that territory with every passing ballad) and the lyrics are pretty vicious. Seeing people hold up lighters and cell phones to illuminate the area became uncomfortably weird when McIlrath sang, "They took off his clothes / They pissed in his hands / I told them to stop / But then I joined in." He followed it right up with the megahit, "Swing Life Away," which I distinctly remember him saying he wrote about something (Chicago?). My point here is that he claimed he wrote it, failing to mention Neil Hennessy's contributions to it. C'mon dude, take that opportunity for a shoutout at least. Anyway, it was quite obviously the most well-received song, and the lighters made a little more sense this time around. The set closed with "Prayer of the Refugee," a song I've heard far too many times thanks to Guitar Hero-loving friends. According to the aforementioned Ryan Schultz, the band was joined by Fat Mike at one point and covered "Minor Threat" the second night. Another bummer. Chuck Ragan (the Blender Theatre, Monday, with Tim Barry and Ben Nichols), Alkaline Trio (here and the next night) and Dillinger Four (Brooklyn, Tuesday) need to sort something out where they quit playing New York City the same day or the next. I have fond memories of seeing Rise Against on the Fat Tour in early 2003 at Long Island's now-defunct The Downtown (no barricade, three foot high stage, 450-cap). But hey, if this is the stuff that inspires widespread political activism (as well as magnanimous circle pits and near-constant pogo-ing), so be it. Set list [somewhat in order]:
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According to the aforementioned Ryan Schultz, the band was joined by Fat Mike at one point and covered "Minor Threat" the second night. I use the notepad on my cell phone, I text the initials/a word in the title of every song 3 or so a time. I think it's easier than bringing a pen and paper. My life would be made if I heard Six Ways 'Til Sunday and To Awake And Avenge The Dead at the Chicago show (first night). Who's Sick Of It All you jock rock bitches? i was at this show as well and agree, the set list performed by ak3 was disapointing but sort of expected since they just released their new album...gaslight was incredible...very disapointed to hear that they covered minor threat the second night i look forward to hearing those covers when i see them...its funny to read about the downtown in this day and age, i miss that place so much You don't need to mention that Helter Skelter is a Beatles song. People know that. Also... BRO FEST, it was awesome. Alkaline Trio played generally the same set; it may honestly be the worst Alkaline Trio. None of my favorites songs were played, or any song I wanted to hear for that matter. i went to this show but in toronto. it was fantastic, tho i couldnt stay for alk3 or rise against. the whole reason i was there was to see gaslight. they played awesome, but wayyyyy too short. also, i hadn't heard much of thrice beforehand, but they were incredibly good live. i wish more people knew gaslight stuff, there was like 5 people tops singing along. and it was at the sound academy (big venue). i hope they do a headline tour, or else i probably won't see them again. "I use the notepad on my cell phone, I text the initials/a word in the title of every song 3 or so a time. I think it's easier than bringing a pen and paper." I saw ak3 in about 2002 also and was a huge fan but also thought they were kinda boring live... i'm glad i'm not the only one. Shiiiit, Rise Against didn't play Black Masks or Heaven Knows? Those are my favorite songs and they always seem to play them. They better play those just for me in Portland, because I'll suck a dick for it. Not. Regardless, I just want to see Gaslight Anthem anyway. Dude, Neil said himself he wrote like half a line in Swing Life Away, he doesn't now why he even got a writing credit.... I hope they have second show syndrome when they play in Chicago, like NY. Although, I do have to agree that the Congress Theater is the worst. i was expecting much more from this tour. I saw it in worcester and although im a fan of alkaline trio, they were horribly boring, just as boring as when i saw them in 2002. and rise against were almost entertaining even though im a fan of them. I felt like iv seen them play the same set for the past 2 years. Those sound like some pretty weak setlists for all of those bands. So many good songs to choose from and the end result is that... Thrice's set doesn't look that bad at all. Alkaline Trio could use some work though. 10 more days until my date of this tour. I hate seeing punk bands in huge venues. I haven't been to a venue of that size for a punk band in a very long time... but for Nick Cave it was perfect. Tim and Neil CO-WROTE the song.... not all Tim, and not all Neil. what was neil's contribution. I know nothing of this. To Brian: Regarding using a pen, Great review ... even though you stole my thunder (I had planned to review the show in Pompano Beach, FL next Wednesday). Seeing these set lists, plus having the Chicago shows be in the worst venue ever (Congress Theatre), I'm so glad I didn't get tickets. The first time I saw Rise Against it was opening up for Strung Out in a tiny-ass place, like 6 or 7 years ago. Guess they've come a long way. Rise Against never plays generation lost. Even at their 5 day stint at the Troubadour in LA they never played it. Very sad indeed. If I went to this show and did not hear: |
