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Bad Religion / Less Than Jake / Hot Water Music

live in Washington, DC
2002
live show

Bad Religion/Less Than Jake/Hot Water Music - live in Washington, DC (Cover Artwork)

Review by: Chris
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Published on March 12th 2002

I can’t think of a more appropriate title for the current Bad Religion/Less than Jake/Hot Water Music tour than simply, the “Monsters of Punkrock”. Never before in my humble life have I seen a more incredible lineup of three of my favorite bands, all appearing together in a club tour. I just prayed that my expectations wouldn’t kill the actual event for me.

It seems that when Bad Religion goes on a club tour, people come out of the woodwork to see them. Old punkers, scenesters, kids, adults….everyone. Hell, I had my fair share of old friends calling me or seeing me around town saying “Dude, did you hear Bad Religion is playing here next month?” Yes I did.

There were 2 shows in the Virginia area, Norfolk and DC. Both are about an hour and a half drive, so what the hell? Two days of Bad Religion. I opted to write my review on the DC show, as for some reason I was expecting more (mainly that Mr. Brett would make an appearance, but alas, no dice).

Naturally, Bad Religion will sell-out a show in DC without any problem. Add LTJ and HWM, and you get scalping of tickets. You get groups of kids wondering aimlessly outside the venue asking, “ Hey man, got a spare ticket?” No, I don’t.

Because of the enormous crowd and line, I only got to see about 1/3 of Hot Water Music’s set. That really pissed me off. I missed the entire set the previous night because the club will not take into account that people were still waiting outside. I did manage to see my favorite song, “Turnstile”, which is always a crowd favorite as well. What impressed me was how well the crowd took to HWM. Months ago, I saw them in this very same venue on Plea for Peace, and people just stood around looking stupid. On this night, people went apeshit. The crowd bobbed up and down to almost every song, screamed choruses together, and just soaked in everything HWM had to offer.

If anyone could follow up a powerful set like HWM always offers, it would be their Gainesville, FL brethren, Less than Jake. Now, many will disagree, but I have always felt that Less than Jake is the funniest band in punk. That doesn’t mean they are my favorite band, but if there is one band that truly loves what they do, and that wants you to enjoy a show, its Less than Jake. LTJ were not going to disappoint on this night either. They played a vast variety of songs from almost every album including “Liquor Store”, “Automatic”, “Johnny Quest Thinks We’re Sell-outs” and the metal-fist, crowd favorite “Gainesville Rock City”. LTJ also teased the crowd with 2 new tracks, one of which, “Plastic Cup Politics”, had the place go nuts. The stage setup also proved to be a very interesting part of the show. With a variety of televisions placed about the stage, bizarre (mostly homemade) images would randomly appear. The strangest seemed to be what looked like an alien smoking a cigarette and a gimp.

Now, for those of you unfamiliar with seeing Bad Religion live, it has become a quite infamous tradition that they will make you wait forever. But that’s how they want it. They want you so ready and built up when they come on, that you will lose your shit. Imagine, every time the song on the CD playing on the PA system ends, the crowd begins to cheer, but only to huff and puff when the next song begins. This went on for about 45 minutes. But finally the curtain began to open and there stood Greg Graffin, Greg Hetson, Jay Bentley, Brian Baker and Brooks Wackerman (well, he was seated)…

Probably everyone there was expecting the set to open with something from the new album, but Bad Religion had plans of their own. “Suffer” had the crowd fly into a fury of uncontrollable chaos. Everyone in the 2-story balcony area was fighting to get their fists over the ledge and sing along. The band also went into the first 3 tracks from “The Process of Belief” one after another, which may seem corny, but they way it was, with Greg spouting off the song name quickly before the start of each, impressed the hell out of me.

Other highlights included Greg Hetson’s always energetic bouncing about the stage, Jay slipping on water and seriously fucking up his knee- only to return with electric tape engulfed around it- a true punk rock remedy. Brooks was one of the most impressive aspects of the set. His energy and emotion and perfect timing on every track would make you think that he had been in the band for years.

Others on the setlist included “Skyscraper”, “Stranger than Fiction”, “Generator”- with the mid-song breakdown played briefly as Fugazi’s “Merchandise”, and a brief rendition of Suicidal Tendencies’ “Institutionalized”, with Jay handling the vocals. On an interesting sidenote, the only track played from the Brett-less era was “Them and Us”. Nothing from ‘No Substance’ or ‘New America’.

Naturally, the show initially closed with “Fuck Armageddon”, but after a brief and comical mock of the whole encore notion, they returned to fire up the house with “American Jesus” and “21st Century Digital Boy”.

I can not fathom why any fan of punk would not go to this tour. If you city’s show is sold out, get tickets. Go to Ebay, steal your friend’s, find a scalper, just don’t bitch to me when everyone and their mom tells you what a great show you missed.

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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, April 29, 2002 at 10:11 PM (EDT)
My Score:

fuck, i missed this show. i'll never be able to live with myself.

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, March 28, 2002 at 3:07 PM (EST)
My Score:

I went last night in San Francisco. I had a fucking SEAT. BR is just about the only band that can still be good from a seat. I think I almost enjoyed it more because of that. I love HWM to death, but hey were out of their element in the huge sold out venue. The crowd didn't react and Chris started making sarcastic comments as a result. They're amazing in small clubs, but didn't come across well in a large venue setting. On the plus side, they played 2 new songs and they were really good. Of couse, I like A Flight and a Crash (unlike most HWM fans), so what do I know? Matt Skiba (Alkaline Trio) came out and sung on "Rooftops." It was cool, but he seemed more drunk and coked out than usual. Only 3 songs from their 10 song set were pre-A Flight... material. I wasn't really pissed about their set because I saw them 3 months ago at Gilman and they were amazing. Too bad the merch stand didn't let them sell CDs, only t-shirts.

Less Than Jake was next. They were cheesy. I liked them when I was 15, but I'm not 15 anymore. Now they just seem cheesy and stupid. And their stage banter was really obnoxious. On the plus side, after their set they played the new DAG NASTY album on the house speakers and it was amazing. I'm so psyched for it now.

Finally BR came on. They were great. Beyond my ability to describe. Everyone went insane. They just commanded everyone's attention and had amazing stage presense. The new drummer was great. The whole band was great. The set list was great (ALL of my favorites). Everything about it was great. Without a doubt, one of the best shows I've ever been to (and I've been to at least 100, not counting local shows).

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, March 28, 2002 at 12:16 AM (EST)
My Score:

We'll unlike some people i was prepared and preorderd my tickets for the standard cover charge..but i payed for it by having to drive from pittsburgh PA to washington DC.. but it was so well worth it.. it was the best concert i have ever been to LTJ was incredible.. plus they were all walking around and i got pictures with the intire band if this show comes to your town dont miss it....

Posted by evildeadalive on 2002-03-27 17:12:39
My Score:

I paid $100 american (about $150 of my money) for 2 tickets to this show, not to mention driving 4 fucking hours, and it was well worth it. All 3 bands kicked ass. How can someone say shit about LTJ's live show? I never used to really be a fan of theirs but I've seen em 5 times now and they were amazing each and every time. So much energy, and you get the feeling that they really, really love what they are doing. More so than any other band I can think of. My only complaint about this show was the venue. Moore Theater in Seattle? What the fuck is that? It's got seating right up to the stage. Come on, there had to be somewhere better than that. The Commodore in Vancouver fits 3 times as many people, and sells out every fucking time. Anyways, if you get a chance, go.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, March 26, 2002 at 11:52 PM (EST)
My Score:

I saw the show in Dallas and it was great except for Less Than Jake. If anything could have ruined Hot Water Music and Bad Religion, it was LTJ. Between the horns and the bright lights, they matched their shitty music with a cheesy show. I hope they burn in hell for making me sit through 45 minutes of that crap to see Bad Religion.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, March 26, 2002 at 11:38 PM (EST)
My Score:

At least there it was in a club, in San Diego it's at a freakin Basketball Arena. Same place that Linkin Park, Weezer, Incubus have played. WHack.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, March 26, 2002 at 7:43 PM (EST)
My Score:

I saw this show in dc as well. The kids went nuts, but bad religion was almost a let down to the awesome show that ltj had. Less Than Jake stole the show

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, March 26, 2002 at 1:30 AM (EST)
My Score:

TO ANYONE THAT HAS ATTENDED THIS TOUR:

1) How much were the t-shirts?
2) Did the sell the entire HWM back catalogue?
3) Were the selling the new HWM/Alk Trio split?

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, March 26, 2002 at 1:11 AM (EST)
My Score:

I saw HWM, LTJ and BR in Toronto. The show was awesome. I had never seen HWM before and looked forward to it. Now having seen them I'd like to say I enjoyed them, but I can't. I'm guessing they had a bad night, or maybe the sound was just horrible. I mean at least jump around or something. If I just wanted to hear their songs I'd turn on their cd. I would like to be entertained! Entertain me dammit!
Then came Less Than Jake. Probably my all time favorite band. As soon as I saw the stage set up, I knew I was in for a good show. I mean after HWM , a drag queen singing a Backstreet Boys song would have been entertaining at this point. But right from LTJ's incredible intro, all the way to the end of their set. I was ready to go home. All sweaty and convienced that LTJ's set was worth my disgusting $31 ticket. But then I realized, shit! Bad Religion is still to come on. Nice! So they finally came on after setting up for quite a while. Their set was great. Pretty much the same set as the reviewers above. It's safe to say that Bad Religion kicks ass, and they still have a lot of gas left in their tanks. Anyways, It was a great show, besides Hot Water Music.

Posted by Patch on 2002-03-25 23:40:24
My Score:

aparently the clubs are doing the "start the show regardless of the people being in the venue" shit. they did the same thing to me. now don't get me wrong, people, i love bad religion as much as everyone else, but i went for hot water. they're my favorite band, and they've always impressed me. when i found out they where on the tour, i was extatic. when i got in the place only to hear the last note and chuck screaming "have a great night less than jake and bad religon are your heros" or something along those lines, i was furious. i wasted no time going and screaming at the club owner, only to get a good chuckle and a mean stare incinuating "go over there, ugly punker". i hate rich bastard club owners. at least LTJ and BR were both amazing. double page set lists are always my favorites.

Posted by Chris_Bastard on 2002-03-25 21:39:42
My Score:

I caught the show in philly. I'd only seen HWM once, they were decent, but i'm not a big fan of their music. Less Than Jake was great, blazing through classics like "Johhny Quest thinks we're sellouts", "look what happened" "all my best friends are metalheads" etc etc.... Some freak was in he crowd dressed in a spiderman costume, and a jockstrap on the outside, he smelled like shit. Bad Religion played a set very similar to the one in the review, and again, mr.brett didnt show up (as i was talking to jay later, he told me that they're not gonna force brett to tour, he can make up his own mind). No songs from "no substance" or "new america" were played, but a great night over all. After the show Jay got trashed, gave me his vodka and orange soda, had an odd conversation with some guys girlfriend...vinnie from less than jake saw that i didnt have a coat, and as he simply put it "you look like shit". Finally got home about 2am...great fuckin time

Posted by sickboi on 2002-03-25 20:50:36
My Score:

much thanks to scott for slaving over photoshop to display my shotty photography.....

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 25, 2002 at 3:54 PM (EST)
My Score:

anyone who went to this show- how much were t-shirts and cds. Also, were they selling the Alk Trio/ HWM split?

Posted by maverick on 2002-03-25 14:41:42
My Score:

Email the picture to me [scott@adkg.cm] and I'll put it up right away.
-Scott

Posted by sickboi on 2002-03-25 12:54:39
My Score:

Scott, I emailed Aubin a pic to go with this, maybe the review is just too long to put it in? Just curious...

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 25, 2002 at 7:34 AM (EST)
My Score:

I went to this show.
This show was bomb.
That is all.
krowdsurf

Posted by evildeadalive on 2002-03-25 01:59:25
My Score:

I'm goin to Seattle tomorrow to see this show... without tickets. It's about a four hour drive from where I'm from so I sure as hell hope I can get in.
I also couldn't get in to Millencollin as it was sold out too.(in Vancouver this time)
I really need to start buying tickets in advance. I guess this music they call punk rock is getting popular... or something.

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 25, 2002 at 1:48 AM (EST)
My Score:

We got brett in NYC - what a great show

Posted by lockdown59 on 2002-03-24 23:32:23
My Score:

I am trying to ge tickets to that show when it stops through pheonix. Side note: Its not going to be at a club, but at an ampitheater, and is being called the "Ska/Punk Slamboree" cause its being sponsored by the local good alternative rock station, which has nightly hours of just ska and punk. If I miss it, i Will be pissed, especially cause I am missing Millencolin the night before.

Posted by ChrisGorman2 on 2002-03-24 23:20:53
My Score:

It kills me that I missed this show. FUCK!