This past weekend saw two hellacious nights of Down in Fort Worth, Texas. Everyone knows that it is a big fucking deal when Phil Anselmo comes back to DFW, so I had to go at least one night. It was a fucking blast, and I don't think I have ever been that engaged with the crowd as far as being in the moment. Check the recap after the jump.
Due to work constraints, I decided to go Saturday night. My buddy Brian tagged along with me, and he had been to the Friday show as well, so he gave me all the info on show the night before. Down had played all of NOLA, their first album, except for "Jail", and they were to play with a different set list for Saturday night's show.
The attendance for Friday night's show was 666 people, so it was almost as if the Metal Gods intended for these two nights to take place. I had never been to The Rail Club before, but I had heard it was badass. It was set up fairly well; I liked how you were hit by the stage almost immediately when you walk in the door.
I caught the last opening band, Warbeast, in the middle of their set, and those dudes can fucking rock out! The band's singer, Bruce Corbitt, was also the singer for the thrash metal band Rigor Mortis, a band which also featured Casey Orr (ex-GWAR).
I have felt a lot of vibes from the crowd when bands come on stage, but it was a different experience when you see Phil Anslemo walk out with Jimmy Bower, Kirk Windstein, Pepper Keenan, and Pat Bruders. The place became a madhouse. It was fucking insane.
There was a moment where someone got on stage, I think a crowdsurfer, and got into an altercation with guitarist Kirk Windstein. That was one of those oh fuck moments. I took a couple pictures that I think are badass, so I will share them with you. If you haven't seen Down yet, go fucking see this band!