Butthole Surfers at Music Hall of Williamsburg

“Father? Yes son?  What’s regret?
The funny thing about regret, son
Is that it’s better to regret something you have done, than something you haven’t done.
And, if you see your mom this weekend,
Be sure and tell her, SATAN!!!”***

The Butthole Surfers opened their set last night with Sweatloaf, a song whose first few lines have etched their way into my store of mottos to live by, aside from maybe the mom/satan part.  But even that has a sort of intensity and angst that resonates when contemplating regret.

The band is old now and so are their songs, but I didn’t mind.  They manage to be fresh and exciting to watch and listen to.  The light and video show was not a far cry from SMEGMA’s TV Show and music videos from other bands defining their voice in the 80s and early 90s.  Missiles dropping, old movie clips of brains and women screaming are images that suggested rebellion then and hopefully, more importantly, now.  Though, it’s probably just convention.

The crowd was filled with long-time fans, mostly men, who could have been listening to the band longer than I’ve been alive.  At the show I simultaneously felt like a genuine appreciator in the ranks with the longest of fans and a total poser. There is something so “cool” about these old guys, with little bellies, skinny arms, and funny hairdos.  A woman at the concert told me she saw them play last year and the band got into a fight with the sound check guy and left the stage, and the venue, midway through the set.  Maybe that’s their “coolness,” getting into fights over quality.  Another Jackass reference might be appropriate here.  They are a ballsy bunch who make really inventive, listenable and fun/funny music.

They are playing again tonight at Music Hall of Williamsburg.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

***Updated lyrics based on some wise fans from the forums.