Hootie & The Blowfish A Concert Review	July 12, 1996 The New World Music Theater Tinley Park, IL A Review by Stu Gotz Comments by Trash Photos by Stu Gotz

Darius Rucker

Yep, it was a hot sticky July night that brought out Darius and the boys. The place was packed with singing Fish Heads (Hey... If Buffett can call his fans Parrot Heads, why can't Hootie's fans be called Fish Heads? Or should we call them Hooter's?). Call me lame, old, or just plain stupid, but I just don't see the bands appeal? Is it just me or do all their songs pretty much sound the same? I came to that conclusion after wasting 14 bucks on their first CD Cracked Rear View. I never even bothered to pick up Fairweather Johnson. So why did I go to the show. Three reasons: Number one, to see what all the hype is about; Number two, to see if these guys were any different on stage (thereby redeeming themselves in my eyes); and Number three, to get Trash drunk and see her naked! Unfortunately, I only found an answer to my second question. (Yea, it's me, Trash: Now, I've been waiting a long time for a moment like this (the thought of spending a hot sweaty night with Stu is a totally different fantasy). Whenever one of Hootie's (as I like to call Darius) tunes come on at a bar, the place is always getting into it, including me. Hey, these guys get you singing along! I guess it was somewhat of a bummer to see them live.)

So what is it like to see Hootie & The Blowfish perform? For me it was a snooze fest. Their style of mellow rock-n'-roll filled with it's deep meaningful lyrics is

Jim Sonefeld

great if you want to make out in a car with your chick, but does little to thrill when heard live. Combine that with the fact that the boys just stood in one place, like mannequins, while they performed, left me feeling a little cheated. Hey... I don't expect these guys to come out with tons of gimmicks, for that I'll go to a KISS show. But, I do expect a little movement on stage. Even a band like Aerosmith (who's shows sound just like the CD and has way better looking chicks) keeps you interested with a little movement

Mark Bryan

on stage. Maybe these guys have been playing small bars so long they don't know what to do with a huge stage. I just don't know... (Trash here again. I hate to interrupt, but Stu, you are just bitter cuz you ain't getting any lately. The concert wasn't that bad, although I couldn't really understand why the crowd stood up the whole time! I mean the band wasn't doing anything worth watching. I would have been happier sitting in my seat, sipping beer, and singing along. The only problem I had with the singing part is I didn't know any of the new songs. Yes, I have to admit I don't own "Fairweather Johnson." I just haven't heard any songs on the radio that cried out "Buy me!" (like Stu's last date). So, because of that I only know Hootie sang "Let Her Cry" with John Hiatt joining in, "Running From an Angel," "Only Wanna Be With You," and "Time." He did throw in some originality in the "Wipeout" jam and some song John Hiatt sang with Hootie about going to Memphis.)

Some things that did keep me awake (interested) during the show was when Sonefeld (the drummer) busted out in a Hootie-Tempoed (slow) version of "Wipe Out", Darius singing "Mandy" acapella, and the "drunk falling out of her shirt red head" two seats away from Trash. That and the bands genuine appreciation shown for the audience, John Haitt, their roadies, Amnesty International and MTV's Rock the Vote.

So, did the boys redeem themselves in my eyes? Nope. I just don't understand the bands appeal. All I can think of to justify it is that people are getting sick of overdosing grunge rockers and want some wholesomeness. Hootie & the Blowfish fits that bill quite neatly. If your a Hootie fan, by all means go see them. If you're an "on the edge" fan, save the 25 bucks a ticket and $4.50 a beer, borrow the CD, get a sixer of PBR, a pack of Sheik Ribbed Condoms (turn them inside out for your pleasure), and go parking with your girl. It'll sound just like you're there and you'll save 70 bucks. But... because the crowd loved them and they didn't put me totally asleep I give Hootie & the Blowfish TWO THUMBS UP! (Hey, it's my turn. Trash here. Well, I have to say I wasn't completely satisfied with the evening. I never reached the point of total excitement. Maybe I expected to much, maybe I'm just demanding? Whatever it is, I would rather have kicked back in the local bar and fed the jukebox. Hootie and his Blowfish have great music. It isn't very often you hear people with talent singing songs you can actually understand (even better - using real instruments!). I just think they looks a little out of his element on such a big stage. They would fit in better playing a small joint in the city (now that show I would love to see!!). Even though, I'll give them a DOUBLE MARGARITA!! After all, only a few make it to the big time theaters, and the crowd who wouldn't sit down had a good time. See ya!)