MONSTERS ON TOUR 2010
November 19, 2010 at Webster Theater in Hartford, CT
Live Photos & Review by Lena Lamoray
COMBICHRIST delivered their most exquisite and titillating performance to date courtesy of Andy LaPlegua. I’ve seen COMBICHRIST a bunch of times and I have always enjoyed them but this time they really outdid themselves. Everything was stronger and more intense, especially Andy’s vocals and stage presence. COMBICHRIST’s newer material performed live really showcases all of Andy’s vocal abilities. I am a huge fan of vocalists and accents so that was a treat. He reminds me a bit of Gary Numan, Peter Murphy and Tim Skold all rolled up into one incredibly handsome Norwegian package. Andy has always been an impressive front man but this time I was completely captivated by him. In fact, the only complaint that I have about him is that he totally cock blocked half of my shots of Joe Letz, literally. I am really short and the stage was really high, so I had to shoot in between the stage monitors that were covering pretty much all of the front of the stage so I could not see Andy coming in front of me, so while I was zooming in for my Joey Letz shots BAM, Andy’s man parts all close and personal in my face but hell I can’t say it was all that bad! It was pretty funny and if you can’t have fun taking pictures of some of the best bands in the world then why bother living! I may print out one of those shots for Andy to sign for my personal collection of band guy’s junk that has gotten in the way of my shots.
Joe Letz is definitely my favorite drummer ever and the best showman that you will ever see so I was really thrilled that the live drums were more present this time around. Both Trevor Friedrich and Joey were brought into the forefront rather than blended into the mix. I was ecstatic to see them used to their full potential rather than just as a couple of incredibly good looking beat providing bookends. I felt that their substance in the material really came through on the performance end, more than I have ever seen before. They are both incredibly gifted artists so I was elated to see them featured and recognized for the true talents that they are. Joe Letz is one of the nicest people that you will ever meet and the guy gets along with everyone. He goes out of his way to be warm and welcoming to anyone that crosses his path. If you can’t get along with Joey than you must be a total turd! He is the most kindhearted person that I have ever met. My first exposure to Joey happened several years ago when I saw a picture of him from his WHAM! days and I knew then and there that I had to be friends with this guy! Then I met him and that was that, to this day he is my favorite person to be around and photograph because no one hams it up for the camera quite like him and just look at those cheekbones! Trevor is one of the prettiest men I have ever met but don’t let that fool you, on-stage he is a monster. Trevor is an amazing performer and how he balances himself on a stool all night, well for that alone he deserves an award. Z Marr also performed the best set that I have ever seen from him.
COMBICHRIST have drastically improved in every way possible. Their look has taken a turn to be more “Blade Runner” than “Ghost of Mars” and their performance level has hit an all time high. They incorporated a full light show with screens and smoke which I adored. They have been touring with RAMMSTEIN and I can see how that was a positive influence on them. I saw RAMMSTEIN when they played the Worcester Palladium years ago and now COMBICHRIST will be joining them at Madison Square Garden in New York. That is one show that I would have liked to get tickets to but thanks to all the scalpers that did not happen. Hopefully, RAMMSTEIN and COMBICHRIST will decide on doing more dates in the States soon. I would love to see both of them again. Andy is such an incredible person that he has set up a fund to help his friends out, Ed and Kari that were in a motorcycle accident and are still in the ICU, so make sure you check out COMBICHRIST’s website to see how you can help. I highly recommend seeing COMBICHRIST live because they are incredible and will eventually break your heart with their charm and good looks, but I can assure you, it will be worth it!
I also finally got to see BROKEN NECK LULLABY since they opened the show and they are a trio of the sweetest guys. I have to give props to Benjamin Tourkantonis for being my favorite, yes I am partial to Ben and I will admit it! He is a great guy and a talented musician. T.S. Moth has some pretty wild hair and is an exceptional performer. The singer, Deady assured me he wasn’t sticky but I don’t trust anyone with more than one face! I really enjoyed their set and I look forward to seeing them again.
