I absolutely cannot wait for Brit-Indie rockers Supergrass to headline a US tour. Having been a fan of their self-titled release since they dropped it on the States in 2000, I was incredibly excited for this show. The fact that they were opening for the never-disappointing Foo Fighters only thrilled me further. Dave Grohl surely wouldn’t have a lackluster band opening for his powerhouse group, would he?
He certainly did not. However, Grohl still let me down in a sense. Now, I know that he really doesn’t have too much of a say when it comes to set times, but Supergrass was robbed. In comparison to the headliner’s nearly 2-hour set, Gaz Coombes and his boys were allotted only 35-40 minutes of precious stage time. Hardly enough to showcase to the unfamiliar crowd what they were truly capable of.
I was also disappointed, yet understanding in the band’s setlist choice. Showcasing songs from their newest album Diamond Hoo Ha, they neglected to play anything from Supergrass save for the semi-psychedelic sounding “Mary.†I completely respect and support any bands decision to not play their hits, but when playing to an audience not familiar with your catalog, it seems to the logical thing to play something they may have heard, such as “Pumping On Your Stereo,†their minor hit from 2000, in order to elicit the reaction the band deserves.
Now, don’t get me wrong. The crowd wasn’t completely bored. The band elicited head-bopping and toe tapping, even screams and Frampton-style handclaps from those right in the thick of it, down in front. Yet it was nothing near the frenzied response Supergrass deserves. I’d truly like to see them again when the bulk of the crowd is there to see them.
True to their recordings, Supergrass is like a band from another era. Their sound has always been one that seemed to come from the late ‘60s or early ‘70s. Their performance is no different. Straight down to the man seeming to be specializing in back-up vocals and tambourine, they play the brand of rock music that makes you want to dance. Not only that, its music that would be safe to dance to–something that is so hard to find in modern rock.
Supergrass is definitely a band to be seen. Their musicianship is flawless and their stage presence is brilliant. But wait until a time when you can see them get the glory and appreciation they merit. On this tour, the Foo Fighters are busy (not undeservedly, mind you) hogging the spotlight.
Written by: Sara Bellum
Photo: Jonathan Davis.
