Let it be said, so that everyone can see it: Eagles of Death Metal are not for everyone. To some they can be a bit brash. Others may find Jesse Hughes, the band’s lead singer a bit too southern for them. I’ve heard them referred to as everything from white trash to cock rock. Regardless of the stereotype you shove this band into, if you’re being completely honest with yourself, there is no denying that if the Eagles of Death Metal are on the bill, you’re going to get your money’s worth.
I personally, find them rather brilliant. I honestly can respect any band who makes an effort to bring a no bullshit attitude to the stage. The problem with modern music is that “no bullshit” tends to be a little strong for the common listener. Your general ticket buyer wants to be handed what they feel comfortable buying instead of whatever ends up smeared on their face. But then again, the general ticket buyer has a tendency to overlook what actually makes a band talented.
Calling Hughes talented would be an understatement. As show at tonight’s Kansas City show, he is a damn fine front man, who works the crowd like a cocktail waitress striving for tips. His unapologetic approach to music is something we’ve seen before in music in the likes of Mick Jagger, David Bowie and Jim Morrison. But, honestly, if my name were being thrown around with names like those, I’d probably be pretty unapologetic as well. Backed by big riff structures and driving drum from Dave Catching, Brian O’Connor and Joey Castillo, its pretty easy to grasp why songs like “Wannabe in LA” and “I Want You So Hard” made Kansas City want Eagles of Death Metal so badly.
Eagles of Death Metal: website | myspace
Photo By: Joshua Hammond
