Third Man
Records in Detroit kicked off their live music series this past Saturday
with a free show from Negative Approach. Negative Approach are one of the most
important and influential hardcore/punk bands to come out of the United
States.
Third Man Records reached capacity quite early
once doors were open at 6:30. With roughly 300 people inside a line of people
were left waiting outside anticipating entry. Third Man employees took precautions before the
live entertainment began by removing merchandise in close proximity to the
stage.
The Craig Brown Band opened up the show as old school punks rubbed
elbows with scenesters in their 20's in the beer and bathroom line's.
As Negative Approach's lead vocalist John
Brannon took to the stage he opened the set by saying "All right. Is everybody
doing all right? Well check it out, that's all going to change right now. We're
fucking Negative Approach". The band then went into a blistering version of
'Hypocrite' off the 1983 album 'Tied Down'. The crowd erupted in a large pit and the show
was officially on. If you were anywhere near the stage it was fair game for
bodies to be slamming against you.
Negative Approach cut their teeth right around
the corner from Third Man in the 80's at the legendary Freezer Theater which
singer John Brannon pointed out from the stage at one point. He also pointed out
that the area is the "Cass Corridor" and NOT "Midtown" as he shared his love for
Detroit.
The set 20+ song set list consisted of classic
Neagtice Approach songs including 'Ready To Fight', 'Fair
Warning' and 'Nothing'. Some of the cover songs performed during the set
included 'Borstal Breakout' by Sham 69, 'I Got a Right' by
Iggy & The Stooges, and 'Friends Of Rock & Roll' from Brannon's
other band Easy Action.
At one point during the set John Brannon asked if there were still people
outside waiting to get in. He then requested from stage to let everyone in.
The crowd agreed and started chanting "let them in". Third Man made it happen
and those who stuck around were granted access.
This was a unique Negative Approach with three
drummers taking part. Original drummer Chris "Opie" Moore played the majority of
the set with fellow Negative Approach skin beaters John Lehl and Chuck
Burns each doing a few songs to finish the 55 minute set.
At this point in this review we here at MCB
recommend sitting back and cracking open a beer to enjoy the sights of sounds of
Negative Approach live at Third Man Records-Cass Corridor on January 30,
2016...
"Hypocrite" LIVE
"Ready To Fight" and "Nothing" LIVE
"I Got A Right" (Iggy & The Stooges cover) LIVE
"Friends Of Rock & Roll" (Easy Action cover) LIVE
**All live footage courtesy of Ambervillain Films**