CHIRP: The Chicago Independent Radio Project

Mike Scales writes

Another look at the Bad Brains

I recently decided to give the mighty Bad Brains another chance… I was fortunate enough to witness them in action at Chicago’s House Of Blues around 2000. It was everything I expected and more, even down to the pot smoke emanating from the stage as HOB’s big red curtains opened up. The Brains’ punk and metal tunes sounded pristine and full of energy as did the laid back reggae numbers for which they are equally famous. That was all I needed: Bad Brains officially kicked as much ass live as they did on record.

Cut to last year’s Riot Fest – I was there, ready to thank Jah and be saved once again. Despite the cavernous acoustics of the Congress Theater the band raged on and sounded great, but front man H.R.‘s performance was a complete disappointment. The normally charismatic singer barely sang, seemed to forget the lyrics and just generally acted like a dick with a mocking smirk on his face through the entire set. Needless to say I felt pretty disappointed and ripped off, but figured that there must have been a reason for the lackluster performance.

So, with some reluctance, I decided to check out the Converse-sponsored show at HOB: N.E.R.D. with special guests Bad Brains. Surely an excellent, Billboard-charting new record on the shelves and a sold-out show on a Tuesday night would fare well for the band… Alas, no. H.R. was worse. Same strange, off-putting performance only this time he sported a bathrobe and a motorcycle helmet while fake-playing a guitar that was indeed plugged in but definitely not turned on. I found myself thinking what my mom would say: ‘Well isn’t he just ridiculous!? What a horse’s ass.’ As if being a big, wet blanket atop what would have been a stellar performance from a veteran hardcore act, H.R. again chose to make a mockery of himself, his band’s unparalleled hardcore/reggae legacy and the Bad Brains fans who shelled out their hard-earned cash in support. No kudos for you, bro.

Luckily, N.E.R.D. played a raucous set that saved the night from complete disappointment. They stirred the audience into such a frenzy you could feel the HOB floor dip to and fro with the beat of the sold-out crowd. With a band featuring two drummers, bass, guitar, keys and of course Pharrell, it was indeed a stellar presentation. If it were old school vs. new, N.E.R.D. would’ve taken the crown with flying colors…