Everclear brings those famous big black boots and an old suitcase to the music fans in the mighty Motor City.
It’s a cool, fall-like hump day in the busy metropolis of downtown Detroit, and the city’s concert-going music lovers have amassed themselves in front of the legendary Shelter. The admission line wraps around this historic venue and is packed with fans young and old, waiting to spend their Wednesday nights with the mighty Everclear. Despite the differences in their age, they proudly share a common dress code of Everclear concert T-shirts and hoodies. 8:30 PM and we now see the bowels of Saint Andrews Hall, more commonly known as The Shelter, are packed to capacity, in standing room only fashion. Fans are anxious as the clock strikes forward…
8:45 PM our night begins: singer, frontman, and original founding member Art Alexakis emerges from the shadows of stage right, carrying one of his vintage sunburst Les Pauls. He is greeted by the roaring crowd fans, and “We love you Art,” could be heard shouted from within the crowd. Alexakis is followed by guitarist Dave French, bassist Freddie Herrera, and skins man Brian Nolan… all taking their places on this historical stage. The band wastes no time and immediately fires right into “Summerland,“ and follows with the smash hit “Everything to Everyone.“ A healthy-looking Alexakis steps to the microphone and says “Detroit, how the f**k are you? It’s great to see all these beautiful faces here tonight! It’s been years and years since we’ve played here underground, and I am just so thankful that we’re all back together.” Wasting no time, the band follows behind him with “Heroin Girl,“ and then “Local God,“ which are received quite well. BUT… the party really gets cracking when the first notes of “Heartspark Dollarsign” rip through the venue’s massive sound system.
Alexakis produces strong vocals tonight, with French and Herrera matching him with a great blend of backing vocals and harmonies. Drummer Brian Nolan and bassist Herrera make a great team and keep the rhythm groove tight and deep in the pocket. “Nervous and Weird,” “Strawberry,” and the iconic track “Wonderful,” keep the vibes high and the crowd moving along with Alexakis. “White Men in Black Suits“ and “Normal Like You“ are followed by the mega-hit “I Will Buy You a New Life.“
Dave French shreds out riff after riff, with a blazing tone that made every guitar player in the hall grin with jealous glee. The fans are treated to an extended setlist tonight, and they keep the night going with the crowd favorite “So Much for the Afterglow.” They press on with the classic “Father of Mine,” “Electra Made Me Blind,” and a smoking cover of The Vaselines’ classic “Molly‘s Lips“ before then sneaking back into “Electra Made Me Blind.”
As our night begins to wind down, the band still has more in the tank and Alexakis fires off a hearty smile to the crowd as the iconic intro to Led Zeppelin‘s “Rock and Roll,” stops the moment. This has our crowd exploding with energy, and they make a very slick transition into the band’s biggest megahit “Santa Monica.” The tune ends with Alexakis and French having a fun guitar duel between each other with French winning the competition by paying respects to the late Eddie Van Halen with a smoldering cover of the classic “Eruption.” Our night comes to an end with a spot-on version of the tune “Amphetamine,” topped with a finale of their hit “AM Radio.”
Everclear is a must-see concert experience that is guaranteed to have you singing along with hit after hit of yesteryear. Be sure to check the band’s official website for tour dates, details, and upcoming band news. Still here…? Well, what are you waiting for, get your tickets, drop those Cheetos, get off that couch, and go get a shot of Everclear… today!
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