Tag Archives: Dixie Dave

AMATEUR CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHY HOUR: SAINT VITUS, Weedeater, Sourvein @ Grog Shop, Cleveland, OH, September 29, 2012

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It had been about 18 months since I last went down to Cleveland for the Metalliance tour.  That bill featured a ton o’ sludge bands, topped by Saint Vitus, Crowbar and, curiously, Helmet.  But their status as co-headliners didn’t earn Vitus more than a 40-minute set, so when I heard they’d be embarking on a full US tour this fall–their first since ’93!–I took another trip down to The Mistake by the Lake over the weekend.

This bill also included a heavy helping of sludge, starting off with Sourvein.  The lineup around T.Roy Medlin has certainly changed a few times over the years, but he’s assembled a pretty solid group for this outing, including, among others, ex TGOS can-basher Cool Clyde, who had a different design on his bass drum the last time I saw him.  (Incidentally, T.Roy was there too–ditto Dixie Dave!)

Weedeater is always good times.  The Three Stooges of Sludge Metal never disappoint in a live setting.  As it stands, I was on the other side of the stage, so I didn’t get as many great shots of Dixie this time, but I’ve captured him on camera on at least a couple other occasions, so it’s all good.

Vitus came through with a solid 13-song set that included all the non-instrumental numbers off their new album, a fistful from Hallow’s Victim, and other classic tunes like “Dying Inside,” “I Bleed Black,” “The Troll” and of course, “Born Too Late.”  Unbeknownst to me beforehand, the 29th was Wino’s birthday, and even though he’s now 51, old age didn’t stop him from stage diving on a couple occasions. ;)

(I know what you’re thinking, “Doesn’t this band have a bass player?”  They do, of course, mind you Mark Adams isn’t terribly photogenic…)

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FIVE OTHER BANDS FROM NC YOU SHOULD KNOW/CARE ABOUT – Buzzov•en

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Raleigh’s native sons Corrosion of Conformity pretty much put North Carolina on the metal map with the release of Animosity back in ’85.  And while the state hasn’t sprung forth a well of heavy riffage like neighbouring Georgia and Virginia of late–to say nothing of the Florida death metal scene–there are at least a handful of bands from the Tarheel State that, well, if you like COC, you’d probably be into them too.  So cook up some grits and lace up those powder blue Air Jordans as I list ‘em off over the next few days.  (Oh, and COC are playing the Opera House on Thursday–but I’m sure you knew that already…)

Buzzov•en

If you don’t know Buzzov•en, you don’t know sludge.  Plain and simple.  Formed by mad-man Kirk Fisher in 1989, the band’s wild antics and destructive behaviour put them in the same breath as bands like Eyehategod, with whom they trashed a few hotel rooms back in the day.  The violence fueled such crushing sludge albums as To a Frown, which earned them a record deal with Roadrunner for their next release, Sore.  But their drug-fuelled destruction didn’t lead to a long-term contract, and after a series of splits and EPs for several different labels amidst a slew of arrests and lineup changes, the band burned out in 1998.  However, the recent release of compilations like Welcome to Violence and unearthing of demos in the form of Violence from the Vault and Revelation: Sick Again has seen a renewed interest in the band, and they eventually reformed in 2010.  Kirk Fisher, meanwhile has cleaned up and found God, as has current drummer Ramzi.  And yes, that is Dixie Dave you see on bass.  He got his start with Buzzov•en on the …At a Loss album, which produced perhaps the most badass Electric Light Orchestra cover of all time.  Take a listen for yourself:

FIVE OTHER BANDS FROM NC YOU SHOULD KNOW/CARE ABOUT – Weedeater

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Raleigh’s native sons Corrosion of Conformity pretty much put North Carolina on the metal map with the release of Animosity back in ’85.  And while the state hasn’t sprung forth a well of heavy riffage like neighbouring Georgia and Virginia of late–to say nothing of the Florida death metal scene–there are at least a handful of bands from the Tarheel State that, well, if you like COC, you’d probably be into them too.  So cook up some grits and lace up those powder blue Air Jordans as I list ‘em off over the next few days.  (Oh, and COC are playing the Opera House on Thursday–but I’m sure you knew that already…)

Weedeater

(photo taken at this gig)

These guys are sorta like the Three Stooges of sludge metal.  Sure, they have real names, but the “Cape Fear” (aka Wilmington, NC) trio is best known to beasts of bourbon and marijuananauts worldwide as Dixie, Keko and Shep–with the former being best known for blowing his big toe off with a shotgun.  Twas but the latest in a string of tour cancellations due to bizarre band-member injuries–like a good slapstick comedy outfit, they sometimes pay the price.  But they bounced back with an outing appropriately dubbed “The Nine-Toe Tour” and I don’t think they’ve missed an opportunity to come through town since.  On the other hand, the band has only been in and out of a recording studio a fistful of times since its inception in ’98, with 2007′s God Luck and Good Speed being their strongest, most cohesive effort to date.  Their last recording, Jason… The Dragon had a coupla really silly songs, but when they get down to, erm, sludging, Weedeater can still deliver some solid tunes, even if they don’t take themselves too seriously.  Case in point: their latest music video, “Mancoon/Turkey Vulture,” is classic comedy gold.  Check ‘er out:

MY MAN OF THE YEAR: Rob Fucking Ford

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You know how Time Magazine does its Man of the Year?  Well, I figured I’d jump on that bandwagon.  Mind you, there aren’t any smelly hippies or peace-loving tent-dwellers to be found on my list.  Here are my five finalists, in ascending order.

5. Dixie Dave

There’s no denying that Dixie is the man.  In fact, here are 10 reasons why.

4. Tim Tebow

The man who put the Jesus in the National Football League, Tim Tebow has brought his Broncos and the Bible back with his late-game heroics this season.  The rookie QB has inspired a legion of followers that would make a Jehovah’s Witness jealous, and even ended up on SNL the other week.  Here, see for yourself:

3. Stephen Harper

After years of holding a minority government, Stephen Harper’s Conservatives finally won their strong, stable majority this year, picking up several seats following a snap election that was called due to his party being declared in contempt by the opposition.  Since then, Harper has hardly reached out to his contempt-holders, pulling such “jackboot shit” (eh, Pat Martin?) as pushing the budget through parliament with little time for debate, extending jail sentences for potheads and juvies and buying expensive jets–that are still in development–while getting rid of such key icons of Canadiana as the Wheat Board and the gun registry.  Stephen Harper: The reason why I don’t vote Conservative.

2. Patrick Bateman

While TIME can give its “Person of the Year” award to the Occupy Wall Street protestors, I happen to see the other side.  Pat Bateman is rich, good-looking and has a great body–though he’s probably a closet homosexual who does a lot of cocaine.  He works on Wall Street, for Pierce & Pierce.  Have you heard of it?  Bateman has all the characteristics of a human being, but not a single, clear, identifiable emotion–except for greed and disgust.  He also makes $360,000 dollars a year, adjusted for inflation.  Patrick Bateman, you are the one per cent!

1. Rob Fucking Ford

Whether it’s berating 911 operators, boycotting the Star or his never-ending quest to stop the gravy train, the mayor of this city has been an endless source of amusement this year.  In fact, Ford is so funny that he almost makes us forget that Mel Lastman called in the army to shovel snow at the turn of the century.  (If only the ROC–Rest of Canada–would let it go already!)  Suffice to say that if a serious candidate emerges in the next municipal election, Ford will be gone like a stain washed with OxyClean–but I hope that some local business has the sense to hire him for its TV commercials, even if it’s his family’s. ;)

Amateur Concert Photgraphy Hour: WEEDEATER, Saviours, Bison B.C. @ Lee’s Palace, September 13th

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If you’ve ever been to Lee’s, you know that the stage is four feet high, which leads to a lot of “up from below” shots from a photographer’s perspective.  That said, the venue is a definite upgrade from the Wreckroom, where Weedeater made its last two Toronto appearances.  Bigger stage, better sound and a much higher capacity, to boot!

Opening band Fight Amp, a decent sludge/math or math/sludge band–take your pick–weren’t the most photogenic fellows.  For one thing, they requested that the lights be turned down low, which ruined any shot at taking decent pictures.  I took this one just to prove my point.  Fucking stoners…

A good portion of the crowd showed up early, what with Bison B.C. going on second at 9:15 or so.  These guys, on the other hand, have never met a camera they didn’t like, and their aggressive stage demeanour–not to mention some killer heavy tunes–has won them a solid following in this city.  (The crowd was already a bit thinner after they finished.)

REASONS WHY DIXIE DAVE IS THE MAN: Number 11 – When Bison found a pair of cheap sunglasses on stage, who put them on?  Dixie did!

Saviours was the only band on the bill I hadn’t seen before, though I remembered them being more of a traditional metal outfit.  As it turns out, they didn’t disappoint with their take on Motorhead meets Diamond Head old-school worship.  A couple of their tunes had some solid slow doomy riffs, too.  While they still stuck out, it was definitely in a good way.  Oh, and kudos to their bassist for rockin’ the vintage McKenzie Brothers t-shirt!

Although they had a lot more stage to work with this time around, WEEDEATER set up their drumkit right up front, as per usual.  Since I was so close to the stage, I couldn’t squeeze Keko and Dixie into one shot without zooming out quite a bit, thus there are a couple pictures where the latter’s face is obscured by a cymbal.  Man, I must say, though, if there’s anybody who can make red eye look good, it’s Dixie!  (Reason Number 12, if you’re keeping track at home…)

10 REASONS WHY DIXIE DAVE IS THE MAN: Number 1 – Emissions 2

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So, Weedeater is coming to town TONITE MUTHAFUCKAS! on a touring package with Saviours, Bison B.C. and Fight Amp.  Although I’m not always enamoured with their recorded output (God Luck and Good Speed FTW!), they are one of my favourite touring sludge bands to see in a live setting.  Their bassist/vocalist “Dixie” Dave Collins is also one of my favourite frontmen.  For the next 10 days, I’ll be counting down 10 reasons why he is the man.

10. He got this tattoo in Europe

9. His new music video’s more fun than a barrel full of Weed Monkeys

8. When Weedeater goes on tour, they bring their own tunes

7. His side project’s better than your main band

6. An interviewer on the phone doesn’t prevent him from taking a piss

5. Monkey Junction

4. He played on Buzzov•en’s …At a Loss album

3. He’s got the eyes of a stranger

2. He blew off his big toe with a shotgun—and still wears the same shoes

1. Emissions from the Monolith 2

The Emissions from the Monolith festival was once considered the premiere stoner/sludge festival in North America.  Held annually at Nyabinghi’s in Youngstown, Ohio, the fest had some killer lineups back in the day.  When the venue shut down, it moved to Austin, Texas, for a year, which proved to be its final occurrence.

Though I never made it down there, I’ve heard a few good Emissions stories over the years.  My buddy Eric, who played bass in Sea of Green, told me this one a couple years ago, and I haven’t forgotten it.  This is not verbatim, but rather how I remember the story being told:

Since Youngstown wasn’t a very big town, they put the bands up in trailers, not hotels.  One nite, the guys from Weedeater were going around everybody’s trailers, asking “Got any drugs?  Got any drugs?”  This being a stoner rock festival, there were plenty of drugs to go around.  Later, when the cops showed up, only one band got arrested: Weedeater.

And that’s when I knew Dixie Dave was the man.  Check ‘em out tonite @ Lee’s Palace!  First band’s on at 8:30, while Weedeater takes the stage at 11:15 as per the venue’s website.

10 REASONS WHY DIXIE DAVE IS THE MAN: Number 2 – He blew off his big toe with a shotgun—and still wears the same shoes!

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So, Weedeater is coming to town TOMORROW, on a touring package with Saviours, Bison B.C. and Fight Amp.  Although I’m not always enamoured with their recorded output (God Luck and Good Speed FTW!), they are one of my favourite touring sludge bands to see in a live setting.  Their bassist/vocalist “Dixie” Dave Collins is also one of my favourite frontmen.  For the next 10 days, I’ll be counting down 10 reasons why he is the man.

10. He got this tattoo in Europe

9. His new music video’s more fun than a barrel full of Weed Monkeys

8. When Weedeater goes on tour, they bring their own tunes

7. His side project’s better than your main band

6. An interviewer on the phone doesn’t prevent him from taking a piss

5. Monkey Junction

4. He played on Buzzov•en’s …At a Loss album

3. He’s got the eyes of a stranger

2. He blew off his big toe with a shotgun–and he still wears the same shoes!

Weedeater has had its share of bad luck over the years, but perhaps the most blatant display occurred early last year, when Dixie blew off his big toe while cleaning his favourite shotgun.  Although the injury forced Weedeater to postpone the recording of what would become Jason… the Dragon, the band, undaunted, embarked on the Nine-Toe Tour with the likes of Black Tusk and The Gates of Slumber a couple months later.

And while I couldn’t find a picture of Dixie’s foot anywhere, I noticed when they last came to town that he was still wearing the same pair of shoes, with a bullet-sized hole in one of them.

10 REASONS WHY DIXIE DAVE IS THE MAN: Number 3 – He’s got the eyes of a stranger

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So, Weedeater is coming to town next Tuesday, on a touring package with Saviours, Bison B.C. and Fight Amp.  Although I’m not always enamoured with their recorded output (God Luck and Good Speed FTW!), they are one of my favourite touring sludge bands to see in a live setting.  Their bassist/vocalist “Dixie” Dave Collins is also one of my favourite frontmen.  For the next 10 days, I’ll be counting down 10 reasons why he is the man.

10. He got this tattoo in Europe

9. His new music video’s more fun than a barrel full of Weed Monkeys

8. When Weedeater goes on tour, they bring their own tunes

7. His side project’s better than your main band

6. An interviewer on the phone doesn’t prevent him from taking a piss

5. Monkey Junction

4. He played on Buzzov•en’s …At a Loss album

3. He’s got the eyes of a stranger

Being that I’m somewhat musically inclined, when I go to a concert, I rarely focus on a singer’s face.  Dixie Dave is an exception.  Next to him, Steve Buscemi would be known as “Normal Eyes.”  In fact, one of the songs I’m working on for Eyehatethe80s is a slowed-down version of Kim Carnes’ 1981 hit single, which I’ve rechristened “Dixie Dave Collins’ Eyes.”  Now, I just need to go about finding me some more musicians…

10 REASONS WHY DIXIE DAVE IS THE MAN: Number 4 – He played on Buzzov•en’s …At a Loss album

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So, Weedeater is coming to town next Tuesday, on a touring package with Saviours, Bison B.C. and Fight Amp.  Although I’m not always enamoured with their recorded output (God Luck and Good Speed FTW!), they are one of my favourite touring sludge bands to see in a live setting.  Their bassist/vocalist “Dixie” Dave Collins is also one of my favourite frontmen.  For the next 10 days, I’ll be counting down 10 reasons why he is the man.

10. He got this tattoo in Europe

9. His new music video’s more fun than a barrel full of Weed Monkeys

8. When Weedeater goes on tour, they bring their own tunes

7. His side project’s better than your main band

6. An interviewer on the phone doesn’t prevent him from taking a piss

5. Monkey Junction

4. He played on Buzzov•en’s …At a Loss album

Before he got things going with Weedeater, Dixie did time in the original Cape Fear kings of debauchery, Buzzov•en, playing bass on The Gospel According… II EP, …At a Loss, as well as the Revelation: Sick Again album that didn’t see the lite of day till 10 years after it was recorded.  When Kirk Fisher got the band back together last year, it was with the …At a Loss lineup, which features a rhythm section of Dixie and Ramsey AKA Simple Man.

This means, of course, that Dixie part of not just one, but two of the greatest southern sludge metal outfits of all time.

 

10 REASONS WHY DIXIE DAVE IS THE MAN: Number 5 – Monkey Junction

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So, Weedeater is coming to town next Tuesday, on a touring package with Saviours, Bison B.C. and Fight Amp.  Although I’m not always enamoured with their recorded output (God Luck and Good Speed FTW!), they are one of my favourite touring sludge bands to see in a live setting.  Their bassist/vocalist “Dixie” Dave Collins is also one of my favourite frontmen.  For the next 10 days, I’ll be counting down 10 reasons why he is the man.

10. He got this tattoo in Europe

9. His new music video’s more fun than a barrel full of Weed Monkeys

8. When Weedeater goes on tour, they bring their own tunes

7. His side project’s better than your main band

6. An interviewer on the phone doesn’t prevent him from taking a piss

5. Monkey muthafuckin’ Junction!

A true, classic crossroads blues, which sees our protagonist in a state of confusion.  He doesn’t know whether to go back to West Virginia, by God, to walk back down Queen one time or to just head home–so instead he decides to bludgeon us with some evil sludge growls and a two-ton chorus.

Check out the tuneage in question here.