Suffer No Evil US Tour: Clutch, Corrosion of Conformity, JD Pinkus

Phantom Light Media
May 2
3 min read

With a line from Broad St down Capitol Blvd to Front St, the Clutch show tonight was bound to packed and energetic. What I didn’t know was my own personal struggle I was going to encounter later in the evening.

Walking into Treefort Music Hall, I like to take a look around see how much room there will be to move about. Tonight was pretty standard not a lot of room, but doable there were a few cables hanging off the stage so I made a note to avoid them. The room was filling up fast and honestly in the past years this didn't seem to be a thing but this year people are showing up for all the bands and I like that.

First act of the night was a solo act. Up we had JD Pinkus formerly of Butthole Surfers. I was excited for the banjo but I got so much more then that. He brought with him distortion and great comedic relief. He was an absolute character and presence on the stage. Kept it simple, but with so much depth. Although I may have tripped inside the barricade I had a great time with his set. Near the end he brought out Bobby Landgraf, bassist for Corrosion of Conformity and played a Honky song. Honky being another project JD Pinkus is a part of.

Speaking of Corrosion of Conformity that's who came on next. It was during this set that I noticed I was having some personal issues. I didn't let that stop me though. This band kept it in the redlined, with their light and their sound. Seemed like the first 3 songs flew right by. I needed a break to catch my breath and balance myself so I stepped outside for a quick breather and to cool off. After the respite, I came back in to watch the rest of the set and grab a few snaps from the crowd. Over all I really enjoyed this set and am excited to see they are coming back July 19th to The Shrine Social Club.

At this point Treefort Music Hall was wall to wall people. Barely a path could be found to move around. On next was Clutch from Germantown, MD. Another 1st three flew by but at this point I had stopped enjoying myself. The band put on an amazing performance, there was pit opened in the middle of the crowd not much more could be asked for. They have an absolutely amazing light show. Balanced and symmetrical and timed to the music almost flawlessly. I knew and have listened to quite a few of their songs and was happy to see them perform. The crowd interaction was fantastic. Watching Neil Fallon lean over the edge of the stage and sing with his fans individually was absolutely amazing and top notch showmanship. Taking notice of a fan singing your song word for word with all his heart and joining him. It’s these moments from the band that kept me there for the whole show. Ultimately what had happened to me was I had a pretty solid anxiety attack that started while I was shooting and in advertently turned into claustrophobia when I couldn't find somewhere to catch my breath and cool off. I did spend quite a bit of time on the smoking patio outside to cool off and get some fresh air between the puffs of smoke (not mine I am a non smoker). So, there were parts of Clutch’s set that I missed seeing but was able listen to. I have to say it was a great show overall. I would certainly say if you haven't seen any of these artists you should. Like Corrosion of Conformity July 19 at The Shrine Ballroom.