Tour Title: The Manic Moonlight Tour
Rating: 5 Skulls
Reviewed by Musashi (2/12/02, The Knitting Factory, New York):
I have been a huge King's X fan since I first heard Gretchen Goes to Nebraska back in 1989. I've been lucky enough to see them a few times and have rarely been disappointed. When asked if I wanted to go see them, I remembered the last time I saw them on the Ear Candy tour and was thinking I would pass on this show. Then I found out it was $25 and we were not getting comps, and I was even less excited. However, I started thinking about how much I liked King's X and how long it has been since I have seen them. I was also thinking that I should support a band that has provided me with so much enjoyment over the years.
I showed up early. I sat around waiting and waiting. Luckily, The Knitting Factory has a very comfortable front bar. They finally opened the doors and I quickly found my place up front. The opening act was a band called The Lab from New York (http://www.thelabmusic.com). It has been many years since I have seen a band like The Lab. They are progressive with a slight jazz fusion feel. It reminded me of bands like Tribal Tech that just play whacked out instrumental jams. Damn, those boys can play.
Photos by YlanaFinally it was time for King's X. I had firmly marked my territory up front and was prepared to stay there all night if need be. I was still waiting for Death, Hel and Ylana to show up, but they were going to have to fight for their own personal space. I could see around me that the Knitting Factory was packed and I was not going to fight hard to maintain my optimum position. The lights dimmed and the crowd roared: so it began. They opened with "Groove Machine." Then played "Dogman." Then they hit the new album for about three songs. Then back to the old catalog. They played lots of old songs like "It's You," "The Big Picture," "Pleiades" (one of the few Ty Songs they did), "What Is This?" "Sometime" (From Ear Candy, not Out of The Silent Planet), "Mission," "Higher Than God," "She's Gone Away" and "The Train." The highlights were songs like "Send a Message," "We Were Born To Be Loved," and "Summerland." They played an encore of "Goldilox" with the mikes pointed at the audience. The audience was amazing in its command of the lyrics and equally as amazing in its lack of pitch. They jammed a long version of some song that got people dancing and shouting chants like "Go Dougie! Go Dougie! Go!!!"
The only noticeable absence was "Over My Head." This song has been the de facto encore for twelve years and somehow did not get played this night. No biggie. I was happy to hear all the other cool old songs that I liked. Did I mention that Ty Tabor is one of my favorite guitar players? His tone and vibrato are like butter. Watching him play is such a great experience. He is fluid like Jeff Beck but rocks much harder. He sings like John Lennon to boot! Damn.
The best part of King's X is their honesty. They really seem happy and positive and that good feeling is contagious. The good feeling stays with you after you leave. I woke up the next day with a big smile on my face. I was happy to have seen them and had the chance to sing along. Do not deny yourself the pleasure of going to see King's X if they play near you.
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