There are bands we call legendary, then there are bands that define music history. Pixies are the latter of the two. What is special about this band, they earned their iconic status the old school way, by putting out great music, with great lyrics and they did it with a passion for their music that is simply undeniable.
Over the decades, they have developed a sonic resume that has attracted legions of devoted fans worldwide. Last week, the band that personifies coolness and brings alternative rock to life played for us at the House of Blues, Anaheim!
October 2, 2022
As I pulled up to the House of Blues, I noticed the kind of line you would expect for a show like this. It was wrapped around the promenade. Everyone in line was there to see the kings of coolness and culture. Hailing from Boston, we were all there to take in some Pixies.
It didn’t take long for the venue to fill upand the capacity crowd included fans of all ages and walks of life. Some dressed in their favorite punk rock outfits, or emo outfits, and yes, even bell-bottom jeans with the occasional 10-gallon cowboy hat floated by. Everyone was there to see this legendary band.
The opener was Cherry Glazerr, and they were the recipient of a very animated crowd, and they did not disappoint. Blazing in a volcanic red ensemble of colors, coupled with a devilish wink and smile, she belted out a very nice melodic sound that bordered a very cool indie rock vibe. With a electric band behind her and the light show in full effect, they made quite the impression and fans were very, very happy.
CHERRY GLAZER LIVE | PHOTO by Green-Eyed Blonde Photography
NOW, it was 9 p.m. and time for the main event. As the lights came up slightly, the silhouettes of David Lovering on drums, Joey Santiago on lead guitar, Paz Lenchantin on bass drew cheers. Then, out came the crooner, Black Francis .. and the crowd lost its mind when they opened with “Ed is Dead.” I saw the crowd, and as mentioned concertgoers of all ages were singing along to every word.
The thing about this band, they are no nonsense, they finish a song, take a quick breath and go, or they just segue into the next.
PIXIES LIVE | PHOTO by Green-Eyed Blonde Photography
It is always incredible to see the majesty of their skills at work as musicians and to see how they interact. It was a class on how to be a kick-ass band.
Santiago and Lenchantin fed off Francis, and vice versa while Lovering kept a steady beat.
PIXIES LIVE | PHOTO by Green-Eyed Blonde Photography
The cool kids were definitely out and were energized by some of their favorite Pixies tunes, “Cactus,” “Nimrod’s Son,” “The Holiday Song,” “Vamos,” and “Ana.”
I saw plenty of 40-something year-old parents with their children who were on average about 10 years old. Remarkably, those kids all knew the lyrics to each song as well. The younger ones wore their headphones, guess they were there more for the ambience and experience
PIXIES LIVE | PHOTO by Green-Eyed Blonde Photography
In the end, the band electrified the crowd. They got what they came for, the larger-than-life experience of seeing a Pixies show.
The hit parade included fan favorites, “Mr. Grieves,” “Wave of Mutilation,” “Head On,” “Hey,” “Debaser,” “Monkey Gone to Heaven,” “Who’s Sorry Now,” and their mega-hit “Here Comes Your Man.”
PIXIES LIVE | PHOTO by Green-Eyed Blonde Photography
No Pixies show would be complete without the distinct sonic journey that ends with “Where is My Mind.”
Pixies closed out the show to screams from the crowd as they launched into “Winterlong.”
PHOTO by Green-Eyed Blonde Photography
What a night for great music in the OC, Pixies proved once again why they are royalty in the world of music.
