Vans Warped Tour 98 - 8/9/98
Vans Warped Tour '98 (8/10/98)
Southpark Meadows - Austin,TX
This was the first time that I had seen the Reverend Horton Heat since I began this web site. And I must say that this was the 'tightest' that I have ever seen the trio perform. First things first, the setlist was:
Big Sky
Baddest of the Bad
One Time for Me
Lie Detector
The Jimbo Song
Five-O Ford
I Can't Surf
Big Red Rocket of Love
400 Bucks
Psychobilly Freakout w/ sermon
I had forgotten what an incredible drummer Scott was. Despite the heat he managed to keep a consistent wail on the drums that couldn't have been done better by anyone. And although I must admit I don't know that much about drumming, he is definitely established as the most talented drummer I have witnessed in concert.
Jimbo, as is always, was complete perfection on the upright bass. All the trademark crowd pleasing moves were done (ie - 'surfing' his bass, throwing the bass in the air and catching it, and having the Rev. stand on it), along with a a new one that I hadn't seen, and was duly impressed by. This new 'move' involved him handling the neck of the Rev.'s guitar while the Rev. handled the neck of the bass as they played the two instruments in tandem. It is definitely something that should be witnessed by all.
The Rev. appeared to be in great spirits as he proclaimed "It's good to be back in Texas!" much to the crowds delight. He, along with Jimbo and Scott placed sublte twists on manyof the songs adding that extra little bit of kick. Songs that kick ass out of the studio were absolutely perfect live, specifically the newer songs Lie Detector and The Jimbo Song. His sermon placed in the middle of Psychobilly Freakout was also a big treat to here, as he discussed the "evils" of tattoos, and a woman with a "Reverend Horton Heat Tattoo."
Basically it was the most high energy set I've seen in a long long time. Due to the festival atmosphere they obviously stuck to the tunes with a faster pace, and it worked so well to an extent only attainable by The Reverend Horton Heat.
I was fortunate enough to meet Jimbo after the show before they had to take off for San Diego for a show that night. I was also fortunate enough to meet the lead singers of The Cherry Poppin' Daddies and Bad Religion, all of whom were extrememly great people. And as far as the Cherry Poppin' Daddies and Bad Religion go I highly suggest you get out and catch them if they arrive in your town. The Cherry Poppin' Daddies live performance reminds me of the RHH in many ways because as great as they sound on disc, their music acheives a whole new level in concert, and shant be missed.
I also tried to catch The Deftones but unfortunately it sounded as if their sound man was in fact that, tone deaf, as the levels of vocals and instruments changed very erratically causing for an unenjoyable experiance.