Mastodon @The Trocadero - Philadelphia, PA 11/20/11

I always dreamed of going to concerts with my boys.  It is always something that I wanted to share with them.  Although you always hope that you influence their musical tastes you never now exactly what they will like.  And I am ok with that.  I have always encouraged personal expression.  So when my oldest son told me at 11 that he wanted his first concert to be Clutch I was thrilled!!!

His mother, not so much.  The only show they were playing locally was with Motorhead in North Jersey.  I thought that would be perfect.  She did not.  Needless to say, that didn't work out.  When he heard that Mastodon was coming to town he decided that was the one.  I secured our tickets and we were ready to go.

I felt as though I had a lot of wisdom to impart before we went.  I explained that he would be wearing earplugs.  I also told him that because he was still young and I feared for a rowdy show that we would stand in the back.  We started listening to Leviathan in preparation.






At the time I considered Mastodon one of the top Heavy Rock bands along with Clutch, Fu Manchu, and Queens of the Stone Age.  I still do but I would add in Baroness.  This was going to be a good first experience.  I could not wait!!!

It was a triple bill.  The two opening bands were Red Fang and Dillinger Escape Plan.  Unfortunately, I thing he was a little young to appreciate how epic this bill was.

We go there and bought our shirts and headed in.

Oregon's own Red Fang had already started playing.  We took our spot in the back.




We had the occasional 7 foot tall guy stand in front of us but it is amazing how well the crowd looks after small children at a concert...especially metal shows.

Red Fang was really good.  I would love to see them again.  I wasn't as familiar with their catalog then as I am today.

Up next was the noiscore band Dillinger Escape Plan.  One of New Jersey's best!  My son was BLOWN away with their energy.



They encompassed the entire stage.  Their energy is unrivaled except for maybe Killswitch Engage.  They played a great set.

Finally it was Mastodon!!!  They were incredible!

 The set was heavy with tracks from The Hunter, which was fine as it is a strong album.  We actually received a free download of the album when we bought our tickets.

Although my son was having a great time he was having trouble continuing on.  It was a long night.  Especially for an 11 year old.  After two opening bands they still played a massive 22 song set.  We left after 'Curl of the Burl' which is a favorite of ours from The Hunter.  I am still disappointed that I did not see 'Blood and Thunder' but there will always be other opportunities.

He still rocks the concert shirt to this day and wears it like a flag.  I was glad to have that experience with him.  I think if I were to give him his choice of concerts today he may pick Eminem.  It is funny how tastes change.  Hopefully, he will always remember this one. 

See you at the next show!

Fran

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