Tom, The Butthole Surfers: Yea, Nay, or Eh?

[JonFromMaplewood]

Dear Tom,

When I was in college from 87-91, The Butthole Surfers were pretty huge.  I went to a few shows in '90 and '91 in Boston and Saratoga Springs, and must admit to being absolutely floored.  Up to that point, I had never seen a show like those, where I could not take my eyes off of the stage for even a minute.

But I could see how others might see them as getting famous for just being intentionally "weird."

Anyway, I am going to see them in Brooklyn tomorrow night, just to figure it out.

I am curious about your opinion. Butthole Surfers: Yea, nay, or eh?

Thanks,
Jon from Maplewood

[mike_b]

Here is a song from their last album:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InJNcwVuNjM

Butthole Surfers: What Happened?

[snogrog]

They did a cover of the theme song for "Underdog" on a comp. in the 90s and I still really dig it. Just never got anything else by them...that song ain't so bad though!

[daveB from Oakland]

J from M -- I think I read somewhere that Paul Leary was not joining them on this tour. That's kinda like the Stones without Keith Richards, as far as I'm concerned. Anyway, let us know how you liked it, and if it was anything like their late 80s/ early 90s heyday.

[JonFromMaplewood]

Here is a song from their last album:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InJNcwVuNjM

Butthole Surfers: What Happened?

Let's pretend last two albums don't count! 

It was the triumvirate "Rembrandt Pussyhorse" "Locust Abortion Technician" and "Hairway to Steven" that pulled me in.

J from M -- I think I read somewhere that Paul Leary was not joining them on this tour. That's kinda like the Stones without Keith Richards, as far as I'm concerned. Anyway, let us know how you liked it, and if it was anything like their late 80s/ early 90s heyday.

He actually ended up joining them for some shows.  I hope he is there tomorrow night. Your Keith Richards analogy is spot on.

[Phantom Hugger]

They did a cover of the theme song for "Underdog" on a comp. in the 90s and I still really dig it. Just never got anything else by them...that song ain't so bad though!

If vice mayor Hammerhead had anything to say about it you might just settle for THE Underdog

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWMDvOEpqNA

[Dan B]

Their story in Our Band Could Be Your Life was really entertaining, but then I tried listening to Locust Abortion Technician.  Not for me.

[masterofsparks]

Locust Abortion Technician is the high point for me. I also really like the Cream Corn EP.

I know you didn't ask for my opinion, but I'm going on record as a "Yea" anyway, up to and including Independent Worm Saloon.

[JonFromMaplewood]

Locust Abortion Technician is the high point for me. I also really like the Cream Corn EP.

I know you didn't ask for my opinion, but I'm going on record as a "Yea" anyway, up to and including Independent Worm Saloon.

I feel about the same. "To Parter" off the the Cream Corn EP may be my favorite track by them.

[Omar]

Tom told the Angry Mr. Bungle Fan that he though the early BH records were "interesting."

[JonFromMaplewood]

The Scrivener comes through!  Thanks Omar.  "Interesting" will have to do.

[moonshake]

You should listen to the show where Tom interviewed Michael Azerrad. I don't remember his exact words but Tom didn't have very many nice things to say about BHS.

[Spoony]

Alot of my friends are big Butthole Surfer fans, and a couple are even friends with Gibby, but I can't bring myself to get on board. They're playing tonight and I'm getting calls from people who want to go. It's getting to the point that I'm screening phone calls until tomorrow. I'm irritated at how I'm just EXPECTED to see them every time they play in NYC. For $25? No sir. You can't even get a guarantee that Gibby will finish the set.

[Emily]

I saw them a few months ago at Irving Plaza. I paid like $35, but I had never seen them b4 and didnt know they'd be around again like that.

The crowd was pretty annoying - a lot of beer drinker metal rockers or something I don't even know how to classify them. They were all like 15+ years older than me and drunk and stupid and annoying. And then the show ended sort of abruptly because someone like threw something on stage or something, so they stopped playing.

So that was a pain in the ass. I would think the Warsaw crowd might blow less.

Whatever, the music was good. You'll probably have a good time tonight.
Enjoy!

[JonFromMaplewood]

I saw them a few months ago at Irving Plaza. I paid like $35, but I had never seen them b4 and didnt know they'd be around again like that.

The crowd was pretty annoying - a lot of beer drinker metal rockers or something I don't even know how to classify them. They were all like 15+ years older than me and drunk and stupid and annoying. And then the show ended sort of abruptly because someone like threw something on stage or something, so they stopped playing.

So that was a pain in the ass. I would think the Warsaw crowd might blow less.

Whatever, the music was good. You'll probably have a good time tonight.
Enjoy!

Sorry the show was so lousy, Emily.

I remember the first time I saw them, there were all of these people who appeared to be Deadheads...but really fucked up Deadheads who had taken one too many tabs of high-powered blotter acid and now the music of the Dead was no longer enough.  They were everywhere.  Then the show started. The loud music and visual assault sent many of them to the back of the room. They were terrified. It left a wonderful impression on me.