Stephen Lynch Brings Bold Humor To The Fillmore
Saturday night, and feeling right. Right?
The weather was playing with my heartstrings throughout the day, going from a potential snowy annoying commute to a mild frosty evening. Took the river road up for a change from Eagan to Minneapolis. There were a decent amount of accidents dotting the main roads, bottlenecking happening on the highways with much Google alerting. Choosing the extra ten minutes, made my way slowly up the slightly snowy path. Having plenty of time to appreciate the festive decor and lights adorning the historic homes on the Mississippi. Easy parking near Inbound Brewing for steak quesadilla from the food truck and a Hazy Shades IPA. Ran into fellow TCM photographer James Perovich at the bar there, he was there to photograph the band performing later that night on the brewery stage.
Doors were at 7 and show at 8, wanted to make sure I had a decent amount of time to survey the floor and get a lay of the land. Being a seated show, everyone had their own space to sit, making the mood easy and open to walk around and chit chat a bit or grab a drink. Cell phone use and video was prohibited during which was a welcomed requirement in my mind. All for taking a hot vid of the act, but there has been an uptick in social media livestreaming and constant video clipping from my observations at shows. Take those selfies before the performers are on stage, not during. Capture a few fun clips, but pop that phone in your pocket so it doesn’t obscure your fellow concert goer’s view and experience. The crowd was giggly already, seeming primed to have a great time.
A few pre-recorded announcements let us know the show was about to start in a few, giving people the last minute ability to grab another beverage or pop into the restroom. It did advertise for the lounge bar upstairs which was closed off to guests, so perhaps a re-edit for nights when that is the case is needed. Saw a few people wandering near the roped off stairs being curious. Lights dimmed to indicate the show was about to start.
Few flashes on and off of the lights and Stephen Lynch was on stage. All of a sudden, the lights were again cut abruptly, causing a bit of a laugh throughout the audience as well as from the comedian musician himself. Teasing “Goodnight, Everyone!” with a hearty response from the crowd. Stage lights came on and didn’t have any issues for the rest of the night, so just a wee hiccup in production. No other better song than “Me” to open up the set. The sarcastic tone was immediately established. His lyrics are so fun, I won’t drone on about every single song (he played almost two dozen!). Remarking after the song “Time Machine” how there are definitely listeners to his music that do NOT understand it’s heavily joking about the themes. I won’t say the line that he eyerolled to, but some of those “fans” were in the audience and hooted at a very controversial comment. Can’t imagine the kind of crap Stephen Lynch has had to deal with throughout his career. Regaling us with stories and tales of his life woven through witty lyrics and musical accompaniment, including being stalked by someone who tried to actually kill him, it’s hard not to be on the edge of your seat while listening. Many old-school fans knew every word to his songs which made up most of the audience. “Craig” was one that got them going real good. Hooting and hollering, throwing up some devil horns. Quite lively for an acoustic show.
He had a few fellow musicians on stage with him, but mostly held down the fort solo. “Namaste (Yoga)” had a prop and some physical comedy that got us rolling. I won’t spoil it for those who have not seen him perform this one. Appreciated the small line changes and fresh perspectives occasionally, inserting a bit of contemporary flair to his older tunes. “Tiny Little Moustache” was one of those I particularly enjoyed with the modern tweaks.
So happy to finally have seen him in concert. His voice is as golden as his with is quick.
Those true laughs were like a needed sun-filled afternoon.
