11-06-2010 Bad Religion

Supports: Grolschbusters; Venue: Melkweg, Amsterdam (Netherlands)
By: Sabine van Gameren

Bad Religion has something to celebrate. 30 years of existence to be precise. They are now touring Europe to give shows for their fans from all generations and show what these 30 years have made out of them.

In Amsterdam the fact that Bad Religion has become a definition is clear. Their fans seem so loyal, hardly anyone wears something else than Bad Religion merchandise. Though, the band which is support this evening has been around for over 20 years as well. Grolschbusters is their name and they realize very well that most people in the venue did not came to see them. Never the less the band surprises many people with their music. Most intense person is not always the vocalist who gives us a lot of power, but comes from an accordion. The definitely showed that they know how to bring a good party. Fans seemed to be positively surprised as well and this support is one that you don’t mind having on an eve like this.

After half an hour Bad Religion came on stage and after a few songs they notified everyone of their free live album they released. Also the band told that their new album will come in fall and this set the mood in the audience quite right. Thirty years and yet not thinking of retirement. The band had a set list of three pages, in which their hits were played but also some more less known songs. The audience, which was quite varied in age, seemed to know them all.

Bad Religion makes it all interesting if you watch what’s the intensity highlight of the show. It’s hard to say as the band members have all their moments of highlight. Drums look like they fall a bit in the darkness, having the huge, bright logo straight behind it and the lights were not really focused on the drummer at all, but if you stood close enough to the stage you could see that quite some of the bands energy is coming from that, what a fanatic.

The sound of this show was excellent, an entertaining show that brought many fans what they want due to the long setlist that after 1,5 hours of playing still was not finished. For the fans it is clear, another 30 years is something they would go for.