It was a homecoming show of sorts for Chicago’s Alkaline Trio, who continue to support Blink 182 every time the superstars touch the stage. The trio plugged in on Chicago’s south side at 7:30, which according to the Central time code in the summer means that the sun is still awake and the cool air is nowhere to be found. The Tweeter center holds close to 24,000 people and less than half of that filled the “early bird” seats to witness one of rock and roll’s greatest current assets. At one point singer Matt Skiba even asked the 13 year old, painted haired pre-teens to stand up and show some interest for them since “they” asked Blink to join “their” tour, attempting to grab some enthusiasm from the MTV drones. The Alkaline Trio delivered the promised rock Fed Ex style, and personally I wish that the audience showed some appreciation for them, and that the concert went down in an enclosed theater.
The Trio’s set ignited with an old song from one of their first recordings titled “My Friend Peter”. “You’ve Got So Far To Go” came in second, which can be found on the band’s “Maybe I’ll Catch Fire” beauty. At this point I was wondering if the crew would admit that they had a new record, or simply please the 40 plus faithful fans who came just to see them. As drummer Mike Felumlee (formerly of Smoking Popes) peeled his shirt off, the band shot a boost of new material into the set: “Private Eye”, the lead off track from the Vagrant debut, From Here To Infirmary.”Mr. Chainsaw” was next, which was described as Skiba as being about the desire to be a kid forever.
Just when I thought I would hear the entire new album live, the Trio went into reverse and dug up another oldie; “I Lied My Face Off.” The band’s biggest radio friendly single “Stupid Kid” helped bring the crowd closer for the time being, and “Bloodied Up” was for all of the skateboarding kids who hit their faces really hard on the ground. “Crawl”, the final song on Infirmary was next, followed by the set’s closer “Radio” from Maybe I’ll Catch Fire.
I will admit that the sound for the Tweeter Center blew like a Sunset Strip hooker and the heat factor and lack of energy from the audience definitely afflicted this highly anticipated set. The boys brought the rock, and I loved every minute of it – but I will be more psyched to see the Alkaline Trio this summer on the Vagrant America tour. The set was short because Blink needed time to please the masses, and “Fuck You Aurora” wasn’t even played and we were like 10 minutes from the town. I love the Alkaline Trio’s music to death (which is their favorite theme) but they got a raw deal from the beginning. I understand the notoriety of opening for such a huge act, but the music was not the same. 90 degree muggy heat, handfuls of people were actually their to see just them, and the sound was terrible. Check them on the Vagrant America tour when it hits your town, and school yourself on their recordings.
Alkaline Trio – Tweeter Center / Chicago – July 7, 2001.
My Friend Peter
You’ve Got So Far To Go
Private Eye
Mr. Chainsaw
I Lied My Face Off
Stupid Kid
Bloodied Up
Crawl
Radio
Alkaline Trio on tour:
2001-07-10
COLUMBUS, OH
Polaris Amphitheatre
2001-07-11
CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH
Blossom Music Center
2001-07-13
BONNER SPRINGS, KS
Sandstone Amphitheatre
2001-07-14
SOMERSET, WI
Float-Rite Amphitheatre
2001-07-15
ST. LOUIS, MO
Riverport Amphitheatre
2001-08-23
CHICAGO, IL
TBA
2001-08-24
DETROIT, MI
St. Andrews
2001-08-25
CINCINNATI, OH
TBA
2001-08-26
NEW YORK, NY
TBA
2001-08-27
LATHAM, NY
Club 797
2001-08-28
WORCESTER, MA
The Palladium
2001-08-29
BUFFALO, NY
The Showplace Theatre
2001-08-30
CLEVELAND, OH
Agora Theatre
2001-08-31
PITTSBURGH, PA
Club Laga
2001-09-01
SOUTH AMBOY, NJ
Club Krome
2001-09-02
PHILADELPHIA, PA
Trocadero Theatre
Source: Jason Anfinsen
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