I wasn’t planning on writing about this concert I went to three days ago, but I just can’t get it out of my head. Seeing The Hives was special to me for a multitude of reasons. I remember back in 2004 when I went out and bought Tyrannosaurus Hives on opening day (the first time I’d bought an album on opening day). It ruled my summer and ever since I’ve longed to see them live. I used to constantly reread a 2004 issue of Spin magazine I had proclaiming they were ” The Best Live Band in the World!” Maybe that was true for 2004 (probably not), but it wasn’t until last friday that I could finally weigh in on the matter. The result being one of the best shows I’ve ever been to, and definitely the most physical.
The Hives are a band that feed on endless applause. Like frontman Howlin’ Pelle Almvquist continually said at friday’s show “Were like vampires except we thirst for applause”. When that sustenance was achieved from the crowd The Hives seemed to gain an almost superhuman amount of energy that I’ve never experienced at a show. Though there were factors even beyond the music that made this show so memorable. For one it was at Seattle’s Showbox Market, a small venue that immediately gives you an intimate experience no matter where you’re seated. I was surprised to see The Hives playing such a small venue but pleased because of my next point. This was the closet I’d ever been to a band that I liked. I’m talking front row, at least when I wasn’t being clobbered by the audience around me.
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