The best shows in the history of Fayetteville
I’ve seen some pretty incredible rock shows in Fayetteville over the years. Some of them I’ll never forget. Taylor’s music photo post and F.M.K discussion got me thinking about just how many great bands I’ve seen in Fayetteville, and made me wonder, what’s the best show you’ve seen in Fayetteville?
Modest Mouse at Clunk Music Hall. Modest Mouse at Shulertown. The White Stripes at JR’s on 9/11. The Postal Service at JR’s. At the Drive In at Clunk. Spoon at the Greek Theatre. Wilco at the Walton Arts Center. Ted Leo and Death Cab at Clunk. Catfish Haven at the Delicious. Jenny Lewis and Conor Oberst at George’s recently.
There really are too many to name.
Thinking back on some of these shows, I can’t believe some of these acts played in Fayetteville. Just at Clunk, I can think of a ton of bands that I saw in that white cinder block building behind the old Hunan Manor that are now among the biggest bands in the world. It’s crazy.
Some of my favorite shows I’ve seen around town have been shows where I didn’t know much about the band, but ended up coming away a fan after an incredible live performance. J. Roddy Walston and the Business at George’s a few years ago was incredible. I saw Wolf Parade downstairs at JR’s play to about 20 people once before I’d heard anything about them (thanks Clunk for making me go downstairs that night).
The question is this: What’s the best show you’ve seen in Fayetteville? Did you catch some of the incredible bands that played at Clunk back in the day? Did a local band blow you away? Are you old school enough to remember when Green Day played at the Skate Station? Remember River City? The Delicious House?
Who’d you see, and where, and why was it so good?
To get the nostalgia flowing, here’s a video of Fayetteville’s Kung Fu Grip playing to a packed Clunk Music Hall back in the day.
Comments
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By moondawg on June 17th, 2009
By far the best live show EVER around here was at the Rink in 1985 when The Band performed minus Robbie but with Ernie and Earl Cate touring with them. That was the tightest, most soaring evening of rock I’ve ever heard. I can still hear Levon singing “Caledonia.” In second place would be the Dixie Chicks singing in the old beer garden at Georges on a weekday summer night in ‘93. (Might have been ‘94 – it was pre-Natalie.) I think the cover that night was $2.00. Third place: Chris Denny tearing it up after midnight at the old Gypsy with a 15 minute version of “Dancing In The Dark.”
By Dustin Bartholomew on June 17th, 2009
That’s awesome moondawg. I think Levon played a surprise show at the Green Door not too long ago, before they closed. Wish I couldn’ve seen that one too.
By Todd Gill on June 17th, 2009
I’ll have to think about this one before answering but I can certainly name the #1 show I can’t believe I missed: Superchunk at Dickson St. Ballroom. Or was it Dave’s on Dickson by then? Ugh.
By Steven Jarvis on June 17th, 2009
1988: The Dead Milkmen at The Rink (with Fayetteville’s own Scumbunnies opening).
1997(8?): Son Volt at whatever that was called then, Dickson Street Theater? That was one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen. They’ve been good on subsequent visits , too, but that first one was the best.
1997(8?): Whiskeytown at Dickson Street Theater. Ryan Adams was in his usual shape (drunk? bitchy? self-absorbed? all of the above) and they didn’t play very long, but it was still epic.
By Steven Jarvis on June 17th, 2009
Todd jogged my memory: it was the Dickson Street Ballroom where I saw Son Volt and Whiskeytown during the height of alt.country. Also, the Steve Earle show with the Bottlerockets opening was also stupendous.
By Alannah on June 17th, 2009
Lucinda Williams played Dave’s on Dickson (or whatever it was back then) a few weeks after 9/11. Ron Sexsmith opened for her. It was incredible – very healing and emotional and beautiful and rockin’.
Fugazi at Studio 225. Without a doubt. Amazing show, magical night, energy tearing the roof off.
All the old David Garza shows at JRs were so great. I still love him to death.
I’ll have to think of more. I kick myself often for missing those Modest Mouse and White Stripes shows…
By Me on June 17th, 2009
People in Planes (opening for the Toadies… meh) at George’s. I didn’t even stick around for the Toadies, but People in Planes rocked… too bad they couldn’t have played longer.
By Zaff on June 17th, 2009
Robert Randolph at Chester’s
Recently, Pretty Lights at Gypsy (on College)
Note: they may not be huge now, but soon enough………
By The Truth on June 17th, 2009
I’ve only been here a few years, so I missed a lot of the legendary shows. But I’ve seen a lot since then. Some of the better ones:
1) The Roots at the UA in Feb. 2007. A-Mazing. Drums solos by ?uestlove. Tuba solos. And, the climax: A 10-plus minute version of Bob Dylan’s “Masters of War.” The guitarist dropped the pick at the end when he screamed “Til I’m Sure You Are Dead.’ I got chills again just thinking about it.
2) Foo Fighters, also on the UA campus. Schlocky rock, yes. But I had a lot of fun. Definitely blew out my vocal chords screaming “Monkey Wrench.”
3) Indigo Girls, Walton Arts Center. Yes. Really. And their opening act, Brandi Carlile, was fantastic.
4) The Whigs at George’s Majestic Lounge, Feb. 2007. It was the first time they played here. Blew me out the door.
By George on June 17th, 2009
No doubt malted hops and bong-water are preventing me from remembering many that I should, but here are some that come to mind as awesomrific:
JR’s – Aqueduct, Dash Rip Rock
Dave’s – Victor Wooten, Leftover Salmon, Jerry Cantrell w/ Swarm (say what u will about mr cantrell, but that little bastard is a rock n roller. he convinced me that lane staley was not really that necessary)
George’s – Michael Franti & Spearhead (great crowd-vibe)
New Deli House – El Paso Hot Button (that dude was a super badass)
At The Drive In played Clunk!?! Are u effing kidding me? Sorry I missed that one.
Does anyone remember the old Land of Zog festivals they had for a few years out in the woods near Winslow? Those were a lot of fun….I think.
By Michael on June 17th, 2009
Sevendust @ Dave’s on Dickson would get my vote for best.
By Milky on June 17th, 2009
I would have to say !!! opening for Modest Mouse at Clunk, and I am also going to agree with George about Aqueduct playing at JR’s.
By SteezyDeezy on June 17th, 2009
Modest Mouse – Shulertown – A fun and SWEATY mess
Aqueduct & U.S.E – JRs
By bryce on June 17th, 2009
Too hard to say best ever. My best recent was Spoon at the Greek Theater with a lightning storm backdrop.
By Jason on June 17th, 2009
Heads Are Heavy opened for Ted Leo at JRs the night I first saw the two words that made/make me laugh histerically: Govenor Schwarzenegger. That was a sweet show.
The late Jay Bennett at Dickson Theater.
The Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash at JRs.
By YoMomma on June 17th, 2009
Did everyone forget about the past two times that WEEN played in Fayetteville?!?!? Dave’s on Dickson was high-larious with all the bras thrown up on the stage!! And for WEEN to play for 4 freakin hours at The AMP without a break…Unbelievable and Unforgettable!!!
By George on June 17th, 2009
Son of a …… !!! opened for Modest Mouse at Clunk? Jeez. I missed some of the best Clunk shows. Pardon me while I go smack myself in the groin with a wiffle-ball bat.
By bryce on June 17th, 2009
The At The Drive In show at Clunk was awesome. I remember the lead singer crawling under the rug in the center of the stage at one point :)
By Kate on June 17th, 2009
Looking back, I don’t know how great they were musically, but the all-ages shows Punkinhead used to play in the mid-90s were always a freaking blast, and seemed fantastic.
Widespread played a decent show in Barnhill in ‘97 or so, too.
By roberto campana on June 17th, 2009
Todd, I second the Superchunk one. I didn’t go because some friends weren’t 18 and as a result, I missed seeing Neutral ****ing Milk Hotel! Neutral Milk Hotel!!! But I did see some great shows in F-ville: Les Savy Fav, especially the first time they played on the Cat and the Cobra tour; !!!; my old band opened for Nashville Pussy at the Lightbulb Club, which was awesomely out of control; the first time Modest Mouse played at Clunk; At The Drive In twice at Clunk, and also The Mars Volta, in what I’ve since been told was their second show ever; Lightning Bolt and Arab on Radar at Clunk; Built to Spill at the theater; Empire of **** at the Skate Station (this one was the most depraved, unhinged insanity I’ve ever witnessed); Trans Am at Clunk; Delta 72 at Clunk (not a great band, but an incredible performance); The Make-Up at Clunk; TV on the Radio at the Lightbulb Club; and on and on and on. A lot of those shows happened thanks to ‘ol Chris Selby, patron saint of the rock and roll in Fayetteville. We should all buy that man a goddamn beer for all the great shows he lost money on to make happen.
By zenandjuice on June 17th, 2009
Todd: Neutral Milk Hotel opened for Superchunk, and it was Dave’s on Dickson. or maybe it was still “The Dickson Street Theater” then.
for those mid to late 90’s shows, Reel Big Fish at Dickson St. Theater was really good. Kara’s Flowers opened. They’re now Maroon 5.
They Might Be Giants at the same venue was one of the most energetic shows I’ve ever seen.
and who can forget Man? or Astroman at JR’s
By Dustin Bartholomew on June 17th, 2009
Yes! Les Savy Fav at Clunk. The lead singer made everyone in the audience lay down on the floor, then went around biting peoples necks with fake vampire teeth.
Did I dream that?
By roger on June 17th, 2009
too many good clunk shows. xbxrx, rainer maria, mars volta, the locust, the paper chase, rival schools, murder city devils, les savy fav, enon, etc…
too many good greek theater shows. fizzgig, hundred years war, soophie nun squad, II dean crew, etc…
dana falconberry at the delicious, these arms are snakes at the dickson theater,
traindodge at the green lightbulb, fashion show at the ameroplace, memphis pencils and slarafenland at lightbulb club
By midnight falcon on June 17th, 2009
Pigmy Love Circus – Dave’s On Dickson
By Possible on June 17th, 2009
Is that MCD in the photo? This site really needs photo captions.
By Dustin on June 17th, 2009
Yup, and good suggestion @Possible
By Kyle Judkins on June 17th, 2009
I saw The Paper Chase play to about 20 people at the Dickson Street Theater. Amazing show, and I’m a fan for life. Plus they are coming back soon!!!
By Kyle Judkins on June 17th, 2009
After typing that, I also remember that I saw Unwed Sailor at Dickson Street Theater as well. Awesome as well.
By Beebs on June 17th, 2009
Too many to name them all but some of my faves in my mind have been….
At The Drive-In at clunk, Les Savy Fav, Modest Mouse at Shulertown, Appleseed Cast at clunk, Squirtgun at the Skate Station, Ted Leo at Clunk, Murder City Devils at clunk, trail of dead at clunk, and Gillian Welch at Dave’s. Now I’m going to hit submit and think of twelve more.
By Innarested Observer on June 17th, 2009
I heard the George Thorogood at the Library in 1981 was a great show.
By Innarested Observer on June 17th, 2009
“the George Thorogood.” Jeez
By Nathan Explosion on June 17th, 2009
I haven’t lived here for long so I missed out on a lot of ****, but I’d say anything at the Lafayette House, or the last show ever @ the OPO which was Seahag and Deadbird.
By moondawg on June 17th, 2009
Yep – Thorogood was awesome. He was leaping from tabletop to tabletop. Stacy Keach was in the audience; “The Blue and The Gray” was filming here then.
By Innarested Observer on June 17th, 2009
Sgt. Stedenko!!!
By Lankford on June 17th, 2009
My favorite shows were:
Modest Mouse @ Clunk
The first time I met Clunk himself. Now we’re lovers.
Modest Mouse @ Old Legacy (or whatever it was)
I worked at Nick’s at the time. I could hear the music from the kitchen, and as soon as my shift was over, I ran across the parking lot while stripping off my chef coat. That place had no AC, so I was drenched through the entire show.
Wolf Parade @ JR’s
I was sad about the election that was happening that night, so the band comforted me after the show. They gave me their address so I could flee to Canada.
They Might Be Giants @ Dave’s on Dickson
The band made the crowd form the longest conga line I’ve ever seen.
Early Lucero shows @ JR’s
Always a party.
Junior Brown @ George’s
There was so much talent in those 3 dudes on stage. One of the most amazing drum solos I’ve ever witnessed. Not to mention, that music is just plain fun to sing along with.
Any Aqueduct show @ JR’s
Dave can put on the most subtle one-man show at times, but to me those shows were always EPIC!
By Bev on June 17th, 2009
There are soooo many to list here. But in a nutshell – and these are all at Clunk or Jr’s: Les Savy Fav, The Paper Chase shows, all the old school Paper Hearts shows, Colin and Fiona, Hundred Years War, Modest Mouse, Dismemberment Plan, Ted Leo, The Postal Service…oh this really could go on and on and on….
That Kung Fu Grip video gave me the chills! I miss Clunk…
By The Boom Operator on June 17th, 2009
I kind of feel weird posting here cause all my favorite shows weren’t all indie rock bands or folk musicians, but anyway, here are some of my favorites that I couldn’t believe happened in Fayetteville.
Tommie Sunshine @ Georges (URL tommiesunshine.com)
Mix Master Mike @ Georges (URL mixmastermike.com)
Kodo @ Walton Arts Center (URL kodo.or.jp)
Vanilla Ice @ Daves on dickson
The Faint @ Clunk (URL thefaint.com)
Har Mar Superstar at Clunk (URL harmarsuperstar.com)
Jason Forrest @ Gypsy (URL cockrockdisco.com)
There’s probably others, but I ran out of time on the computer. Adios.
By Milton on June 17th, 2009
Wow. Neutral Milk Hotel played here in the late 90’s and I missed it? Excuse me while I fetch a brown paper bag.
My top fav’s I can remember to date:
Gillian Welch with David Rawlings at Dave’s was like a dream come true for me.
Brandi Carlile at WAC was soulful, gritty goodness.
Wilco at WAC made my decade.
I SO remember those Clunk days of Kung Fu Grip and Squad 5.0 too. Ryan Adams, Green Day, Modest Mouse, Whiskeytown, Fugazi? Where’s my time machine? However, just a week ago or so, American Princes at Smoke&Barrel was my most recent fav. Still not over missing Neutral Milk Hotel though. For the love!
By SteezyDeezy on June 17th, 2009
Oh yea…I’ll throw in Get Up Kids too.
While we’re getting nostalgic does anyone remember the party house on Oakland where you purchased your mug (handmade?) and the libations just kept flowing from a garage in the back. Many memories there and the Storer house basement.
By Farrah on June 17th, 2009
I loved the The Faint at Clunk and Fugazi at Studio 225. I don’t really like to go to shows but these stand out in my mind. The Outfield at JRs was fun.
I also remember Les Savy Fav at Clunk – mainly because I thought their name was Wasabi 5.
I wonder how many of us were at the same shows and didn’t know each other. My husband and I discovered we were at a lot of shows together before we knew each other.
Maybe we should have a Chris Clunk day in Fay-town
By Stuart on June 17th, 2009
I have been trying to film all the bands I go see now a days and putting them all up on Youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=1FBC08E295A95372
By reed on June 17th, 2009
The Shins at Dickson Theater right after Chutes Too Narrow came out, I think November of 2004. This was a killer show, and probably the only opportunity to catch that band in Fayetteville. Built to Spill was a good snag for Dickson Theater too, but the sound at that place was too messy even for guitar rock.
By sarahfortune on June 17th, 2009
The first time I ever came to Fayetteville was from Memphis just to see the two back to back Modest Mouse shows at Clunk. Maybe it was the combination of being a teenager seeing MM for the first time, the roadtrip itself, and all the friends that also made the journey that all made it so memorable – but it’s still one of my all time favorite shows.
Now that I live here, I must say that Wilco at WAC is also on my list for top 5 shows I’ve ever seen.
By reed on June 17th, 2009
Green Lightbulb- Slaraffenland, Yukon, many others whose CDs I lost and names I forgot
New Deli- Quiet Hooves, Old Time Relijun, Mad Happy, Transmography (esp. closing New Deli’s first Last Show), also many others here
Crystal Antlers played at some house by Ramay a few weeks ago, definitely one of the best house shows I’ve seen in Fayetteville.
Dr. Dog puts on an amazing show, lucky for us they love Fayetteville. I think their last at George’s was my favorite.
By Urk on June 17th, 2009
@zenandjuice: the Neutral Milk Hotel/Superchunk show was at the Dickson Street Ballroom. I worked sound for that show and (not to toot my horn, just to illustrate how lucky I was)the back to back Modest Mouse at clunk shows, the Steve Earle/Bottlerockets show, the Son volt shows at the Ballroom, Vanilla Ice at the Ballroom, Sevendust at the Ballroom, Daveed at JRs a couple of times, and maybe a couple of others mentioned above. for alot of the big shows I just mixed the opening acts, but when the opening acts are bands like Neutral Milk Hotel, the Bottlerockets and Buick Mkane, that’s still a blast.
here’s my nominations, trying to cull from a few different eras arranged chronologically, not by fave-ness.:
Tav Falco at the Icehouse
Camper Van Beethoven at Lily’s, 1987 (in the top 3)
Black Flag at a rented building where the Dickson theatre is now.
Flaming Lips @ the former Brass Monkey (basement of the Mountain Inn)
Fugazi at 225 (at least twice)(in the top 3)
The Band/Cate Brothers at the rink (early 90s-Earnie and Earl sat in but weren’t touring with them anymore)
the Rev. Horton Heat at JR’s (many times!)
Maceo Parker at the Dickson Street Ballroom (in the top 3, maybe the topper)
Walter “wolfman” Washington at Georges
Dan Hicks at the Goodfolk house
I could go on, but I’ll stop, except to say that I sat outside the back of the library and listened to that Thorogood show, cuz I was too young to get in. it sounded like fun!
By Urk on June 17th, 2009
ooh- nice to see MadHappy get some love. I worked sound for them in Tuscaloosa and they stayed at our house. Nice folks.
By geeves on June 17th, 2009
Oh my.. I miss watching Ashtraybabyhead and Ultimate Fakebook at Clunk’s. Yes, yes I do.
By Trim Scramble on June 17th, 2009
Clunk was amazing:The Faint, Q and Not U, Ted Leo & RX, Mates of State, The Get Up Kids, Modest Mouse, Enon(two nights in a row), Trail of Dead, Pinback, Nada Surf, Burning Airlines, The Anniversary, The All American Rejects(ha ha), Les Savy Fav, Desaparcidos (Conor Oberst), Canyon, Cursive, Dismemberment Plan, The Glands, Murder City Devils, Mars Volta, Sean Na Na, various members of Weezer, and so many more.
By moondawg on June 17th, 2009
Urk – I think that band concert with the Cates was mid ’80’s, not ’90’s. (Forgive me if I’m wrong.) Whatever the year, it was superior!
By Urk on June 17th, 2009
Hi Moondawg – I think we’re talking about two different Band/Cates shows. The first one was in 1985, just at the tail end of the 2 years or so where the entire Cate Brothers Band (Ernie, Earl, Ron & Terry)replaced Robbie Robertson and played with Garth and Levon and Rick and Richard. they toured the US and Japan and some dates in Europe. That sounds like alot of duplication of instrumentation, but Richard and Levon and Danko are all multi-instrumentalists, and they’re all good enough to play tight with each other even when there were 2 bass players and 3 drummer and 3 keyboard players all going at once. I’m guessing that that’s the lineup you saw, right? I never saw that combo but there’s a video (The Band is Back) of it, out of print, but available. I sure wish I’d seen that show!
The show I saw was in either the very late 80s or the early 90s, and by that time Richard Manuel had died, and the others had added Richard Bell (keyboards) Randy Ciarlante (drums) and Jim Weider (guitar) to flesh out the lineup. The Cates (with Porky on drums and John Davies on bass) opened and Ernie and Earl sat in for some (most I think) of the Band’s set. I helped set up the system and then got to watch the whole show from behind the monitor board, off stage left. Very magical, very Fayetteville.
By Jen on June 17th, 2009
Punkinhead on Halloween at River City in about ‘93 – I’ll always remember the dancer with the huge pumpkin on her head – awesome!
Econoline Crush at JRs in ‘98
By moondawg on June 17th, 2009
Thanks for clearing that up, Urk. Yes, I was at the earlier performance. Seeing soulful Richard Manuel then sure stays with me. There was brilliant mandolin playing that night. Levon was far to the right of the stage in his own trap set circle, driving everything. In the middle of summer, it was sweltering inside The Rink. There had been strong rumors on Dickson Street that Van Morrison was going to be on stage, too, but it was only rumor. imho, the Cate Brothers gave The Band a superior sound to any they ever had, before or after.
By Shane Bradley on June 17th, 2009
Hey, it seems the video embed is broken. Here is the link to the video. KFG rocks!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hWHyKxXOCQ
By Michael Keyes on June 17th, 2009
Kung Fu Grip? Who are these guys and are they still around?
By Eric Ford on June 17th, 2009
Wow…there are some great shows on this thread. A lot of my faves have already been mentioned, but who cares…
Yes, I’ll admit to enjoying the Nixons, Better than Ezra, Sevindust, Radish and the like at the Dickson St. Ballroom (sorry, not a lot of bands came through in the days when I was in college), but They Might Be Giants – JR’s Dickson St. Ballroom – Sept. ‘98 stands out.
Any old Lucero show at the Lightbulb Club esp. those w/ The Paper Hearts
And yes, that U.S.E./Aqueduct show was a party.
Modest Mouse – clunk – March 2000 I attended the second set that involved a smoking amp (literally)
!!! – clunk – Nov. ‘00
Death Cab for Cutie/Dismemberment Plan – clunk – March ‘01 (I think)
The Anniversary/Enon – clunk – May ‘01
Pinback – clunk – Aug. ‘01
The Faint – clunk – Sept. ‘01 was incredible.
Desaparecidos – clunk – Feb. ‘02
The Shins – Dickson Theatre – Oct ‘03
The closure of Clunk screwed everything up. It resulted in my moving to Austin.
By George on June 18th, 2009
What an awesome thread! I’m mclovin it.
@The Boom Operator – “Har Mar Superstar at Clunk”….Yesssss!
“I already sold your ring on ebay, and I’m leaving you on Valentine’s Day.”
By roger on June 18th, 2009
@ Michael Keyes
some of kung fu grip are currently in The Ozark Mountain Nightmare Band.
Dan was also in a band called The Cars That Crash.
By burgerboy on June 18th, 2009
At mid 90s Dave’s: Fuel, Cherry Poppin Daddies (when swing was king).
Better than Ezra in early 90s at JRs.
I always enjoyed the Cross Canadian Ragweed/Jason Boland shows at Georges.
By hogsbreath on June 18th, 2009
Musically, the best show I saw in Fayetteville was Bela Fleck and the Flecktones at Daves on Dickson (or whatever incarnation it was at the time). I had a final the next day, so I stood there for over two hours, stone-cold sober, completely mesmerized.
There were several good shows I saw at Dave’s, though – pretty much around the same time. Jerry Jeff Walker was great, as was Robert Earl Keen. The Vanilla Ice concert was rowdy – people were crowd surfing, the disco ball got ripped from the ceiling, and I got hit in the head with a bottle.
Sneaking into the Wal-Mart shareholders meeting at DWReynolds to hear Jimmy Buffett play was well worth the price of admission.
And, I’m a Jedhead, so I must say that anytime Jed was at Maxine’s was a good time.
By hogsbreath on June 18th, 2009
And, I’ve never seen Chris Denny in Fayetteville, but I’ve watched him several times in LR – he’s worth seeing if he ever comes back to Fayetteville. Extremely unique voice for a twenty-something dude. His new stuff is really good, and I thought his old stuff was exceptional.
By Sardon on June 18th, 2009
I witnessed some of the same shows as Urk. Tav Falco was a hoot. Camper Van was way too big at the time for Lily’s and the cheap cover, but they played there. I saw the Band that included the Cates at the Rink twice. I think in 84 and 85, then Richard Manuel hung himself up on March 4, 1986. I was out of town for the late 80s and early 90s, but saw the Jericho/High on the Hog version of the Band in 95 or 96 at Countryland in Springdale.
The String Cheese Incident played Dave’s at least twice (I think I missed a third). Keller Williams at Dave’s. David Lindley and Mofro at George’s recently. The Lost Gonzo Band at the Kappa Sig house when I was still in high school.
So many great local bands at Jose’s. The Ozark Plantation Band, Lori Kessler and Keith Hubbard and the Hubcats. Trout Fishing (before they moved here). Mudcat and the Boston Islanders and Zorro and the Blue Footballs at the Swinging Door and Library and Omar’s/Landing Strip. The Distraktions! I loved them and saw them at the Uark Bowl, the Back 40 and everywhere. Shindig Shack at JR’s was always fun. The Cate Bros. so many times, once with Levon Helm sitting in.
Frank Zappa, Black Oak Arkansas, and Marshall Tucker Band at Barnhill when I was a youngster. Zorro opened for Zappa.
Son Seals at Continuing Ed was a blast. George Thoroghgood stopped at the Library on his 50 states in 50 days by taxi cab tour. He did fly to Alaska and Hawaii, but that tour took some stamina.
I was there for a bunch of Zero and Kimock shows at Chester’s, some with Steve Pryor and Earl Cate sitting in.
I think I’ve just proved that I’m the official Geezer of this blog. I never went to Clunk.
Let’s hope tonight’s Levon Helm Band show tops them all.
By Sardon on June 18th, 2009
I forgot Arlo Guthrie, Leo Kottke, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Leftover Salmon at Dave’s.
By sofresh-n-sogay on June 18th, 2009
some of the best that I can recall:
1) tight bros. from way back when (clunks)
2) paperchase (especially the first time they played at clunks but always a good show)
3) murder city devils (clunks)
4) old punk shows at the greek theatre, with bands like full service quartet, shake ray turbine, etc.
5) braid (at the skate station)
6) at the drive in (they just showed up unannounced and asked to open for some other bands who were so overshadowed that I can’t remember who they were; atdi played on the floor at clunks and made everyone a fan)
7) mates of state (first time I got my man to come to a show and enjoy it)
8) tv on the radio (jrs)
9) built to spill (dickson st. theater)
10)pinback (dickson st. theater)
11) less than jake (mooning people on stage is fun)
12) spoon (greek theatre)
13) ted leo (jrs)
14) we ragazzi (jrs)
15) modest mouse/shins (shulertown)
16) jonathan fire eater (jrs)
By djstorms on June 18th, 2009
The Shins and Modest Mouse shows were amazing. Cant believe that I missed the Postal Service. But what about the TV on the Radio and Air shows that were at JRs? Those two are nothing less than legendary in my book.
By Urk on June 18th, 2009
Ok, here’s one for the oldsters: Steve, Bob & Rich at Jose’s, back when Bob was playing drums standing up and singing lead.
And I’ll concur with Sardon on those Distraktions shows at the Uark bowl. Great rock and roll. I was aiming my list mostly towards out of town bands or I might have mentioned those too.
By Diamond Debbie Dogg on June 18th, 2009
JR’s back in the 90’s…New Duncan Imperials, Mojo Nixon, Dali Automatic, Better than Ezra and Flock of Seagulls
By mischki on June 18th, 2009
Man you guys are bringing back memories (and making me feel old!) I was at the later Band/Cates – awesome show. I remember the chick with the Punkin on her head too, and the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies… More echoes of the already mentioned: Zorro and the Blue Footballs @ Jose’s, Trout Fishin’ in America @ George’s, Cate Brothers (met hubby @ one of their shows @ George’s), Dali Automatic.
Anybody see Sleepy LaBeef at Dave’s? I remember my husband saying we had to get there early to get a seat, and how surprised he was that it wasn’t crowded – he kept saying “don’t people know who he IS?” John Hammond Jr. @ Chester’s was awesome too – 41/40 opened for him…
What about Randolph Thomas and Jackson’s Buick? Furious George? Faith Healers? Jesus Lee Jones?
But I guess the best experience I ever had was Sam Bush sitting on the edge of the stage talking with us like we were old pals after a killer show he put on in the garden at George’s just a few years back.
Dang, y’all! Thanks for the stroll down musical memory lane!
By Boggy Creek Creature on June 18th, 2009
@Lankford- me and that old cuban drummer sat in my car after that Junior Brown show, smoked a joint, and talked about Max Roach. It was one of the nights that convinced me to live here forever.
Spoon on campus when he sang “We go out in stormy weather” and everyone screamed.
Ween at the amp was pretty righteous. Especially when Gene held up that lost puppy and we all thought he was going to eat it.
when barry from david’s pegasus did his solo act at the s&b around the storm last winter. he sang “ghost riders in the sky” like an angel and we all sang along.
Viva la Flyer for this awesome conversation! It’s nice to be part of a site with such excellent commentors.
By Boggy Creek Creature on June 18th, 2009
@Stuart- thanks a lot for that link. i’ve been missing Eclipse Glasses since that show. keep up the good work.
By Boggy Creek Creature on June 18th, 2009
@Todd- that White Stripes 9/11 show taunts me in my sleep sometimes. was still in college and nowhere near here.
i would pluck out an eye to be able to go back to that.
By Todd Gill on June 18th, 2009
@Boggy – Lucero also played that White Stripes 9/11 show. As did the Greenhornes. All three ruled. What a strange night.
By Urk on June 18th, 2009
Hi Mischki, I saw all the Jesus Lee Jones shows form on the stage, so I can’t call ‘em favorites form this perspective, thanks for the mention. especially in the company of the others you mention.
By Innarested Observer on June 18th, 2009
When y’all start the “worst shows” thread, I will tell you about Loverboy opening for Kansas in about 1979. Whatever I paid for that was too much.
By Dulcemer on June 18th, 2009
All these posts just make me sad. I missed it all.
By sofresh-n-sogay on June 18th, 2009
is there any good reason bands aren’t constantly playing at the greek theater anymore? I remember the sound ordinance forcing early stops, but those were seriously good times.
By P-Dub on June 18th, 2009
I’m 98% sure that’s my fat ass in the front row taking pictures or MCD. That much I remember. What I don’t remember is who had their left hand in my left pocket on my left buttock.
I’m not going to waste time listing shows that have already been mentioned, though you all have done an excellent job. But I will add a few…
- Fireballs of Freedom at JR’s.
- Diverse at that weird place on Poplar St.
- Basically any time 607/Trauma Team played.
- Pepina Bombastic at the Greek Theater.
- Baldwin Brothers at Dave’s on Dickson(?).
- Tune in Toyko at Clunk.
- The Hijinxxx in the Auto Zone parking lot.
And I thought life couldn’t get any better than Collective Soul at Barnhill. How wrong I was.
SoFresh: Tight Bros. Good call.
Wasabi 5. Ha!
By roger on June 19th, 2009
@sofresh – because dave dean doesn’t live here anymore.
-i second that tight bros. they rule.
there was an imaginary baseball league / doug deluca show on campus that was pretty sweet. also any woods afire show was sweet. and shout lulu at the dino house. and the rox at mayapple. and giants / man the helm at mayapple.
By Micro on June 22nd, 2009
Trail of the Dead at Clunk was my all time favorite show for many years. They rocked and then they attacked Joe “Fun,” who they knew (and hated) from Austin. Here’s Joe getting dissed by Vice Magazine http://www.viceland.com/int/dd.php?id=1732.
Does anyone else regret leaving the july 4 Of Montreal (circa 200) show early cause it was kind of lame, and then a few years later they became freakin awesome?
Favorite local band shows include: Modular at the UA Coffeehouse in 98, and the Greek Theater punk shows of 96-97. Hundred Years War, and Fizzgigs, ruled back in the day.
By mackthknife on June 26th, 2009
I was lucky enough to move here for college in the mid-’80s just as the underground music scene was taking off. From then until I moved in ‘05 I had the good fortune to see a lot of incredible shows and miss even more. There’s really too many to choose from but here’s my list.
Tav Falco and The Panther Burns – The Icehouse
The Leaving Trains – Brass Monkey
Spot 1019 – Fool On The Hill party
Camper Van Beethoven – Lily’s
Young Fresh Fellows – Lily’s
Flaming Lips – DLUX cellar
Fugazi/Bad Mutha Goose and The Bros. Grimm – Studio 225
Mudhoney/Supersuckers/Faith Healers – River City
Gov. Issue – River City
Bad Religion/L7/Econochrist – The Rink
Scream/Dag Nasty – American Legion Hall
No Man – The Greek Theater
Neutral Milk Hotel/Superchunk – Dickson St. Ballroom
Mike Watt/Gaunt – Dickson St. Ballroom
The Forty-Fives/Thee Shams- JR’s
Eleni Mandel/Johnny Dowd – JR’s
The BellRays – JR’s
At The Drive-In – Clunk
Nomeansno- Clunk
Murder City Devils – Clunk
By Drew on June 27th, 2009
Great call on that Tight Bros show.
Other favs of mine:
1. Trans Am at Clunk: for the sheer noise
2. Most Drums & Tuba shows at JR’s
3. Radar Bros. at JR’s
4. Postal Service at JR’s
5. Modest Mouse at Shulertown
6. man or astroman?
7. Ween at the AMP: 4 hours. no break. Gener playing with a puppy. a 10-minute version of tear for eddie
and too many more i can’t remember.
By Keith Hubbard on July 11th, 2009
Hearing Dale Bramhall sing for the first time at the Back 40
By Toughguy on July 31st, 2009
Though I agree with many of the bands listed there were two shows in particular I didnt see.
‘The Mountain Goats’ @ JRs
‘Atmosphere’ @ Dickson street theatre
By Bandit on September 9th, 2009
The Malls–UARK Bowl, Alley Art Shoppe.
By Lemmy on October 23rd, 2009
ALL at The Rink in ‘88
Dag Nasty in the basement of the Armory in ‘88, where a couple of good ole boy types came in to try and cause trouble and the crowd massed together, picked them up, and threw them out of the place. Great moment!
By he's a wizard on October 23rd, 2009
Not a definitive list, but these are some that really knocked me out that may or may not have not been listed
Peppermints at JR’s
TV on the Radio at JR’s
Mount Eerie (Phil Elverum) at the Delicious
Candle School at an Art Amiss thing (in the balcony at DST)
The Shins at DST
Justice Yeldham at the Palace of Mammal
Les Savy Fav at Clunk
By he's a wizard on October 23rd, 2009
I forgot to add that Crystal Antlers recently played here and they were great.
By FOHEngineer on November 3rd, 2009
Ya really wanna get way back, then the old “River City” put on some hella shows.. the locals like Dali Automatic, Hunkr Down, and a whole lotta nationals.. Brett Rheam had a monster PA system that he toted from Rogers, AR. and left it there for years.. Left Fayetteville in 1994 due to being 24 and thought I could rule the world; Until the secret service indicted me for printin’ money (luckily the club wasn’t involved – I was a ,uh, employee- yeah, thats it lol).. But I damn sure remember it well! Anyone know what ever became of the building and the crew? Sure would like to find the old owner.. would like to talk to him :)
By Dgold on November 11th, 2009
Leftover Salmon at Dave’s On Dickson.
KVHW (Steve Kimock) at Chester’s Place.
Netwerk:Electric at Chester’s Place.
The Disco Biscuits at Chester’s Place.
To name a few from 1998 to 2001 time period!
By Urk on November 11th, 2009
@FOHEngineer: I knew some decent folks who worked at River City, but there were also some thuggy bouncers that were responsible for one of my friends getting a plate in his head, and for a few others getting cracked ribs. as for the owner, the one with the initials JP? He was in Federal Prison last I heard.
You’re right about that sound system, it was awesome, and the lights too. And it wasn’t just the system, Brett worked hard and did a good job making bands sound good. It’s too bad the owner of the club was such a complete sleazebag.
By Hog-Lostin-Austin on December 22nd, 2009
I saw Modest Mouse at Clunk, but I’ve got to say that there was something magical about the Robert Randolph show at Chester’s. Opening with Axel F, each band member switching to play every instrument, closing with Billy Jean, teasing into the Mario brothers theme at one point… how much more can you ask for? That show had such an energetic yet mellow vibe, that I still hold it above any other show I’ve seen.
By brad on December 23rd, 2009
Waterdeep in the backyard of the California House, circa ‘00. Hands down, the best show I’ve seen in Fayetteville. Too bad hardly anybody knows who waterdeep is.
By Ed on January 11th, 2010
URK– I didn’t think The Dickson Street Theatre existed in 98. I seem to remember it being built while I was there (99-04). Am I wrong? JR’s Lightbulb Club had posters all over the walls of bands that had played, one of which was Neutral Milk Hotel.
Still kicking myself for missing the White Stripes on 9-11. I had tickets but my girlfriend was too bummed out to go.
Just off the top of my head:
Black Heart Procession/The Shins/Modest Mouse at Shulertown (I still have the flyer)
The Postal Service – JR’s
TV On The Radio – JR’s
Matt Pond PA – Clunk
By Joce on January 12th, 2010
wow – didn’t even know that video was out there. good times!
By Mandy on January 20th, 2010
Good God, stumbled upon this and was hit with the biggest wave of nostalgia. I was at so many of those shows everyone mentioned in the comments (including 9/11 White Stripes – eek). I remember seeing Superchunk and hope to GOD it wasn’t the Neutral Milk Hotel show, because I certainly don’t remember seeing NMH (I wasn’t a fan then, but I imagine they would make a pretty big impression). If it was that show, and I thought “I’ll just skip the crappy opening band,” I might shoot myself.
Oh, Fayetteville. Oh, Clunk Music Hall. How I miss you.
By Ryan on January 20th, 2010
I haven’t lived in Fayetteville in well over 10 years, but having grown up there, I saw plenty of shows. My favorites in memory were the Murder City Devils shows, for sure. There are few better live bands out there. The last time I saw them, my boyfriend and I drove them downtown somewhere to see L.A. Guns, who were also playing in town that night. They’re awesome.
I also always enjoyed house shows the most; League of the Last Days anyone? They rocked my ass off.
By Rob on February 23rd, 2010
I lived in Fayetteville between 1976 and 1980, earning my degree at the U. The best show by a big name artist I saw during that time was Leo Kotke in the ballroom at the Union. But there were a huge number of bands that played all the various locations on Dickson Street. Two of my favorites from that time were Yellow Rose, and, of course, Zorro and the Blue Footballs. I can’t even count the number of times I saw Zorro at the old Swinging Door. Last time I was in Fayetteville, probably 7 or 8 years ago, I believe the Swinging Door had become the Whitewater. I wish I could remember more of the acts I saw then. I remember seeing Jed Clampett, and The Other Brothers, and many more. But that was many years and many brain cells ago.
By Urk on February 23rd, 2010
Hi Mandy
Neutral Milk Hotel did open the Superchunk show, at the Dickson Street Ballroom. I was the sound guy & remember it well, mainly because both bands were great onstage and everyone was nice offstage except Superchunk’s singer/songwriter dude, who was a total dick. Good times!
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