I generally approach any manifestation of the so-called supergroup with a raised eyebrow. The formula usually boils down to a group of has-been rock stars who pool what’s left of their collective fame and make a last-ditch run at the charts for the sake of a paycheck, and/or in some pathetic bid for resuscitated rock cred. And it usually turns out to be more of a novelty than anything worth actually listening to (e.g. Tinted Windows).
Not so in the case of Them Crooked Vultures. Guitarist / singer Josh Homme (Kyuss, Queens Of The Stone Age), drummer Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters), and guitarist Alain Johannes (session ace, producer) are anything but has-beens — in fact, it could be argued that they’re all at the top of the respective games right now — and bassist John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) is a straight up legend who would have to put in some serious downgrading work to sully his reputation as a consummate musician. From the sound of the music and the demeanor of the players on stage, this feels more like fun than anything else, like they might very well be doing it even if no was paying attention…which, of course, is certainly not the case, as evidenced by the hype around the record and the fact that their stop at the Fox in Oakland was a sold out show.
It’s always great to see Grohl playing drums; in fact, I think there should be a law that he can only play drums from now on, enough with the Foo already. Dude is a beast on the kit. His attack is like Animal from the Muppets, but there’s nothing funny about the dynamics of his power and style, it’s serious business. Homme is a great guitarist and songwriter, and backed by Johannes, has managed to pull off really interesting, extremely well executed guitar parts rich with inventive depth.
Jones is easily one of the most well rounded musicians I’ve ever witnessed. Not only did he play myriad basses throughout the show, but he played an electric organ — handling those songs’ bass parts on foot pedals — a guitar, and even a keytar. Plus, you know, he’s fucking John Paul Jones, the quiet yet unwavering foundation of Led Zeppelin. To see him play live, especially these days, is to see one of the greatest rock musicians of all time — a serious treat.
I snapped off about 100 photos from my vantage point on the second-tier of the floor area, and about 20 of them made the cut; as usual, you can click over the set on Flickr to see them in all their largeness:
There was a guy behind us in a Chickenfoot t-shirt amped on the supergroup angle of the show. Unrelated boast: at one point in his life he actually held one of the Scorps guitars.
Hahaha held a Scorps guitar… too classic. Ouch, I forgot all about the trainwreck that is Chickenfoot. Man, what a bad idea that group was.
How super is a super group when the super participants include Michael Anthony, Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani and Chad Smith? Is it really super? Or is it Guitar Center’s Holiday Showcase 1989?
I’m digging what I heard of Them Crooked Vultures so far. Good to know they bring it live also.
I was skeptical as shit when I first heard about Them Crooked Vultures. Then I heard a few more songs. Then I saw them live. I was blown away…and I agree: Keep Grohl behind the kit. He absolutely destroyed. I was lucky enough to get a photo pass and got to see Grohl and John Paul Jones up close for two songs…blew my mind.
And yes, Chickenfoot is god-awful. Hmm…but Tinted Windows.