Y’know, it’s funny. Around 1990, I was convinced that there were no better live bands on the planet than Fugazi and The Jesus Lizard. And here it is almost 20 years later and I spent many a night following the latter across the planet (just like the ol’ days) and I got to have my post-teenager sentiments reinforced as I watched four men all hovering around fifty years old fucking sweep the floor with their younger counterparts asses on a nightly basis. No question about it.
One thing I didn’t particularly enjoy at these shows were the jag bags that were crowd surfing. I know, I know. I’m a fucking drag for saying that, but when Yow does it, he’s a professional. When some yahoo with lumberjack boots does it, people get clobbered in the noggin. Sorry, it’s the truth and it’s lame. But man, I remember Fugazi. I remember Fugazi telling people not to do it. And looking back on it, I think what a loving request it was. Even when I was 19 or 20, I’d deal with the jocks being violent, but Fugazi stood their ground and defended the majority of a crowd that wanted to enjoy themselves and not get injured in the process.
So it was with great pleasure when James Burns contacted me to tell me he had assembled a 40+ minute montage of Fugazi stage banter. And is it sad that I could name which shows some of the banter came from? That’s sad, right? Anyway….
Please enjoy and (if you’re old enough) remember how blissfully intense their shows were. God, when will ATP get FUGAZI to reunite?! I’ll be there, front and center.
Fugazi – Having Fun On Stage With Fugazi