by Josh Decker
The night of August 21st, 2021, at the Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, AZ, began as any other performance night would. Throngs of concertgoers spilled into the auditorium as venue employees methodically scanned smartphones. There was a different feeling in the air, however, as this was no ordinary rock concert. The Tubes were in town, and anyone who has seen the Tubes live can attest to the electricity in the room as the lights begin to dim and the fans realize spontaneously who they are there to see.
For someone who is admittedly not as well-versed in the catalogue of one of America’s most illustrious rock groups, I could not help but be infected by the enthusiasm so many around me felt about seeing the Tubes. Fee Waybill strutted onto the stage with all the charisma of a character in a Vonnegut novel, sneer and all, and announced the commencement of the Completion Backward Principle. The legendary album played live in it’s entirety on this tour.
From the start, the band’s quirky brand of satire shined through with “Talk To Ya Later,” one of the group’s biggest hits, and the initial few tracks on the album, including “Sushi Girl,” “Amnesia,” – whose harmonies remain as infectious as the first moment I heard them – and “Mr. Hate.” “Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman” offered a clearer glimpse into the mind of charismatic frontman Waybill as he shuffled about the stage warning of an impending attack from the aforementioned fifty foot woman, intent on stepping on all men to get what she desires. The night wore on and Fee dedicated the song “Don’t Want to Wait Anymore” to a couple in the crowd who, upwards of four decades earlier, had met at a Tubes concert.
Once the band had completed the entire album, Prairie Prince, the group’s longtime drummer, charged into a raucous drum solo that showcased a talent that is both understated and underappreciated. What followed was a storm through their 70s discography, complete with costume changes and all, that gave the crowd a taste of “What Do You Want From Life” and “I Want It All Now,” presumably answering the question posed by the former song. The Tubes then jetted into a David Bowie cover which featured Fee Waybill donning the infamous attire of his character Quay Lewd, and “White Punks On Dope” closed out the set while the crowd, recognizing the omission of their biggest hit from the early 80s, chanted for more.
As soon as the makeup was removed and the ostentatious outfits had been tucked away on the bus, Waybill and company returned once again to the stage for “She’s a Beauty,” a song that any 80s music fan will recognize instantly. The group officially closed out the night with a reprise of “Talk To Ya Later” and bowed before the audience, all of whom were mesmerized by the events of the evening.
Without a doubt, the Tubes proved an entertaining and exciting show and the depth of the band’s talent can only be realized after having allowed the music to digest a while.
Check out more shots from the show by Brenda Turner Photography
The Tubes continue the current tour through October. Make sure to catch one of these shows in a town near you!
