This review was originally published on Under The Gun Review.
Date: 11/6/11
Venue: Bogart’s
City: Cincinnati, OH
Acts: Panic! at the Disco, Patrick Stump, Foxy Shazam
In my younger days, the music of Fall Out Boy caught me and shoved me headfirst into the world of alternative music. My affinity for the work of those Chicago boys led me to the debut record of a new band on Pete’s new label, Panic! At the Disco. I fell in love with the raucous, refined, and risqué baroque pop that bled from A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out.
I never had the opportunity to see Fall Out Boy while they were together, so finally watching the front man of one of my long time favorite bands was an exciting conception. How backwards though, I thought, that Patrick Stump is opening for a band he had, in part, found. It’s understandable however. Stump’s solo career is barely off of the ground, with a debut record released within the past month.
Let me clarify that I don’t believe Panic undeserving for the headliner spot. They’ve worked unbelievably hard since their days in high school. They’ve gone from writing songs with obnoxiously long titles to an album inspired by The Beatles and Pink Floyd to a sweeping pop-rock classic. Finally having the opportunity to catch both Stump and Urie on stage was a thrill. However, they did not open the show and this is not where my night began.
It’s a chilly night on the streets on Cincinnati, Ohio as UTG contributing photographer Aj Schweinhagen and I walked to Bogarts. We arrive and find that we were going to be having some issues with the photo passes that we had reserved. Patiently, we waited and we eventually made our way inside.
Foxy Shazam was ¾ of their way through an electrifying set. These Cincinnati natives brought the heat for this hometown show, which was also the last of their stint on the tour. Never have I ever seen such a display of on-stage debauchery. It was spectacular. The performance can hardly be described. The words creepy and whimsy come to mind, with a wishful dash of lunacy. For those who have seen the band perform before, this is to be expected. A modern comparison to Freddie Mercury, Eric Nally brings the mystery (and the mustache) every time he jumps onto the stage.
Patrick stump lit the room with an opening favorite, “Spotlight.” This initiated the crowd’s movement. The movement wouldn’t cease until the respite at the end of his set. Stump played through the heavy hitters from his debut record Soul Punk. “Explode,” “This City,” and “Everybody Wants Somebody” drove the crowds into fits of screaming and several water-depraved girls were escorted from the floor by means of fireman’s carry. Drink up kids, it’s hot and stuffy in there.
Finally, Panic! at the Disco took the stage for the longest live set I’ve seen since John Mayer. Brendon Urie’s souring vocals were without flaw in a set list carefully made to appeal to all parties. A majority of the songs were from the first and third records with a sprinkling of Pretty. Odd.. The entire set was a highlight as there was no stop to the hits or to the fan’s insistent screams.
For “Always” Urie broke out the acoustic guitar and graced the piano for several of the newer songs. As a special treat, Panic performed two covers. First was Neon Trees’ hit single “Animal” which was shortly followed by “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” by The Darkness. “Nearly Witches” ended the night perfectly with a repeated “goodbye, goodbye.”
The show was much needed and a great time. Three fantastic bands, all of which knew what they were doing made for a memorable night. Bogarts, thank you for your hospitality and assistance. The venue is beautiful and well staffed. The lighting and sound are among the best I’ve seen.
Photos taken by Aj Schweinhagen below.
Panic! at the Disco
Patrick Stump
