G-B-V! G-B-V! G-B-V!

I have just returned from what may have been the best concert of my life. Yes, even better than Elvis Costello and the Attractions in 1996. The show? Guided By Voices at Neumo's. Completely sold out. Packed to the rafters. This was the last GBV show in Seattle ever. Guided By Voices will break up after 21 years following their New Year's Eve show in New York. This is sad development but Robert Pollard is sure to continue rocking. I attended with Headstart and some of her friends including the illustrious Frumster and Deano all of whom proved excellent concertmates. I know Headstart had an especially good time as well.

The show itself was over three hours of non-stop rock spectacle. Bob Pollard was amazing. He and the band drank almost three cases of Miller Light through the course of the show. Bob did his best Roger Daltry impression replete with high leg kicks and mic twirls. Bob also had some great rants during the show I especially enjoyed the ones ripping into Scott Weiland and the current sucky state of REM. The band was tight as a drum and Doug Gillard is probably the most underrated guitarist working today. Kim Warnick joined the band on stage at one point which was cool.

The set list was astounding they must have played over 40 songs including almost all their hits including: "I Am A Tree", "Game of Pricks", "Echos Myron", "Tractor Rape Chain", "Motor Away", "Hot Freaks", "The Best of Jill Hives", "The Official Ironmen Rally Song", "Watch Me Jumpstart", "Exit Flagger" and many many more. They only favorite of mine that was negleted was "The Brides Have Hit Glass".

I was complete blown away and found myself hugging strangers and singing along all the time. One of the highlishts was when some fat bearded guy bounded up on stage to spontaneously sing along with Bob during "A Salty Salute". I was even overcome with emotion near the end and found myself tearing up during up during "Teenage FBI".

Fucking. Amazing. Show.

Robert Pollard is the King of Rock. Long live the King!