I don't think I've ever had so much fun in my life! I recall making fun of my starstruck mother once at a concert, for crying during the first song. Well, times change and Foxy Shazam had me so excited I could barely breathe, let alone stop the tears washing off my eyeliner!
The first opener was decent, but the second two opening acts were stellar! Cadaver Dogs put on an energetic rock and roll show, with the drummer channeling Keith Moon so far as style goes. Fun, upbeat music and well-suited to the other groups following. Added enthusiasm came as it revealed that Saturday night was the birthday of the wild man on the drums!
Next, we saw Audiomagik. This group impressed the hell out of me and the folks I came with. The music was great, with their singer and frontman receiving a number of jaw-drops from my crew. The band was all over the stage, playing fantastic rock and roll with heart and swagger. Their style was a throwback to the absolute best of late '60s and 70's rock. Their manner on stage screams ROCKSTARS. The crowd had an amazing time, and their sets was the perfect precedent for the Foxy Shazam show yet to come. (Though honestly, you have to be really, really terrific to follow Audiomagik, because most groups would not end up in a favorable comparison)
Foxy Shazam is truly an incredible act to watch. Including brass and keys in their energetic rock music, they achieve a highly interesting and complex sound, while always coming off as the most fun you can be having at a live music gig. Their singer has the coolest of cool voices, mixing an almost Broadway style of singing with a few well-placed distorted rock and roll screams that will give you chills. He is engaged with the audience and having a blast with fellow band members. Their keys player crowdsurfs...WITH his keyboard! The trumpet player has the most fluid legs since a young James Brown graced the stage. There is nothing ordinary about this show. I have never seen a band with so much energy and presence, but also phenomenal music to back up the show! It was a treat to see this band, from Ohio playing at the Madison Theatre (OH/KY) when I was home in my native Ohio for the holidays! This really should have been the New Years show because the bands and the crowd partied so hard together, I don't know how any of us could top the experience on New Years Eve.
I'd also have to add that the sound for all 4 bands playing was excellent. I'm not sure if each had their own crew, or if sound was run by the Madison Theatre itself, but it was easy to hear each and every instrument and vocal throughout the night. The venue was great, with a balcony upstairs offering comfortable seats, a place for your coats, tables for your drinks, best view in the house, and an upstairs bar.
This was one of the best entertainment experiences of my life!