Concert review: George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic at Rams Head Live
Meant to post this earlier, but this week's been so wild and crazy, I haven't had the time to write about it.
This past Saturday, my pal Evan and I went to see George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic at Rams Head Live.
As always, it was half concert and half circus. And as always, they brought the funk. A three-hour set of funk, no less.
Clinton and his posse played all their hits ("Flashlight," "Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker)," "Maggot Brain" and more). The crowd was incredibly diverse, too ...
I looked around and saw people from all walks of life. The club was pretty full, and my only complaint was the ticket price ($40+). But Clinton's got to pay for all of his crew, so I understand it.
Clinton's voice is shot from years of singing and ... whatnot ... but his backing singers are so good you barely notice it. I mean, Clinton doesn't really need to be there -- I'm sure this show could run on autopilot. But he is the ringleader. The funkadeer, if you will.
Great show, all around. Anybody else see 'em?
(AP photo)
Categories: Bars & Clubs, Concert reviews
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
I wish I would have seen the master funkadeer and his crew.
Posted by: Courtney B. | February 25, 2009 11:51 AM
Saw them a few years ago in Vegas. Good times, a specticle to be seem for sure, but your right about his voice.
Posted by: Sturmy | February 25, 2009 12:54 PM
Ok, I maybe considered old, but I grew up on this music and the correct term is pronounced "Funkateer".
Do what you do George and my "Diaper Man"!
Posted by: FAIRWINDS | February 25, 2009 2:09 PM
I have to agree with your complaint on the ticket price. I scrolled through the Rams Head website and saw numerous bands that I would enjoy seeing. But in my opinion, the ticket prices are way to high. I mean, $20 - $30 is enough...they are really pushing it with prices well into the $40s and $50s. It's rediculous.
Posted by: Annoyed | February 25, 2009 3:18 PM
I just hope that Gutter, Pigman and Droz were there to enjoy the show.
Posted by: bryanintimonium | February 25, 2009 5:01 PM
Annoyed,
Stay home.
Apparent the bands on their schedule don't rate high enough with you to pay over $30.00. Fifty dollars isn't extraordinary if whoever gives a good show with an hour plus set or two forty five minute sets.
Go spend your time and money on something else you find to be a good value and write them off.
No use in getting needlessly aggravated.
Posted by: GDA | February 25, 2009 7:46 PM
Normally I'd hit up a PFunk show (still contemplating their show tomorrow in Chocolate City...their DC shows are usually better), but I wasn't feeling like shelling out that kind of money for a Ram's Head Live show (the venue [isn't up to snuff], in all respects) right now.
Posted by: Jeff Mewbourn | February 26, 2009 9:09 AM
Since this is a concert post ... best place I can ask the question:
Sam, any word on Virgin Festival 09? Last year, it was around this time that the dates were announced? There seemed to be a little scuttle last year that the show was moving to D.C. Have you heard anything?
Posted by: JD | February 26, 2009 12:20 PM
JD, I spoke with Seth Hurwitz a week or two ago, and he was still finalizing the details. Every year, there's talk of him moving it to D.C. But I haven't heard anything substantial yet.
Posted by: Sam Sessa | February 26, 2009 12:23 PM
Sam.........speaking of DC, Heard any date on the Chili Cookoff by DC101?
Posted by: goodtimesgone | February 26, 2009 6:43 PM
$ 40.00 is not bad for a concert ticket!!
wait till the U2 tour is announced i bet the tixs are over $ 175.00 each-- face value!
Posted by: nelson muntz | February 26, 2009 10:14 PM
They will be here on Monday May 4th in Dallas,Texas at The House Of Blues
This will be my 7th time seeing them live in concert.
Posted by: Michael Enette | March 22, 2009 10:46 PM