The Headstones raucously ushered in 2014 while dragging 2013 with it for a memorable New Years Eve show at the Rapids Theatre in Niagara Falls, NY. A few sound issues at the beginning of the set didn’t derail the band as front man Hugh Dillon was determined not to let it affect the performance. Dillon was a man on a mission. In fact, the entire band was.
With a new CD entitled “Love & Fury” in their pockets, you could tell the band was ready to set one off. Opening with a track called “Losing Control,” off their 1993 debut ‘Picture of Health’ record, it was apparent this was going to be a night to celebrate the bands entire history. Guitarist Trent Carr really dictated the flow of the show with his steady play. He needed to do this, as Dillon jumped into the crowd and headed to the center bar to sing parts of “Don’t Follow” and “O My God,” and really interacted with the fans throughout the entire show. While Carr was doing his thing, the backbone of Dale Harrison on drums and bassist Tim White held the show together with their intertwined pounding, rhythmic beats.
The show was stopped momentarily to welcome in the New Year with video screens showing live TV for the countdown. After looking at the screen and seeing that were still 4 and half minutes to go, the Headstones decided to crank out a quick version of “Neverland.” This left about 40 seconds to spare so everyone could join in the countdown. After about a minute of hugging and well wishing, Dillon stated “Let’s get back to business,” as the band got back to the music and went into “Cut Me Up.”
Homage was paid to a dear friend and one of the biggest supporters of The Headstones, local radio personality, Iron Mike Bensson. He passed away a few months prior to cancer, but the band dedicated “Smile and Wave” to his memory. What a fitting tribute growing up in these parts and listening to Iron Mike over the years, well done boys!
To wrap it up, I’ve always liked the Headstones and wondered why they never garnered the attention like some of the other Canadian bands such as the Tragically Hip, or at times, Our Lady Peace. Different bands, yes, but it’s about attitude and balls. The Headstones always bring that. Lots of those other bands can’t measure up to what this band always has and will be about!
Setlist:
Losing Control
When Something Stands for Nothing
Tweeter and the Monkey Man (Traveling Wilburys cover)
Don’t Follow
Judy
Neverland
Cut Me Up
Been This Way
Settle
Cubically Contained
3 Angels
Oh My God/New Orleans is Sinking (Tragically Hip snippet)/Who Do You Love? (Bo Didley and the Destroyers snippet)
F*ck You
Look Away
SOS (ABBA cover)
Smile and Wave
Cemetery
Encore:
Journey to the End of the East Bay (Rancid cover)
Pretty Little Death Song
Unsound
We would like to thank Courtney Yuchtman from Bernie Breen Management for the credentials to cover the show.
