Clutch @ Town Ballroom, Buffalo, New York 1-10-14

When Clutch was originally scheduled to come to Buffalo on their Earth Rocker tour late last year, I was kind of bummed because I had a scheduling conflict and would not be able to attend. The tour had to be postponed for frontman Neil Fallon to undergo neck surgery, fusing three vertebrae in his neck together. When Clutch took the stage, he showed no signs of holding back, and looked 100% Neil Fallon.

Their latest album, Earth Rocker, has received favorable reviews from critics, and fans alike, I think it’s best described as “old school, in your face, rock ‘n roll.” Clutch opened with the title track “Earth Rocker” and the venue erupted. Delivering lyrics as only Fallon can, he paced the stage “preaching” to his faithful. It’s always interesting to watch Clutch perform. Fallon may only be 1/4 of the band, but he expends 100% of the energy. Although he isn’t much for words, Fallon connects with fans through his music, and they hang on every word.

The crowd was well mannered throughout the night, until Fallon belted “Please allow me to adjust my pants,” the opening line to fan favorite “The Mob Goes Wild.” At that point the pit opened and the moshing began.

As Clutch wrapped up their set, Fallon said “thank you Buffalo,” and they simply walked off the stage. Minutes later they emerged for a two song encore, fulfilling their promise that they gave months ago.

If you have ever attended a Clutch show, you know how intense a performer Neil Fallon is. I can assure you, the surgery has not changed him. If you haven’t been to Clutch show, you need to get your ass to one. Now that Clutch is back in session and Fallon is preaching, rock ‘n’ roll is saved!

Setlist:

Earth Rocker
Unto The Breach
DC Sound Attack
The Dragonfly
Sea Of Destruction
Crucial Velocity
50,000 Unstoppable Watts
Spacegrass
The Regulator
Cyborg Bette
The Mob Goes Wild
Cypress Grove
Burning Beard
The Soapmakers
The Face
The WolfMan Kindly Requests