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DVD Review: Suicidal Tendencies – Live at The Olympic Auditorium

DVD Review -  Suicidal Tendencies
Live at The Olympic Auditorium
Suicidal Records

Suicidal Tendencies’ Live at Olympic Auditorium is the first-ever DVD released by the band. Recorded in 2005, this DVD’s been a long time coming. Without any bonus features to act as filler, all the pressure is put on the live performance to carry the release. This one stands on its own offering a fitting, no-bullshit glimpse at why many fans have stuck around and stayed true despite various changes in style since the band’s inception. Luckily, original member Mike Muir (vocals) put on a killer, high-energy show despite persistent back issues which manifested in partial paralysis the day of the show. The fact that Muir was still able to do what he does –running around the stage, pushing the pace for over an hour- without letting on that he was having severe medical problems, is a testament to his drive and determination; essentially what’s been keeping the band going on and off for almost 30 years now.

The set begins with “I Shot Reagan” (AKA “I Shot the Devil”) and includes many other early tracks such as “Institutionalized,” “Subliminal”, “I Saw Your Mommy” and “War Inside my Head.” The line-up featuring Mike Clark (rhythm guitar), Dean Pleasants (lead guitar), Steve Brunner (Bass) and Ron Brunner (drums) (who was since replaced by Eric Moore) does a great job of churning out these old tunes, adding their own touch in certain spots and helping Muir keep the energy going. What’s interesting about the way the performance is shot is the “amateur” quality. While the camera work is good, there’s an overall “real” perspective created which gives the impression that it was shot by hand-held cameras. Again this adds to the no-frills aspect of the DVD and gives the feeling that we are seeing it as it was, not an over-produced, cleaned up version.

European fans will get a chance to see Suicidal in all their glory during their European tour with Mike Muir’s other project Infectious Grooves this March.

suicidaltendencies.com

By Alxs Ness

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