The Minnesota State Fair is well known for lots of things – people watching, livestock, tons o’ food on a stick and a bunch of other stuff usually associated with these kind of events. Unfortunately, live music has never been one of the MSF’s strong suits, despite being located smack dab in the middle of the Land of 10000 bands. The big headliners tend to be mostly C/W or washed up 70s dinosaurs. Sure, there's the occasional cool surprise at some side stage, but, for the most part, the part of Minnesota that encompasses rock, pop, indie, etc. is poorly represented.
So, it was more than a little shocking to see that 70s punk pioneers The Suicide Commandos were announced as an opening act for a Joan Jett/Fountains of Wayne show in the Grandstand (newly refurbished, BTW, and pretty much kick ass). It was even more shocking when Ms. Jett cancelled and the promoters decided to continue on with underbill as a free show. Since i usually go to the Fair a coupla times anyways, it was an absolute no-brainer to make sure one of those visits coincided with the nite the Commandos were doing their thing.
On a picture perfect nite, Dave, Steve and Chris performed together for the first time since who knows when. I remember they played the now defunct and missed Lyndale Block Party several years ago, but i don't remember another show in the interim (not counting a surprise encore at the 331 Club in NE Mpls the Wednesday before the Fair during a Steve Almaas solo set). Don't have a setlist, but they played damn near every thing you wanted to hear and then some (including their always excellent chosen covers). They were a tad rusty at first, but in short order their trademark sound was in full effect, filling the night air with equal parts nostalgia and pure joy.
Aside from the music and the sheer thrill of hearing these guys play again, the coolest thing was the crowd. To say that there were lots of old, familiar faces in attendance is the understatement of the year. It was like a block party, wedding, funeral and high school reunion all rolled into one. Along with numerous familiar faces were tons of people that i hadn't thought about in decades but instantly recognized and remembered. 'twas a truly mind-blowing experience, one i won't soon forget.
I can't remember the last time i had so much fun music-wise at the Fair. There were a couple of great free Los Lobos shows a few years ago, a couple of free Iffy shows a few years before that, and then you'd probably have to back to the New York Dolls playing the "Teen Pavilion" back in 1974. :-)
Viva le Commandos!
crop art on display at the fair
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