I went to see The Yeah Yeah Yeah's last week, and the opening bands turned out to be the highlight of the show.

First, there was nothing visually appealing. Their only props were (I kid you not), a piece of glittery cloth that looked like it belonged in the remnant pile at Wal-Mart, a glittery veil type thing that little girls get at Six Flags or Disneyland, and a light with a purple-colored bulb that Karen O. would wave around periodically.

Second, there was very little crowd interaction. A couple of times Karen O stopped to catch her breath, and gave little speeches about how good the crowd was, but every other word that came out of her mouth was a variation of "fuck". The other band members either kept their heads down or turned away from the audience entirely.

I can see how it would be better for those in the first few rows of the pit, but it was boring to everyone else. It was a small venue, and I was sitting at a table directly behind the pit, so I wasn't that far away. From where I was sitting, it was just awful.

I couldn't believe it. I love the YYYs and expected that they'd put a little more thought into their shows. One of their opening bands had a screen that projected various images, dancers with costumes, etc. It's a poor reflection on them that their opening band totally stole the show.

So, if you're thinking of going to see the YYYs, I guess try to be in the first few rows? Otherwise, I really wouldn't waste the money on them, because there are much better shows for less money out there.

Thanks for the review...however, one thing you forgot:

Was the music any good?

I thought she had quite a bit of charisma. Who needs speeches and props and "thought" when the lead singer is so damn awesome??

I personally am not that gung ho on speeches and props, but I think that thought and personality should go hand-in-hand because otherwise, all you have are "gimmicks". David Lynch, I'm focusing on your kinoua ass.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mark f,

I've seen YYYs three times now. I enjoyed their shows enormously and thought especially that Karen O was one of the most compelling and dynamic performers I've seen onstage, but admittedly I was in the first few rows every single time and crowd interaction doesn't really make or break a show for me. I've heard very similar comments about YYYs not cutting it for people further away from the stage.