BOC Review

[Duane Hoyt]

The following review is strictly my own opinions and observations of the
BOC show on 11/18/95 at The Edge Concert Club in Cleve., Oh.
My literary talents leave alot to be desired, so bear with me.

   I have never been to the Edge, so I will begin with my impressions of the
venue itself. The Edge looks to be an excellent place for a show at first.
It is very spacious, as it looks to be able to hold about 500-600 people.
The place slowly filled throughout the night, and by showtime was quite
crowded. My major complaints about the club are that they did not have a
very good selection of beer, leaving me little choice, so I had to go with
the Molson Ice. Then, about halfway through BOC's set, that ran out.
All for the best anyway, as I had a long ride home. As BOC took the stage,
the flaw with the club's setup became rapidly apparent. The stage is at
about the same level as the floor area in front of it, so as the many large
leather-clad biker types forced their way to the front, it made it nearly
impossible to see anyone on stage, except for an occasional glimpse of
Eric's face and as Buck is not the tallest of people, he was virtually
impossible to see at all.
   The opening band was a local group by the name of Public Display of
Infection. I have not ever heard of them, so I didn't know what to expect.
They were actually a decent opener for the Oysterboys. They did about a
30-40 minute set. They played good hard rock n' roll, some of the songs
reminded me a bit of Mott the Hoople, and some songs had a sound similar
to a newer band who's name escapes me at the moment, but they had a song out
awhile back called Low. ( " hey, hey hey, it's like being stoned." )
   After a short intermission, it was time. BOC was scheduled to start at
10:30, and it was about 10:45 when they started, so as rock shows go, this
is about the closest that a band I have seen started when they said they
would. Lights dim, stage lights brighten, and smoke machines start hissing
and putting out. From the cheers from the front, you could tell when they
made their entrance. Buck had a something white on, with a black guitar that
had the top of the neck missing. Eric wore a black t-shirt, and the ever-
present shades, and had a red guitar. ( The red and the black?)
They started jamming hard, and never let up at all. I have seen BOC about
4 times in the past, and this is the best that they have been in a long while
They were well rehearsed, and very tight.  The sound was excellent, as the
vocals were very discernable, and Buck's guitar sang out loud and clear.
I don't know how it sounded in the back, but from about 5 rows of people
back on the floor, it was clear as a bell. I have got to say at this point,
that it is the strength of Buck's talent as a guitarist that has enabled
BOC to remain on the tour circuit and consistantly draw the crowds. He is the
comsumate profesional.  When he plays, it appears he is genuinally enjoying
himself.  And he does it so effortlessly, it is like second-nature. Eric's
vocals also contribute to this, but not nearly to the extent of Buck.
   Here is the setlist:
1. Stairway to the Stars
2. Dr. Music
3. OD'd on Life
4. ETI
5. Before the Kiss
6. I'd Like to See You In Black
7. Take Me Away
8. Flaming Telepaths
9. Cities on Flame
10. Astronomy
11. In Thee
12. Lips in the Hills
13. Burnin' for You
14. Godzilla
15. Don't Fear the Reaper
    ENCORE
16. Dominence and Submission
17. Summer of Love
18. Red and the Black

   This was a very strong setlist, and very well performed.  The only
complaint I have with it is that I was very glad to hear Astronomy, but not
at the expense of Last Days of May. These two songs are my absolute favorites
and I would have much preferred them to drop In Thee and include Last Days.
Another one that could be dropped is Burnin' For You.  I guess they feel
obligated to play the radio hits, as some of the crowd were folks that
were more than likely only familiar with what they hear on the radio.
As previously mentioned, the bands acoustic equiptment was ripped off,
so when In Thee was performed Buck did it as acoustically as was possible
on his guitar. It seemed to me that a lot of people went to the johns or
the bar during this one.  People come to see BOC rock, and they want it to
rock hard and loud. In Thee acoustically just doesn't fit the bill.
When the band started Reaper, it sounded a little uninspired, and I was
beginning to think that this one should be dropped also, but then Buck pulled
out all the stops during the middle section, ( you know, when the guitars
all come blasting in ) and really salvaged this one.  It was then that I knew
why this is such a good song. A few songs inspired the crowd to sing/shout
along, obviously Godzilla, and the crowd yelling " Dominance" and " The
jokes on you", but they seemed the loudest during Cities on Flame. My eyes
didn't melt, but today my ears feel as if they did!
I had never heard the song I'd Like to See You in Black before, but had
heard about it.  All I have to say about this one is it totally blew
me away.  If they could come up with more new stuff this strong, they will
have no problem selling albums. Speaking of selling albums, Eric said right
before they played Astronomy, " This one is from our new one, Workshop of
the Telescopes."  I thought this slightly amusing, as the hardcore BOC fans
all know this from Secret Treaties, the casual fan might not.
After the encore, most of the crowd didn't want to go home yet, and screamed
for more, quite loudly. I thought at first that the band might just come
back out, but it was not to be.
  I am sorry I missed anyone from the discussion group who may have been
there, I looked for you, but didn't see you. Hey Bryan, were you the guy
with the long, straight red hair, and the long black overcoat?  And Sade,
I looked for your BOC leather, but didn't see it. Hey AB, did you make it
there?
   Anyway, all in all, a very good show, and it was well worth the $12.00
for the ticket.

Duane


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