Them Crooked Vultures Concert - 2/10/10

[Guest Review - Dentist] The Fillmore - Charlotte, NC

Historically speaking, there have been some really good “supergroups” (think The Travelling Wilburys and Cream and more recently Mad Season and The Raconteurs ), but just as many really bad ones (Tinted Windows anyone?) . So it was with a certain amount of trepidation that I attended the recent Them Crooked Vultures show at The Fillmore. My pre-show knowledge of the group consisted of the following: a) reviews I read had labeled them as a pure guitar-driven rock band b) they have garnered a huge following in the UK and c) one of the three members of the band is none other than John Paul Jones. Formed in 2009, Them Crooked Vultures consists of Dave Grohl, Josh Homme and the aforementioned John Paul Jones. It’s a bit of a weird amalgamation and I have never been a fan of Grohl, nor could I name a single Queens of the Stone Age song if pressed, but the chance to see rock-n-roll royalty Mr. Jones and just plain curiosity got the best of me. Click below for more on TCV:

The band took the stage in an unassuming manner and after a quick hello from Josh, launched into their 15 song set. Musically, there’s no new ground covered and certainly not from a lyrical standpoint either. But what TCV lack in originality, they make up for in pure in-your-face rock & roll bombast. As I said, I’ve never been a fan of Dave Grohl and frankly when it comes to the Foo Fighters, I’ve always felt his vocals are a bit on the annoying side. However, behind the drum kit, he absolutely destroyed. I was mesmerized watching him probably more than anyone else the entire night. John Paul Jones’ virtuosity was likewise impressive as he deftly switched from playing bass, keyboards and mandolin with equal proficiency…oh, and in case you’re wondering he is 64 years old. And let’s be honest, they guy was a founding member of Led Zeppelin, arguably one of the greatest rock & roll bands of all time and until I get the chance to see Page or Plant, he’s the next best thing. Homme vocally as a frontman was somewhat disappointing, but he is physically intimidating and was fairly impressive on lead guitar. He also repeatedly stopped between songs and said, as if still in complete awe of his bandmate, “Ladies and gentlemen, John Paul F**king Jones”, which seemed like an honest moment every time it happened. Standout songs in an all original Nirvana/Foo Fighters/Led Zeppelin, QOTSA-free setlist included “No One Loves Me and Neither Do I”, “New Fang” and “Elephants”.

A good performance from a great supergroup of musical talent and a decent collection of songs from their first offering—make of that what you will. I’ll likely buy the disc and would pay to see them again—worth seeing if they come to your city. Take note Mr. Iha.