DOWN

While in London on a business trip (April-2008), I was happy to see that Down was playing at the Brixton Academy during my stay. Down contains 2 former members of Pantera, Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown, formerly known as Phil Core and Rex Rocker. I got there pretty early and the line was already 100 meters / 300 feet long. The venue was one of the coolest I have ever seen with the stage in the middle and castle looking structures on either side. It had mostly standing places with a few available seats on the balcony. The opening band must have cancelled on them last minute because there was no opening band. Instead they played some 1970s metal videos and promoted their upcoming DVD. It wasn't too bad, probably better than some no name band playing some music I have never heard. Prior to the concert I can't say that I was a big fan of Down, I couldn't even name 1 of their songs before I saw them, but I needed to go see if they were still the same people as when I saw them at Joe's Garage in Ft. Worth, Texas during the late 1980's. They are the same guys and their music is pretty good I must say, I think I am a fan now...I will get some of their songs for my collection. Some of their best songs that carry the best grooves are:

  • Lifer - NOLA

  • Stone the Crow - NOLA

  • Bury me in smoke - NOLA

  • Beautifully Depresses - II

  • Ghosts Along the Mississippi - II

  • On March the Saints - III

  • 3 Suns and 1 star - III

  • Never Try - III

  • NOD - III

Prior to their song Mourn, Phil stopped and paid tribute to Pantera's awesome guitarist Dimebag Darrell (Darrell Lance Abbott) who was murdered in 2004.  I was able to take part in the January 2008 Metal Hammer tribute to Darrell, can you find me?  Circled in red for convenience.

I did attend the concert alone and really wasn't in the groove towards the end so I left a little early, probably missed 2-3 songs...hopefully none of their best ones.  On the way out they asked me if I was going to have a fag, I said no.  (Fag is a cigarette in England, so funny)  Walking down the steps that lay in front of the Brixton heading to the tube station, the security guard turned toward me and said, "Have a good evening, Sir", he called me Sir.  I can say that's the first time leaving a metal concert that I have been spoken to so respectfully.  I responded with a kind 'Thanks' and went about finding my way back to the hotel.

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