The Unity Tour with 311, Ziggy Marley and The Expendables pounded Red Rocks Amphitheatre with love and jams Friday night.
“In case you didn’t know, we’re about bringing people together,” 311 frontman Nick Hexum, yelled out into a soaked and riled-up crowd (hence the “Unity Tour”).
The rain came down, but it didn’t put out the musical fire that was lit by opener, The Expendables and fueled by second up, Ziggy Marley (one of the Bob Marley sons). By the end of the night, 311 had the fire raging.
Fans at Red Rocks were also given a little treat.
“How about a world premiere?” Hexum asked the crowd with a smile. 311 went on to play, for the first time ever live, a bonus track from their newest album Uplifter, titled “I Like the Way.”
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
311 Maps Fall Headlining Tour (Ultimate-Guitar)
Alt-rockers 311 will head out on the road late this year for a run of headlining dates in support of the band's most recent album, "Uplifter."
The group kicks off the outing Nov. 11 in Temecula, CA, east of Los Angeles, and will hit 19 cities on the trek, which concludes Dec. 8 in Austin, TX.
Opening acts will include State Radio and Kottonmouth Kings, along with one show (11/21 in Atlantic City, NJ) with Slightly Stoopid. Full details on opening acts and additional ticketing information can be found at the band's website.
"Uplifter," the 311's ninth album, surfaced in June. The set was produced by hard-rock veteran Bob Rock (Metallica, Motley Crue), which resulted in a louder direction for the band's latest effort, according to guitarist/vocalist Nick Hexum.
"It evolved that way [toward a more aggressive sound], but it wasn't pushed," Hexum told LiveDaily earlier this year. "Early on, there was a batch of songs where we thought, 'This is going to be our most heavy album to date.' He loved our reggae stuff, but we found a way to merge the heavy side with the funky reggae side, which I think 'Hey You' does pretty well.
"I realized after we were done that not a lot of bands can get away with putting this many styles on an album."
The group kicks off the outing Nov. 11 in Temecula, CA, east of Los Angeles, and will hit 19 cities on the trek, which concludes Dec. 8 in Austin, TX.
Opening acts will include State Radio and Kottonmouth Kings, along with one show (11/21 in Atlantic City, NJ) with Slightly Stoopid. Full details on opening acts and additional ticketing information can be found at the band's website.
"Uplifter," the 311's ninth album, surfaced in June. The set was produced by hard-rock veteran Bob Rock (Metallica, Motley Crue), which resulted in a louder direction for the band's latest effort, according to guitarist/vocalist Nick Hexum.
"It evolved that way [toward a more aggressive sound], but it wasn't pushed," Hexum told LiveDaily earlier this year. "Early on, there was a batch of songs where we thought, 'This is going to be our most heavy album to date.' He loved our reggae stuff, but we found a way to merge the heavy side with the funky reggae side, which I think 'Hey You' does pretty well.
"I realized after we were done that not a lot of bands can get away with putting this many styles on an album."
Monday, December 7, 2009
Interview with 311 (Austin 360)
Tim Mahoney is always and forever conscious of his fans.
Speaking by phone from Dallas on Saturday afternoon, the guitarist for the multiplatinum alternative rock band 311 is prepping to make the kickoff for the University of Texas and University of Nebraska-Lincoln game alongside band mates Chad Sexton and S.A. Martinez.
But he’s quick to qualify the Omaha, Neb.-born band’s love for the Cornhuskers the moment he twigs to the fact that he’s speaking to an Austin paper.
“Oh man, we’ve made friends with Major Applewhite. Other than when we play Texas I’m always a big fan of Texas teams,” offers Mahoney. “I’m a huge Pantera fan and they come from Texas. Outside of Nebraska I do like Texas a lot!”
That gesture seems less about calculation and more about inclusiveness — few bands that sell their numbers have a more intimate relationship with their fan base than 311. The last thing Mahoney wants to do is alienate any of the fans he’ll be playing for at Tuesday’s show at the Austin Music Hall.
Now Los Angeles-based, the quintet, long famous for incorporating scattered bits of rap, ska and reggae into their radio-friendly waves of guitar, post the set list to every show online and have participated in video chats with their fans. They even host an annual event, 311 Day — held, naturally, on March 11 — where thousands of fans journey from around the world to see the band play a concert that lasts upwards of five hours and 60 songs. As you might predict, lasers are involved. For the band, says Mahoney, that level of fan interaction is one part mutual love fest and one part job security.
“The fact that we can still make records and go out and play live and have an interaction like that is because of the fans. Because every night even if some of the songs are the same it’s still just a moment that only exists right there and then. And to have that energy and shared moment of a celebration with a like-minded group of people is a pretty amazing thing,” says Mahoney. “And basically, especially nowadays, the hardcore fans of a band support them. We never take that for granted.”
Nearly two decades ago, when 311 was just emerging from the musical primordial ooze of the barely extant Omaha scene, that wasn’t the case. Playing to crowds of thousands was a pipe dream for Mahoney when he joined the still-young band in 1991, replacing original guitarist Jim Watson.
The band self-released three albums before packing its bags and moving to Los Angeles. They toured relentlessly, contending with an apathetic mainstream press and an RV fire that destroyed their gear. At one point they moved all their belongings into storage and simply lived on the road, reasoning that most of their time was spent on tour anyway.
When the band did find success, it was substantial — 1995’s self-titled album, often called the “Blue Album,” eventually went triple-platinum, with single “Down” reaching No.1 on the Billboard modern rock chart. A series of commercially successful albums followed, and the band refused to slack off on touring, playing a series of amphitheater dates every summer.
With a dozen studio albums under their belt, the band has an extensive back catalogue to mine for live shows, an effort Mahoney says they make every time, even if the sound has changed a bit.
“We try to tailor the set more to songs that we haven’t played in a long time that probably are more challenging to play live. And maybe things die-hard fans would love,” says Mahoney. “When I look back I wouldn’t want to change how any of those records sound, but we definitely talk about how it would sound if we recorded the older material now. Because you hopefully, as a band, grow over time. And it sounds different now because we were more like crusty young punks with a lot of energy then. You hope you don’t lose that as you get older but it’s an inevitably that you evolve.”
Evolution was a key theme on their most recent release, this year’s optimistically titled and lyrically positive “Uplifter.” Seeking a change after four years without an album release — by far the biggest break in the prolific band’s career — they sought out producer Bob Rock. With a name like that, it’s no surprise that Rock’s resume includes a who’s who of renowned acts: Metallica, Motley Crue, the Offspring, Bon Jovi and Aerosmith, among others.
“He’s just a solid guy. I remember the first thing he said to me was ‘For me, it’s just about doing the work. There’s no Bob Rock sound. I just want to help you guys make a great album,’” says Mahoney. “So just his taste in everything was smart, really, because he’s been doing it so long, everything from rock to Michael Bublé.”
Nearly two decades into his tenure with the band, Mahoney seems as enthused about 311’s prospects as ever. Maybe that’s because the band has the money to give each other the kind of space that makes touring comfortable — they split two buses, with Mahoney traveling with drummer Chad Sexton and his bulldog, Zoe. That can’t hurt a touring band’s morale. Just as importantly, though, they’ve managed to keep a healthy respect — for each other, for their music and for their fans.
“We’re friends, and I think we all respect each other and respect each other’s songwriting. And having to all travel together in our RV early on, and having to share a house, we got on it pretty quick in terms of knowing how to coexist and respect each other’s space,” Mahoney says. “And I think everyone enjoys what they do. We’re about ready to turn 20 now and it’s amazing. We’re real fortunate to get to still be playing music.”
Speaking by phone from Dallas on Saturday afternoon, the guitarist for the multiplatinum alternative rock band 311 is prepping to make the kickoff for the University of Texas and University of Nebraska-Lincoln game alongside band mates Chad Sexton and S.A. Martinez.
But he’s quick to qualify the Omaha, Neb.-born band’s love for the Cornhuskers the moment he twigs to the fact that he’s speaking to an Austin paper.
“Oh man, we’ve made friends with Major Applewhite. Other than when we play Texas I’m always a big fan of Texas teams,” offers Mahoney. “I’m a huge Pantera fan and they come from Texas. Outside of Nebraska I do like Texas a lot!”
That gesture seems less about calculation and more about inclusiveness — few bands that sell their numbers have a more intimate relationship with their fan base than 311. The last thing Mahoney wants to do is alienate any of the fans he’ll be playing for at Tuesday’s show at the Austin Music Hall.
Now Los Angeles-based, the quintet, long famous for incorporating scattered bits of rap, ska and reggae into their radio-friendly waves of guitar, post the set list to every show online and have participated in video chats with their fans. They even host an annual event, 311 Day — held, naturally, on March 11 — where thousands of fans journey from around the world to see the band play a concert that lasts upwards of five hours and 60 songs. As you might predict, lasers are involved. For the band, says Mahoney, that level of fan interaction is one part mutual love fest and one part job security.
“The fact that we can still make records and go out and play live and have an interaction like that is because of the fans. Because every night even if some of the songs are the same it’s still just a moment that only exists right there and then. And to have that energy and shared moment of a celebration with a like-minded group of people is a pretty amazing thing,” says Mahoney. “And basically, especially nowadays, the hardcore fans of a band support them. We never take that for granted.”
Nearly two decades ago, when 311 was just emerging from the musical primordial ooze of the barely extant Omaha scene, that wasn’t the case. Playing to crowds of thousands was a pipe dream for Mahoney when he joined the still-young band in 1991, replacing original guitarist Jim Watson.
The band self-released three albums before packing its bags and moving to Los Angeles. They toured relentlessly, contending with an apathetic mainstream press and an RV fire that destroyed their gear. At one point they moved all their belongings into storage and simply lived on the road, reasoning that most of their time was spent on tour anyway.
When the band did find success, it was substantial — 1995’s self-titled album, often called the “Blue Album,” eventually went triple-platinum, with single “Down” reaching No.1 on the Billboard modern rock chart. A series of commercially successful albums followed, and the band refused to slack off on touring, playing a series of amphitheater dates every summer.
With a dozen studio albums under their belt, the band has an extensive back catalogue to mine for live shows, an effort Mahoney says they make every time, even if the sound has changed a bit.
“We try to tailor the set more to songs that we haven’t played in a long time that probably are more challenging to play live. And maybe things die-hard fans would love,” says Mahoney. “When I look back I wouldn’t want to change how any of those records sound, but we definitely talk about how it would sound if we recorded the older material now. Because you hopefully, as a band, grow over time. And it sounds different now because we were more like crusty young punks with a lot of energy then. You hope you don’t lose that as you get older but it’s an inevitably that you evolve.”
Evolution was a key theme on their most recent release, this year’s optimistically titled and lyrically positive “Uplifter.” Seeking a change after four years without an album release — by far the biggest break in the prolific band’s career — they sought out producer Bob Rock. With a name like that, it’s no surprise that Rock’s resume includes a who’s who of renowned acts: Metallica, Motley Crue, the Offspring, Bon Jovi and Aerosmith, among others.
“He’s just a solid guy. I remember the first thing he said to me was ‘For me, it’s just about doing the work. There’s no Bob Rock sound. I just want to help you guys make a great album,’” says Mahoney. “So just his taste in everything was smart, really, because he’s been doing it so long, everything from rock to Michael Bublé.”
Nearly two decades into his tenure with the band, Mahoney seems as enthused about 311’s prospects as ever. Maybe that’s because the band has the money to give each other the kind of space that makes touring comfortable — they split two buses, with Mahoney traveling with drummer Chad Sexton and his bulldog, Zoe. That can’t hurt a touring band’s morale. Just as importantly, though, they’ve managed to keep a healthy respect — for each other, for their music and for their fans.
“We’re friends, and I think we all respect each other and respect each other’s songwriting. And having to all travel together in our RV early on, and having to share a house, we got on it pretty quick in terms of knowing how to coexist and respect each other’s space,” Mahoney says. “And I think everyone enjoys what they do. We’re about ready to turn 20 now and it’s amazing. We’re real fortunate to get to still be playing music.”
Interview: 311 (playing Austin Music Hall Tuesday night)
Tim Mahoney is always and forever conscious of his fans.
Speaking by phone from Dallas on Saturday afternoon, the guitarist for the multiplatinum alternative rock band 311 is prepping to make the kickoff for the University of Texas and University of Nebraska-Lincoln game alongside band mates Chad Sexton and S.A. Martinez.
But he’s quick to qualify the Omaha, Neb.-born band’s love for the Cornhuskers the moment he twigs to the fact that he’s speaking to an Austin paper.
“Oh man, we’ve made friends with Major Applewhite. Other than when we play Texas I’m always a big fan of Texas teams,” offers Mahoney. “I’m a huge Pantera fan and they come from Texas. Outside of Nebraska I do like Texas a lot!”
That gesture seems less about calculation and more about inclusiveness — few bands that sell their numbers have a more intimate relationship with their fan base than 311. The last thing Mahoney wants to do is alienate any of the fans he’ll be playing for at Tuesday’s show at the Austin Music Hall.
Now Los Angeles-based, the quintet, long famous for incorporating scattered bits of rap, ska and reggae into their radio-friendly waves of guitar, post the set list to every show online and have participated in video chats with their fans. They even host an annual event, 311 Day — held, naturally, on March 11 — where thousands of fans journey from around the world to see the band play a concert that lasts upwards of five hours and 60 songs. As you might predict, lasers are involved. For the band, says Mahoney, that level of fan interaction is one part mutual love fest and one part job security.
“The fact that we can still make records and go out and play live and have an interaction like that is because of the fans. Because every night even if some of the songs are the same it’s still just a moment that only exists right there and then. And to have that energy and shared moment of a celebration with a like-minded group of people is a pretty amazing thing,” says Mahoney. “And basically, especially nowadays, the hardcore fans of a band support them. We never take that for granted.”
Nearly two decades ago, when 311 was just emerging from the musical primordial ooze of the barely extant Omaha scene, that wasn’t the case. Playing to crowds of thousands was a pipe dream for Mahoney when he joined the still-young band in 1991, replacing original guitarist Jim Watson.
The band self-released three albums before packing its bags and moving to Los Angeles. They toured relentlessly, contending with an apathetic mainstream press and an RV fire that destroyed their gear. At one point they moved all their belongings into storage and simply lived on the road, reasoning that most of their time was spent on tour anyway.
When the band did find success, it was substantial — 1995’s self-titled album, often called the “Blue Album,” eventually went triple-platinum, with single “Down” reaching No.1 on the Billboard modern rock chart. A series of commercially successful albums followed, and the band refused to slack off on touring, playing a series of amphitheater dates every summer.
With a dozen studio albums under their belt, the band has an extensive back catalogue to mine for live shows, an effort Mahoney says they make every time, even if the sound has changed a bit.
“We try to tailor the set more to songs that we haven’t played in a long time that probably are more challenging to play live. And maybe things die-hard fans would love,” says Mahoney. “When I look back I wouldn’t want to change how any of those records sound, but we definitely talk about how it would sound if we recorded the older material now. Because you hopefully, as a band, grow over time. And it sounds different now because we were more like crusty young punks with a lot of energy then. You hope you don’t lose that as you get older but it’s an inevitably that you evolve.”
Evolution was a key theme on their most recent release, this year’s optimistically titled and lyrically positive “Uplifter.” Seeking a change after four years without an album release — by far the biggest break in the prolific band’s career — they sought out producer Bob Rock. With a name like that, it’s no surprise that Rock’s resume includes a who’s who of renowned acts: Metallica, Motley Crue, the Offspring, Bon Jovi and Aerosmith, among others.
“He’s just a solid guy. I remember the first thing he said to me was ‘For me, it’s just about doing the work. There’s no Bob Rock sound. I just want to help you guys make a great album,’” says Mahoney. “So just his taste in everything was smart, really, because he’s been doing it so long, everything from rock to Michael Bublé.”
Nearly two decades into his tenure with the band, Mahoney seems as enthused about 311’s prospects as ever. Maybe that’s because the band has the money to give each other the kind of space that makes touring comfortable — they split two buses, with Mahoney traveling with drummer Chad Sexton and his bulldog, Zoe. That can’t hurt a touring band’s morale. Just as importantly, though, they’ve managed to keep a healthy respect — for each other, for their music and for their fans.
“We’re friends, and I think we all respect each other and respect each other’s songwriting. And having to all travel together in our RV early on, and having to share a house, we got on it pretty quick in terms of knowing how to coexist and respect each other’s space,” Mahoney says. “And I think everyone enjoys what they do. We’re about ready to turn 20 now and it’s amazing. We’re real fortunate to get to still be playing music.”
Speaking by phone from Dallas on Saturday afternoon, the guitarist for the multiplatinum alternative rock band 311 is prepping to make the kickoff for the University of Texas and University of Nebraska-Lincoln game alongside band mates Chad Sexton and S.A. Martinez.
But he’s quick to qualify the Omaha, Neb.-born band’s love for the Cornhuskers the moment he twigs to the fact that he’s speaking to an Austin paper.
“Oh man, we’ve made friends with Major Applewhite. Other than when we play Texas I’m always a big fan of Texas teams,” offers Mahoney. “I’m a huge Pantera fan and they come from Texas. Outside of Nebraska I do like Texas a lot!”
That gesture seems less about calculation and more about inclusiveness — few bands that sell their numbers have a more intimate relationship with their fan base than 311. The last thing Mahoney wants to do is alienate any of the fans he’ll be playing for at Tuesday’s show at the Austin Music Hall.
Now Los Angeles-based, the quintet, long famous for incorporating scattered bits of rap, ska and reggae into their radio-friendly waves of guitar, post the set list to every show online and have participated in video chats with their fans. They even host an annual event, 311 Day — held, naturally, on March 11 — where thousands of fans journey from around the world to see the band play a concert that lasts upwards of five hours and 60 songs. As you might predict, lasers are involved. For the band, says Mahoney, that level of fan interaction is one part mutual love fest and one part job security.
“The fact that we can still make records and go out and play live and have an interaction like that is because of the fans. Because every night even if some of the songs are the same it’s still just a moment that only exists right there and then. And to have that energy and shared moment of a celebration with a like-minded group of people is a pretty amazing thing,” says Mahoney. “And basically, especially nowadays, the hardcore fans of a band support them. We never take that for granted.”
Nearly two decades ago, when 311 was just emerging from the musical primordial ooze of the barely extant Omaha scene, that wasn’t the case. Playing to crowds of thousands was a pipe dream for Mahoney when he joined the still-young band in 1991, replacing original guitarist Jim Watson.
The band self-released three albums before packing its bags and moving to Los Angeles. They toured relentlessly, contending with an apathetic mainstream press and an RV fire that destroyed their gear. At one point they moved all their belongings into storage and simply lived on the road, reasoning that most of their time was spent on tour anyway.
When the band did find success, it was substantial — 1995’s self-titled album, often called the “Blue Album,” eventually went triple-platinum, with single “Down” reaching No.1 on the Billboard modern rock chart. A series of commercially successful albums followed, and the band refused to slack off on touring, playing a series of amphitheater dates every summer.
With a dozen studio albums under their belt, the band has an extensive back catalogue to mine for live shows, an effort Mahoney says they make every time, even if the sound has changed a bit.
“We try to tailor the set more to songs that we haven’t played in a long time that probably are more challenging to play live. And maybe things die-hard fans would love,” says Mahoney. “When I look back I wouldn’t want to change how any of those records sound, but we definitely talk about how it would sound if we recorded the older material now. Because you hopefully, as a band, grow over time. And it sounds different now because we were more like crusty young punks with a lot of energy then. You hope you don’t lose that as you get older but it’s an inevitably that you evolve.”
Evolution was a key theme on their most recent release, this year’s optimistically titled and lyrically positive “Uplifter.” Seeking a change after four years without an album release — by far the biggest break in the prolific band’s career — they sought out producer Bob Rock. With a name like that, it’s no surprise that Rock’s resume includes a who’s who of renowned acts: Metallica, Motley Crue, the Offspring, Bon Jovi and Aerosmith, among others.
“He’s just a solid guy. I remember the first thing he said to me was ‘For me, it’s just about doing the work. There’s no Bob Rock sound. I just want to help you guys make a great album,’” says Mahoney. “So just his taste in everything was smart, really, because he’s been doing it so long, everything from rock to Michael Bublé.”
Nearly two decades into his tenure with the band, Mahoney seems as enthused about 311’s prospects as ever. Maybe that’s because the band has the money to give each other the kind of space that makes touring comfortable — they split two buses, with Mahoney traveling with drummer Chad Sexton and his bulldog, Zoe. That can’t hurt a touring band’s morale. Just as importantly, though, they’ve managed to keep a healthy respect — for each other, for their music and for their fans.
“We’re friends, and I think we all respect each other and respect each other’s songwriting. And having to all travel together in our RV early on, and having to share a house, we got on it pretty quick in terms of knowing how to coexist and respect each other’s space,” Mahoney says. “And I think everyone enjoys what they do. We’re about ready to turn 20 now and it’s amazing. We’re real fortunate to get to still be playing music.”
Friday, December 4, 2009
Q&A 311 bassist Aaron 'P-Nut' Wills (AZ Central)
It was 1996 when 311 topped the Modern Rock charts with a single called "Down" that was anything but. And the weird thing is, 13 years later, they're still having hits. Here's bassist Aaron "P-Nut" Wills on what keeps 311 going strong.
Question: You're pretty happy with the way the album's doing?
Answer: It seems like the younger kids on the front rail of the shows this fall have really been reacting to the new stuff, which is nice. Instead of our whole audience getting old like us, our fans at some point begin to regenerate. So we're really thankful that kids are connecting to our new stuff and if they're not buying it, they're trading it.
The whole point is for them to listen. It's not really about selling millions and millions of albums. It's making this musical experiment as long-lasting as possible so we can change and grow and turn into something that we could never even have thought of when we were teenagers back in Omaha.
Q: The ages of the kids up front has stayed the same. Why do you think that is?
A: We're a rare breed. We're hopelessly positive. We're into solving problems in our lyrics. And I won't be shy about thinking that we have some of the best players in rock. We're not shred monsters, but we're consistent at what we do. We've got a great rhythm section and our guitarists are fantastic. I've always thought of 311 as a supergroup.
Q: Your singer, Nick Hexum, has called this album 311's rebirth. How so?
A: Instead of trying to sell a million albums by being some crossover hit and having a bunch of new fans fall in love with us, there's a singular mindset in the band that we should understand our core audience and nurture them.
And if success comes out of that, it'll be a lot more real. So we need to keep being ourselves and making music from our own perspective without getting hung up on what's on the radio or "Why aren't we as critically acclaimed as Radiohead?"
Q: Why aren't you as critically acclaimed as Radiohead?
A: That's a tough question. Part of it is a lot of writers and critics and fans on the mainstream don't understand us, or just know us from our singles and have decided to judge us quickly, which I totally understand. I do that with bands myself and I'm probably missing thousands and thousands of musical gems. So it's OK. It's not that big a deal.
Q: There aren't a lot of bands that came out when you did that are still having hits.
A: It's that kind of unique message where we spin conflict into resolution. It's much easier to make kids depressed than try to tell them there's a better way to live.
Question: You're pretty happy with the way the album's doing?
Answer: It seems like the younger kids on the front rail of the shows this fall have really been reacting to the new stuff, which is nice. Instead of our whole audience getting old like us, our fans at some point begin to regenerate. So we're really thankful that kids are connecting to our new stuff and if they're not buying it, they're trading it.
The whole point is for them to listen. It's not really about selling millions and millions of albums. It's making this musical experiment as long-lasting as possible so we can change and grow and turn into something that we could never even have thought of when we were teenagers back in Omaha.
Q: The ages of the kids up front has stayed the same. Why do you think that is?
A: We're a rare breed. We're hopelessly positive. We're into solving problems in our lyrics. And I won't be shy about thinking that we have some of the best players in rock. We're not shred monsters, but we're consistent at what we do. We've got a great rhythm section and our guitarists are fantastic. I've always thought of 311 as a supergroup.
Q: Your singer, Nick Hexum, has called this album 311's rebirth. How so?
A: Instead of trying to sell a million albums by being some crossover hit and having a bunch of new fans fall in love with us, there's a singular mindset in the band that we should understand our core audience and nurture them.
And if success comes out of that, it'll be a lot more real. So we need to keep being ourselves and making music from our own perspective without getting hung up on what's on the radio or "Why aren't we as critically acclaimed as Radiohead?"
Q: Why aren't you as critically acclaimed as Radiohead?
A: That's a tough question. Part of it is a lot of writers and critics and fans on the mainstream don't understand us, or just know us from our singles and have decided to judge us quickly, which I totally understand. I do that with bands myself and I'm probably missing thousands and thousands of musical gems. So it's OK. It's not that big a deal.
Q: There aren't a lot of bands that came out when you did that are still having hits.
A: It's that kind of unique message where we spin conflict into resolution. It's much easier to make kids depressed than try to tell them there's a better way to live.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
311's Uplifter tour a cut above (Palm Beach Post)
The day the mayor of a major metropolitan city declares a holiday in honor of a rock band, it’s a safe bet that band has put on its share of spectacular shows.
That day came in 2000 for 311 in the city of New Orleans. Nine years and a few hit albums later, the genre-bending quintet is still luring massive crowds with dynamic, unpretentious performances held in the spirit of unity and positivity.
An eager but easygoing 20-something crowd packed Miami’s 8,000-person Bayfront Amphitheater nearly to capacity Tuesday night. They got an earful of chart-topping favorites like “Down,” “Beautiful Disaster” and “Amber,” but also rarer tracks like “Jack-o-lantern’s Weather” and standouts from the band’s 2009 Uplifter album such as “Daisy Cutter”.
Alt-rock trio State Radio pounded out a 45-minute opening set tinged with traces of punk and even reggae influence.
Sporting nothing but a sparse set and wide, easy smiles, 311 still managed to keep its audience captivated. A solo by drummer Chad Sexton had heads involuntarily nodding, and the crowd erupted in hoots when the whole band joined in, pounding on drums and cymbals of every size and style. Encore and all, the set lasted the better part of two hours.
Almost two decades after the multi-platinum group’s humble beginnings in Omaha, Nebraska, 311 has kept up a steady touring schedule. Summer’s Unity tour melted into fall’s Uplifter tour, and after a three-month break, the band will celebrate its legendary 311 Day in Las Vegas on March 11, 2010.
That day came in 2000 for 311 in the city of New Orleans. Nine years and a few hit albums later, the genre-bending quintet is still luring massive crowds with dynamic, unpretentious performances held in the spirit of unity and positivity.
An eager but easygoing 20-something crowd packed Miami’s 8,000-person Bayfront Amphitheater nearly to capacity Tuesday night. They got an earful of chart-topping favorites like “Down,” “Beautiful Disaster” and “Amber,” but also rarer tracks like “Jack-o-lantern’s Weather” and standouts from the band’s 2009 Uplifter album such as “Daisy Cutter”.
Alt-rock trio State Radio pounded out a 45-minute opening set tinged with traces of punk and even reggae influence.
Sporting nothing but a sparse set and wide, easy smiles, 311 still managed to keep its audience captivated. A solo by drummer Chad Sexton had heads involuntarily nodding, and the crowd erupted in hoots when the whole band joined in, pounding on drums and cymbals of every size and style. Encore and all, the set lasted the better part of two hours.
Almost two decades after the multi-platinum group’s humble beginnings in Omaha, Nebraska, 311 has kept up a steady touring schedule. Summer’s Unity tour melted into fall’s Uplifter tour, and after a three-month break, the band will celebrate its legendary 311 Day in Las Vegas on March 11, 2010.
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