January 7th, 2017 was a freezing cold night in Flint, Michigan. But that didn’t stop rock and roll fans from coming out to The Machine Shop to enjoy an evening of music with Wednesday 13. It was a different vibe compared to most rock concerts as this show was an all acoustic affair, with opening band Givensix playing a full set of acoustic music to set the tone for the rest of the night.
Wednesday 13 mixed things around throughout the evening as him and bandmate Roman Surman took the stage then after an intermission, Rayen Belchere joined the guys as Bourbon Crow. The songs spanned Wednesday’s catalogue of music from early bands Frankenstein Drag Queens from Planet 13 to Murderdolls and to current Wednesday 13 and Bourbon Crow stuff.
It was a diverse sampling of music, like “Rambo”, which had the audience singing R-A-M-B-O, blow em up like Rambo. Songs like this showed the humorous side of Wednesday 13. Even though the energy was subdued due to an acoustic show, the fun was still there. Wednesday 13 took moments to answer questions from the audience from time to time, rather it was for more insight on any possibilities of another Murderdolls album, which he said, never say never, he was surprised the second album happened, so the chance for another could happen, at least he’s ready if it does. To being asked if they knew any Neil Diamond to which Surman strummed his guitar to a Neil Diamond song of which the title alludes me. But it was cool to see the quick response.
Wednesday 13 also told stories throughout the night as well. Talking about touring throughout Europe with Murderdolls opening for Iron Maiden. I don’t want to ruin all the stories but there were some wild times. Wednesday 13 jumping into the crowd to punch an audience member who continued to give him the middle finger, only to find out the person he punched several times in the head was a woman. His meeting of the “Godfather of Soul”, James Brown, was a gut buster.
Belchere offered his vocal talents through the night when Bourbon Crow performed. Having a bit of an outlaw country twist added to their rock sound gave Bourbon Crow some variation to the previous songs performed by Wednesday 13.
It’s unique to see an entire show performed in acoustic. Hearing the music stripped down to the essentials and shining a light on the vocals gives you a new way to enjoy songs, if not appreciate them even more. If Wednesday 13 is touring near you, I encourage you to check out the acoustic show, especially to find out the rest of the stories he has experienced being in rock and roll.