I had the good fortune to see Shellac perform at the Great American Music Hall in SF last Thursday, June 18. The Chicago-based trio — Steve Albini on guitar and vocals, Bob Weston on bass and vocals, Todd Trainer on drums — doesn’t come around too often and they’re one of those bands that I woefully had never seen; it just hadn’t been in the cards for me until this time around I guess, and I’m really happy that it worked out. Not only is Shellac one of my favorite rock bands, but now I can count them as one of my favorite live bands too. I love their no-frills approach to a show, quirky/cool stage presence, musicianship, gear, tone, performance, and most importantly their music — one of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time. It suffices to say, a highly recommended experience. Here are a few pics I snapped…
All three band members set up next to each other on stage, with Trainer’s drums right up front. Albini wears his guitar strap like a belt around his waist, instead of over his shoulder. Albini and Weston both play Travis Bean guitars, boutique vintage instruments with a cult following. The amps and speaker cabinets look custom and sounded great.
For more on Shellac’s recent SF shows, check out my homie Audrey’s blog, where she posted a seriously awesome video of Shellac doing “Dog & Pony Show.”
SNARE DRUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!