A few nights ago, I saw the weirdest yet best show I’ve seen probably ever. It was a Tuesday night yet I was determined not to stay in. I sat perusing the Rage website for a while looking for something to do when finally one show jumped out at me; Peelander-Z. I had never heard of them. The description mentioned wrestling outfits and possible instrument smashing. Who could say no to that? This was more than I could have ever expected. Three Japanese guys on stage all color coordinated. There was Peelander blue, Peelander yellow, and Peelander red. All claim to be from the planet Peelander. Can’t forget about Peelander pink that ran around pointing a spotlight at the other members all night long. When they first came out, one of them was wearing a big feathery Indian headdress. Think village people. I turned and looked at the door guy and said and THIS is why I’m here. Within minutes both he and the sound guy both said they needed these guys to be the house band every night. Yes, they are that entertaining.
Several times during the night there were at least 15 people onstage because Peelander kept pulling people up and giving them things to shake or play. Then they started the instrument swapping. Ok, fine. Not too unusual. Bass player starts playing the drums, drummer plays the guitar, you get the picture. No big deal. Then they start yelling for audience participation again. I felt like I was at a magic show, “I need a volunteer!” Well, not exactly. More like, “Bass players needed!” Hilarious. Then, when it seems it can’t possibly get any better, they pull out the big one. The crowd is split down the middle. Peelander yellow puts on a helmet and they begin setting up bowling pins. Yep. Human bowling. In case you anyone wasn’t quite sure what was happening, they were nice enough to hold up signs explaining. In fact, they held up signs all night long. So, yellow was tossed into the bowling pins a few times and then the show continued.
This was seriously the most fun I’ve had at a show in a long time. Quite a few people there for a Tuesday, too. I can’t wait until they come back to town. Peelander is from NY, you know, when they aren’t on the planet Peelander. I recommend everyone go out and see these guys, especially yellow and his “handsome face”. Oh, and bring your mother.
To reach Girlygirl, e-mail at meddori24@aol.com