Opening for Chuck were a brace of local groups, first Tempe-based western-flavored country-rockin' honky-tonkers Tramps and Thieves, followed by the thunderous retro-rockabilly of Phoenix's own Heymakers (either one of which would have been a better match for the Dale Watson show at the 'Room a few weeks before than 13 to the Gallows was). These two hot bands got the crowd revved up and ready to go, prepped up for the boy from Tennessee.
Okay, Chuck Mead's really no longer a "boy." But he has got a boyish way about him, a pleasant charm quite apart from his handsome face, and, as a plus, he's got a tremendous vocal range that can hit those "high lonesome" notes just as sweet and pretty as a clear mountain spring. As he swung into a set that included most of his new solo songs as well as a few choice tunes from BR5-49 and some slick-sounding covers like the Dave Dudley classic "Girl on the Billboard" and old-time jukebox favorite "There Stands the Glass," he got the place up and hopping. Chairs that had been empty before filled up, as did the dance floor, and there wasn't an unhappy face in the joint.
Chuck hit the stage sometime around nine (I neglected to remember a watch, so I couldn't keep track that way), starting out hard and loud with "Out On The Natchez Trail," the opening track of his new solo disc. He sounded good as they played first solid electric honky-tonk, backed by the Grassy Knoll Boys (the basic guitar, drums, and bass, with a strings man who played pedal steel and second lead guitar), then they went acoustic for a while for a little rockabilly. They played hard and hot and never once let us down, putting heart and soul into some solid sounds and keeping the dancers dancing.
He didn't waste a lot of time with chatter, although he was friendly and chipper, keeping the show moving. He performed twenty-three songs and closed the show just before midnight, so us working stiffs were even able to get home at a reasonable hour. I stayed for a while and chatted with the fella at the merchandise table (and bought a cool t-shirt), helping move some of the CDs with enthusiastic vocal reviews of what was available for sale.
All in all, an awesome night.
One last thing, and it really doesn't matter, but still, I gotta say it. When I'm friends with the guys in the band, and we're standing round chatting after the show, I always like to step aside when a fan comes up to talk to them. Since I'm a friend, I know our conversation will continue after the fan has shaken hands with the singer and told them what they want to say, or gotten their autograph/picture/whatever. So when I went up to shake Chuck's hand after the show, maybe introduce myself and say "Great show," he was talking with some friends. I waited politely for an opening. At least two of the people he was talking with saw me waiting, and moved in front of me, effectively blocking him off. I waited. Their conversation finished, they said good night, there were hugs, and they started to leave. I stepped forward. Chuck turned his back on me and went to another group of friends, who likewise boxed him in. One young lady pushed her way in and got an autograph, so I tried that opening, but the friends made sure he was safe from any further fan interaction. I waited a few more minutes then decided to leave, since I felt awkward standing there listening in. As I said, not much, and it really didn't affect my overall enjoyment of the show, but it did leave me, personally, feeling a little off.
Chuck's set for the Rhythm Room:
- "Out On The Natchez Trail"
- "Gun Metal Gray"
- "Sittin' and Thinkin'"
- "After The Last Witness Is Gone"
- "Tell Me Mama"
- "Girl on the Billboard"
- "Not Be Bothered Anymore"
- "Up On Edge Hill"
- "When I Come Home From Honky-Tonkin'"
- "Tennessee Border"
- "Lost Highway"
- "Little Ramona"
- "Sweet, Sweet Girl"
- "Albuquerque"
- "There Stands The Glass"
- "She Got The Ring (And I Got The Finger)"
- "One Long Saturday Night"
- "You Better Start Treatin' Your Man A Little Better"
- "In A Song"
- "Old Brown Shoe"
- "I Wish It Were Friday"
- "18 Wheels and A Crowbar"
- "Me and Opie"
