There is the common misconception that our society is somewhat a supporter of ageism. Perhaps, but then again, not? Well, it is not when we refer to Ted Leo, at least, I do not believe so. He is old, born September 11, 1970, according to the knowledgeable Wikipedia.org. Not as old as some of our parents--my mother was born '69, but getting there. Ha!
In any case, his age has created a masterful performer--let's not omit the fact that he has been performing for many a-years now. His gig at Pomona College, Sontag Greek Theatre, yesternite (October 27) was very impressive. I have seen Roger Waters live, and seen how this middle aged man can make the whole Hollywood Bowl stadium stand up and sing in unison, but Ted Leo can do it better, and he had no fancy effects like those aiding Waters's show. Even if you do not know much of his musical repertoire, Ted Leo can make you like him in an instant, at least that's one of the vibes I've received from a couple of friends I have introduced his music to. As like any true independent musician, Ted Leo give will you his piece of mind, and he will give you his best performance, even if he is just performing in front of a bunch of moronic college students.
The night began with an opening band who reigned over the name Quasi, an indie rock band from Portland, Oregon. When you see them prepping for the show, you want them to stop, right then and there. The band consists of an ex-husband and wife team, and a new member on bass. Believe me when I say that they are not as good as the duo team Viva Voce; I refer to Viva Voce because they are a husband and wife team. Perhaps the breakup of its married members of Quasi never turned out as well as it should have, and it is affecting their performance. In any case, beware of the "experimental" tendencies of this trio.
After a murderous hour of listening to the prepping and playing of Quasi, I stood up from my seat, and ran to the front of the stage, awaiting for TL/Rx. I was lucky enough to stand right in front of the mic where Ted Leo stood, it was the first time that had ever happened, perhaps because I was in my scene? Ha! College is definitely not my scene! Hahaha... In any case, as TL/Rx set up for their gig, there was a bunch of morons standing behind my friends and me. Two of them kept making noises, and shouting praises. Being the humble and responsible musician that he is, Ted Leo got on the mic, and said in a sarcastic and somewhat irritated tone, something like this: "Can't you see that we are checking to see that everything is working? We are doing our jobs here, be quiet!" The morons did not stop, but TL/Rx were about to get some revenge, as the concert livened up.
The set began with a song from their new album, which was then quickly followed by "Me and Mia," which set the tone for the rest of the performance. In the middle, between "Me and Mia" and their last song "Timorous Me" there was a guy who was crowd surfing, and got to the edge of the stage, and before he had his feet settled on the grounds of the stage, he was kicked off by the guitarist, James Canty. Not only was it magical, but it was funny. The set began getting better and better, mosh pits flew in and out, kids sang along, and then, "Timorous Me" came on, and at the beginning no one knew the song, except for a couple, I was included in that couple, and then the song ended. Chris Wilson, on drums, quickly packed up, James did the same, and Marty "Violence" Key also followed--he's from The Young Pioneers--but Ted Leo was hesitant to leave the stage, and when the crowd began to clap, and shout: ENCORE! ENCORE! ENCORE! Ted Leo smiled, and with his energetic charisma began a song by himself, acoustic, but not there yet; the guitar was a bloody electric guitar, just imagine him singing with an acoustic guitar, that would be priceless! In any case, it was worthwhile to see him perform old material as well as new, at least, we can assure that TL/Rx are not following the trend of ageism!
Soon, it was time to leave. Soon TL/Rx also left.
*The picture above was when a college student gave his Viking hat to Ted Leo to wear, he wore it for a couple of songs, and then returned it.
Go see Ted Leo and The Pharmacists live! It is a must! No one can live in this world without seeing a musician as good as he is. No one!
-C.S.H.
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