When a pioneer of punk rock comes to the venue that was instrumental in your discovery of the genre you’ve just got to go, but don’t expect a Bad Brains show.
In typical fashion I showed up about the time the doors opened for the night at New Brookland Tavern. I always want to catch the opening acts, and on this night that proved to be a fruitful decision.
The first band to take the stage was Columbia, SC’s own Harry and the Hootenannies.
Harry and the Hootenannies say that they are a trio of folk-funk-jam rockers and these guys absolutely do bring the funk! The combo of drums, bass, and electric mandolin lends itself to something fun and new. Toe tapping rhythms pull you in and get your feet moving. Before you know it you’re wrapped up in an experience that feels something like a whimsical fever dream.
Harry and the Hootenannies are as unique as they come. You owe it to yourself to buy a ticket and take the ride that is seeing them live.
You can catch them on December 9th at The Spinning Jenny in Greer, SC where they will be opening for Corey Feldman.
Harry and the Hootenannies: Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / YouTube
Billy Batts and The Made Men were next on the lineup. I had heard that this three piece punk band from Atlanta, Georgia was going to tear the roof off the place, and they did. If you thought H.R. was in town to play old bad brains songs then Billy Batts and The Made Men was probably your favorite band of the night.
These youngsters (I think the oldest member is 19) really brought that raucous and rebellious energy that makes a punk show so much damn fun. Taking influence from bands like Dead Kennedys and Husker Du, they really nailed that late 80’s punk sound. I know the word polished isn’t exactly synonymous with punk rock, but these guys performed with a level of musicianship that only practice and experience can bring.
The stage show reflected the energy and aggression in their music. It looked something like a mini mosh pit any time a member stepped away from their mic and their drummer was going absolutely animal on the kit. I found myself singing along with their song “Take my rights” and wanting to go mix it up in the pit a little, but pushing up on 40 and holding my camera dissuaded me from doing so.
You’ll be able to catch Billy Batts and The Made Men at the Art Bar on November 26th opening for Longshot Odds
Billy Batts and The Made Men: Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Merch
After a brief intermission H.R.’s band began to set up. I was at the bar getting a little liquid refreshment when H.R. strolled in with his guitar strapped up and ready to hit the stage. He walked past the ramp up to the stage and into the crowd to speak with fans before going on.
H.R. left Bad Brains back in 1987 to focus more on reggae music. He still uses music to bring light to social issues and his music is still all about the PMA (Positive Mental Attitude). Apparently this shift took one concertgoer by surprise as I overheard him say “this wasn’t what I expected”. I admittedly wasn’t too familiar with H.R.’s reggae records either, but it was a treat to hear “I and I survive”. I also noticed that during the longer instrumental parts H.R. would slide out of the way to the back of the stage as if to make sure that his band mates were the focus of the crowd.
H.R. may not be doing back flips like he was back in the early Bad Brains days, but he is still out here spreading love and light and doing what makes him happy. He is a very kind hearted soul and maintaining that over 66 years on this planet is pretty punk rock if you ask me.
Half Stack Media 
One response to “11-11-22 | H.R. of Bad Brains comes to New Brookland Tavern”
Had not been to an alt-rock/punk show since 1988 and decided it was past time (duh) to make a return esp. to see HR. I wasn’t disappointed. All three bands were phenomenal esp. the drummers. Really looking forward to see Billy Batts & The Made Men again next week.
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