Thin White Dukes and Wild Boys

Show date Jan 6, 2018, Granada Theater

I believe there is a difference between a cover band and a tribute band. A cover band is as faithful as possible to the sound of a band. They reproduce the songs in a way that sounds as close to the original as they can. They might add a bit of their own spin, but the small details that hardcore fans know by heart - a vocal tic here or a clap there, they expect it when they hear a song played. A cover band will make sure to include these details. They might wear similar clothes and try to have a similar fashion style, but a band member would not be mistaken for the original. A tribute band will not only cover all of these bases, but also try to recreate the look and style of them as well. Some very well known tribute bands have singers that are dead ringers - both in looks and mannerisms for the original singers.

What I saw were two good cover bands. This is not an insult. The intention is just different.

I'll just say right now that I respect David Bowie immensely. He was the reason Depeche Mode exists (another link here). He was a fearless trailblazer in fashion, music, art, sexual politics, and in the art of being yourself. He was an incredibly talented human being, and the world lost a treasure when he died. Even his death was art. Even though I respect his art, I'm not a huge fan of his music. There are probably less than about 10 songs or so that I really like (of that which I have heard, anyway).

However, my girlfriend *really* likes David Bowie, and so do her friends....

My gf hugging Mario. Awwww

I have enjoyed getting to know Mr. Bowie a little bit better during the past year. This was my third time to see the Thin White Dukes play. They play here in the Dallas area often, usually at Lee Harvey's which is not my favorite venue. They are known for their 2+ hour sets which usually stretch late into the night. I was looking forward to *this* show because it included a bit more of a treat for me - the Duran Duran cover band, and due to the venue, the show had the potential to be a bit shorter - a traditional 2 hour set for the headliner, which I preferred. I respect the hell out of Bowie but a nearly 3 hour set of his music is a bit much for me 😏

They really seem to enjoy their fans, and I have it on good authority that they play his music very well, taking care to include all the details that die hard fans expect to hear. They make no attempt to copy Bowie's visual style (however lead singer Mario Tremaine does have a pretty cool look), but if you just listen, you will be quite happy. Mario has a ton of energy and enthusiasm (and really cool pants)...

...he really gets the crowd going. He even went into the audience, hopped up on one of the dividers and sung from there! There was a girl (wearing a stocking cap below) who happened to be right there who sang for him a bit, and then he pulled her up on stage to sing backup for the remainder of the show!

He expects you to dance and have a good time. If you like David Bowie, I highly suggest checking this band out.

As a side note...I think several of his band members resemble other famous people:

Chris Hemsworth as Thor

Jean Reno from The Professional

Barry Manilow

John Popper from Blues Traveler

Peter Murphy, Ian Astbury from The Cult, or maybe a young Iggy Pop

The opening act was Wild Boys - The Duran Duran Experience. I was going to say tribute, but, while the performers did sort of look like the original band members, in my opinion they were not as spot on, and during one costume change, the singer came out with an inexplicable outfit that looked more like a combination of George Michael and Michael Jackson than Simon LeBon. I asked around to my die hard Duranies and nobody recognized that look as one of Simon's. However with his sunglasses on (that he only took off during the final song) - the singer really did sort of resemble Simon. E for effort 😏

Regardless, I very much enjoyed their music! Here are my photos of Wild Boys. Click one for a slideshow. Scroll down for a bit more on Thin White Dukes and a link to a friend's photo album.

I have been terribly remiss in the belated posting of this concert report. I've been very busy with work, and these posts usually take me several hours to put together. However my only requirement to myself is that I complete a concert report before I have a new show to attend. My next show is ABBA Mania at the end of this week, so I'm good 👌

My friend Gregg Gannon was as the show and took some spectacular pictures. Head on over to his Facebook and have a look.