Reggies Music Joint – 09 Dec 2021
The Queers roll into the Windy City
When you enter Reggies Music Joint, you immediately think, “This place is owned by someone stuck in a suspended state of adolescence.” Music posters, stickers, band paraphernalia, alcohol advertisements, and Chicago Bears banners all fight for real estate on the walls. Much like my bedroom when I was 15. It’s hard not to feel jealous of the teenage Reggie who spent his weekends bopping around local venues looking for the next thrill. The bar tells a haphazard tale of these exploits as the ticket stubs and other miscellanea from these events are shellacked into the surface of the bar. A Fugazi show from 1998, a Cubs game from 1995, a Soundgarden show from 1993. After dealing with Covid, the state of the US government, winter weather descending, and shorter hours of daylight, I yearn for the days of teenage innocence.
When I was a teenager, we honestly thought that at any moment we’d start exchanging nuclear missiles with the USSR and the world would be obliterated. Oh, if we could only return to those halcyon times. Joe Queer of the Queers remembers those days well. He was churning out Ramones-inspired burners along with contemporaries Screeching Weasel. Many of these tunes touched on adolescent themes, loves lost, schoolyard skirmishes, sneaking beers from your parents, and feeling excluded. The original Queers lineup has been shuffled around over the years, but the tunes retain their form with Joe still at the helm.
As noted above. I’m not a teenager anymore, neither is my wife, so we were trying to muster some of that endless teenage energy for a four band show. Opener Calico Plaid did a good job getting us hopped up with their brand of Riot Grrl inspired punk. The singer could carry a tune and they won over the Chicago crowd right off the bat with a Fall Out Boy cover. I would be remiss if I didn’t give the guitarist some props as he melted our faces on multiple occasions.
Next up was Hot Alice. I had read that these guys were a sort of Chicago supergroup; comprised of veterans of multiple local bands. They looked the part, blending in with the forty-something crowd. The tunes also were at times a slowed-down brand of emo bordering on country. My wife recognized the singer as the former lead singer of Allister. With their powerful dual lead singing, and solid songcraft, Hot Alice brought the goods. I’ll have to keep an eye on them.
As the night wore on, and the drinks flowed, people were crowding the stage for Suzi Moon. The band took the stage with a noticeable absence, Suzi. They kicked into their first song and Suzi came running out from the crowd in a Runaways-esque sequined body suit, high-heeled black boots, and black bikini. As she jumped up onto the stage, her boot caught the stage lip and she very nearly faceplanted. Luckily she caught herself, the band went on undeterred. This was the only hiccup in an all-killer, no-filler set. The band reminded me of the Clash with their 80s chic punk attire. Suzi embodied a milieu of 70s punk/new wave divas: Pat Benatar, Debbie Harry, and Joan Jett. The songs really hearkened back to the origins of punk: barre chords, heavy tribal drum beats, and simple lyrics. Blondie, The Ramones, New York Dolls, I heard elements of each at different points. Don’t sleep on Suzi Moon, she puts on a great show.
I have to admit when the Queers came out, we were running on fumes. I have no idea how long any of the musicians have been with Joe Queer, and who knows how many iterations they have had over the years. From the sound of it, they’ve had a revolving door situation going on. Joe mentioned that the bassist just joined the tour and had to pick up 84 songs in five days. You couldn’t tell from their performance as every song burst forth with a tight precision. The guitarist sported a Megadeth tee and his long locks would make Rapunzel jealous. He looked more at home with Iron Reagan than The Queers, but his skills really gave the tunes some punch. Joe’s voice is solid and I’m sure it’s not easy belting out complex lines at breakneck speed night in and night out. I’m sure at this point it’s a reflex action for him. Some of standout tunes we caught were “Houston We Have a Problem,” “Danny Vapid” (substituting Rabbit for the offensive term from the original), “I didn’t get invited to the Prom,” and “I Can’t Stand You.” At this point, we were out of gas, we had to call it a night. I’m sure they played “Fuckface,” bet we will have to catch that one next time.
