LIVE FROM THE HIGH WATT: MANNEQUIN PUSSY ROCKED OUT WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN NASHVILLE,TN
Running a few minutes late to meet the group with whom I was attending the show, I hurriedly parked on Lea Avenue and rushed to the Mexican restaurant in the Cummings Station. Doors don’t open until 7:00PM so why not kill time in company of a few libations. As I walked into the restaurant, I couldn’t help but notice the eccentric and unique patrons at various tables. I wondered if they too were going to the show tonight.
A little after 7:14PM my group decided to cash out and make our way down to the venue. The excitement of my first show post COVID-era started to hit me – “WHEW, THE DAY HAS COME!” I thought to myself. I could feel the anticipation radiating from the group of people in front of me as we got the stamp of approval to enter the venue on top of our left hand. We were steps closer to being in the presence of great music. While the venue was not quite packed, I had a feeling people would start trickling in. And they did.
The opening band was a group of young Rock stars, PinkShift, all the way from Baltimore, MD. The lead signer was a petite, South Asian young lady. I couldn’t help but love that each member was a person of color. Immediately upon playing, you can hear how well they all complimented each other musically. Being the opening act is a tough gig since it’s the foundation of what the energy will be like that night. What I can say is they understood the assignment and did the damn thing! Not only did they rock the stage with their magnetic stage presence, but they successfully set the tone for what would be an energetic, heck of an experience.
The next band to follow was Rock supergroup, Angel Du$t, who also hail from Baltimore, MD. The tatted lead singer kept a cool demeanor about him as they set up for their set. It was not long after the first second of their set list that the audience saw his passion seep through his pores in the form of music. A few songs in, I noticed the lights from the stage and the heat from the audience was making the room a little warmer. You could see sweat splashes disperse in different directions with every head nod the band made in unison to the beat. It’s clear that the statement, “What A Time To Be Alive.” was inspired by such an ensemble of punk musicians.
By the time the second band was packing up their equipment, the crowds of people around me shifted from predominantly males to mostly women. Many of these women were dressed in their best gothic attire – corsets, lace tops, and false lashes. They were here for their girl, Missy. As was I. I have longed for the opportunity to catch one of Mannequin Pussy’s shows since I came across the band back in 2020. The day was finally here.
Missy sported a lavender suit with fringes on the sleeves. She also rocked a big ole boot on her left foot from a car accident she was in a few days ago. Still, she graced the stage with a smile and her signature deep orange locks. The crowd was just happy she could make it to Nashville.
Immediately as the show began, the band had us locked in. We were all wrapped around her finger.
Mesmerized by the melodies of her voice and the sounds that bled through the speakers, people swayed as she sang ‘Darling.’ The calm before the storm. By storm I mean the mosh pit that ensued as ‘Perfect’ began to play. When my favorite song ‘Control’ off their latest EP came on, I couldn’t help but let loose. It was only right to rock out in head bops to the song that led me to the talented group.
In true music lover fashion, I got lost in the trance that is live music which was made easy by the top tier performances that blessed us on what otherwise would have just been a dull, chilly Wednesday night.
