Demons Dance Alone

[lokheed]

Last night I rather unexpectedly fulfilled a long-time desire -- I actually got to see The Residents perform live. If you are not familiar with them, they are a groundbreaking (although aggressively odd) group that has been around for over 30 years now. They are generally attributed with creating the first true music videos (actual conceptual pieces set to a specific song, as opposed to concert footage) and five of their videos are on permanent display at the Museum of Modern Art. They are also credited with the first punk single ever released, having released their deconstruction of "Satisfaction" a full year before the Sex Pistols came along. They are most well known for their eyeball head costumes, and in thirty years of performing they have never revealed their true identities. They never appear unmasked in public, and are never credited by name. For that matter, it is entirely possible that the group membership has changed over the course of their existence. I am positive that at least two of the members have remained from the beginning, but beyond that it is impossible to say.

Then again, I am also positive that I chatted with one of them last night before the show. A rare treat indeed.

The show itself was amazing. There is really no way to describe it, except to say that it was amazing how expressive performers can be from behind masks. I was in the front row of the audience, and had an incredible view of the entire show. All I can say is.... wow.

Sadly then I knew the answer
All her life she was a dancer
But no-one ever played the song she knew...