Tomahawk's highly anticipated reunion tour kicked off with a bang at Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville, marking their first performance in 13 years. This momentous occasion not only signaled the return of the Mike Patton-led supergroup but also highlighted the enduring legacy of their music. The tour, which features the Melvins as special guests, is a testament to the enduring appeal of these two iconic bands and the impact they've had on the music industry.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this tour is the decision to play songs from their most recent album, Toxic Immobility, which was released in 2021. Given the band's hiatus due to the pandemic and Patton's mental health struggles, the fact that they chose to debut six songs from this album live is particularly noteworthy. It demonstrates a commitment to their artistic vision and a willingness to embrace new challenges, which is commendable.
The set list, which drew from Tomahawk's previous albums, including their self-titled debut, Mit Gas, and Oddfellows, showcased the band's versatility and depth. The inclusion of a cover of Duane Eddy's "Stalkin'" added a unique twist to the performance, highlighting the band's willingness to experiment and push boundaries.
The Melvins, on the other hand, delivered a 12-song set that included a cover of The Rolling Stones' "Sway." The collaboration between the two bands, particularly on the set-closer "Night Goat," where Tomahawk's Trevor Dunn joined the Melvins, was a highlight of the night. It demonstrated the strong bond between the members of these bands and their shared musical heritage.
The tour, which runs through August 15th in Los Angeles, will visit several major cities, including Dallas, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, and San Francisco. The fact that tickets are still available for these shows is a testament to the enduring popularity of these bands and the excitement surrounding their reunion.
Prior to the tour, Melvins' Osborne and Tomahawk's Denison connected over Zoom for Consequence's "Two for the Road" series. The conversation, which covered the tour, the bands' history together, and their influence on other music acts, provided a fascinating insight into the minds of these artists and the creative process that has driven them for so many years.
In my opinion, Tomahawk's reunion tour is a significant moment in music history. It represents a triumph of artistic vision and a celebration of the enduring power of music to bring people together. The fact that these bands are still creating and performing at such a high level is a testament to their talent and dedication. Personally, I think this tour will go down as one of the most memorable and influential of the year, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for these iconic bands.
