Danko Jones; Energy To Burn

Friday night was full of explosive energy, and passionate rock as the Commodore Ballroom. With two former Fox Seeds winners starting the night off slow and steady, it was eventually culminated by the Mango Kids delivery of rock n’ roll at its finest. Danko Jones, was kicking ass and taking names, playing to a near full house, of alcohol fueled fanatics. It was an amazing night for all in attendance.

I walked up to the venue and quickly ducked in, eager to escape the cold rain falling outside. As I filtered up the stairs to the mighty Commodore Ballroom, I saw the faces of my peers radiating with excitement. Cresting the stairs, I slipped into the mass congregating at the base of the stage. Stars Of Boulevard, were mid-set, and seemed to be struggling. The vocals were flat, and the rhythm was soft, it was a little hard to watch. They eventually pulled through in the last two songs, and really started to get the building swaying. The crowd and I were now chomping at the bit for more.

After a brief reset of the equipment, Swan took to the platform. They too were Fox Seeds winners a few years ago. I was a little disappointed in their performance. Although they had a more polished, mature sound, they just didn’t have any passion in their presentation. Overall I couldn’t decide if my position was due to a lack of interest in their music, or a complete lack of dedication on their part to perform it with a hint of enthusiasm. In the end they had some in the horde swaying, but most were demanding the headliner come to the stage and get the night back on course.

As we waited between acts, the busy worker bees came from the darkness and moved the stage around, yet again. Those in attendance didn’t really stray far, the line at the bar was shallow and the merchandise booth was without patrons. We were all waiting, anticipating the arrival of Mr.Jones. The lights were chased off by the blackness. It was time.

Danko and unit took to the stage with attitude. Standing before the crowd with a little sneer on their faces, like they new what was about to take place. Then the first notes resonated through the club, shaking it to its core. From the get go, the band was red hot, firing on all cylinders. Jones has a tiger like quality on stage, stalking around with a rock god prowess. He was truly born to be a front man and carries it like few can.

The stage setup was minimal, accentuating the perfection that they present. The bass player, John Calabrese, was a lightning bolt of electricity. Tantalizing the attendees by storming to the top of the stage and ripping it up with some strong tasty licks. Dan Cornelius, on drums, was like a machine; robot of rhythm. The entire show was heavy, fast and fueled the gathering of music lovers into a frenzy on the floor. Bodies of crowd surfers plowed over my head. Aggressive shoving matches had me flung back and forth. The people were drunk, the music was loud and the night was awesome; pure perfection.

You could not have asked for a better show. There would have been no better band to see that night, it was just what the doctor ordered to get 2011 rolling on the right foot. Most shows so far this year have been a little lackluster. But Danko Jones is the real deal, a true rock legend in the making. The best part of the whole thing is, they are Canadian. Nothing like having the first epic concert of the year coming from one of our own.

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Photos Copyright © Jamie Taylor

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