I was told that message of Minnesota band Jon Wayne & The Pain was one of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. That message was lost on me Wednesday night at the Cabooze as someone’s Pabst Blue Ribbon spilled into my slipper boots and the guys standing next to me nonchalantly sparked up a bowl of weed. It was difficult to zero in on the musical and lyrical composition while drunken frat boys and white neo-Rastafarians assaulted my personal space with their jerky swaying.
Having never been to a Jon Wayne show before, I was also told that it would be a “love fest.” A blonde, tank-top-clad girl violently shoved her way past me through the crowd.
“Bitch,” I half-laughed to my friends.
“Don’t worry,” Crissy consoled, “I gave her an elbow.”
The set started off well with a long, techno-infused, nu-reggae number. I don’t know how the band’s performance ended because I could no longer tolerate the smell of freshly baked cannabis. Quickly dismissing myself from my friends, I left the Cabooze and Jon Wayne behind, returning home to get a few short hours of sleep before my shift at work.
As someone who listens primarily to Christian music radio and Cee-Lo Green’s The Lady Killer (interesting combination, I know), I am uncertain of whether I would enjoy Jon Wayne & The Pain in the isolated comfort of my own surroundings. They certainly seem a group better suited to the thrill of a live showing. However, if the Cabooze crowd is any indication of Jon Wayne’s ever-present fan base, then I think I’ll pass on the next booking.
Update: A number of readers have urged me to check out another Jon Wayne & The Pain show at a different location. They swear by the quality of Jon's music and message, and believe that I will experience something wonderful within a better venue. I look forward to seeing Jon Wayne & The Pain again, and giving them a fair listen.
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