Live Review: Tommy Stinson’s Bash & Pop rocks the Cobra Lounge in Chicago


Tommy Stinson Bash & Pop

On Saturday, Jan. 14, the Cobra Lounge in Chicago was absolutely teeming with rock fans, who filled every square inch of floor space, eagerly awaiting the return of Bash & Pop. Tommy Stinson’s recently-revived project stopped by the intimate Ashland Ave. venue — another stop amidst its first tour in over 20 years — in advance of the release of the band’s new album, Anything Could Happen, which drops on Jan. 20 via Fat Possum Records.

Old school fans didn’t have to wait long to hear their favorite tracks from the iconic Bash & Pop album, Friday Night Is Killing Me, as Stinson and friends tore into a rowdy rendition of “Fast and Hard” at the start of the show — presented by Riot Fest — setting the tone for a wild night. The new track, “Not This Time,” soon followed, paving the way for a blistering interpretation of the Rolling Stones’ Exile on Main St. classic “Rip This Joint,” which had everyone moving to the music… that is, as much as one could in the tight confines of the packed, sold out venue.

Tommy Stinson Bash & Pop

Stinson’s subtle yet shrewd sense of humor and subsequent mischievous grin were on full display throughout the night, particularly as the frontman and singer commented on the group’s choice of wardrobe for the evening, joking that they thought they would “try out” matching suits. Bash & Pop – which is currently comprised of Stinson, Steve Selvidge, Joe Sirois and Justin Perkins – continued to assault the setlist, which included fan favorite “Tiny Pieces” as well as an encore partially comprised of “Never Aim To Please” and “Friday Night (Is Killing Me).” Bash & Pop’s gnashing and spirited performance triggered the kind of reckless abandon that’s vital for a 2017 rock show, perfect in its imperfection.

The So So Glos

Prior to Bash & Pop taking the stage, Brooklyn’s favorite band of brothers, The So So Glos, warmed things up with a set full of angry, politically-charged punk music. “We’re all going down together. This is 2017,” front man Alex Levine quipped near the end of their set as the impending inauguration weighed heavy on everyone’s minds. “A.D.D. Life,” “Lost Weekend” and “Kings County II: Ballad of a So So Glo” – which Levine noted as being the first time the Kamikaze song was performed live in Chicago – were highlights of their ferocious set.

Bash & Pop continue their tour across the U.S. in support of Anything Could Happen with a show tonight at Big Room Bar in Columbus, OH. Click here to pick-up tickets to see Stinson and company perform live in your city and head over to PledgeMusic to pre-order the group’s new album, Anything Could Happen.

(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)