BITE ME! 311 Live

311 @ Dodger Stadium Lot

October 15^th, 2005

This show was definitely an interesting one. As the crowd gathered to check out the latest Honda Civic models, I made my way toward the line. There were too many people for comfort, but it still made me appreciate what 311 has been doing over the years. I remember going to see these guys for $6.00 back when I was first introduced to them. Growing up watching Drum Corps my whole life, I have been there to see 311 when they first started to make their appearances. Very few people were expected to show up to this show in the Dodger Stadium parking lot; however, the turnout was astonishing.

As we made our way toward the crowded parking lot we could see the stage—complete with a huge TV mounted on the wall—displaying images of the new Honda Civic. Eventually, the guys finally made their way onto the stage. The guys were full of energy and stamina, and they started rockin’ like they always do.

311 started out with their impressive “Are You Ready” intro, which I can tell Chad had a big part in writing. Their heavy reggae and hip hop influences definitely got my head bouncing before their first song was even introduced. Sure enough, they began to play “Freak Out,” which was followed by a song I’ve only heard live once before, “Misdirected Hostility.” I’d have to say that after so many years, and so many albums, it was great to hear a good variety of their music. At a typical 311 show, my blood starts pumping when the old school stuff is introduced. Needless to say, the songs from Music and Grassroots best reflect what these guys are capable of.

Over time I’ve noticed that Chad seemed to set a new pace for the band, as his methods of playing introduce a hip-hop/acid jazz type of feel. It’s good to see him branching out – he’s using less of his snare now, but he knows where to fill in the gaps with his incredible ghost taps and his sick chops. He was solid all night, and his new fills were unreal. Chad’s drum soloing was definitely tight and he’s starting to include a different mix of combinations and drums to give the backbone of the band a new reggae/head bobbing vibe more than ever.

It’s always exciting to watch P-Nut dance around and kick his legs up in the air. P-Nut was full of energy and it never stopped. He seems like he’s the shy guy, but he was talking with his bass all night long. The mixture of his bass techniques, his slapped out grooves and his uncanny timing with Chad made for a sick, tight rhythm section.

Tim always cracks me up, and he has to be the goofiest guy alive but when you throw a guitar at him watch him go. I’ve never seen Tim play the same thing twice, and that was definitely the case throughout this show. My favorite track, “Speak Easy,” from their new album really indicates how Tim’s musical abilities have evolved over the years. He was soulful, flowing and, overall, perfectly clean. Not too many guitar players can pull this off without looking at their guitar at least once the whole night. However, he just played it like it was a part of his body.

Nick was his usual self. I’ve always like his melodic feel and lyricism and he was definitely hungry to get everything out on the table. His voice set an overall warm tone for the show, but as the night progressed and the songs got heavier he stared to reveal his true hip hop abilities.

SA, as always, was flailing his microphone up and down and using his body language to keep his flow all night. I honestly couldn’t imagine watching 311 without SA. His rhymes were sick, and his vocal range never dissipated. One look at him while he’s rapping or singing a high note tells you that he’s into it because he loves it. His turntable techniques were also impressive, and I can tell that he burned some new vinyl for the new tracks.

One of the most enjoyable songs to hear live, “Nix Hex,” was performed perfectly, and the extended jam was definitely a highlight. As Nick thanked the 311 fans and the internet bulletin board users for making “Don’t Tread on Me” the #1 modern rock song they jammed it out. The first time I heard “White Man in Hammersmith Palais” live was at this show, and it was a great display of what the band is truly capable of. They threw their own style into it, while at the same time keeping the crowd moving with the originality and melodical twists that the original song entails. Nick broke out the harmonica and started playing and in a flash he threw it out into the crowd. One of the bouncers went to grab it off the speaker, as it didn’t quite make the crowd, and he pocketed it. Nick was pissed off and told the guy, “If the girls didn’t get that then I want it back….” I even saw someone throw something at Nick, but I didn’t know what it was. Either way, Nick wasn’t happy with the situation and he walked away after no one acknowledged him and said “Ahh, fuck it I don’t give a shit!” He just wanted to move on and keep the negative vibes out.

All in all, it was a really impressive show – and the best part about the whole night was that it was completely free! Despite the cold weather and the rain it wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle. -Joe Pipitone