Circle Jerks, Melkweg (OZ), Amsterdam

Band:    Circle Jerks

Venue:    Melkweg (OZ), Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Date:        August 7, 2022

The opening of a review of this Circle Jerks concert is simple: "Finally!"

After 2 years of delay and 35 after the last show in the Netherlands, they are finally back. Originally, the idea was to commemorate the 40th anniversary of 'Group Sex', but this is now combined with the two years younger 'Wild In The Streets'. In short 29 songs plus three in the encore of mainly those albums and some five quarters of an hour later we are done.

From the stage of the nearly sold out Melkweg (OZ) it is up to the three veterans plus one to entertain the relatively young audience. Keith is the storyteller who takes his time for some background information between songs. It doesn't even slow things down and, as he himself admits, it gives him time to recover. I'm 67, so I need this'. 

The show is divided into a number of blocks of furious hardcore classics, and it's impressive how good it all sounds! All songs sound much better than the originals and this is mainly due to the skilful plugging by Joey Castillo (Danzig, QOTSA). Joey makes sure that, together with Zander, Greg and Keith, the time goes back without falling into false sentiment. What sets Keith apart from the rest of his generation of singers, however, is that, despite standing in one place, he puts an unfathomable amount of energy into his singing. Not moving and still getting the whole audience on board, very impressive.

Because of the phenomenal performance, the audience is also on top of its game. So the stagedivers fly around at regular intervals and the throats are shouted hoarse. Who can remain silent at "Wild In The Streets", "Beat Me Senseless" or opener "Deny Everything"?

With the last block of "I Wanna Destroy You", "What's Your Problem" and closing "Question Authority", one goes home more than satisfied. After 32 songs, including two covers and a lot of energy, the realisation dawns that they really won't be able to repeat this in 35 years' time. Unfortunately.