NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 20, 2023: The Brian Jonestown Massacre performs at Brooklyn Steel // Photo by Maria Lan / @dancingsphinxes
Audiences were given a musical mind-treat at The Brian Jonestown Massacre concert this past September, 20th. The trek to Bushwick music venue Brooklyn Steel was well worth it as tons of fans in the atrium were treated to a spectacular rock ’n ’roll show.
Labeled as an “American Musical Project”, The Brian Jonestown Massacre band has been delivering music to hungry audiences for over 30 years. Brooklyn Steel was their NYC stop on their 36-city North American Tour celebrating the release of their 20th Album labeled The Future Is Your Past.
I was able to witness this amazing band live at the Brooklyn venue.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 20, 2023: The Brian Jonestown Massacre performs at Brooklyn Steel // Photo by Maria Lan / @dancingsphinxes
The giant warehouse space of Brooklyn Steel was the perfect place to give privacy for the almost spiritual psychedelic performance that was to occur. The massive amounts of people did nothing to deter from the intimate feeling between the band and the audience, with leader Anton Newcombe orchestrating the event.
The audience bobbed back and forth, feeling the music without barriers. From across the field, the sea of the lights outlining the tops of fan’s heads made it look entirely mind-fudging, not unlike their lead single from The Future Is Your Past, Fudge. It was quite an uncanny visual.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 20, 2023: The Brian Jonestown Massacre performs at Brooklyn Steel // Photo by Maria Lan / @dancingsphinxes
The endless, effortless flow of guitar riffs with the 60s rock vibe felt like a dream to experience with Anton playing tambourine while the band went full out. Electric guitars wailed and a haunting yet uplifting melody penetrated the hearts of fans.
It felt like a spiritual awakening. The music carried you without ups or downs into a trance-like state. The body gave to the rhythm and mind submitted to the journey. At the end of the performance Anton commanded the audience to keep their focus on him, encouraging everyone to not break contact.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 20, 2023: The Brian Jonestown Massacre performs at Brooklyn Steel // Photo by Maria Lan / @dancingsphinxes
The show ended 15 minutes earlier than I expected. The audience applauded. The band left the stage. Everyone politely exited the venue. It was swift and silent and, to me, poetic. The performance was exactly the length it needed to be. No one cried for more. The band did not need to exert anything extra. How many times have you seen an entire concert venue filled with completely satiated fans?
The Brian Jonestown Massacre is one of those bands that everyone should experience at least once live. They have impeccable showmanship and an impactful presence. You’ll leave the show subtly changed. You just won’t know how yet.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 20, 2023: The Brian Jonestown Massacre performs at Brooklyn Steel // Photo by Maria Lan / @dancingsphinxes
You can catch them on the rest of their North American Tour via the official The Brian Jonestown Massacre website.
