I was at this concert, i am a massive bjm fan who had veen look8ng forward to it for months. I found this show to have zero redeeming features, huge waste of time and money. 0/10
So fair. This sort of thing can be extremely disappointing and almost everyone there just wanted to hear the songs and have a good time without being insulted. Shouldn't be too much to ask...
To be fair these guys have a bit of a history of completely flying off the handle. I’d almost half expect it if I had BJTM tickets that I would probably be wasting my money. Great band just a shame how mentally ill Anton is , hope the lad gets the help he needs
I know exactly what you mean. I saw Einstürzende Neubauten in 85, trying to drill out the pillar that held up the Haçienda with Peter Hook fighting to get the pneumatic drill off them. The whole band off their tits on speed. I’m still not over that gig.
Fuuuuuuuckkk. That's amazing. I'd give almost anything to have seen Neubauten in their day. By the time I saw them in 2017 they'd mellowed somewhat. Still an amazing show.
I find myself wondering how a pneumatic drill just came to be on stage at the Hacienda. Along with the compressor needed to make it work. Seems like a lot of planning for a bunch of guys off their tits on speed...
Anton: "I can not be stopped by knives or anything at all" Fans around the world: No Anton, only YOU can stop yourself, and you are your own worst enemy.
What missing from most of these comments is the fact that Anton has a long history of addiction and is clearly back on some shit hard. Could just be alcohol. It’s hard to say. I have seen them a few times in the past 10 years when Anton had sobered up and he wasn’t really berating the band like he used to because he was sober. But when I saw them recently in Atlanta, he was wasted and ranting about politics, yelling at the drummer constantly, disappearing from the stage to go get a bottle of vodka, etc. there would be 8-10 minute breaks between songs. When they actually played, they sounded great. He did not one song in the middle to yell at the drummer. When he would disappear, Joel would like at the crowd and say “sorry.” It was super bizarre stuff. The crowd clearly felt uncomfortable and sorry for the drummer who was getting yelled at. At some point, some yelled “leave the drummer alone.” At another point, the crowd clapped for the performance of the drummer at the end of a song. I think everyone in the band is doing okay, aside from Anton who is clearly back in the throws of addiction and needs to cancel any future shows until he gets his shit together. They are past their prime, regardless. Anton is as old as me now. It was rock n roll when they were in their 20s but now that he is 50ish, losing his hair and grey, it’s kind of pathetic.
Yeah, he was posting stuff about drinking prior to the tour on Instagram and a lot of us commented our concern as the guy is supposed to be sober. He’s also regularly been thrown off Twitter for his unhinged rants that he reposts on Instagram like they are something to be proud of, but are just jibberish. I understand addiction, but angry addicts are the worst.
goddammit -- I knew it but I didn't want to believe -- Relapse is a major symptom of alcoholism -- and notice how he's so thin he's taking to not wearing shirts onstage? Relapse is a GREAT diet. As a recovering alcoholic, I know. This is so upsetting. @@matthewpernic8211
Just my perspective - I saw them in Oklahoma City on October 25th. I told my girlfriend not to be surprised if we witnessed an "Anton Meltdown." An hour and a half into the show Anton started complaining about the sound from the monitors. And then, right after Anemone, he pointed at a guy next to me for some reason and threatened him using a reference to the Oklahoma City Bombing (I'm gonna go Alfred Murrah building on your ass"😂) and then stormed off stage. I looked at my girlfriend and said "told ya." It's part of the act dude. Joel has made comments before in interviews that fans pay to see "Dig" and sometimes they deliver and sometimes they just play music.
I saw BJM a bit over a decade ago in the Leeds, UK. Anton had a melt down with his guitar tech spread over several songs. I can't remember if set was finished or what, but I definitely felt they/he plays up the 'going into meltdown' frequently. Sure it might get out of hand sometimes, but it has been going on for decades. They at least exploit the reputations if nothing else.
I was at 2 of the Detroit shows that went sideways. The first one was in the documentary for a minute. I was the only audience member that didn't fight the band. I stood there with my mouth on the floor. It felt real then. The bass player broke a bottle to start really fucking people up and Anton clotheslined him for real. Took out his own to stop the super violence that was about to hit. The next weird one Anton said some stuff, challenged the audience. I went up and told him he should finish a show in our town for once. He started going off again saying some pretty outrageous stuff that might have soon sparked some real violence at him. It went on a bit weirder and longer. It feels like a put on at times. I'm pretty sure it's a real situation.
Anton needs to return home immediately and seek treatment for his mental health issues, which overwork seems to have triggered. Not insinuating Anton is on drugs or alcohol -- but consider Tom Petty's fate because he chose to tour with broken hip. Drugs didn't kill him -- EGO did. I love this man. I can more about him than his music -- shouldn't we all? Or are we gonna make a fool of this genius by kicking him when he's down? let help him get some help. He's been dealing with this illness successfully without drinking for more than a decade.... let's not push him against the rails by public shaming him or gleefully reporting the juicy dirt.....Thanks. JMHO
@jgwire Don’t come down on the people talking about his bad behavior. Come down on him FOR the bad behavior. Don’t want people talking? Then don’t act like an a-hole. Such hypocrisy, making excuses for the culprit but castigating people who are talking about it.
I watched the footage of this show and was so confused. I loved your breakdown of what happened and the opening intro about rock and roll shows from the past. Liked and subscribed
I just caught them in San Diego a few months back and it felt like a prelude to this! Anton was constantly going off of his mic to harass the drummer, and even tried to walk over to attack him on stage, but he was stopped by other members of the band. he never stopped cursing at the crowd for cheering and yelling out words of encouragement towards the band. Near the end of the show before he broke into the second last song he went into a racist tirade against Mexican people. It was insane. Members of the audience were literally just at the show because they knew he would do something like this and they wanted to be able to yell verbal abuse back at him. Definitely one of the strangest concert experiences I’ve ever had, but I was even more shocked afterward, when I found out that them fighting with each other and verbally abusing each other onstage is considered par for the course at one of their shows. Just absolutely bizarre all around and really uncomfortable the entire time.
How familiar are you with this checked past? This dreadful nonsense went on for decades until Anton stopped drinking around 2010. He learned he had severe but treatable mental illness. I don't know what kind, but it appears manic, though I'm no doctor. Dod said he would never be able to drink again on this medicine, which apparently helped him tremendously. Still Anton set out to prove German doctor wrong. He was back in the psych ward fast - and said he put the bottle down for good. at least 14 years ago. His career took off -- and worked hard. Frankly. I came to the conclusion that he was s he was self medicating with alcohol all his adult life -- and may not have even been a true alcoholic. Because as a true alcoholic, I don't believe any alcoholic can just put the bottle down for good after the way he drank. But he did. His career took off as did his reputation, something he struggled for years to repair after the negative surrounding "Dig" -- though you gotta agree it got him a whole new era of followers....But it stung. He was managing his mental illness well until a few years ago. Saw and met him briefly in 22 during his first US tour since Covid. He was nice. He allowed mothers to take selfies of their daughters with him. The only outburst came when he cursed his Fender Amp out at the of a song.... This looks like one that was long in coming. So sad. But Anton will rebound. He' s too old to die young anymore.......JMHO Thanks.
We saw BJM last Friday night in Sydney. Anton was upset at Ryan the guitarist as well during that gig. He told him to get off the stage and he left. Coming back on during the song, Anton looked at him and they continued playing. It was the messy Jonestown we’ve seen various times. But not as good as the times they have come on, played. And left without saying a word. Those shows were magic. Last time in Sydney when Anthony Bourdain died, the crowd yell out all sorts and Anton was upset. I am pretty sure it’s Joel that holds Anton in check, and with him leaving the tour, it was trouble.
I was at that show, it was such a shit fight. Really don’t enjoy those kinds of shows, once the spectacle wore off it was really annoying and just felt like I wasted a lot of my money
Never listened to this band, no idea their history other than what ive been reading recently. However, being in a band for 35 years, being around drugs alcohol and egos most my life im curious why no ones mentioned either of those life/band destroying issues here, is neither of those a factor for this band? After reading past incidents, watching this video and past knowledge of how things work when incorporating those issues together its interesting if thats not the issues. Personally, drugs alcohol and egos are pathetic at any age but to be over 40 years old and battling any of them is beyond silly. The Anton guy sounds like a joke stuck in his own world and its amazing anyone would want to share something as wonderful as music with a trainwreck like that
He is a,genius and an asshole...i definetly reccomende a listrn...to any of their catalouge ....he is the type of guy ualwYs,root for but lets u down ...I have seen rhem play 3 hour sets and seem like the best band on earth that night ...and also seen tjem be a mess....as 2 the issues u brought up...drugs and alchohol.. yes very much....an issue...while Anton was a Heroin addict many years ago i think its the Alcohol..and a general unhingedness that causes this....Ego. well sort of...His anyway...he lords over his bandmates...like they are indentured servants....thats the most dissapointing thing about him......ive seen him rant and insult fans...but they are usally the fsns trying 2 get such a rise from him.. . ..I highly reccomende the albums bravery repetition and noise and...Give it Back....i will always buy their records but if this is how the situation stands i will never pay 2 see them again...thank u for your time...
Anton is definitely no genius. Far from it. That word gets thrown around WAY too loosely when it comes to him. Asshole and egomaniac are 100% accurate tho.
it's absolutely alcohol in this case. anton's held it together for years, but addiction's a fucking difficult thing to overcome, and judging anyone for stll struggling with it after 40 (wtf?) shows you haven't learnt shit "being in a band for 35 years"
Watch 'Dig' and you'll get it. He's an addict, egomaniac, but an interesting guy. Only Joel Gion has stuck with him through it all. If you get the chance, go to see them. Joel will be back. Eventually. I wouldn't say I was a huge fan of theirs, but for live entertainment you can't knock them.
@@beauyerks7413I saw them in the UK earlier this year. I agree with everything you're saying, but there was something else I noticed about them. While the support band were playing, every single member of BJM we're sitting at the side of the stage watching. At the end of the support slot, Anton came on and said how brilliant they were and told everyone to check them out. Then the band helped get the gear off and set their own stuff up, while talking to audience members. I've rarely seen one other band,(except King Gizzard) do this in 40 years of going to gigs. Then BJM walked onstage, Anton thanked the support, then became an instant arsehole, arguing with and threatening the band (except Joel) and most of the audience. I think it's part show and part mental illness. They were brilliant though, just didn't play much.
This same thing happened in Pittsburgh earlier this year. The show opened with extremely good vibes from the band and crowd. Until 20 mins in, Anton stops the set to yell at the drummer for playing too fast. Joel and the other band mates tried to calm him down, but that only made him more irritated. Eventually after leaving the stage and threatening to end the show, he eventually came back on (with some positive encouragement from the crowd) to finish the set. Unfortunately it was too late and the tone was already set. Anton didn’t let up on the drummer at all that night. He continually stopped singing to say “faster” or “slower” during each song, or so it seemed to me. The only person to notice the tempo issues was anton, everyone in the crowd just wanted to hear the music and have a good time. The tension kind of dampened the environment that night. In retrospect, I guess we got the BJM experience people talk about 😂
I was at that show as well. The set list was awesome, but the constant bickering dropped the energy in the room. BJM have only played Pittsburgh three times in the last 14 years, I feel for anyone seeing them for the first time that night.
@@GlassOrchidAftermath Anton must return to Berlin ASAP and get mental health treatment- I think he will or has- he’s not a bad man trying to get good- he’s a sick person trying to get well- and he will- if he hurries like his life depends on it….i love Anton’s music, but I care more about Anton as a person and fellow traveler. He’s a great inspiration to so many lost souls like me. I know he wants to sound good and give fans a good show. I got one in 22 when he came to Asheville nc-,we even chatted and he was very nice and healthy looking- tho he complained of “Feeling tired. But what touring musician isn’t tired except for that 2 hrs onstage- it’s a rough existence, especially now that most drugs are discouraged- because it only makes things worse- Is he drinking again? I don’t think so- it would be even worse. He’s burned out- Anton, it’s time to take a rest-Pleased
Thanks for your post about Pittsburgh show… great narrative. But the details are not as important to Me than the fact that it happened at all Don’t wanna lay. Blame- what to I know? As a recovering alcoholic with mental health issues, I encourage Anton to return home for treatment for whatever has caused him to unravel….like many fans I obviously care more about Anton’s mental health issues more than I care about the music. I hope he does too.
@@jgwire agreed. Nothing would make me happier than to see Anton become his healthiest. And if we are lucky, a version of BJM that encapsulates the good vibes that his music gives us. There can’t be one without the other. I did go hard on the negative details of the show. overall, it honestly was a good show from a band that i have been wanting to see for years. but the temperament and tonality overshadowed the music just a bit, and unfortunately that’s what people (like me) will comment about.
I saw the BJM play at the end September in the States, and the show was filled with lots of tension. Much more than normal. Anton pulled the drummer aside at one point after multiple starts and stops to get the tempo right, it really sucked the energy out of the room. The Melbourne story made mainstream news in America, which in itself was bizarre. Was I shocked when I heard it? Absolutely not. Takes a strong back to sit at the table as a musician in this band.
I don't know why any musician would agree to play with Anton/BJM. While he is a good song writer, he is clearly mentally ill with a substance abuse problem. Nothing has changed since "Dig."
Yes something has-- almost 20 years and these are not music lovers in a crowded bar. Anton is unwell and needs mental health treatment, Do you really think he is using drugs or drinking again? It makes him crazy with his mental health meds -- last time it landed him in a German psych ward after he "came to the attention of the German psychiatric authorities. But act that was more than a decade ago. JMHO THANKS.@@charleskra
I have been going to Rock shows for over 30 years and have only seen a scene similiar to the one you describe a couple of times....very unprofessional. I also realize why audiences in the old, old days hurled rotten fruit and vegetables at performers during such shows when they felt they were ripped off.
I’ve spoken with Anton a few times and he was always as kind as anyone could be. But this is clown shit. Unless the show is free or like $5 you don’t fuck with peoples money like this. Esp in Australia where everything costs like twice as much!
I witnessed The Replacements in Oklahoma in 1985, documented on their cassette-only "When The Shit Hits The Fans". A drunken disaster, but no negativity, and I feel a tiny part of Rock n Roll history. A mate of mine still demands I refund him 6 bucks for dragging him to the show. The funny thing, they came back and reprised the mess later that year. BJM in St Louis a few years back was intense.
I was at the Hobart gig. Three weeks ago. I’ve listened to these guys for as long as I’ve been alive (thanks to my late dad) and I was so excited to see them. After the first song, Anton went off his chops about how we should all be there to listen to him, not to talk amongst ourselves. But we were only talking because he had a 10 minute feedback filled interlude. From there it dissolved into him abusing the audience non-stop. Stopping songs halfway though. Yelling amongst themselves. Joel left about 2/3 of the way through. Anton had the stage presence of statue, never once engaging with the crowd (but to abuse them) and never straying from his lectern. The band finished with a headache inducing feedback loop for 15 minutes that cleared the dance floor faster than any gig I’ve ever been to. Overall I was severely disappointed and I honestly had a shit time. Me and my friends ended up near the bar catching up because the gig had no energy, and we were sick of Anton’s Ego. They played immaculately and every song sounded exactly like it does on the recordings. For over 10 years I’ve wanted to see these guys and for $90 I could’ve bought two of their vinyls, had a beer at home, and been much more content. The thing that I can’t get over is that Anton kept yelling “you came here to listen to us”, and yes, yes we did. But we didn’t come for their ego driven, self entitled, bullshit. We came to listen and enjoy. I wont be seeing them again, and I implore anyone else who is thinking of buying tickets to this shitshow of a band, to think twice before stroking Anton’s ego.
Cool story. Sorry you got bummed out man! Still catching their set next time they’re in LA! Funny to read someone’s one experience as a lesson to all about reconsidering a show!
he has some severe mental issue that he was taking medication for -- it helped him for years, and he had to stop drinking and he did. Maybe the meds don't work as well as they used to -- that happens with mental illness meds. Extra stress makes it worse -- The whole tour had a bad vibe from the start. He's been very open about his. But it's an explanation -- not an excuse. He should return to his doctor in Berlin immediately before it's too late. JMHO thanks.
It was cool hearing you mention the Jesus and Mary chain! They’re one of my favorites and the chaos of the early shows is pretty wild to see lol considering they barely even speak during interviews, and have always been awkward
I have to disagree with you on one point. I don't think it was cinematic. The way that Anton runs away from the guitarist... it's hilariously awkward. I love the music Anton has produced, but man, the guy is rediculous.
Was planning to go. Got all the way to checkout for tickets and then decided the risk/reward ratio probably wasn't there. I take no joy from knowing I made the right decision.
Among my favourite bands and I'm lucky enough to have seen them twice in my little town, both times with Anton in a reasonably good mood. This shit is so tedious.
I was there! Thanks for uploading this- It's a good account of what happened. In my opinion the gig was doomed from the start due to Antons intoxication. The thing I found interesting was that he referred to himself as an 'autistic child' twice. If he is truly autistic then it would make it easier to understand the person that is Anton Newcombe. Very creative and eccentric but also very unpredictable and volatile. Not that all people with autism are like this- its a very colourful spectrum but its helped me understand the events of 21/11/23. It was the perfect soup of ingredients; alcohol, exhaustive touring, history of drug use, and potentially undiagnosed/untreated autism.
He (Anton) told the audience at The Odeon in Hobart that he hated how 'you people treat people with autism' then ranted about people talking through their performance.
@@andrewfuller62 oh wow. yeah I think its fair to assume he is autistic then and i mean that in the most respectful way possible. It just helps to explain why he blows up and reacts very badly to certain things that happen at his shows.
I've seen them once. It was when I smoked and the smoking ban just kicked in. I kept thinking I'd go out for a cig when it finished, 2 hours in I thought I'll go out and have a quick smoke. Came back and there was still another hour and half left of music. Was epic.
These kinds of violent antics at Brian Jonestown shows in the 1990s were so pervasive that they were quite frankly the only reason I went to see them. To see what new chaos Anton would unleash. So when their tours started to seem generally pretty calm and peaceful starting around 2010 I just assumed Anton had finally found enlightenment or proper medication. I’ve known several members of BJM since their earliest days (including Ryan) and I can guarantee you that what you saw was no act. The entire energy of the band has alway been like like beaker of volatile chemicals on the verge of exploding at any minute.
I also knew at some point most of the BJM people at some level or another. I feel bad for Joel. He's got his writing but I still feel like you've got some people (Jeff Davies) that never, "got their due." The music industry is bullshit but the, "alternative music industry" isn't much better. There's so much envy and self-destruction and it's all in the name of proving a vacuous point about culture.
I think many BJM expect a meltdown as par for the course with Anton. The few times I have seem BJM, I was expecting one..but never got one & actually enjoyed drama free shows....maybe Anton likes Detroit..lol
You hit the nail on the head / there’s two types of performance - primal and menacing - then professional and nicey nicey. I’ve heard that this kinda drama is a regular in BJM once the tour starts to end .Ive performed onstage with Dan and he’s a massively talented guy who can play a real array of instruments.
In the 80s and early 90 s there was quite a large psychedelic underground developing,which was not associated with any band and was happening across a lot of different scenes, when grunge came along everything changed,and the media started pushing a version of Alternative which was clichedjunkies and disfunctional druggies, bu that was all totally uninteresting really and was just the same old boring stuff, but that is what is recognised as " alternative" by a lot of young people, i just find the brian jones town massacre to be a bit too much the cliched druggy alternative while seemingly selling themselves as psychedelic, i just cant get that excited about them to tell you the truth,i could be too old maybe .
Thanks for the very informative rundown of the show, I was pretty curious about what actually happened. I had a ticket for Thursday at the Northcote theatre, really disappointed that it was all cancelled. I'd seen them last time they were in Melbourne and it was amazing, so my hopes were high. I didn't realise that Joel had already left the tour, and that speaks volumes. No doubt he's the rock that has held it all together. I noticed that these were the last shows of the tour that had been running since, I believe, late August or thereabouts, so it was around 3 months of touring 5+ days a week which is hectic, and clearly too much for Anton to handle. Personally, while I can see your perspective, I don't consider it rock and roll. I think Mick Harvey said it well, once the line is crossed the spell is broken - I've seen enough petty violence, don't need to see it on stage when I'm there to watch a band that I love. Good breakdown though. Not sure if they'll ever come back to Australia.
thank you. you said it better and in fewer words -- he's overworked. He needs break. He's got mental health issues that were triggered. Let's all calm down and go home. (I sure hope he's not drinking again - but I doubt it....that would really show fast and put him in a psych ward) I care about Anton more than I care about his music. JMHO. Thanks
I couldn't hear too well and didn't realise he was explaining about losing his voice at the beginning. Thought it was just an insane rant about stabbing
I've seen them twice, 2015 and 2022, sober Anton, both were great, I miss the old lineups and drummer though, apparently Anton is having some personal drama which is easy to imagine now that hes drinking... Still rock and roll imo hah thanks for sharing, great video. Also everyone go buy Joels book!!!
I saw them about 9 weeks ago (mid September) in Philadelphia. They must have called that leg the “we are all getting along reasonably well” tour. Outside of Anton giving the drummer some crap he and the band were in the best spirits I’ve ever seen in them. I don’t go to their shows for the tensions but no complaints if they arise.
wow! I hadn't heard any of this. Thanks for posting an unbiased and understanding first person account. wow! I am concerned for all. I don't know what to think. wow. hmmm.
If you think this is "rock'n'roll" you obviously haven't been listening to the Brian Jonestown Massacre's music enough. That's where it's really at. This falls into a tired and misleading mythology of "rock'n'roll", and especially misleading myth of The Brian Jonestown Massacre. That's kids stuff. Anton and the band seemed to work so hard to distance themselves from DiG! which attracted people to their gigs just wanting to see a fight, or "see Anton go crazy". As a fan of 20+ years it's such a shame that this is just going to attract those people all over again. While I understand the exhilaration of witnessing something like this on stage (I was there also) - it's really a shame because their music is so fucking good. It could be (and has been) the greatest show on earth. I just hope the health of the band heals, and those who think this is rock'n'roll stay home and watch the movie instead.
Seen them multiple times it’s hit or miss. When Anton is sober it can be really good. When he is on drugs, he tries to be shocking on purpose and it just seems weird for a guy that’s almost 60. Whether it’s some borderline racist comment or threatening sound guys and band mates it just comes off weird from an elderly musician. Angst comes off as grumpy when you’re 60. It doesn’t seem dangerous it just seems sad.
I was there and they are the rock 'n' roll version of pro wrestling. Totally fabricated drama to keep people talking about a band that should have hung up their guitars a long time ago. Embarrassing.
I haven't seen them since 2006 (in the UK) and that gig went without incident, although that tension you talk about and the feeling that like could all fall to bits any second was there all the way through. Anton was not happy with one of the other guitarists that night and would give him filthy looks all the time and say stuff in his ear between songs.... it really did feel like the gig was on a knife edge.
I don’t know why people are so surprised by this, This has all been going on since the band started. Also note, if you’re going to attend a BJM show you better be ready because at any giving monument anything could happen. A big reason why they’re so popular and why people love to see them live is because they’re raw and unpredictable it’s part of the show and that’s the price and chance you take when you go to see them live but that’s what makes them so exciting to see, You’re either gonna get a amazing 3-4 hour show or a hour long meltdown
@@jokermtb Correct, and I have no interest in doing so. Why would anyone want to watch a load of mediocre non-musicians argue and make fools of themselves on stage?
I saw them a few years ago in Melbourne where they had someone playing the huge church organ in the venue. It was about two hours and forty five minutes of music. It was pretty much incident free and was a really good show. I kind of assumed all the stuff was behind them, having listened and watched a few recent interviews and was considering getting tickets for this show. Glad I didn't. Hope they're able to sort through their issues.
Nicely laid out. I think the root of it is Anton isn't a genius, or as great as he thinks, it's mental illness. Back in the day, when I saw DIG!, I bought a 2 CD BJM "best of". Every song started out like it was going somewhere great, but didn't end up there. I quickly lost interest, however, I feel nothing but empathy for him, the band, and the audience. A musician's life isn't easy.
I don’t think the band will reappear anytime soon….at the end of it all, it’s just sad that it happened yet again. Not really sure one can even fix it as he clearly has a conflict between wanting to perform music live, and not being mentally prepared to navigate that desire. I wish him well, nevertheless (pun intended), and hope he finds some way forward
When I first watched footage of the fight I thought it was just super sad but I saw some other clips with an extended one that sort of explained more of why the fight happened. Thing is its always been Anton's band and he's always been temperamental as shit and you'd think the current members would know that and would give him a wide berth during gigs. But seemed to not happen this time. I've heard from a mate who spoke to Anton prior to this Melbourne show in Brisbane that he'd been having a fair bit of trouble with the guitarist Ryan Van Kriedt on the previous tours so it seems like this has been an ongoing thing between them for a while if not years. I’d be pissed if I paid to see them that night though. Saw them in Melbourne in like 2010 or 2011 and they were fucking great, had Joel Gion and even Matt Hollywood (a lot of the 90's era fights seemed to happen between Matt and Anton) playing with them and I think Will Caruthers from Spacemen 3 was in the band at that time too. There were no fights and they played really well. They even came out into the Audience after the show and chatted to all the fans, was a really good experience. Sad to see the band slowly falling apart yet again though.
Part of me thinks it was a stunt to boost engagement in the press. It worked with, "Dig!" and it'll work even better with Insta Reels and TikTok. People want drama. Music is old fashioned.
A bunch of middle aged balding men (the footage proves this) with thinning hair who dye what's left of it hit peak Spinal Tap in Australia. That's all folks! ...G...
Believe me, none of this is fake. Saw this tour in the UK. The were brilliant, yet hilarious. The only fighting that occurred was onstage, then it was only arguing. In fact, they spent so much time falling out that they only played 8 songs. Loved every minute.
I saw them a while back in Providence, RI and it was quite the scene with Anton fighting with audience members and verbally abusing his sound guy and then taking it back. Gotta love them
seen them twice, once in 2019 and the other this year. both shows sounded musically great but obviously had their moments. the 2019 show, in milwuakee, anton was plastered and left mid show after like 40min for a cigarette and came back on stage 5 min later wearing a coat and they played for like 50 more minutes. they sounded awesome and in general were in good spirits. this year in chicago they played for quite awhile with only some talking between songs, but the drummer (who was replacement number 3 at that point in the tour i think) really only got harped on like twice and even got a thumbs up from anton near the end. i liked your intro regarding rock n roll shows of the past and their violent history/outbursts. i always wonder if people felt the same way then that they seem to now. i remember as a kid hearing about brawls and violence in rock and roll and thinking it was cool. i honestly still do, in some sort of way and i feel like BJM is one of the last rock n roll bands for that exact reason, but obviously that isnt sustainable for the real reason you listen and thats the art. i feel sorry for everyone involved, but like its been said before, the package that is BJM is going to have its pros and cons just like everything. anton is a user and if he was clean like he was 8 years ago (before his manager died) he might still be. its a shame but its also reality.
I've seen them twice, but the second one was what I would have actually considered "a full concert." Before getting in the hall, Anton was waving to fans, smiling, and drinking water. He seemed like a regular, goofy, slightly awkward person - but totally different from his stage persona later that night. He ranted (politics , society, rock, etc.) for more than half of the time they were on. When he stopped, a person would shout at him to just play another song, and he'd go off again for at least another 10 minutes. That seemed like an act, well, most of it did. Like, he was giving the audience the person that they saw in the documentary. They sounded great, but I wish we could have heard more music. The second one (about four, or five years later), was in a much larger venue, and Anton only ranted a few times (3?), but only for a couple of minutes each time. The show was a C+ at best. Glad I went, but mostly because my cousin and I had a rare opportunity to hang out.
Maybe if Anton took his own advice and ate sh1t, they’d slide out of their cesspool of mediocrity into some transgressive art that was memorable. GG Allin’s corpse is more lively.
I was there too, right up the back due to a mild ankle injury. It was my third time seeing them, had been 10 years since I'd seen them. It was really quite disappointing because the other two shows I've been to were incredible and really showed off their talent. It took me quite a few days to fully process what happened on the 21st, I was quite depressed about it... they're one of my favourite bands and I was meant to go to the Thursday show as well, it felt like a betrayal in a way how it all played out. I know that sounds a little bit crazy and parasocial but the bjm means a lot to me as well as many others. I just hope all the band members are alright and trying to work through the tension in a healthy way.
Your feelings are not crazy or parasocial. We support the bands we love by going to see them play live. This “contract” between bands and their fans is well established. They know what songs we want to hear, and most of them deliver, without personal bickering or violence onstage. What you felt was a betrayal of the fan/band contract. You didn’t get what you paid for. I think refunds to the audience members who went for the music should be given. (Some do go for the shitshows, the violence, and drama.)
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Big man Anton ran away from the fight like a toddler being chased by an angry chicken.
Amazingly nimble, you can’t deny
Gangway!!!!!
There’s nothing sadder/more cringe than watching grown-ass men attempting to fight each other
especially when the guy who just assaulted someone runs away like a child.
I would have hoped they would let the babies fight so the audience could get something for the money they spent.
I was at this concert, i am a massive bjm fan who had veen look8ng forward to it for months. I found this show to have zero redeeming features, huge waste of time and money. 0/10
So fair. This sort of thing can be extremely disappointing and almost everyone there just wanted to hear the songs and have a good time without being insulted. Shouldn't be too much to ask...
You didn't waste any money..you went to an excellent comedy show.
Surprise! 😂😂
To be fair these guys have a bit of a history of completely flying off the handle. I’d almost half expect it if I had BJTM tickets that I would probably be wasting my money. Great band just a shame how mentally ill Anton is , hope the lad gets the help he needs
@@goonfish1704i had a mate who would go to see bjm just to see it kick off that's was well over a decade ago, probably two.
Junkies don't grow up
I know exactly what you mean. I saw Einstürzende Neubauten in 85, trying to drill out the pillar that held up the Haçienda with Peter Hook fighting to get the pneumatic drill off them. The whole band off their tits on speed. I’m still not over that gig.
Fuuuuuuuckkk. That's amazing. I'd give almost anything to have seen Neubauten in their day. By the time I saw them in 2017 they'd mellowed somewhat. Still an amazing show.
I find myself wondering how a pneumatic drill just came to be on stage at the Hacienda. Along with the compressor needed to make it work. Seems like a lot of planning for a bunch of guys off their tits on speed...
I hate that guy for giving meth to Oasis in the mid 90s not telling them what it was or how powerful it is.
If the Tamborine players out then you know everything’s fucked basically
Anton: "I can not be stopped by knives or anything at all"
Fans around the world: No Anton, only YOU can stop yourself, and you are your own worst enemy.
I was at the Sydney show the previous week, and tensions between Anton and the guitarist were already brewing.
What missing from most of these comments is the fact that Anton has a long history of addiction and is clearly back on some shit hard. Could just be alcohol. It’s hard to say.
I have seen them a few times in the past 10 years when Anton had sobered up and he wasn’t really berating the band like he used to because he was sober. But when I saw them recently in Atlanta, he was wasted and ranting about politics, yelling at the drummer constantly, disappearing from the stage to go get a bottle of vodka, etc. there would be 8-10 minute breaks between songs.
When they actually played, they sounded great. He did not one song in the middle to yell at the drummer. When he would disappear, Joel would like at the crowd and say “sorry.” It was super bizarre stuff.
The crowd clearly felt uncomfortable and sorry for the drummer who was getting yelled at. At some point, some yelled “leave the drummer alone.” At another point, the crowd clapped for the performance of the drummer at the end of a song.
I think everyone in the band is doing okay, aside from Anton who is clearly back in the throws of addiction and needs to cancel any future shows until he gets his shit together. They are past their prime, regardless. Anton is as old as me now. It was rock n roll when they were in their 20s but now that he is 50ish, losing his hair and grey, it’s kind of pathetic.
Yeah, he was posting stuff about drinking prior to the tour on Instagram and a lot of us commented our concern as the guy is supposed to be sober. He’s also regularly been thrown off Twitter for his unhinged rants that he reposts on Instagram like they are something to be proud of, but are just jibberish. I understand addiction, but angry addicts are the worst.
Guy been a wreck forever
he's bipolar and isn't taking his medication
Yeah, he's back on the vodka.
goddammit -- I knew it but I didn't want to believe -- Relapse is a major symptom of alcoholism -- and notice how he's so thin he's taking to not wearing shirts onstage? Relapse is a GREAT diet. As a recovering alcoholic, I know. This is so upsetting.
@@matthewpernic8211
Just my perspective - I saw them in Oklahoma City on October 25th. I told my girlfriend not to be surprised if we witnessed an "Anton Meltdown." An hour and a half into the show Anton started complaining about the sound from the monitors. And then, right after Anemone, he pointed at a guy next to me for some reason and threatened him using a reference to the Oklahoma City Bombing (I'm gonna go Alfred Murrah building on your ass"😂) and then stormed off stage. I looked at my girlfriend and said "told ya." It's part of the act dude. Joel has made comments before in interviews that fans pay to see "Dig" and sometimes they deliver and sometimes they just play music.
That's just it.
Wow that’s sad.
I saw BJM a bit over a decade ago in the Leeds, UK. Anton had a melt down with his guitar tech spread over several songs. I can't remember if set was finished or what, but I definitely felt they/he plays up the 'going into meltdown' frequently. Sure it might get out of hand sometimes, but it has been going on for decades. They at least exploit the reputations if nothing else.
it's only 'part of the act' in the sense that it's what you get with this band. it's not *an* act.
anton clearly fell off the wagon on this tour.
Had almost the exact same experience with my gf too haha
I was at 2 of the Detroit shows that went sideways. The first one was in the documentary for a minute. I was the only audience member that didn't fight the band. I stood there with my mouth on the floor. It felt real then. The bass player broke a bottle to start really fucking people up and Anton clotheslined him for real. Took out his own to stop the super violence that was about to hit.
The next weird one Anton said some stuff, challenged the audience. I went up and told him he should finish a show in our town for once. He started going off again saying some pretty outrageous stuff that might have soon sparked some real violence at him. It went on a bit weirder and longer.
It feels like a put on at times. I'm pretty sure it's a real situation.
Anton needs to return home immediately and seek treatment for his mental health issues, which overwork seems to have triggered. Not insinuating Anton is on drugs or alcohol -- but consider Tom Petty's fate because he chose to tour with broken hip. Drugs didn't kill him -- EGO did. I love this man. I can more about him than his music -- shouldn't we all? Or are we gonna make a fool of this genius by kicking him when he's down? let help him get some help. He's been dealing with this illness successfully without drinking for more than a decade.... let's not push him against the rails by public shaming him or gleefully reporting the juicy dirt.....Thanks. JMHO
@jgwire Don’t come down on the people talking about his bad behavior. Come down on him FOR the bad behavior. Don’t want people talking? Then don’t act like an a-hole. Such hypocrisy, making excuses for the culprit but castigating people who are talking about it.
This kind of stuff is cute when an artist is 23. It's tedious when the artist is almost 60 like Anton.
I watched the footage of this show and was so confused. I loved your breakdown of what happened and the opening intro about rock and roll shows from the past. Liked and subscribed
Very kind thank you!
I just caught them in San Diego a few months back and it felt like a prelude to this! Anton was constantly going off of his mic to harass the drummer, and even tried to walk over to attack him on stage, but he was stopped by other members of the band. he never stopped cursing at the crowd for cheering and yelling out words of encouragement towards the band. Near the end of the show before he broke into the second last song he went into a racist tirade against Mexican people. It was insane. Members of the audience were literally just at the show because they knew he would do something like this and they wanted to be able to yell verbal abuse back at him. Definitely one of the strangest concert experiences I’ve ever had, but I was even more shocked afterward, when I found out that them fighting with each other and verbally abusing each other onstage is considered par for the course at one of their shows. Just absolutely bizarre all around and really uncomfortable the entire time.
How familiar are you with this checked past? This dreadful nonsense went on for decades until Anton stopped drinking around 2010. He learned he had severe but treatable mental illness. I don't know what kind, but it appears manic, though I'm no doctor. Dod said he would never be able to drink again on this medicine, which apparently helped him tremendously. Still Anton set out to prove German doctor wrong. He was back in the psych ward fast - and said he put the bottle down for good. at least 14 years ago.
His career took off -- and worked hard. Frankly. I came to the conclusion that he was s he was self medicating with alcohol all his adult life -- and may not have even been a true alcoholic.
Because as a true alcoholic, I don't believe any alcoholic can just put the bottle down for good after the way he drank. But he did. His career took off as did his reputation, something he struggled for years to repair after the negative surrounding "Dig" -- though you gotta agree it got him a whole new era of followers....But it stung. He was managing his mental illness well until a few years ago. Saw and met him briefly in 22 during his first US tour since Covid. He was nice. He allowed mothers to take selfies of their daughters with him. The only outburst came when he cursed his Fender Amp out at the of a song.... This looks like one that was long in coming. So sad. But Anton will rebound. He' s too old to die young anymore.......JMHO Thanks.
What did he say about Mexicans?
We saw BJM last Friday night in Sydney. Anton was upset at Ryan the guitarist as well during that gig. He told him to get off the stage and he left. Coming back on during the song, Anton looked at him and they continued playing. It was the messy Jonestown we’ve seen various times. But not as good as the times they have come on, played. And left without saying a word. Those shows were magic.
Last time in Sydney when Anthony Bourdain died, the crowd yell out all sorts and Anton was upset.
I am pretty sure it’s Joel that holds Anton in check, and with him leaving the tour, it was trouble.
I was at that show, it was such a shit fight. Really don’t enjoy those kinds of shows, once the spectacle wore off it was really annoying and just felt like I wasted a lot of my money
it's not 1995, he's not in his 20s and the party is OVER. @@gabporto1
Never listened to this band, no idea their history other than what ive been reading recently. However, being in a band for 35 years, being around drugs alcohol and egos most my life im curious why no ones mentioned either of those life/band destroying issues here, is neither of those a factor for this band? After reading past incidents, watching this video and past knowledge of how things work when incorporating those issues together its interesting if thats not the issues. Personally, drugs alcohol and egos are pathetic at any age but to be over 40 years old and battling any of them is beyond silly. The Anton guy sounds like a joke stuck in his own world and its amazing anyone would want to share something as wonderful as music with a trainwreck like that
He is a,genius and an asshole...i definetly reccomende a listrn...to any of their catalouge ....he is the type of guy ualwYs,root for but lets u down ...I have seen rhem play 3 hour sets and seem like the best band on earth that night ...and also seen tjem be a mess....as 2 the issues u brought up...drugs and alchohol.. yes very much....an issue...while Anton was a Heroin addict many years ago i think its the Alcohol..and a general unhingedness that causes this....Ego. well sort of...His anyway...he lords over his bandmates...like they are indentured servants....thats the most dissapointing thing about him......ive seen him rant and insult fans...but they are usally the fsns trying 2 get such a rise from him.. . ..I highly reccomende the albums bravery repetition and noise and...Give it Back....i will always buy their records but if this is how the situation stands i will never pay 2 see them again...thank u for your time...
Anton is definitely no genius. Far from it. That word gets thrown around WAY too loosely when it comes to him. Asshole and egomaniac are 100% accurate tho.
it's absolutely alcohol in this case. anton's held it together for years, but addiction's a fucking difficult thing to overcome, and judging anyone for stll struggling with it after 40 (wtf?) shows you haven't learnt shit "being in a band for 35 years"
Watch 'Dig' and you'll get it. He's an addict, egomaniac, but an interesting guy. Only Joel Gion has stuck with him through it all. If you get the chance, go to see them. Joel will be back. Eventually. I wouldn't say I was a huge fan of theirs, but for live entertainment you can't knock them.
@@beauyerks7413I saw them in the UK earlier this year. I agree with everything you're saying, but there was something else I noticed about them. While the support band were playing, every single member of BJM we're sitting at the side of the stage watching. At the end of the support slot, Anton came on and said how brilliant they were and told everyone to check them out. Then the band helped get the gear off and set their own stuff up, while talking to audience members. I've rarely seen one other band,(except King Gizzard) do this in 40 years of going to gigs. Then BJM walked onstage, Anton thanked the support, then became an instant arsehole, arguing with and threatening the band (except Joel) and most of the audience. I think it's part show and part mental illness. They were brilliant though, just didn't play much.
I'm not surprised people are surprised by the surprises that were so trully unsurprising. I wasn't even there.
This same thing happened in Pittsburgh earlier this year. The show opened with extremely good vibes from the band and crowd. Until 20 mins in, Anton stops the set to yell at the drummer for playing too fast. Joel and the other band mates tried to calm him down, but that only made him more irritated. Eventually after leaving the stage and threatening to end the show, he eventually came back on (with some positive encouragement from the crowd) to finish the set. Unfortunately it was too late and the tone was already set. Anton didn’t let up on the drummer at all that night. He continually stopped singing to say “faster” or “slower” during each song, or so it seemed to me. The only person to notice the tempo issues was anton, everyone in the crowd just wanted to hear the music and have a good time. The tension kind of dampened the environment that night. In retrospect, I guess we got the BJM experience people talk about 😂
I was at that show as well. The set list was awesome, but the constant bickering dropped the energy in the room. BJM have only played Pittsburgh three times in the last 14 years, I feel for anyone seeing them for the first time that night.
@@GlassOrchidAftermath Anton must return to Berlin ASAP and get mental health treatment- I think he will or has- he’s not a bad man trying to get good- he’s a sick person trying to get well- and he will- if he hurries like his life depends on it….i love Anton’s music, but I care more about Anton as a person and fellow traveler. He’s a great inspiration to so many lost souls like me.
I know he wants to sound good and give fans a good show. I got one in 22 when he came to Asheville nc-,we even chatted and he was very nice and healthy looking- tho he complained of “Feeling tired. But what touring musician isn’t tired except for that 2 hrs onstage- it’s a rough existence, especially now that most drugs are discouraged- because it only makes things worse-
Is he drinking again? I don’t think so- it would be even worse. He’s burned out- Anton, it’s time to take a rest-Pleased
Thanks for your post about Pittsburgh show… great narrative.
But the details are not as important to
Me than the fact that it happened at all
Don’t wanna lay. Blame- what to I know?
As a recovering alcoholic with mental health issues, I encourage Anton to return home for treatment for whatever has caused him to unravel….like many fans I obviously care
more about Anton’s mental health issues more than I care about the music. I hope he does too.
@@jgwire agreed. Nothing would make me happier than to see Anton become his healthiest. And if we are lucky, a version of BJM that encapsulates the good vibes that his music gives us. There can’t be one without the other. I did go hard on the negative details of the show. overall, it honestly was a good show from a band that i have been wanting to see for years. but the temperament and tonality overshadowed the music just a bit, and unfortunately that’s what people (like me) will comment about.
I saw the BJM play at the end September in the States, and the show was filled with lots of tension. Much more than normal. Anton pulled the drummer aside at one point after multiple starts and stops to get the tempo right, it really sucked the energy out of the room. The Melbourne story made mainstream news in America, which in itself was bizarre. Was I shocked when I heard it? Absolutely not. Takes a strong back to sit at the table as a musician in this band.
He was so on the drummer in Melbourne. At one point Anton tried to jab him with a broken guitar string.
He went after the previous drummer before this latest drummer….
I don't know why any musician would agree to play with Anton/BJM. While he is a good song writer, he is clearly mentally ill with a substance abuse problem. Nothing has changed since "Dig."
what become of Dan Allure? He was my fav drummer. He's only drummer I've never seen Anton pick on.@@jokermtb
Yes something has-- almost 20 years and these are not music lovers in a crowded bar. Anton is unwell and needs mental health treatment, Do you really think he is using drugs or drinking again? It makes him crazy with his mental health meds -- last time it landed him in a German psych ward after he "came to the attention of the German psychiatric authorities. But act that was more than a decade ago. JMHO
THANKS.@@charleskra
I have been going to Rock shows for over 30 years and have only seen a scene similiar to the one you describe a couple of times....very unprofessional. I also realize why audiences in the old, old days hurled rotten fruit and vegetables at performers during such shows when they felt they were ripped off.
I’ve spoken with Anton a few times and he was always as kind as anyone could be. But this is clown shit. Unless the show is free or like $5 you don’t fuck with peoples money like this. Esp in Australia where everything costs like twice as much!
The way Anton cowardly skipped away leads me to believe he did not win that mugging the day prior...
💯
I witnessed The Replacements in Oklahoma in 1985, documented on their cassette-only "When The Shit Hits The Fans". A drunken disaster, but no negativity, and I feel a tiny part of Rock n Roll history. A mate of mine still demands I refund him 6 bucks for dragging him to the show. The funny thing, they came back and reprised the mess later that year. BJM in St Louis a few years back was intense.
I was at the Hobart gig. Three weeks ago. I’ve listened to these guys for as long as I’ve been alive (thanks to my late dad) and I was so excited to see them.
After the first song, Anton went off his chops about how we should all be there to listen to him, not to talk amongst ourselves. But we were only talking because he had a 10 minute feedback filled interlude.
From there it dissolved into him abusing the audience non-stop. Stopping songs halfway though. Yelling amongst themselves.
Joel left about 2/3 of the way through. Anton had the stage presence of statue, never once engaging with the crowd (but to abuse them) and never straying from his lectern.
The band finished with a headache inducing feedback loop for 15 minutes that cleared the dance floor faster than any gig I’ve ever been to.
Overall I was severely disappointed and I honestly had a shit time. Me and my friends ended up near the bar catching up because the gig had no energy, and we were sick of Anton’s Ego. They played immaculately and every song sounded exactly like it does on the recordings. For over 10 years I’ve wanted to see these guys and for $90 I could’ve bought two of their vinyls, had a beer at home, and been much more content.
The thing that I can’t get over is that Anton kept yelling “you came here to listen to us”, and yes, yes we did. But we didn’t come for their ego driven, self entitled, bullshit. We came to listen and enjoy.
I wont be seeing them again, and I implore anyone else who is thinking of buying tickets to this shitshow of a band, to think twice before stroking Anton’s ego.
Such a shame. The Odeon would have been a great place to see them (if they were up for it).
Cool story. Sorry you got bummed out man! Still catching their set next time they’re in LA! Funny to read someone’s one experience as a lesson to all about reconsidering a show!
$90? ... Jesus, is that what the tickets were or what the whole night cost you?
@@rocket69218 yes but 90 bucks Australian is like 20 American or something.
he has some severe mental issue that he was taking medication for -- it helped him for years, and he had to stop drinking and he did. Maybe the meds don't work as well as they used to -- that happens with mental illness meds. Extra stress makes it worse -- The whole tour had a bad vibe from the start. He's been very open about his. But it's an explanation -- not an excuse. He should return to his doctor in Berlin immediately before it's too late. JMHO thanks.
It was cool hearing you mention the Jesus and Mary chain! They’re one of my favorites and the chaos of the early shows is pretty wild to see lol considering they barely even speak during interviews, and have always been awkward
They are too old to be acting like that. Their behavior in okc was just stupid.
Absolutely nailed it! Best review I’ve heard .
I have to disagree with you on one point. I don't think it was cinematic. The way that Anton runs away from the guitarist... it's hilariously awkward. I love the music Anton has produced, but man, the guy is rediculous.
Was planning to go. Got all the way to checkout for tickets and then decided the risk/reward ratio probably wasn't there. I take no joy from knowing I made the right decision.
this is how junkies act when they dont have any dope and start freaking out from withdraw
In Melbourne? You must be joking.
It's not that - he is not supposed to drink again, and sadly, he is.
Among my favourite bands and I'm lucky enough to have seen them twice in my little town, both times with Anton in a reasonably good mood. This shit is so tedious.
I was there! Thanks for uploading this- It's a good account of what happened. In my opinion the gig was doomed from the start due to Antons intoxication. The thing I found interesting was that he referred to himself as an 'autistic child' twice. If he is truly autistic then it would make it easier to understand the person that is Anton Newcombe. Very creative and eccentric but also very unpredictable and volatile. Not that all people with autism are like this- its a very colourful spectrum but its helped me understand the events of 21/11/23. It was the perfect soup of ingredients; alcohol, exhaustive touring, history of drug use, and potentially undiagnosed/untreated autism.
I think you're bang on about the possible autism and the perfect soup analogy. A nasty cocktail indeed.
He (Anton) told the audience at The Odeon in Hobart that he hated how 'you people treat people with autism' then ranted about people talking through their performance.
@@andrewfuller62 oh wow. yeah I think its fair to assume he is autistic then and i mean that in the most respectful way possible. It just helps to explain why he blows up and reacts very badly to certain things that happen at his shows.
I don’t think it’s autism…..
no-one mentioning ryan goading him at all? seems like ryan was trying to wind him up all the aus gigs....
People asking for refunds end to get a grip. That was a hell of a show. Reminiscent of the Viper Room fight.
I've seen them once. It was when I smoked and the smoking ban just kicked in. I kept thinking I'd go out for a cig when it finished, 2 hours in I thought I'll go out and have a quick smoke. Came back and there was still another hour and half left of music. Was epic.
These kinds of violent antics at Brian Jonestown shows in the 1990s were so pervasive that they were quite frankly the only reason I went to see them. To see what new chaos Anton would unleash. So when their tours started to seem generally pretty calm and peaceful starting around 2010 I just assumed Anton had finally found enlightenment or proper medication. I’ve known several members of BJM since their earliest days (including Ryan) and I can guarantee you that what you saw was no act. The entire energy of the band has alway been like like beaker of volatile chemicals on the verge of exploding at any minute.
I also knew at some point most of the BJM people at some level or another. I feel bad for Joel. He's got his writing but I still feel like you've got some people (Jeff Davies) that never, "got their due." The music industry is bullshit but the, "alternative music industry" isn't much better. There's so much envy and self-destruction and it's all in the name of proving a vacuous point about culture.
During his younger days, his implosions had a romantic, tourtered genius vibe to them, but now they are just sad....
You over hyped this up a wee too much. BJM ain't no stooges, this is just a dysfunctional band member having his ego take a massive shit on himself.
I think many BJM expect a meltdown as par for the course with Anton. The few times I have seem BJM, I was expecting one..but never got one & actually enjoyed drama free shows....maybe Anton likes Detroit..lol
You hit the nail on the head / there’s two types of performance - primal and menacing - then professional and nicey nicey. I’ve heard that this kinda drama is a regular in BJM once the tour starts to end .Ive performed onstage with Dan and he’s a massively talented guy who can play a real array of instruments.
Dan Allure? Where is he? Best BJM drummer.
@@jgwire Dan Lyons
They aren’t cool to be around. Been there in California with them.
Big babies
In the 80s and early 90 s there was quite a large psychedelic underground developing,which was not associated with any band and was happening across a lot of different scenes, when grunge came along everything changed,and the media started pushing a version of Alternative which was clichedjunkies and disfunctional druggies, bu that was all totally uninteresting really and was just the same old boring stuff, but that is what is recognised as " alternative" by a lot of young people, i just find the brian jones town massacre to be a bit too much the cliched druggy alternative while seemingly selling themselves as psychedelic, i just cant get that excited about them to tell you the truth,i could be too old maybe .
I am old ,lol.
That was the furthest away from RnR. You can’t compare them to the acts mentioned in the video. My opinion. Good job on the video
Anton thinks he's Syd Barrett, but he's more GG Allin. Though GG Allin could write a better melody that was less derivative than most BJM music.
Thanks for the very informative rundown of the show, I was pretty curious about what actually happened. I had a ticket for Thursday at the Northcote theatre, really disappointed that it was all cancelled. I'd seen them last time they were in Melbourne and it was amazing, so my hopes were high. I didn't realise that Joel had already left the tour, and that speaks volumes. No doubt he's the rock that has held it all together. I noticed that these were the last shows of the tour that had been running since, I believe, late August or thereabouts, so it was around 3 months of touring 5+ days a week which is hectic, and clearly too much for Anton to handle. Personally, while I can see your perspective, I don't consider it rock and roll. I think Mick Harvey said it well, once the line is crossed the spell is broken - I've seen enough petty violence, don't need to see it on stage when I'm there to watch a band that I love. Good breakdown though. Not sure if they'll ever come back to Australia.
thank you. you said it better and in fewer words -- he's overworked. He needs break. He's got mental health issues that were triggered. Let's all calm down and go home. (I sure hope he's not drinking again - but I doubt it....that would really show fast and put him in a psych ward) I care about Anton more than I care about his music. JMHO. Thanks
@jgwire you’re the one who needs to calm down and go home and quit making excuses for physical and mental abuse.
I couldn't hear too well and didn't realise he was explaining about losing his voice at the beginning. Thought it was just an insane rant about stabbing
I believe Joel flew back to the States because his cat was sick. I could be wrong, but he posted something like that on IG.
There’s nothing rock n roll about that.
Karma for naming your band after a terrible tragedy.
C.I.A inside job
Dude- this was a solid video. You should have tens of thousands of subs. Keep it up!
Thanks mate!
I've seen them twice, 2015 and 2022, sober Anton, both were great, I miss the old lineups and drummer though, apparently Anton is having some personal drama which is easy to imagine now that hes drinking... Still rock and roll imo hah thanks for sharing, great video.
Also everyone go buy Joels book!!!
I saw them about 9 weeks ago (mid September) in Philadelphia. They must have called that leg the “we are all getting along reasonably well” tour. Outside of Anton giving the drummer some crap he and the band were in the best spirits I’ve ever seen in them. I don’t go to their shows for the tensions but no complaints if they arise.
GG Allin. Everyone else is bullshit.
wow! I hadn't heard any of this. Thanks for posting an unbiased and understanding first person account. wow! I am concerned for all. I don't know what to think. wow. hmmm.
We've come a long way from Pete Townshend threatening to kill the Woodstock audience.
If you think this is "rock'n'roll" you obviously haven't been listening to the Brian Jonestown Massacre's music enough. That's where it's really at.
This falls into a tired and misleading mythology of "rock'n'roll", and especially misleading myth of The Brian Jonestown Massacre. That's kids stuff. Anton and the band seemed to work so hard to distance themselves from DiG! which attracted people to their gigs just wanting to see a fight, or "see Anton go crazy". As a fan of 20+ years it's such a shame that this is just going to attract those people all over again.
While I understand the exhilaration of witnessing something like this on stage (I was there also) - it's really a shame because their music is so fucking good. It could be (and has been) the greatest show on earth. I just hope the health of the band heals, and those who think this is rock'n'roll stay home and watch the movie instead.
Seen them multiple times it’s hit or miss. When Anton is sober it can be really good. When he is on drugs, he tries to be shocking on purpose and it just seems weird for a guy that’s almost 60. Whether it’s some borderline racist comment or threatening sound guys and band mates it just comes off weird from an elderly musician. Angst comes off as grumpy when you’re 60. It doesn’t seem dangerous it just seems sad.
56 ain’t 60
@@jokermtbIt's very close and especially when you've prematurely aged yourself with years of drug and alcohol abuse.
All moments in my life all the wrong turns and wonderful blessings have lead me to my final destination which is CercheTube and I never want to leave
Fighting with your friends isnt rock and roll
I was there and they are the rock 'n' roll version of pro wrestling. Totally fabricated drama to keep people talking about a band that should have hung up their guitars a long time ago. Embarrassing.
It's not fabricated, sadly.
I haven't seen them since 2006 (in the UK) and that gig went without incident, although that tension you talk about and the feeling that like could all fall to bits any second was there all the way through. Anton was not happy with one of the other guitarists that night and would give him filthy looks all the time and say stuff in his ear between songs.... it really did feel like the gig was on a knife edge.
I don’t know why people are so surprised by this, This has all been going on since the band started. Also note, if you’re going to attend a BJM show you better be ready because at any giving monument anything could happen. A big reason why they’re so popular and why people love to see them live is because they’re raw and unpredictable it’s part of the show and that’s the price and chance you take when you go to see them live but that’s what makes them so exciting to see, You’re either gonna get a amazing 3-4 hour show or a hour long meltdown
You certainly wouldn't go to a BJM show to witness any kind of musical prowess.
@@wattage2007you’ve certainly not seen em live
That raw and unpredictable tambourine work is true rock and roll.
@@jokermtb Correct, and I have no interest in doing so. Why would anyone want to watch a load of mediocre non-musicians argue and make fools of themselves on stage?
Lets talk about the magic music and leave the shit
In amsterdam the bjm show was perfect!!!
Joel left early cause his cat was sick
Kill me please!! BJM is indie music for dudes like David cross. Tearing my eyes out thinking anyone could compare them to the stooges.
I saw them a few years ago in Melbourne where they had someone playing the huge church organ in the venue. It was about two hours and forty five minutes of music. It was pretty much incident free and was a really good show.
I kind of assumed all the stuff was behind them, having listened and watched a few recent interviews and was considering getting tickets for this show. Glad I didn't.
Hope they're able to sort through their issues.
Nicely laid out. I think the root of it is Anton isn't a genius, or as great as he thinks, it's mental illness. Back in the day, when I saw DIG!, I bought a 2 CD BJM "best of". Every song started out like it was going somewhere great, but didn't end up there. I quickly lost interest, however, I feel nothing but empathy for him, the band, and the audience. A musician's life isn't easy.
Wait, so “The Brian Jonestown Massacre’s Australian Tour Implosion” is not the new name of the band?
I don’t think the band will reappear anytime soon….at the end of it all, it’s just sad that it happened yet again. Not really sure one can even fix it as he clearly has a conflict between wanting to perform music live, and not being mentally prepared to navigate that desire. I wish him well, nevertheless (pun intended), and hope he finds some way forward
What’s sad is that the last few albums have been their best ever
I’d heard a couple songs by these guys and liked it, plus I thought the name was cool/quirky. But I had no idea they were such a train wreck.
When I first watched footage of the fight I thought it was just super sad but I saw some other clips with an extended one that sort of explained more of why the fight happened. Thing is its always been Anton's band and he's always been temperamental as shit and you'd think the current members would know that and would give him a wide berth during gigs. But seemed to not happen this time. I've heard from a mate who spoke to Anton prior to this Melbourne show in Brisbane that he'd been having a fair bit of trouble with the guitarist Ryan Van Kriedt on the previous tours so it seems like this has been an ongoing thing between them for a while if not years. I’d be pissed if I paid to see them that night though. Saw them in Melbourne in like 2010 or 2011 and they were fucking great, had Joel Gion and even Matt Hollywood (a lot of the 90's era fights seemed to happen between Matt and Anton) playing with them and I think Will Caruthers from Spacemen 3 was in the band at that time too. There were no fights and they played really well. They even came out into the Audience after the show and chatted to all the fans, was a really good experience. Sad to see the band slowly falling apart yet again though.
When Joel isn't in the band it means Anton's off the rocker and fighting with people. Never stay for a BJM show if Joel isn't there.
Part of me thinks it was a stunt to boost engagement in the press. It worked with, "Dig!" and it'll work even better with Insta Reels and TikTok. People want drama. Music is old fashioned.
A bunch of middle aged balding men (the footage proves this) with thinning hair who dye what's left of it hit peak Spinal Tap in Australia. That's all folks! ...G...
Well said! The Grey Goose Massacre
I've seen them twice, and twice Anton has melted down. This is a feature, not a bug.
Believe me, none of this is fake. Saw this tour in the UK. The were brilliant, yet hilarious. The only fighting that occurred was onstage, then it was only arguing. In fact, they spent so much time falling out that they only played 8 songs. Loved every minute.
It's like the guy thinks he's bigger than Jesus
Ive got an idea: how about all of the band members have an all out fight before the show, and then whoever is left standing plays the show.
Saw them 6 times back when they still played smaller venues. Actually got to talk to them at a venue without a stage in Tallahasse.
Never heard of this band, but Im demanding reefund! 🤣😂
I saw the BJM in 2017ish in Nashville and they were fantastic!
I saw them a while back in Providence, RI and it was quite the scene with Anton fighting with audience members and verbally abusing his sound guy and then taking it back. Gotta love them
Looks like there are gathering some great footage for DIG 2
They were ok when Matt Hollywood was with them but now they are just so boring.
Why pay a cent to witness such BS?
seen them twice, once in 2019 and the other this year. both shows sounded musically great but obviously had their moments. the 2019 show, in milwuakee, anton was plastered and left mid show after like 40min for a cigarette and came back on stage 5 min later wearing a coat and they played for like 50 more minutes. they sounded awesome and in general were in good spirits. this year in chicago they played for quite awhile with only some talking between songs, but the drummer (who was replacement number 3 at that point in the tour i think) really only got harped on like twice and even got a thumbs up from anton near the end.
i liked your intro regarding rock n roll shows of the past and their violent history/outbursts. i always wonder if people felt the same way then that they seem to now. i remember as a kid hearing about brawls and violence in rock and roll and thinking it was cool. i honestly still do, in some sort of way and i feel like BJM is one of the last rock n roll bands for that exact reason, but obviously that isnt sustainable for the real reason you listen and thats the art.
i feel sorry for everyone involved, but like its been said before, the package that is BJM is going to have its pros and cons just like everything. anton is a user and if he was clean like he was 8 years ago (before his manager died) he might still be. its a shame but its also reality.
So sad that Anton is drinking again.
Very.
I saw them in Argentina 7 months ago and Anton was already piss off
This isn't 'dangerous', just childish and unprofessional
D R U G S ? Like back in the day.
I've seen them twice, but the second one was what I would have actually considered "a full concert." Before getting in the hall, Anton was waving to fans, smiling, and drinking water. He seemed like a regular, goofy, slightly awkward person - but totally different from his stage persona later that night. He ranted (politics , society, rock, etc.) for more than half of the time they were on. When he stopped, a person would shout at him to just play another song, and he'd go off again for at least another 10 minutes. That seemed like an act, well, most of it did. Like, he was giving the audience the person that they saw in the documentary. They sounded great, but I wish we could have heard more music. The second one (about four, or five years later), was in a much larger venue, and Anton only ranted a few times (3?), but only for a couple of minutes each time. The show was a C+ at best. Glad I went, but mostly because my cousin and I had a rare opportunity to hang out.
fuck. I hope he's not drinking again -- wouldn't that affect his playing,and wouldn't the other band members know?
gotta grow up sometime...
I think big-A might be using again...
Thanks for sharing and posting. I think it’s unfortunate. But it changes nothing. Heroes.
GG Allin would laugh this off.
Maybe if Anton took his own advice and ate sh1t, they’d slide out of their cesspool of mediocrity into some transgressive art that was memorable. GG Allin’s corpse is more lively.
That onstage fight looks pathetic ... Don't compare with Jim Morrison antics.
I saw them in Sydney the week before....the best worst show I've ever been to...
This is all a very nice tasting menu for what kind of disfunction to expect at family christmas celebrations
I was there too, right up the back due to a mild ankle injury. It was my third time seeing them, had been 10 years since I'd seen them. It was really quite disappointing because the other two shows I've been to were incredible and really showed off their talent. It took me quite a few days to fully process what happened on the 21st, I was quite depressed about it... they're one of my favourite bands and I was meant to go to the Thursday show as well, it felt like a betrayal in a way how it all played out. I know that sounds a little bit crazy and parasocial but the bjm means a lot to me as well as many others.
I just hope all the band members are alright and trying to work through the tension in a healthy way.
I felt the same way. Definitely took a few days to shake off the feelings.
A diagnosis of PTSD would nt be out of the question for members of the audience.
Your feelings are not crazy or parasocial. We support the bands we love by going to see them play live. This “contract” between bands and their fans is well established. They know what songs we want to hear, and most of them deliver, without personal bickering or violence onstage. What you felt was a betrayal of the fan/band contract. You didn’t get what you paid for. I think refunds to the audience members who went for the music should be given. (Some do go for the shitshows, the violence, and drama.)
Couldn't handle the aussie beer.
That was hilarious.
Joel comes across as a calming influence on Anton. It’s a shame
He is.
Lucky that u got the full BJM experience. I would like to see em but the set list is always lame.