Photo of Dead on a Sunday by Jen Ruff
Sometimes you realize that you need to not see an artist’s name and get tunnel vision. Or is that just me? When I first saw that Dead on a Sunday was coming to St. Louis, I got hyper-fixated and my brain made me believe they were headlining…which was not the case, but we’ll get to that. The fall months are my favorite so my schedule is jam-packed with a big work schedule and a bigger fun schedule. Me and photographer (and beautiful wife) Jen got to Off Broadway and positioned to have a fun evening after about five or so hugs and chats because I never meet a stranger and I know a lot of people in general but I digress at least for now.
Joshua Quimby took the stage to a very crowded room. It was difficult to move, so sadly dancing in place was the best I could do but, despite having never heard of him, I focused in and just kinda let go. I don’t usually do that. I usually kinda note my thoughts and the feel of the crowd, but I’m purposefully growing in ways where I want to be more present and that’s what I did for Quimby’s set. His voice was soft and raw and it had this unique tone that mixed very well with his guitar and his sunglasses-wearing fiddle player. It isn’t my normal thing but it just might be something I dig into more. Early on was a song whose title that made me chuckle a bit, thinking of Fall Out Boy’s ‘90s crazy titles: “Speeding Tickets, Hot Coffee, Good Donuts & Dank Weed.” In that title, I can definitely feel why I loosened up quicker than normal. It was fun and interesting and, let’s be honest, relatable. “Long Green Cigarette” solidified that Quimby and I have similar hobbies, but I absolutely loved the melodies given in such a vulnerable light but with such a strong delivery. I don’t know if he did his homework beforehand, but closing with a cover of Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” right in his homeland was on point, to say the least. I really enjoyed his performance, as did the crowded room.
In the chatter with a bestie, I learned that Dead on a Sunday was next and this takes us back to the intro: I thought they were the headliner, but nope, to my surprise, the Bridge City Sinners were the headliner and Dead on a Sunday was next. The room was for sure oversold because breathing was a bit rough to do. Nevertheless, if this was it I was good with that. I’ve loved Dead on a Sunday for a few years now and with this being their first time to the STL, this show was an absolute do NOT miss for me. I had a hopeful track list. Some made it, a few didn’t. “Dammit” (Blink 182 cover) made it, “Caroline” closed the set, and “…Baby One More Time” split with “Enjoy the Silence” ending (Britney Spears/Depeche Mode respectively) was THE most fun ever I believe. “Goodbye Horses” (cover of Q Lazzarus) didn’t make the setlist and, while I was sad, it wouldn’t damper the night too much. A newer track or two had to make it so we got “Obsess” and “You Suck (the life out of me)” as a treat. And then, without much more ado, it was over. I screamed and danced in a very small space, but I lived for the fun of this night. It was a show that I’m so fortunate to have attended right at my midlife crisis decision to live and not just exist through the motions. I could not have loved this night more…unless I had some room to dance. | Diane Ruff
