DINOSAUR JR LIVING ALL OVER THE FONDA THEATRE IN LA
Words and photos by Brian Diaz
When you think of power trios, what bands do you think of? Do you think of Rush? Because, personally, I think of Dinosaur Jr. The Amherst, Massachusetts trio has been crushing us with their wall of guitar sound coupled with sweet melodies since the mid-80s, and they’re still bringing it night after night.
I positioned myself right in front of J Mascis’ infamously loud triple full-stack Marshall and Hiwatt guitar rig. After getting some heavy-duty ear protection in place, we were all treated to warm-up opener “Thumb” from 1991’s Green Mind, which gave way to 1987’s “The Lung” from You’re Living All Over Me. At this point, they were just getting started. Bassist Lou Barlow was back after having recovered from testing positive, a blur of hair and smiles as he held down the low end, while Drummer Murph was as rock-solid as ever. The pace really picked up as they served up crowd-pleasers like “Start Choppin’”, “Feel The Pain”, “The Wagon”, and the perennial favorite, their cover of The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven”. The setlist spanned their entire multi-decade career and included new rockers like “The Garden” from 2021’s Sweep It Into Space, closing the main part of the set with “Forget The Swan” from 1985’s Dinosaur.
When you watch Dinosaur Jr. you’re watching a true rock ‘n’ roll force. One of the last of their kind. Still playing through live, (very) loud amps, pummeling our senses with thick guitars, fuzzed out bass and guitar solos, and ear worm melodies. Do see them if you haven’t already. Just remember to bring your best earplugs!