Hank III & Assjack (Review) The Garage, London (Sun 13th Sep)

After a nine year wait, I finally got to see Hank III perform live last Sunday night (13th Sept). I’ll cut to the chase by saying that it didn’t disappoint. In fact, it excelled any expectations that I may have had. I travelled (once again) from Galway, the bog’s arse of Ireland over to London to catch his second night at The Garage in Highbury. The dark, beer sodden cavern being the perfect setting for what would evolve into a gargantuan display of raw, unadulterated talent. There’s something so visceral it’s almost feral dwelling within Hank III, this manifests itself within the skill in which he writes his songs and the passion with which he delivers them.

With full (Damn) band, he had the crowd going from the get go, tearing through favourites from his back catalogue such as ‘7 Months, 29 Days’, ‘The Grand Ol’ Opry (Ain’t So Grand Anymore)’ ‘Mississippi Mud’, ‘My Drinking Problem’ and ‘Dick In Dixie’. It was evident that the audience comprised of proper fans, both old and young. The rockabilly kids were all out in form, sporting the best hair and outfits I’ve seen in some time, rubbing shoulders with the crusty punks and the dreadlocked metal heads. This mixture worked so well, resulting in the perfect atmosphere. Everybody there was aware of what a treat this was, and so no one set out to mess it up for everyone else by being a drunken idiot (the downfall of so many concerts).

The sound was great and the lighting minimal. With such a large band and a mass of equipment, they dominated the stage. The line that Hank draws between punk and country is entirely his own and ultimately inimitable. He draws from his influences (as covers of songs such as ‘Cocaine Blues’ and Hank Williams classic ‘I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive’ display) but morphs them into his distinct and incendiary fashion. His ethics are ingrained deeply within his lyrics and he is never one to shy away from expressing his opinions, which are generally ones which I can relate to. He is a man who sees through all the bullshit, someone who knows what it’s all about and above all, a highly talented individual.

All of the supporting and accompanying musicians on the night were fabulous. After a dream like set of his Hellbilly classics, the pace lifted as the amalgamation of the Damn band and Assjack began to take place. I don’t know if the crowd were ready for Assjack, maybe they all just needed a smoke, maybe they were afraid of messing up their hair, I’m not sure, but there was a definite lull in the crowd once the country set finished. Thankfully, this proved to be temporary as within a few songs, there was a great number of people back up at the front. Nothing, I repeat, nothing could have prepared me for the onslaught of Assjack, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Melting punk, hardcore and balls out metal in a manner of which I have rarely witnessed carried out to such success; this was the ultimate second half. Favourites from the new album including ‘Cocaine’, ‘Choking Gesture’ and ‘Gravel Pit’ blew my spiky haired little mind. Endless riffs and the addition of a second (man mountain of a) vocalist really meant that all the hardcore heads had something to take away with them. Hank’s time in bands such as Superjoint Ritual and Arson Anthem really shows when he lets loose with the heavy stuff. I have to say, I loved every moment. The man did not take a single break from start to finish and I think that’s it’s fair to say that there is a new contender for the crown of ‘Hardest working man in rock’.

Ghostly, enigmatic and powerful, Hank III leaves you with something indescribable. An artist who appreciates the fact that anyone comes out to the shows, expressing sincere humility and respect for the fans, a rare thing in the ego obsessed, image conscious façade that permeates the musical culture of today. I’d have been happy after an hour, we were lucky enough to be given several. Speaking of luck, I got to meet Hank briefly after the show and managed to have a brief chat with him. I am not one to usually do this, but I felt compelled to say hey and overall, ‘Thank you’. He is as charismatic and charming an individual as I could have ever hoped. I look forward with baited breath to the next time I get to see him live, let’s hope it’s just not another nine years before that happens.

For some more Hank III and over an hour of the best Death Country out there, click HERE.

And remember, even though artists like Hank III are totally cool with fans taking video and making recordings at the gigs, they need us to help them survive. Do this by buying your albums or merch from the official site (HERE) or just go to a show. Let’s not let great music die.

More footage available HERE

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