Craig Owens, photo by Kaela Berry
Acoustic shows seldom deliver the high energy associated with rock concerts, unless your name is Craig Owens. The former lead singer of Chiodos, now current front man of Destroy, Rebuild Until God Shows (D.R.U.G.S), played a solo acoustic show on October 16 at Chain Reaction, delivering charisma and intimacy to a sold out crowd.
The night started at 8:00PM with a breathtaking performance by Mike Perezfrom the band No Bragging Rights. Earlier, Perez mentioned that the performance marked the first time he played his songs acoustically at the venue. Both Perez and his guitarist sat down for their entire performance. The following band’s equipment rested idle behind them. The passion emitted from Perez’s voice glued everybody’s eyes at the front of the stage. The song “Team Train Wreck” started off with a rocky introduction, but mended itself up with supportive cheers and remarks. Throughout Perez’s 30 minute set list, the sound from the overhead monitors shook the snares from the snare drum, creating a crashing wave-like sound that complemented the mellowness of his songs. Perez ended his performance with an original entitled “Last Kiss,” thanking the crowd and Owens for such an opportunity.
Oliver Trolley‘s prior show set-up gave the band more time to fine-tune their instruments within the 15-minute intermission. The use of electric guitars, acoustic drums, and amplifiers provided a different feel for the implied acoustic theme. When the lights dimmed, the San Diego quintet used what little room was available on stage to the best of their ability, swaying to the dance-y beat of the drums and indie guitar riffs. One of the best-received songs on Oliver Trolley’s performance included “Living My Life” which played during an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
The crowd began to bunch up, antsy over the fact that one more intermission remained until Owens took the stage. After a few lighthearted words with their fans, Oliver Trolley finished their set list with the groovy feel and prominent keyboard leads.
The air in the small Anaheim venue thickened up. The fans’ chatter intensified with speculation over what songs Owens planned to perform. The stage crew spent what felt like forever trying to get all three acoustic guitars to play over the P.A. Several failed attempts later, a stagehand replaced the acoustic power amplifier, which relieved the problem. Thumbs up.
The venue fell dark. The sounds of cheers intensified as soon as the skinny, tattooed Owens walked up to the middle of the stage. A huge smile spread across his face. A male voice from the crowd yelled, “F**K ME, CRAIG!”
“That’s an awkward way to start it,” laughed Owens.
Owens, along D.R.U.G.S band mate Nick Martin and close friend Russ, began the first lines of “Intensity in 10 Cities,” from Chiodos’ 2007 release Bone Palace Ballet. Fans knew the words well. Owens spent more time playing the guitar, letting the crowd sing for him. The intimacy Owens shared with the crowd inspired the crowd, detailing the rough patches throughout his troubled childhood, which included low self-esteem and fights between his parents.
On the side of the stage, Jeffree Star could be seen with his neon pink hair and caked-on makeup.
The stripped down acoustic versions of Owen’s past bands along with his current project brought a unique change of pace for what would be considered acoustic. Not only did Owens display the same charisma as though he played with his full band, but his acoustic rendition of “The Only Thing You Talk About” incorporated post-hardcore screaming that sent chills down one’s spine. Other songs like “Lindsey Quit Lollygagging” and “Baby, You Wouldn’t Last A Minute On The Creek” radiated with a sense of surrealism knowing that the former face of Chiodos played songs without the aid of the band that he helped rise to fame.
Following Owens’ performance, fans waited with anticipation to get a picture with the headliner. Jeffree Star, Nick Martin, Russ and members from the other acts conversed with fans, but all anticipation centered on when Owens would walk out the doors. Unfortunately, the door staff informed the dozens of adoring fans that Craig Owens snuck out the back door to catch his flight back to Michigan.
Catch D.R.U.G.S on tour with Asking Alexandria and Hollywood Undead in November.
