Friday night, the big night. The moment that everyone in the band had trained 9 months for. The FIRST GIG OF THE YEAR! After a week of rehearsals and stressful scheduling, a 7:30 booking of a 15-minute time slot was scheduled. Nerves were rattled, but no one was deterred. The band had but one mission; come out swinging and kick the ROCK DENS ASS!
Adding to the chaotic yet historic nature of the event, was the fact that this was the last week of Lansdales’ historic ROCK DENS existence. The historic venue, known for its open mic nights, was shuttering its doors for good. Meaning it was now or never for FREELANCE SWEATPANTS to move from drummer JUSTIN NEWMANS’ basement to a stage.
After what seemed like months of trying to book a show at FREELANCE SWEATPANTS version of THE RIVOLI, the wait was well worth it. Armed with a great time slot, a fantastic entourage, and most importantly, great tunes, the band took the stage slightly after 7: 30.
Sean declared to the crowd, “We are FREELANCE SWEATPANTS, it’s going to get loud out here!” Loud it did, with an eruptiuos applause from fans new and old alike (you know who you are). The band immediately tore through a blistering version of “WEDNESDAY SOCIAL” The song made its official live debut in front of an audience, who nodded and tapped along to the rhythm. Following a blistering solo from DOM SPIER, the first song reached its rocking conclusion.
SEAN then told the crowd that it will get a bit quieter, the band led by JUSTIN this time counted in “OTHERSIDES'” signature BEATLES-esque drumbeat. During this song, the band battled the elements onstage as a rogue smoke machine tried to blind them. AJs’ killer bluesy solo parted the fog, making it clear that nothing can stop this tour de force of rock.
“Alright we got one more, DOMS singing this one.” SEAN said as he went to take a breather. “That’s good or bad depending on who you are.” DOM, hyping up the next and final song making its live debut, “NEW MATERIAL”. By this point the crowd was fully on the side of the band, engaging in more applause following another intense PUNK-TINGED guitar solo.
While The ROCK DEN had prided itself on being an open mic night and not a battle of the bands, FREELANCE SWEATPANTS clearly won that night. Everyone in the band was given their moment to shine, and despite SEANS ominous words of one more song, this will NOT be the final LIVE PERFORMANCE.