I’m excited. And not just because it’s Friday and I won’t have to come to work for the next two days. I’m particularly excited this Friday because tonight I’ll be attending a concert to see one of my musical heroes, Thurston Moore.
For those not in the know, Thurston Moore is a guitarist and singer who was one of the founding members of a legendary band from New York City called Sonic Youth. Sonic Youth formed in the early 1980s, and for several decades were a pioneering band in the international underground music scene.
Sonic Youth combined noise, feedback, strangely tuned guitars and wild drumming with a rare knack for writing strange yet strangely beautiful, original and memorable songs. Their lyrics were inspired by art, poetry, literature and real life, and therefore avoided the usual clichés that many lyricists constantly fall back on.
Many younger bands that are internationally famous today are strongly influenced by Sonic Youth. They never topped any pop music charts — their music was too experimental and interesting to attract a mass mainstream audience — but the 15 studio albums they recorded continue to excite and inspire musicians and artists everywhere.
Sadly, Sonic Youth broke up in 2011, but the core band members — bassist and singer Kim Gordon, guitarist Lee Ronaldo, drummer Steve Shelley and singer-guitarist Thurston Moore — continue to make interesting music with their various individual projects.
Tonight Thurston Moore is performing live in Bangkok with his new band, which also includes Steve Shelley on drums. The band also includes bassist Debbie Googe, who has previously played with the equally legendary bands Primal Scream and My Bloody Valentine.
I’m lucky enough to have seen Sonic Youth play live a couple of times years ago back in Australia, and they were powerful, unforgettable performances. It’s rare to have an alternative music legend like Thurston Moore perform in Thailand, and I’m excited to hear where his latest musical journey is taking him.
If a band or performer that you love ever comes to town, I highly recommend that you go and see them if you can. You won’t regret it and you won’t forget it!
Ben Edwards
Deputy Editor
[email protected]
