Grandson of country icon Hank Williams, Hank Williams III(aka Hank III, or III) puts on a show that is truly unclassifiable. Known to typically perform for three hours, Hank III plays classic style country back to back with hardcore metal, often blending elements of both into single songs. Last Saturday I had the privilege of witnessing this uncommon feat at Eagle's Club in Milwaukee.
Lasting an hour and a half, his country set alone could stand as a full concert. These songs averaged around three minutes each, so you can imagine how many tunes had to be played to fill that time. Hank dug into the best of his material from the last decade, including nearly all of Straight to Hell, as well as a few from his 2010 release Rebel Within. Along with the III originals, there was also a performance of Hank Williams' “I'll Never Make it Out of This World Alive.”
As your ears start to twitch with country twang, you begin to welcome a change of pace. After finishing up “Dick in Dixie,” III's denouncement of 'pop-country', there begins a segue set of 'hellbilly' music. This consists of the same lineup of musicians, only that Hank switches to electric and the band lets their hair down. It's rougher and a tad faster, and gets the crowd pumped up and moving. By the time this part of the show wraps up it has been over two hours. I noticed some people starting to leave, but the inexhaustible Hank III returns to play out the night with Assjack.
At this point the band had all reworked their wardrobes and plugged into more standard rock equipment. I prepared myself for the possibly horrendous, awful imitation of Hank's metal inspirations. It’s sometimes fit to say an artist should stick to what they do best. As it turned out, Assjack wasn't a half-assed act - or half-bad. Transcending many of the heavier music genres, drawing from metal, punk, grind and touches of thrash, Assjack allows for a release of restlessness for those not yet ready to go home.
While admittedly not the most accessible attraction, a Hank III show is no doubt an impressive demonstration. The way Hank and his ‘Damn Band’ mutate their evenings convinces me of a working formula that couldn’t be pulled off by just anyone. This is an energetic group, and hardworking to be sure. Hank seems to be immersed in an incredible musical living. Along with his prolific song writing, he records, mixes, and masters many of his own projects. The latest Assjack album was even performed entirely by Hank III. If you have a broad appreciation in music, or like your headliners to give you your moneys worth, check this act out.
www.hank3.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn5Ha3Ufh-M&feature=related
