LIVE REVIEW // I SEE BILLY TIBBALS’ EYES WHEN I CLOSE MY OWN
For me, a concert can be an extremely emotional experience. I often leave with a whole new perspective on life — something that can be quite disorienting if you go to as many concerts as I do. But when I went to check out a band my friend had recommended, even I was surprised when the mind-altering moment struck before the band in question had even come on. I knew nothing about the support act, and had certainly not come to see someone with the un-rock ‘n’ roll name of Billy Tibbals. (Regrettably, I was there to see a different long-haired guy make crazy eyes and prance around the stage in what was possibly a misintentioned homage to Mick Jagger.) But let me tell you, what Billy Tibbals had, the headliners could not begin to recreate.
The main act exuded the misplaced confidence that they thought they were cool. When they strutted onto the stage, their body language said, “We’re rockstars, you’re here for us,” — and I guess they weren’t technically wrong. By contrast, Billy Tibbals Band walked on like your little brother’s band from middle school, and the fact of the matter is, when a band steps out looking like complete nerds, I’m always excited for what's in store. At some point, it’s possible to become so deeply uncool, so astronomically lame, that they actually start being super cool. (Hello, Wet Leg.)
The Billy Tibbals guitarist, with his luscious locks, sunglasses, and full suit, looked like he was part of a Beatles tribute band. The bass player was, in a slightly unnerving way, completely and utterly normal. Nothing about her style or attitude suggested she was even part of the band. I was unfortunately too distracted by jealousy for the drummer’s incredibly orange shirt to take in the rest of his outfit before Billy stepped in front and blocked him, but he was undoubtedly bringing the high energy and solid beat to round out the group. Billy Tibbals himself had the lowrise trousers, leather jacket, and general swagger of a guy from the 70’s who realizes that being able to play a mean guitar is cooler than trying to be cool.
The music itself was not revolutionary. I was not looking up in awe at the next Bob Dylan. Instead, as I met Billy’s intense stare, I was struck by the revelation that I was witnessing something with the potential to be huge. Sure, the band has a long way to go, but the crazed energy of a quirked up white boy grounded by a bassist who could not be more still is an infectious combination. From the moment they started playing, I was entranced. Even as the main act took their place, I was trying to hold on to their name. Billy Tibbard? Billy Thibault? The Jagger wannabe was crawling on the floor and everyone around me had taken out their phones to record him, while I was still repeating to myself Billy Tibbals, Billy Tibbals, Billy Tibbals, like I was calling a lost cat. The second the show was over, all I wanted to discuss with my friends was what they thought about that Billy Tibbals Band.
Why was I so obsessed? I think it was their energy that was so hypnotic, I’m still enamored by it a month later. I’m writing this review partly to get it out of my head. I could almost see the gleam in Billy’s eye that said “We’ve made it to New York City! This is it! Let's make the most of it!” And that’s exactly what they did. For a brief moment in time the whole crowd belonged to Billy Tibbals Band, and we were all watching with bated breath to see what he’d do next. Yeah, they’re a bunch of kids pretending to be rockstars singing angsty tunes they probably wrote in their bedrooms, but they’ve got that spark, an undeniably groovy morsel of talent that I hope they're able to ride all the way to their own headlining tour.
Remember, you read it here first.
Keep up with Billy Tibbals Band on Instagram and stream on Spotify or Apple Music.
Illustration: @halliaetus
