BY THOMAS S. ORWAT, JR.
North Tonawanda, NY – The criminally underrated alternative rock band Soul Asylum performed a very entertaining, high-energy show to a very appreciative crowd of around 500 music lovers at the historical Riviera Theater last night. The band has a few shows scheduled in the USA during the next couple of months.
Soul Asylum, originally based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, formed in 1981. Initially known as Loud Fast Rules, the band consisted of singer/songwriter Dave Pirner-vocals/guitar, Dan Murphy-guitar, Karl Mueller-bass, and Pat Morley-drums. In 1983, they changed their name to Soul Asylum and soon after replaced Morley with Grant Young in 1984. The band quickly earned a reputation for their unique mix of punk/alternative/rock music and developed a very loyal following, but never really had any substantial major radio airplay.
But that all changed in 1992 with the release of the band’s 6th studio record, the rock masterpiece “Grave Dancers Union.” The first single from the record “Somebody to Shove” earned the band major radio airplay across the country and then a few months later, Soul Asylum finally hit the mainstream and dominated the radio airwaves and MTV with the hit single “Runaway Train.” This epic power ballad also won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song. “Grave Dancers Union” went on to sell over 3 million records in the USA.
But a few years later, the band started their downward spiral with each record selling less than the previous. The band experienced some line-up changes and suffered a great tragedy when original member and bass player Karl Mueller passed away in 2005.
Throughout the years, Dave Pirner kept the band going with various line-ups, always releasing high quality material that appeased his smaller, but very devout fanbase.
Currently, besides Pirner, Soul Asylum consists of Michael Bland-drums, Ryan Smith-guitar and Jeremy Tappero-bass. For this show, Sterling Campbell was the drummer.
When Soul Asylum hit the stage on Thursday night, you could sense that this band is on the right track again. They were firing on all cylinders, starting off with “Shut Down” from the “Let Your Dim Light Shine” 1995 release. With a frenzied rush, Soul Asylum launched into “Somebody to Shove” and ran wildly on the stage, recreating the atmosphere of their legendary shows in the 90’s.
During the band’s 20 song performance, you could really sense the admiration and love that the audience had for Pirner. He comes across as a loveable but troubled soul who bears his heart and soul through his profoundly well-crafted lyrics. His talent has put him in the position of band-front man which, at times, seems to contradict his seemly shy and reserved personality. But he endures it in his own way, sheepishly telling dad type jokes in between songs.
Guitarist Ryan Smith had a cool 90’s alternative rock vibe and deserves praise for his flawless playing throughout the evening, he and Pirner are an unstoppable dynamic force onstage.
Highlights of the show included back-to-back hits “Black Gold” and “Runaway Train,” which had the crowd singing back every single word. The setlist contained 8 songs from the ‘Grave Dancers Union’ record.
Dave Pirner is a national treasure; he is one of the most clever and gifted songwriters in rock music. Who else could craft a song like “String of Pearls.” It’s really a shame that Soul Asylum isn’t headlining arenas like they deserve. They are much better than 99% of the garbage out there, inferior bands playing along to pre-recorded tracks and having 5 different songwriters composing their songs.
If you have a chance to see Soul Asylum, GO!!!! You will witness a real rock band that never disappoints.
For more on Soul Asylum, visit www.soulasylum.com
Soul Asylum setlist 09-21-2023
Shut Down
Somebody to Shove
Misery
Whatcha Need
New World
By the Way
Eyes of a Child
Spinnin’
I Will Still Be Laughing
Lately
99%
Hopped Up Feelin’
If I Told You
Black Gold
Runaway Train
Closer to the Stars
Just Like Anyone
Encore:
April Fool
Thomas S. Orwat Jr.
RockMusicStar.com 
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