Gogol Bordello @ Metropolis: April 18, 2010

Gogol Bordello, the Gypsy Punk rockers known around the world for their outrageous and energetic stage performances, brought their carnival-like live act to Metropolis on Sunday. I’d never seen them before, so needless to say I was stoked for the show. I’ve always heard that they put on an unreal concert, but I had know idea of just how crazy it was really going to be until I saw it for myself. Check out the review, some mp3s, and some photos below.

By touring almost non-stop throughout Europe and North America, Gogol Bordello have created quite a reputation for themselves. As far as origins go, bands don’t get much more diverse than this. Eugene Hutz, the lead singer, lead guitarist, and overall ringleader of the band hails from the Ukraine. Other members are from Ethiopia, Israel, Russia, the US, Scotland, and Ecuador, and this variety of backgrounds fuses together to create the band’s signature sound.

Walking up to Metropolis, I was greeted by the most ticket hawkers I’ve ever seen at a concert in Montreal as well as a massive crowd of smokers, sprawling out onto the side streets. There was a long line to get in to the venue and security was tight. Once inside, it was a total zoo. If you think you’ve seen Metropolis packed, think again. Every type of person you could ever imagine was crammed in there, filling the main floor and balcony. Oh, and if you think you’ve seen a lot of beer spilled at Metropolis, also think again. The crowd became rowdy as they waited for Gogol Bordello to take the stage. Once the show began, the band dove into a non-stop, high-energy set. Featuring members on a huge variety of instruments and vibrant stage lights, the performance was as much a spectacle as it was a concert. Without so much as a breather between songs, the group put on a truly impressive show. For being such unique artists, Gogol Bordello have established a hardcore, devoted fanbase, as was evidenced by the outpouring of gypsy punk love from the crowd.

Wonderlust King – Gogol Bordello

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American Wedding – Gogol Bordello

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Tribal Connection – Gogol Bordello

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Posted by Claire