RA RA RA
27. “RA RA RA” is a song by Here Come The Mummies. I know that many, if not most of you, have never heard of Here Come The Mummies, but then this post is not about the band, HCTM, but about live performances. The pandemic has stripped us of our lives and (for many) our livelihood. Our social activities are all but gone. Large gatherings are banned or are only happening with major restrictions (i.e. no mosh pits) for the foreseeable future. I was asked recently if I can ever see myself attending concerts again. My answer is, “yes, as soon as it’s safe to do so.” I’ve seen a lot of great bands, from small coffee house types (young John Prine and Tom Waits) to very large coliseum shows (Hendrix and Clapton). The first major concert I clearly remember attending was Janis Joplin when she performed with Big Brother and Holding Company. It’s impossible to imagine that someone could put more of herself into a performance. When she sang “Piece of my Heart” Janis figuratively ripped her heart out and gave it to the audience. The last show I saw before the pandemic was Here Comes The Mummies. Like the Janis show, they were electric. HCTM may best be described as Funk music from the dark side, with a heavy dose of sexual innuendoes. My wife and I had an absolute blast. What happens after many of these shows is that you are left wanting more. After the mummies’ show, I listened to everything I could find, gravitating to live recording in the hope of reliving the experience, but recordings, no matter how good, still fall drastically short of a live show. With a live performance there is a connection that takes place between the performer and the audience. They feed off each other. At one point in the HCTM show, one of the band members came down from the stage and started dancing to the music along with the rest of us. The pandemic has given way to some alternatives, and while they may provide a temporary substitute, they cannot capture the electricity of a live “in your face” show, and I miss them. You can bet that when this 2020 pandemic is over and when Here Come The Mummies begins to tour again, I be there.
For purchasing options contact: r2meganck@gmail.com