Venue: The Rickshaw
Date: November 21st, 2024
A sold-out crowd gathered last night to witness one of the most chaotic and electrifying nights Vancouver’s music scene has seen in years. With You Big Idiot kicking things off, Supersuckers bringing decades of rock ‘n’ roll fire, and the highly anticipated Canadian return of Mac Sabbath, the night was packed with unforgettable performances, outrageous antics, and wall-to-wall energy.
You Big Idiot
Opening the night was Vancouver’s own You Big Idiot, and they wasted no time making an impression. The band, known for their humor-infused punk, came out decked in cow onesies—a nod to their tongue-in-cheek style. Their short but high-energy set was a perfect appetizer for the evening’s main course, and while their time on stage was brief, they left the crowd laughing, cheering, and wanting more.
Supersuckers
The second act of the evening, Supersuckers, took the stage like rock ‘n’ roll outlaws storming into town. Fans had been waiting for this moment for what felt like forever, and as the first chords rang out, the energy in the room erupted like a powder keg.
Supersuckers proved why they are the self proclaimed “Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band in the World.” Their set was a masterclass in swagger-filled, riff-heavy rock, blending blues, punk, and country influences into a sound that felt both timeless and ferociously alive. Every song was delivered with raw intensity, and Eddie Spaghetti’s gravelly vocals and confident stage presence kept the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand.
The setlist showcased Supersuckers’ versatility and staying power, with each song met by an enthusiastic response from the audience. Whether it was hard-hitting anthems or slower, blues-infused grooves, every moment felt like a celebration of everything rock music stands for. The crowd was wild, with fans moshing, dancing, and shouting along with infectious energy.
For long-time fans, this was a dream come true—a band they’d followed for years finally performing with all the fire and grit they’d imagined. Supersuckers didn’t just meet expectations; they blew them out of the water. By the time they left the stage, the audience was drenched in sweat and buzzing with adrenaline, fully primed for the main event.
I’ve been wanting to see these guys for over 30 years. I finally got not only the chance to see them, but to cover them as well and wasn’t disappointed in the slightest. Looking forward to seeing them again.
Mac Sabbath
And then came the moment everyone had been waiting for: the return of MAC SABBATH. Anticipation had been building for weeks, and the sheer excitement of the sold-out crowd was palpable. Even before the band took the stage, fans were lined up outside in hopes of snagging an elusive ticket. Inside, the packed venue buzzed with electricity as the lights dimmed and Mac Sabbath made their grand entrance.
From the opening notes of “Black Sandwich,” it was clear that this was not just a concert but a full-blown spectacle. Mac Sabbath’s theatricality is unmatched, and their parody-infused brand of metal transforms fast-food culture into an absurd and hilarious art form. Ronald Osbourne brought a trio of giant rubber squeaker chickens onto the stage and played them like instruments, adding to the surreal carnival atmosphere.
Ronald Osbourne, the band’s eccentric frontman, delivered a performance that can only be described as pure genius. His impersonation of Ozzy Osbourne was so spot-on it was uncanny—from his exaggerated mannerisms to his wailing vocals, every detail was perfectly executed. He stalked the stage like a deranged fast-food prophet, engaging with the crowd between songs with hilarious banter and absurd theatrics.
One of the night’s standout moments came when Ronald bit the head off a fake bat sandwiched between burger buns—a cheeky nod to Ozzy’s infamous act. The crowd roared with laughter and applause, fully embracing the band’s over-the-top antics.
The setlist was a perfect mix of fan favorites, from the heavy grooves of “Sweet Beef” to the psychedelic “Candy Colored Clown.” Tracks like “More Ribs” and “The Grouper Frying Pan” had the audience headbanging and laughing in equal measure. Between songs, the band’s larger-than-life stage props, including the aforementioned rubber chickens and oversized burger paraphernalia, added to the sheer absurdity of the show.
Mac Sabbath closed out their main set with a thunderous performance of “The Grouper Frying Pan,” leaving the crowd chanting for more. They returned for an encore of “Gravy Train,” bringing the night to a triumphant, grease-soaked finale. The energy in the room was electric, with fans on their feet, cheering and begging for another song. I love these guys!
Side note: We had the privilege of interviewing their manager/spokesperson Mike Odd just before they took to the road. Come back soon for our conversation.
Final Thoughts
Mac Sabbath’s return to Canada was nothing short of spectacular, and their sold-out show proved that their cult following is only growing. Ronald Osbourne and his bandmates delivered a performance that was equal parts comedy, metal, and performance art, leaving the crowd in stitches and fully satisfied. Supersuckers added their own brand of gritty rock excellence to the mix, while You Big Idiot brought humor and energy to kick things off.
This was a night that will go down in Vancouver’s live music history, and for those lucky enough to snag a ticket, it was an unforgettable experience. Mac Sabbath’s fast-food-themed metal parody might seem absurd on paper, but live, it’s nothing short of genius. Here’s hoping they make their way back to Canada soon—because everyone in that venue was left hungry for more.
OUR DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH GRADE:
100 A
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