The Dandy Warhols
Fonda Theatre
March 19, 2024
Review by DAN MACINTOSH
HOLLYWOOD, CA – A Dandy Warhols concert can be a little like taking a step back in time. The band not only took its name from famous artist Andy Warhol, but the group’s sound oftentimes mirrors that of The Velvet Underground, a band Warhol championed.
The four-piece has been touring in support of its strong new album, Rockmaker, and put on a stellar show at The Fonda Theatre, wrapping the North American leg of the tour. Following a stint in Australia, The Dandy Warhols returns to the U.S. for Summerfest in Milwaukee on June 29.
The new record, Rockmaker, features guest appearances from Slash and Deborah Harry (to name just two), but the group didn’t need star power to bring these new (as well as older) songs to life.
Whether that be the garage rock of “Summer Of Hate” or more mellow ballads, as in the eternal love song “I Will Never Stop Loving You,” The Dandy Warhols played like a grand, latter-day psychedelic act. The group scattered its biggest hits throughout the set, performing “We Used To Be Friends” early, and “Bohemian Like You” late.
Even though keyboardist Zia McCabe experienced some technical difficulties toward the show’s end, leader Courtney Taylor-Taylor played it off like it was no big deal and even talked to the audience a little more than usual. Many of these performances were accompanied by strobe lights, which only increased the psychedelic atmosphere of the show. Taylor-Taylor may not be the most enthusiastic vocalist, but he brings a tangible sense of cool that just works.
Much like the pop-artist the act is named after, The Dandy Warhols take pop culture issues, as well as more than your average drug references, to create a truly Rock N Roll experience. Tonight, the act brought a little of that 1960s Warholian vibe directly to Hollywood Blvd.
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