Suicidal Tendencies 12/29/23 Fort Myers
The line was wrapped all around The Ranch Concert Hall and Saloon. Metalheads and punks from every generation were present, from the old school OG’s to barely old enough kids to get in. All of us were there to unite and see one of the most influential bands in the hardcore punk and thrash metal scene, Suicidal Tendencies. With support from the legendary Cro-Mags and local Florida band Body Box, it’s not surprise this place was slammed, especially since it’s a lineup that seems too good to be true.
Kicking it off first was Body Box and they wasted no time, swinging for the fences and swinging hard. With death metal screams that stirred the pit up, the energy in the ranch was building up. They took no time to mention their love for lottery tickets and hookers, but you can tell that their love may be that but their talent is raw, powerful music.
The Cro-Mags were simply amazing and that’s not a surprise. Harley being such a veteran of the punk scene and still rocking hard these days was just phenomenal to see. He never stayed still and was skanking across the stage to each side. At one point he was slapping the cymbals of the drums as he played as well. That dude is such a legend and an amazingly talented artist. It’s amazing to see that since they formed over 40 years ago in the early 80s.
I met Harley after his set and he was such a phenomenal dude. He was super down-to-earth and extremely nice. He talked with every fan that wanted to and took countless photos. It’s always great to see that such huge names in the scene never forgot why they kept playing, the fans.
Suicidal Tendencies, I mean what can’t you say about these guys? With 40-plus years of hardcore, thrash metal jams, they have seen and done it all. This is my hardest group to photograph, not because of lighting or distance, but because Mike Muir never stood in the same place for longer than 3 seconds tops. Half of the time he was constantly in motion, constantly jamming, and going hard. It’s one of the many things I’ve loved about him. He’s always been the same Cyco dude throughout his career.
Ty Trujillo was on bass and it was just amazing to see Rob’s kid following in his Suicidal Tendencies path and playing with the band. Ben Weinman was also on guitar and just an absolute maniac of an animal on stage and even off stage too for that matter. I say this because one of the unique features of The Ranch is there is a swing hanging from the rafters behind the bar and somehow, I still have no idea how, Ben managed to make his way across the floor, to and behind the bar, and onto the swing, all while playing his guitar. Just a man, a swing, and a guitar.
Let’s face the music here, it’s hardcore punk and thrash metal and it wouldn’t be those two things without chaos and that’s what Suicidal Tendencies brought. It was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen and if you can see them, don’t pass it up, especially since you might get to storm the stage and play next to them. At the night's end, fellow concertgoers took to the stage and stood next to the legendary band as they rocked out. You too could say you stood on stage with legends as they shredded.
What a way to close out 2023 and if Suicidal Tendencies or any of these guys are coming your way, start your 2024 off right with them!
