Grandaddy tour celebrates Sophtware Slump’s 25th anniversary
Earlier this evening indie-rockers Grandaddy delighted longtime fans and latter devotees alike with a live performance of their “Sophtware Slump” (2000) record in its entirety to mark the breakthrough album’s 25th anniversary. The crowded silver jubilee show at Brooklyn Steel comes near the close of a reunion tour that has spanned the width of America over the past two months, wrapping in Philadelphia this Saturday.
Grandaddy’s performance consisted of three sets: Every single track off The Sophtware Slump in order, followed by a first encore heavy with Sumday (2003) tunes, and a second encore closing with the raucous career-early hit A.M. 180. After the show I headed backstage to say hello to the band. (It’d been several years since last chatting with them in person as part of an impromptu interview for my music and politics rag, Tweed Magazine.) I sheepishly passed Jason a little handwritten “thank you” note for all the countless hours of enjoyment his music has given me—and for not suing me when I made my fan video for Jed’s Other Poem.
Grandaddy performing earlier this evening at Brooklyn Steel as part of their Sophtware Slump 25th anniversary tour.
My little handwritten (and heartfelt) “thank you” note inside a goldenrod card envelope, ready for handoff to Jason and Grandaddy.
Despite the all-access wristband and blessing from Grandaddy’s management, I’d been a bit timid in wandering all the way back stage—and that hesitation seemed to have cost me the opportunity to hang with the band as a whole. Although the performers had scattered a bit, Grandaddy front person Jason Lytle was still in that little greenroom. For me it was a sort of inversion of interviewing the band those years ago in Providence when all members were present and chatty, aside from Jason who desperately wanted to avoid socializing and so retreated to the quiet tour bus alone. But here he was, sober and with a few more miles of wisdom worn into his tires. We made some small talk, and I reminded him who I was—that silly kid (now old and bald) who made the renegade Jed’s Other Poem music video. He brightened a bit as he told me they’d “gotten a lot of mileage” out of my video. That was lovely to hear in person; a real cherry on top to what had already been a lovely evening.
I was pretty aware that this guy I was making small talk with had just finished a lengthy set and was probably exhausted; probably just wanted some down time and a bite to eat in private. I wrapped up my side of the conversation, handed him my note, and dutifully made my way to the exit.
My music video for Grandaddy’s song “Jed’s Other Poem”, a track from their sophomore record, The Sophtware Slump (2000).
Putting nostalgia aside for a moment, Grandaddy’s most recent record, Blu Wav, was released to much anticipation just last year, marking the band’s 6th studio LP outing. (The album’s title is a portmanteau of the genres Bluegrass and New Wave.) For this latest collection of tunes Grandaddy’s chunky space-rock synthesizers take a back seat to pedal steel guitar flourishes for a softer, mellower vibe. Blu Wav is available to stream and to purchase from Dangerbird Records.
Album artwork for Grandaddy’s 6th studio album, Blu Wav (2024), available to stream and to purchase from Dangerbird Records.
Grandaddy’s “Long as I’m Not the One” from their 6th album Blu Wav (2024). Directed by Aaron Beckum. (See video’s description on YouTube for full list of credits.)
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention opening act, Greg Freeman and his alt country band who flooded the earscape with layered melodies architecturally reminiscent of a relaxed version of Superchunk, perhaps with a touch of early Ben Kweller, dipped in lap steel and horns. As Freeman and friends warmed up the crowd, I had the good fortune to make concert friends with fellow center balcony specter (and In De Goot Entertainment co-owner), Jennie McGathy. It’s always a small gift from the universe when you meet a friendly stranger willing to hold your spot during a bathroom break or roundtrip to the bar. Thank you, Jennie! (And thank you, Grandaddy!)