Of the music shows I have gone to, there is probably only one performer that I have seen more than the Melvins…and that is only because Mike Patton is in 723 bands at last count. I have never seen a bad show by them, and they are always fun.
Nothing changed when I last caught them in Indianapolis in 2022 and even though its not really my wheelhouse to do so, I ended up drawing King Buzzo from that show.
I didn’t quite capture his Uncle Fester like head proportion, but I did master the corndog fingers that it still seems impossible that he plays guitar with. But he does.
At any rate this piece is a 12×18 Pen and Ink drawing for King Buzzo…and here is some background on the band and that tour.
King Buzzo, also known as Buzz Osborne, is the frontman and founding member of the Melvins, a highly influential American rock band known for their contributions to the grunge, sludge metal, and doom metal genres. Formed in 1983 in Montesano, Washington, the Melvins have a long and storied history characterized by their unique sound and unwavering commitment to musical innovation.
Formation and Early Years
- 1983: Buzz Osborne (guitar and vocals), Matt Lukin (bass), and Mike Dillard (drums) form the Melvins. The band starts by playing a mix of punk rock covers and original material.
- 1986: Dale Crover replaces Mike Dillard on drums, marking the beginning of the band’s classic lineup. The Melvins release their debut EP, Six Songs.
Breakthrough and Influence
- 1987: The Melvins release their first full-length album, Gluey Porch Treatments, which becomes a seminal record in the sludge metal genre.
- 1989: Ozma is released, further cementing their influence in the underground music scene.
- 1991: Bullhead and Eggnog are released, showcasing a slower, heavier sound that influences many grunge bands, including Nirvana. Kurt Cobain, a huge fan of the Melvins, invites them to open for Nirvana.
Mainstream Recognition and Continued Innovation
- 1993: The Melvins sign with Atlantic Records and release Houdini, their most commercially successful album, produced by Kurt Cobain.
- 1994: Stoner Witch is released, continuing their success with Atlantic.
- 1996: Stag is released, but the band parts ways with Atlantic Records due to poor sales and a lack of promotion.
Independent Era and Lineup Changes
- Late 1990s-2000s: The Melvins return to independent labels, releasing a string of innovative albums such as Honky (1997), The Maggot (1999), and The Bootlicker (1999).
- 2006: The band collaborates with members of Big Business, resulting in a new, heavier sound and albums like (A) Senile Animal (2006).
Recent Years and Ongoing Legacy
- 2010s: The Melvins continue to release new music and tour extensively. Albums like The Bride Screamed Murder (2010) and Tres Cabrones (2013) receive critical acclaim.
- 2020: They release Working with God, featuring Mike Dillard on drums, revisiting their early lineup.
The Melvins Tour in 2022
In 2022, the Melvins embarked on a significant tour that reaffirmed their status as one of the most enduring and influential bands in the rock and metal scene. The tour included a mixture of classic songs and new material, showcasing their extensive catalog and relentless creativity.
Key Highlights of the 2022 Tour
- Lineup: The touring lineup included Buzz Osborne (guitar, vocals), Dale Crover (drums), and Steven McDonald (bass), known for his work with Redd Kross and OFF!.
- Setlist: The setlist featured a diverse mix of tracks spanning their entire career, from early classics like “Honey Bucket” and “Night Goat” to newer songs like those from Working with God.
- Performance Style: True to their reputation, the Melvins delivered high-energy performances with their signature heavy sound and experimental flair. Osborne’s stage presence and Crover’s powerful drumming were particularly noted.
- Venues: The tour included a mix of small clubs and larger venues, allowing the band to connect with both longtime fans and new audiences. They played in major cities across the United States and Europe.
- Special Guests: Some shows featured special guest appearances and opening acts from other influential and up-and-coming bands in the rock and metal scenes.
Fan and Critical Reception
- Fans: Longtime fans of the band appreciated the mix of old and new songs, as well as the band’s commitment to delivering high-quality live performances.
- Critics: Reviews highlighted the Melvins’ consistency and ability to stay relevant in a constantly changing musical landscape. Their performance energy and the tightness of their set were often praised.
The Melvins’ 2022 tour reinforced their legacy as pioneers of the grunge and sludge metal genres, showcasing their enduring appeal and influence in the rock and metal communities.
