Review: Guided By Voices at The Grey Eagle
At most Asheville concerts, you usually see a few recognizable faces. But during Guided By Voices’ Oct. 28 show at The Grey Eagle, the number was so high that I felt like I was at a friend’s house party.
The staggering number of pals from different generations, drawn together by a shared love for the 40-year-old rock band from Dayton, Ohio, served as a testament to the group’s enduring appeal. And while I enjoyed my first GBV experience alongside my buddies and as part of a thoroughly invested crowd — including a Frankenstein-looking dude who got up in the ear of nearly my entire friends group, and became the first person I’ve seen kicked out of the Eagle for intoxication — it feels right to pull in some of those, er, voices to gauge their highlights from the evening.
“It was my first GBV live experience — and first time seeing any band blaze through 44 rapid-fire bursts of timeless garage rock in a single set. The highlight for me was all about gaining a proper appreciation for the band's 40-year back catalog, which runs deeper than the Mariana Trench. During a rare bit of stage banter, riffing on the impossible choice of which songs to include in a GBV setlist, Bob Pollard explained that they only play the ‘hits.’ Perhaps his definition of that term is different from yours, but he's not lying” —Brian
“The unrepentant loud volume of the music and the unrepentant drinking onstage were both fun. I enjoyed being in the back near you guys, checking to make sure my son wasn't getting kidnapped and then absolutely losing my shit when they played ‘A Salty Salute’” —Scott
“My favorite part was the beginning when he promised to play ‘all the hits.’ [That was] funny.
My second favorite/real answer is when I got to the back for the encore and saw the whole crowd. It was one of the most audience-engaged shows I've seen at the Greagle. And that's when I remember how great they truly are — Every. Single. Time” —Julie
“My fave part was simply watching a 66-year-old Robert Pollard's sheer energy. I hope I'm taking shots of liquor and dancing around like he is when I'm that age” —Chris
“The sound was amazing that night and the energy of the crowd — especially near the front — was not like most shows. Overall, the fans were really into it” —Aaron
“It really just comes down to seeing them play ‘Motor Away.’ There's not many songs I've listened to more in my life. It's one of the most perfect rock songs ever written — so simple and to the point; rumbling strings accompanying Pollard's best attempt at Big Star level melodic hooks. I could listen to it on repeat without ever tiring” —Jonny
(Photos by Jonny Leather)
