TVD Live Shots: Refused at the Great American Music Hall, 5/28

Refused Photographed by Jason Miller-1

I’ve seen some crazy live shows before in my life but I have to say that Refused is the absolute fucking craziest. Last time I heard these guys they had just released their groundbreaking record that changed everything, The Shape of Punk to Come. This was the first time anyone had ever fused together so many genres so beautifully while making such a bold statement at the same time. Just as Punk Rock had killed Disco in the early eighties, Refused would seek to kill the Pop Punk movement.

While they didn’t necessarily succeed with their mission before disbanding, their swan song would go on to inspire many bands across many different genres long after its release. Finally metal fans and punk fans can share the same mosh pit and find common ground on what they love so much about their genre of choice. Kerrang! listed The Shape of Punk to Come at #13 on their 50 Most Influential Albums of All Time and the legacy lived on last week at The Great American Music Hall.

The show sold out in about 5 minutes upon the announcement. Being a photographer, it’s a nightmare scenario trying to capture the energy of the show and rock ‘n’ roll theatrics of the band when you have a crowd that just wants to throw a brick at your head. But in the name of all things punk rock, I squeezed my way up to the front and pretty much got beaten into the side of the stage for as long as I could take it, give or take twenty minutes. The results, well, I’ll let you be the judge.

Refused Photographed by Jason Miller-1-2

Refused Photographed by Jason Miller-2

The show itself? Incredible. These guys have a certain mystique that is only broken up by their sheer rip your fucking face off approach to music. I love the fact that they open up the set with their new song “Elektra,” then get right to work with “The Shape of Punk to Come.”

I headed upstairs to watch the rest of the set and ran into the guys from Death Angel who might be the nicest metal band in the world by the way. I think that really makes a statement when a thrash metal legend such as Death Angel is upstairs losing their shit while watching a band like Refused. A true testament (speaking of, where were they?) to the genre crossing genius that is Refused.

Refused Photographed by Jason Miller-2-2

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Refused will be on tour with Faith No More this Summer, making this pretty much the only Summer tour that matters.

Check out hi res photos in the gallery here.

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