In the shadows of what once stood the Twin Towers and the land that was and will always be the World Trade Center, fans from all over gathered for a free concert from the biggest band to come out of New York City since The Ramones. That band is, The Hold Steady. This, unlike anything I have written, is not a Live Review (if you are looking for one of The Hold Steady, see Bill Reese's article from last month), instead this is more of a statement, a testament of sorts to a tight group of five guys singing about life, love and the pursuit of happiness. There are not five individuals that love their job more and show it each and everyday more than the guys in The Hold Steady. Their live show reflects this and more importantly symbolizes how far they and the city that inhibits them has come.
Half way through the bands set at 7 World Trade Center, a chill hit right to the bones of everyone in attendance, some could argue that it was the wind swooping around the enormous buildings and hitting off the concrete. I'll say it was the angels next to us in the well of souls finally looking down with some ease. Hold Steady singer Craig Finn became humble and emotional when speaking about the loss of a loved one on 9/11. After his diatribe during the set, spirits awoke and came to enjoy themselves, much like their mortal counterparts. The band was draped right in front of the intimidating Silverstein building and for a concert put on by corporate America to revive Lower Manhattan, The Hold Steady were the best band to kick things off.
They are a band comprised from all over the U.S. that formed in Brooklyn earlier this decade. Five guys from five parts of the country that truly represent the five boroughs. They are New York City. They danced and played on that stage as if it were their last time ever to play in front of anyone. Bottom line The Hold Steady like New Yorkers are living for the moment in its purest form. Give these guys some time and soon enough they will be to New York what the Dropkick Murphy's are to Boston. In a city that never sleeps, souls alive and faithfully departed can rest while these guys are in town.
