Last week, The Fighting Jamesons opened for Lucero at Greenville’s Handlebar. Â I pulled frontman Michael Powers off to the side for a short 5 minute conversation on the band, opening for Lucero, and what it’s like being an ‘Irish Band’ post March 17.
“First and foremost, it’s an honor to open for Lucero. Â We flew home early just to do these shows,” starts Powers as we sit across from each other in the Pub/Dining area of the venue. Â Powers is notably shorter than I am, as are most humans, and he is a powerhouse of energy. Â And that’s what he says the group tries to bring to every show–energy. Â “I grew up in a time where musicians put everything they had out on the stage every night. Â Then more recently we’ve gone through a stage where people just stand there and play the songs. Â We feel that if you came to see a show, we’re going to give you a show.” Â Indeed they did give a show that night. Â Bands like Lucero usually bring a die hard crowd who couldn’t less about anything other than the main event. Â I’ve even seen show-goers have their backs to the stage engaged in conversations while the opener is on. Â This was not the case last Thursday. Â The crowd showed up in solid numbers early and were well engaged into the hard-rocking, folksy jams that The Fighting Jamesons were laying down.
I was curious what it was like playing Irish music post-St. Patrick’s day festivals and Powers had this to say, “Well you know there are Irish festivals, all year… But seriously, we consider ourselves more than just an Irish band. Â We definitely have that influence, but we moreso view ourselves as blending folk music with rock.” The band sites influences from metal to blue-grass and have showcased that on their new album, Every Day Above Ground.
“Sharing the crowd with Lucero has been a privilege,” says Powers, “They have been wonderful and really down to earth.” Â The night before the show at the Handlebar, the two bands spent some time together drinking and sharing stories. Â The next morning, Lucero sent the band a bottle of actual Jameson to prep those Fighting Jamesons for the crowd in Greenville. Â “They really didn’t have to do that, but we so appreciated the gesture.” Â A little hair of the dog goes a long way between new friends.
You can catch the Jamesons when they circle back through the South and hit Raleigh, NC on April 5.
