Dinosaur Jr.

Overview

This is a band that fans would feel need no introduction. If you are a fan --> ticket details over to the right there, but you've probably snapped one up already. If you're not a fan, may I ask, what have you been doing all this time? They started in 1984 and, unlike many a recent touring act who should've packed their amp stacks in already, Dinosaur Jr. (nee Dinosaur) are still goddamn gold as ever. When Johnny said "stay gold" in The Outsiders, ol' Ponyboy J.Mascis must have been listening.

Here's the 101. Dinosaur Jr. started out in '84 from the ashes of what is the best named hardcore punk ever, Deep Wound (seriously!). Back then, Dinosaur Jr. consisted of Mascis, Lou Barlow and Murph. There were trials, there were tribulations and a few line-up changes. Murph and Barlow left and then they came back. The planet's equilibrium was once again restored and all is well with the world. If I were writing the voice-over for a movie about them, this is the point where a deep male voice would say "...the world of alternative rock, that is!"

Featured prominently in Michael Azerrad's excellent account of the American indie underground scene Our Band Could Be Your Life, Dinosaur Jr. are fuzzed up rock dudes who mix melody and frenzy and are best experienced live, even just to see Mascis' long white wizard locks in the flesh. Supported by Deaf Wish.