Butch Walker, Jayce Fincher, and Mitch “Slug” McLee have been through as much as any friends could imagine. They’ve been playing together in various forms since the 1990s. Most notably as alt pop-rock outfit Marvelous 3. A four-year whirlwind of albums, world tours, and record label debauchery, the guys disbanded. What they left behind is a community of fans who have waited 22 years to see them back in an official way.
There was a huge buzz when the announcement came out from Butch Walker that Marvelous 3 would be playing shows in Atlanta and releasing new music. So much so, that we got a couple of Chicago dates to round out the reunion. My ears perked up at the sound of a drivable state so I grabbed a pair of tickets and hit the road with my sister.
Our show was the final night, so there was already an abundance of bittersweet energy. There were a lot of people saying “Is this the last ever show?!” We really don’t know. What we all did know was that it was going to be a really special night. Boy, if this was the last of it, they went out with a BANG.
I rolled into the House of Blues and it was incredibly packed. I had just missed the Chicago-based opener FOOTBALLHEAD due to some logistical issues, so I will be diligent about seeing them when they roll through the Twin Cities. From where I was standing the mood was high, the beer was flowing, and everyone was ready.
The show was an absolute smash. For lack of a better word, Butch was going feral. It was extremely obvious that the guys were having the absolute best time running around the stage, playing loud, and shining under some pretty spectacular stage production. It snowed at one point. Inside. There was confetti, balloons, gorgeous lighting, bursts of fog, and stage antics galore.
Butch, Jayce, and Slug were joined by Holden Fincher -Jayce’s son – for the monumental set. Walker lamented that he had just been a little 2-year-old at all of their gigs in their early days, and was always preparing to take their jobs by practicing rockstar moves. He fit right in with the guys. It must have been a wildly proud moment for them.
I often say that Butch Walker shows feel like a reunion. Even in a state that wasn’t my own, I recognized fans. I even saw a couple from Australia that had been out to last fall’s show at The Varsity. It’s so special that we all got to gather to see this performance. There was so much thought and collaboration between the Marvelous 3 and their fans that came together to make this night. They even played fan-shot footage during pieces of the show, which was one of my favorite parts.
For me, this show will go down in my favorites. The fire in their eyes while playing and the tears as they hugged leaving the stage will stay with me. Truly good music is a balance of talent and passion. These guys have it in spades. Seeing it live is like lighting in a bottle.
We’ll be there if they come around again, but I don’t think anyone took for granted what we were given last night.
