3D glasses at a rock show? For my first time to the Balboa Theatre and the first time I had seen Primus since the Family Values Tour in 1999 the answer is yes yes and more yes. This is what they had to say about the tour: “Primus is excited to announce a unique 3D tour this fall, featuring two sets per evening. Being that this is the first-ever traveling 3D enhanced live musical performance, this groundbreaking tour is sure to provide a one-of-a-kind psychedelic experience, further enhanced by the fact that every show will also feature Quad Surround Sound.”
The newest album that they were touring for was Green Naugahyde and the initial limited date run was such a success that they booked more dates that included San Diego. It sounded awesome to me but partially due to being two days after Christmas I could not find anyone to go with so I bought a ticket at the last minute. The only thing left was a discounted ticket in the front row…with obstructed view. It really was not that bad but then about eight people in my row inexplicably left about halfway through so I just slid over and all of a sudden my discounted ticket became a legit front row seat! The stage setup consisted of two giant astronauts on each side of a giant projection screen. A face was projected into the astronaut helmets, which made for an interesting/creepy kind of vibe. I love the intimacy of watching bands in a proper theater but the 3D element made this a very unique experience. At times the band seemed to float through the 3D landscape along with the astronauts. My favorite part was the faithful cover of Black Sabbath’s “Electric Funeral.”
SETLIST: Those Damned Blue-Collar Tweekers, Duchess and the Proverbial Mind Spread, Last Salmon Man, Glass Sandwich, Jilly’s on Smack, The Heckler, Moron TV, Jerry Was a Race Car Driver, Over the Electric Grapevine, American Life, HOINFODAMAN, Here Come the Bastards, Electric Funeral, Over the Falls, Lee Van Cleef, Hamburger Train, Del Davis Tree Farm, Harold of the Rocks, Groundhog’s Day, Too Many Puppies
