Jesus and Mary Chain Back in Los Angeles

September 12, 1998, House of Blues, Sunset Strip. The last time the Jesus and Mary Chain played Los Angeles, it was the last show with both William and Jim Reid sharing the stage. Basically, their break up show. Make what you will of the fact that it was our fine city hosting the inevitable ending of the great Glaswegian band. Getting back to the show, “played” is used here rather loosely. As the legend goes, it lasted something like 20 minutes, Jim was wasted beyond comprehension, William threw a fit and walked out and finally, refunds were issued to the paying public.

Cut to 2007, and the Brothers Reid are on the comeback trail, reunited, reinvigorated, touring and writing a new album. After a well received Coachella set and Glass House sneak preview earlier this year, they headline The Wiltern this Tuesday.

To note right about now that the Jesus and Mary Chain were “highly influential” is part of the standard boilerplate on them, but I always felt highlighting that aspect takes away from what they themselves did, as if their only accomplishment was to inspire lesser bands, when in fact it was them that created something completely new. The book of rock n’ roll is littered with bands that didn’t get their due in their day. We were granted a second chance to witness the Jesus and Mary Chain.

The Jesus and Mary Chain
w/ Black Rebel Motorcycle Club & Evan Dando
Tuesday, October 23
[Ticket Info]