Thu 9/19 @8:30PM
What can we say about Pere Ubu that cool Clevelanders don’t already know?
Formed in Cleveland in 1975 out of the ashes of another local underground rock band, Rocket from the Tombs, what once seemed like a pipe dream of rock stardom for frontman David Thomas has become a lifelong project.
And although its dense, clangorous music and Mr. Thomas’ warbly vocals didn’t seem like promising material for longevity, the band gained an influence and small, devoted fan base that eclipse their modest record sales.
The band’s had two iterations, from 1875-1982 and from 1987 until now, separated by some other Mr. Thomas projects. Of course, Pere Ubu has essentially become a Mr. Thomas solo project.
Now based in London, he’s the only constant member, and his distinctive vision — a sort of cynical superiority colored with an almost wistful romanticism — along with THOSE vocals, and his riveting, dramatic stage performances color everything the band does.
Currently the group includes Clevelanders Michele Temple on bass, Steve Mehlman on drums, and synth/theremin player Robert Wheeler, along with two Brits, guitarist Keith Moliné and electronic musician Gaham Dowdall (Gagarin). However, according to a recent post on UbuProjex, the official Ubu website, Moliné and Dowdall have been refused visas to enter the U.S.
So for the band’s September dates, which include the Beachland Ballroom, Cleveland guitarist Dave Cintron of Terminal Lovers will pinch hit. And the band is working on trying to have the British duo do a long-distance hookup for one song. Given how glitchy such projects are, don’t come counting on it; consider it a possible bonus.
Mr. Thomas says at UbuProjex, “”The whole process has been going on since May, with several delays and absurd complexities. The Cintron version will be magnificent, I have no doubt. …We will proceed with our music. Nothing will be announced from the stage. We won’t be writing ‘protest’ songs or haranguing audiences. There are visions and ideas to pursue. There’s too little time to waste it on fighting stupidity. In the words of the MGM lion,Ars longa, vita brevis.” [Yes, we know it was Hippocrates].”
Gagarin was scheduled to open, but obviously won’t, leaving Cleveland post-punk quartet This Moment in Black History as the sole opening act.
Tickets are $17.