Halloween show, The Vogue, 10/26/19
There are not many well known bands, at least in my intake of the world, that advertise themselves as a cover band. That’s part of what made this show special. The expression and joy with which RT&BP put on their show is infectious. Their renditions of the songs they played were unlike any other I’ve heard. The songs they chose to play were from such a broad range of genres, too! They showed nothing short of incredible range and talent. It was the type of concert you’d go to for a great time. Especially when you get to go with a group of your friends.
I’d heard about RT&BP and how great their shows are, especially their Halloween show, and I finally had the chance to check them out myself. I was definitely not disappointed. The energy at the show was unmatched by any show that I’ve been to recently. Then again, I haven’t seen any other band for a Halloween show yet. One of my favorite things about live music is how unique it can be – my favorite bands are known for their jamming. RT&BP played their songs with passion, they jammed out for an additional twist because they enjoyed what they were doing, and they did it all for their Halloween show in costume (including their lead being fully dressed in drag).
At the set break they even emceed a costume contest. Find me more concerts that do that. If you get the chance to go to a Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press concert, don’t pass it up.
The setlists (brace yourself)
First set:
- The Phantom of the Opera – Andrew Lloyd Webber
- Mamma Mia – Abba
- Shut Up and Dance – WALK THE MOON
- You Make My Dreams – Hall & Oats
- Duck Tails Theme Song – Disney
- Les Miserables (not sure which of the songs)
- Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen
- The Time Warp – The Rocky Horror Picture Show
- Anna Sun – WALK THE MOON
- You’ll Be Back – Jonathan Groff, Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton
- Dean Town – Vulfpeck
- Feel It Still – Portugal. The Man (jammed in the middle)
- I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston
- Build Me Up Buttercup – The Foundations
- -Drum solo-
- I Just Can’t Wait to be King – The Lion King
- Electric Love – Børns
- This Love – Maroon 5
- Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
- Monkey Out of Me – Simpsons (Dr. Zaius / Planet of the Apes)
Second set:
- -Jam-> Also Sprach Zarathustra -> Jam -> Also Sprach Zarathustra
- Drops of Jupiter – Train
- You’re Welcome – Moana (The Rock)
- The Dayman – Always Sunny In Philadelphia
- I’m a Believer – Smash Mouth
- Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
- Bad Romance – Lady Gaga
- Send Me On My Way – Rusted Root
- Believe – Cher
- Pokémon Theme – Jason Paige
- Africa – Toto
- Mr. Brightside – The Killers
- The Office Theme Song (intro song)
- Dancing On My Own – Robyn
- Some super short swamp swamp song
- All Star – Smash Mouth
- Dancing Queen – Abba
- I’ll Make A Man Out Of You – Donny Osmond, Mulan
- Piano Man – Billy Joel
- The Time of My Life – Bill Medley, Jennifer Warnes -> lighting engineer solo -> The Time of my Life -> sound engineer solo -> The Time of My Life
After the concert I was given a print out of the setlists by the sound engineer. Some of the songs I noted down were goofy and unplanned. Every few songs they would also play a goofy ‘level up’ ballad. Go see them in concert! So much fun.
