As part of the Gym Class Heroes and The Roots’ 24-venue tour across the U.S., the alternative hip-hop talents of this amazing duo stopped at 4th and B for the night. This downtown venue was big enough to give the appearance of a large concert while still maintaining a small-concert feel. With promises of this double headliner and happy hour drink prices, the crowd came early and eager.
Gym Class Heroes opened the concert with high energy and then took a minute to talk to the audience. The band’s emcee, Travis McCoy, kicked things off by quoting George Carlin’s famous “Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television,” followed by a request for everyone in the crowd to hug the person next to them. It was a slightly unorthodox start to a concert, but it got the message across of what they were all about.
With new singles like “Cookie Jar” and old classics such as “Cupid’s Chokehold,” Gym Class Heroes kept the crowd going the entire set. By the end of the performance, the band had everyone following the dance, “Put up your peace sign, put your index finger down.”
This clearly was no Jack Johnson concert.
Following Gym Class Heroes was the unique style of music belonging to The Roots.
Like Gym Class Heroes, The Roots has a hip-hop feel, but adds a strong political message to its lyrics. The moment the group took the stage, attention was drawn to the distinctive presence of Tuba Gooding Jr., the group’s tuba player. Sporting a sousaphone for the event, Jr. was animated and entertaining as he played and danced throughout the set.
The Roots kept the energy going by not breaking between songs and keeping the flow steady. This became slightly distracting later in the set, however, when they embarked on 15-minute musical spree without a gap. This bender included their own music remastered with covers like “Bad to the Bone” and was met with mixed feelings by the audience.
Overall, both bands clearly had the fans in mind and were set on pleasing the crowd. High energy, good music and cheap drinks made for a great night downtown.
For more information on upcoming events at 4th and B or on Gym Class Heroes’ and The Roots’ tour check out www.livenation.com.
LIVE AND DANGEROUS: Double headliner hits 4th and B downtown
Gym Class Heroes and The Roots kept the energy going by keeping the flow
Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Updated: Tuesday, October 21, 2008
 "Photo: Jason Payne / Staff Photographer")
Jason Payne / Staff Photographer
Lead vocalist, Travis McCoy, from Gym Class Heroes requested everyone in the audience hug the person next to them, which began the show in an unorthodox way, but is exactly what the band is all about.
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