N*E*R*D’s performance at SXSW reviewed on MTV.com
The Hype: When am I going to learn? If it’s Stubb’s and it’s late night, then the rumors must be flying. This time, the hot 1 a.m. super-secret guest appearance rumor had troubled popped star Britney Spears joining Pharrell Williams’ N.E.R.D. during their night closing set. Getting to see a N.E.R.D. set is special enough, but a Britney sighting outside of a convenience store bathroom or the emergency room? Priceless.
The show: Needless to say, Brit was a no-show. And frankly, that’s the best thing that could have happened, because N.E.R.D had plenty going on with a six-piece live band (including two drummers) and Williams’ boundless energy. A note to any hip-hop artist out there who still thinks putting on a show means packing the stage with a posse and playing canned beats: Pharrell’s got something for your ass.
With a wildly eclectic sound reminiscent of funk legend George Clinton’s Parliament-Funkadelic orchestra, Williams led N.E.R.D. through punk-funk versions of “Brain,” “Back Seat Love” and “Maybe,” with the latter propelled by military drums, psychedelic funk keyboard runs and a trippy, Beatles-esque vibe. “Rock Star” lived up to its billing, with Pharrell practicing his high-kicking mosh pit moves and the stage filling up with nearly two dozen friends who thrashed around with the producer and co-rapper Shay Haley. After a drum solo and an almost-punk-rock-sounding new tune, the set ended with a raucous “Lapdance,” “Everyone Nose” and “She Wants to Move,” which morphed briefly into Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust.”
The Verdict: N.E.R.D. should definitely tour more often because they rock as hard as any rock band out there and Pharrell clearly loves performing live with a band.
Also check out this footage from the FADER party the night before.
11 comments
Crazy , Dope and that still doesnt come close to describing it….
I am so jealous right now. Gah, I can’t wait until you guys do your Fall tour so I can finally get a chance to see this crazy shit!!
There’s something weird going on with this entry…I think the whole thing is a link to itself. I already read this article and of the other descriptions of the event I have read, this is the best one.
http://andtheyloveit.blogspot.com
WTF is This ?!
Man you made me cry again!
Can’t wait for your European Tour!!!
This was the best concert I saw at SXSW hands down. N.E.R.D killed it.
I was present for this and lemme tell you, it was a supercalifragilisicexpialadocious performance…rockin’ out @ it’s best
Funy NERD interview…the blog should post it…
http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?id=1583192&vid=216463
so, N.E.R.D fell thru the STL for the first time ever march 10th and they left us wanting more. this was one of the best shows that i have been to in my life. they were awesome. i just wish my bf could have been there with me. i have some memories of the show posted here http://www.sneakerplay.com/members/Sneak_Peak/. ummmmmmmm, if i have these illegally posted, just lemme know and i will take em down. cuz i aint got money to be gettin sued for. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PICS FROM STL ANYWAY, YOUNG MEN? Rock on. have a safe and blessed tour with kanye, lupe and rihanna.
SneakPeak
KR first lady
Ok so I couldnt wait for a post to go up about the Indy show tonight so I am gonna leave what I have to say here.
I must say that I had the time of my life at the NERD show. It was my first, but before I fly out to Cali in 3 hrs, I wanted to say to NERD, Chester French (Hi Max!!), the band, crew, Mike and DayDay
It was an absoulte pleasure meeting you all. All of you are incredibly talented. I am on my way to attend the Musicians Institute, (I think the drummer from CF just graduated from there) and I am totally inspired to keep dreaming big.
Pharrell, I know I didnt get to personally introduce myself to you, but you showed me love in the crowd and that made my night! I was the girl in the front row with the pink, blue, and purple hair. You are an amazing performer and you and Shae, and Chad kept it hot. Thanks so much for stopping by Indy.
Chad, I hope you had a good time at the Casba! I saw you dancing and lettin loose, and I was so excited!
I made a couple of connects, so Mike, Day Day, and Max I think, dont be afraid to use the number. Yall all are super coo people! Thanks for a wonderful send off!!!!
I hope to keep in touch with all of you!
Much Love,
Ajisha (Asia)
-The girl with the pink,blue, and purple hair! lol
*I figured I would use my real name this time.
*
Oh, and one more thing…. hi to Omar and the drummer from CF, sorry I can’t remember your name! Yall were killin the set. Loved it. Also hello the the NERD guitar player….. You had me crackin up during the show! Lol. And last but not least, to the guy that came to the Casba with DayDay and made me dance my sadness away about leaving for Cali, thanks for that! Sorry I can’t remember your name either, but I won’t forget the moment. Make sure you holler when yall make it to Cali. Rockerbarbie@tmo.blackberry.net Ill be there just to see all of you again!
I’m almost to Cali now!!!!
Bye!
Ajisha (Asia)
Yella said it best, I can’t describe the concert any other way.