Get Your Walking Papers.

Back in 2013, Dad and I bought tickets for the Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival specifically to see Jane's Addiction. After we bought the tickets and realized that it was indeed a festival that included more bands other than just Jane's Addiction, I decided to do some research. I looked up the entire lineup for the day on the website and listened to each of the bands listed. There were a couple that I liked; however, one of the bands in particular caught my eye..or ear, rather. The Walking Papers. They had only one album that had released in 2012 and after listening to each of the songs, I knew I had to check them out live at the festival. 

duff mckagan & barrett martin.

The day of the festival had arrived and I told Dad we absolutely had to go early so I could see this band. He asked the name and after telling him "Walking Papers", he laughed it off, expecting some teeny-bopper rock band. I persevered and Dad gave in. 
After arriving at the venue, we wandered up to the lawn where the opening bands, including the Dead Daisies, Danko Jones, Middle Class Rut, and my Walking Papers were playing. I was hoping these guys would live up to what I heard on YouTube. I was hoping I could prove to my dad that I do know an awesome band when I hear one. And I was hoping a great show was eminent. And it certainly was.

jeff angell.

The opening riff of their single,"The Whole World's Watching" blasted from Jeff Angell's guitar, his voice strong, bluesy and raspy belted the words The change occurs when the pain of doing the same thing is worse than the fear of change. I was mesmerized, he was purely mesmerizing. His presence on that stage claims the attention of all who are watching, all who are close enough to be enticed by his magnetic aura. Hurry up and wait. Not to mention, Duff McKagan of Guns N' Roses ripping up the bass, Barrett Martin of Screaming Trees killing the drums and Benjamin Anderson slamming the keys. You have to be high on LSD to think this is the land of the free. 
During "The Butcher", a ballad that he has confirmed is based on events from his own life (Click here to read the interview with Jeff!), Jeff ditches the guitar. As the opening piano notes linger, he kicks down the mic stand and brings it back up to him in a flourish, waiting for (and encouraging) approval from the audience. We all cheer. Haunting lyrics. Who knows how he got out early, how he got a second chance. Jeff's body vibrates with emotion and passion. Kicks down the stand again. Brings it back up. Cheers. Louder. Mothers do all sorts of things that their babies don't think they should. Into the standing crowd he leaps, bringing the mic with him and singing personally into each of our faces. He introduced us to his demons, we started moving in reverse. Interacting with every audience member, he struts through the crowd. Just when things can't get no worse, that's when they do, baby. He climbs back up onto the stage, pauses and very unexpectedly he flings the microphone so that the cord wraps tightly around his neck, a dark gesture to match the dark lyrics. Seems he and the butcher knife went dancing, must have been cheek to cheek. Click here to watch the live performance of "The Butcher"!
"This song's for any of you who've had trouble with the police," Jeff starts his next song: "Two Tickets & A Room". His arm straight, palm open to the audience, signature Jeff. Ben's jumping out of his seat, he's part of the music, focusing on nothing but banging those keys. Smoke and amazement rising from the audience. During his solo, Jeff grinds the pole of the microphone along the strings of his guitar, which wails and howls with approval. His face twisted and distorted with intensity. He grooves with the melody. Gestures to members of the audience, connecting, bonding. Click here to watch the live performance of "Two Tickets & A Room"!
"You gotta let the spirit out!" announces the opening of "Capital T" accompanied by bluesy organ. You're easy on the eyes, baby, you're wise beyond your years.
Each song was vigorously unique, told a moving story, was immensely tremendous.
After more mind-blowing performances of "Red Envelopes", "I'll Stick Around" and more, Jeff and the band thank us and walk off stage, leaving the audience in a state of pure bewilderment. Okay, maybe leaving only me in a state of pure bewilderment -- I don't know about the others around me. But I knew I wasn't done with them. I wanted more and more and more. I turned to Dad and he, too, was stupefied! Mesmerized.

microphone noose.

He spoke first and exclaimed how awesome this band was and how he was extremely glad I made him come early to see them (I was right, of course). All I could think was 'Wow'.
There wasn't a better performance by any band the rest of the night. Bluesy, grungy, fiery, passionate, edgy, brilliant Walking Papers stole the entire show. Even blowing Jane's Addiction and Alice In Chains right out of the water. Not only are they amazingly talented musicians, each one of them, Jeff brought the show to another level, one I've never personally witnessed before at any live show -- he was one with the audience.

benjamin anderson.

We knew we had to see them again. Days after the Festival, I decided to check out if they were scheduled to play locally any time soon. And they were! At the Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood. One of the coolest venues ever. I bought tickets immediately and on October 17, Dad and I were headed north on the 5 freeway to see our new favorite band for the second time. [To Be Continued in 'The Roxy Rocks']



Check out Walking Papers & their debut album! Click here to visit the official Walking Papers website! Follow them on twitter at @walkingpapers1 :)

^the whole world's watching - studio version^

p.s. i do not own any of the above photos or videos!