Suicidal Tendencies - Live at the Olympic Auditorium

Suicidal Tendencies
Live at the Olympic Auditorium DVD

Ahead of the release of a new album by the band after a long hiatus from the band, this DVD has been released for Cycos all around the world.

Then again, it’s taken about five years to see the light of day. I mean, this was recorded in October 2005. The guys basically played one last gig at the Olympic Auditorium as a means of sticking it to The Man before the venue was converted into a Korean-American church. Too little too late? Well, a little bit.

Y’see, there are a lot of issues with this DVD that transcend the music. Despite the distinct lack of extras that are known to beleaguer the media format which must have other titbits to survive against the competition, some of the weird happenings on stage truly do push the strange band into really bizarre territory – and it doesn’t really suit them.

For example, it opens with a commentary from Mike Muir about the band’s fight against commercial success and the like – pretty standard fare – while fans queue up to produce one of the strangest carnival shows of idiots ever. I’m not one to criticise people for their music, but some of the clothing on show, as well as the seeming self-assurance that the individuals wearing them reckon they’re all kinds of awesome, undermines the band from the outset.

I mean, I actually quite like Suicidal Tendencies. ‘Cyco Vision’ and ‘Institutionalized’ were made familiar to me through Neversoft-produced games (notably Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater and Mat Hoffman’s Pro BMX) and I followed them quite a bit when I thought I was a rebel. As a result, I was quite pleased to see the band delivering what was a great gig – though some things must be questioned.

1) Why does someone come on stage dressed as the devil, and why does he leave without any explanation?

2) Who are the idiots that crowd the stage, posing and flexing throughout some of the better numbers? It’s like Mr Universe if it was frequented by methadone users and NRA members.

3) Why don’t they make a bigger deal of the expected fighting at the end?

4) Despite the racial harmony promoted by Suicidal Tendencies, why are they, and their fans, going on like they’re straight outta Compton in their poses and signs? Why do their fans subscribe to this?

Aside from the recognisable tunes and the odd insight into the band’s past, the DVD itself is pretty standard fare – quite the disappointment really. Still, it’s probably the closest you’ll get to the not-quite-convincing world of the live performance from Suicidal Tendencies. Besides, the sound quality is great and it’s energetic enough.

By Matt Gardner

Live at the Olympic Auditorium is out now on Suicidal Records.