Dan Russell-Pinson – May 2, 2025
Formed in 1983 and still going strong 42 years later, Melvins took the stage at Underground Charlotte last night for an unforgettable set of pure rock power. Also on the bill were co-headliners Napalm Death and support from North Carolina’s Weedeater. As a special surprise Andy the Doorbum kicked off the show with a dramatic and heartfelt performance.
The Melvin’s set began with dual drummers, Dale Crover and Coady Willis, banging out a strong beat with impeccable synchronicity — like one drummer in two different bodies. Singer and guitarist, Buzz Osborne, then added wailing guitar feedback while bassist Steven Shane McDonald added more noisy ambience while on his knees and turning knobs on his effects pedals. Eventually the opening riff of their recent single “Working the Ditch” emerged from the noise and the chaotic ride began.
Buzz Osborne of Melvins performing at The Underground Charlotte (Photo by Dan Russell-Pinson)
From start to finish the intensity didn’t diminish, and it felt like you were thrown on top of a semi-truck barreling down the highway at 90 miles and hour barely holding on. Osborne and McDonald create a wall of sound with amazing guitar/bass tones no doubt carefully crafted over many decades. It can’t be stated enough how much extra power having two drummers adds to the sound, not to mention how amazing it looks on stage.
Osborne, adorned in a long black and gold robe festooned with eyeball imagery, maintained a more stoic vibe on stage creating a larger than life appearance. He has a calm, confident sense about him that you can only achieve with decades of touring. McDonald, tall and thin in a white suit also featuring eyeball imagery, is very much a showman on stage with a wide variety of facial expressions and mugging poses. At any given moment, he’s jumping in the air, posturing on his knees and generally revving up the crowd.
Steven Shane McDonald performing at The Underground Charlotte (Photo by Dan Russell-Pinson)
The Underground was absolutely packed from front to back with screaming fans. There was an active mosh-pit halfway back throughout the set and several waves of crowd-surfers being carried towards stage. The Underground staff really deserve a round of applause for doing a difficult job and keeping everyone safe.
With 29 studio albums under their belts, it can’t be easy to design a Melvins setlist. The 11 songs they chose to play took the audience on a trip backwards in time with more recent songs like “The Bloated Pipe” and “Never Say You’re Sorry” at the beginning and older classics such as “Honey Bucket” and “Your Blessened” reserved for the end. Even if you’ve never heard a Melvins song before, their music is so instantly likable and their stage show is so dynamic that you can easily get on board.
Dale Crover performing at The Underground Charlotte (Photo by Dan Russell-Pinson)
Melvins, even after 42 years, are at the top of their game and show no signs of slowing down any time soon. Their tour with Napalm Death continues through the East Coast and Midwest US and concludes on June 7th in Berkeley, CA.
Setlist: May 1, 2025 – The Underground – Charlotte, NC
Working the Ditch
The Bloated Pope
Never Say You’re Sorry
Evil New War God
It’s Shoved
Billy Fish
A History of Bad Men
Blood Witch
Honey Bucket
Revolve
Your Blessened
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