Ween fans cried a collective tear when singer Aaron Freeman (Gene Ween) announced the duo’s split May 2012. Since then, guitarist Mickey Melchiondo (Dean Ween) has undoubtedly spent more time working as a fishing guide than a musician.
For those who have taken advantage of Mickey’s Guide Service, an afternoon of angling on the East Coast with one of your favorite guitarists is a great way to spend the day. That said, it’s hard to escape thoughts that Melchiondo’s time would be better spent with a six-string in his hand, as opposed to six rods.
Thankfully, Deaner has another band he’s been playing with since the early 1990s. The same year Ween released their second album, The Pod (1991), Melchiondo and vocalist Guy Heller started the Moistboyz.
This dirt rock duo has just released their fifth album, Moistboyz V, and they are hitting the road with two Bay Area stops: Slim’s in San Francisco on Saturday, March 1, and Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley on Monday, March 3.
On this tour, the lineup consists of Mondo Generator bassist Nick Olivieri and drummer Michael “Hoss” Wright, as well as guitarist Stephen Haas joining Melchiondo and Heller.
The Slim’s show is only $16, and LA’s Qui opens with a set at 9 p.m. (I can’t figure out if Jesus Lizard singer David Yow is still in Qui or not. Best to get there early just in case.)
The Moistboyz have been described as a ferocious mix of charging riffs, fusing classic metal with an outlaw county vibe. Their set will include fan favorites Carjack and The Tweaker, as well as choice selections from the new Moistboyz V album.