When Superdrag announced a one-off reunion show earlier this spring, I was beyond shocked. The band called it quits a decade ago, and each member moved on to various projects. But when I saw it was being held in Chicago, I was beside myself! After 16 years, I was getting the opportunity to see my all-time favorite band play again! John Davis, Brandon Fisher, Tom Pappas, and Don Coffey Jr: the OG lineup, and in a club setting no less? Without having to muscle through a festival or travel to their home state of Tennessee? As if my dreams had come true, I was more than ready for Superdrag at The Subterranean!
Since the first time I heard “Destination Ursa Major” in 1996, Superdrag has been my favorite band.
I followed them through their commercial heyday on MTV and the fallout from a major label. I kept following them through their transition to a modern-day Guided By Voices on the indie touring circuit. A big part of that has always been the band’s online community. But instead of being toxic like the Swifties, the Superdrag fandom has always been about preserving the band’s legacy.
What is that legacy exactly? Four guys from Knoxville, TN who put out a string of rock n’ roll records free from commercial propaganda, agendas, or clout-chasing. That fits neatly into another aspect of the band’s lore: their honest-to-goodness live show. Needless to say, I was stoked to experience them live again – in my home town and not theirs.
A few months after the show announcement, it was revealed that Superdrag would be headlining Wicker Park Fest the next day. Despite being a convenient location (and basically free), I knew I couldn’t attend the festival. Not only did I have to work, but I had just covered Pitchfork Music Festival a few days before. I’m old and have a bad knee. There’s only so many festivals I can handle in such a short time.
Besides – Superdrag playing in a small sweaty club just felt like the real event anyway.
I arrived early to meet up with some of my longtime friends from the Superdrag online community and to get my photography credentials worked out. I then went to the venue to scope out the area where I could shoot and solidify my camera settings. However, I was mortified to find my camera wasn’t working. I turned knobs and pushed buttons in a fit of panic. Nothing happened. I turned the camera over to discover that I’d forgotten to load the battery.
Thankfully, I knew I had a few extra batteries stashed in my truck as a backup. But that also meant I had to run over a mile to the parking garage and the mile back. That might not seem like much, but I had knee surgery last fall. Despite being able to walk and work fine, I’ve been pacing myself to keep from further injury.
The trek through Wicker Park and back might as well have been 100 miles to me. I couldn’t find an Uber close enough, and there were no scooters available. But I was determined. I made it to the truck, got the battery, and finished off the room-temperature Red Bull in the cupholder before making my return.
When I got back, the venue was at capacity. It looked like the entire city was there to see Superdrag.
As the opening act, Aaron Perrino of The Sheila Divine, took the mic, I couldn’t get to the desired location I’d scoped out earlier. At first, I was pretty angry. But then I felt relieved to be freed from spending my night focused on getting the shots I wanted with my camera. Instead, I could enjoy the show for the rarity that it was. Lo and behold, I was then invited upstairs to the balcony where the band’s family was hanging out. Between the stairs and the balcony location, I had prime viewing and shooting areas!
Meeting some of the band’s family was extremely wholesome. It put into perspective that this music is just as important to them as it is to the fans.
For the remainder of the night, I found myself bouncing back and forth from the balcony to the floor and the stairs in between. If you’ve ever been to the Subterranean, you know how claustrophobic it can be. On this night, both floors were jam-packed from top to bottom. It felt more like an overstuffed house party than a traditional show. There was no moshing, fighting, or any kind of belligerence among patrons. Just folks coming together and enjoying Superdrag.
The little moments between the audience and the band felt special. For starters, it seemed like the crowd sang every single song louder than the band themselves. The little woo and hey in the intro to “Sold You An Alibi” that’s barely audible on the recording was mimicked by almost the entire audience. Early in the set between songs, Tom played a bit of the bass intro to the song “Simple Simon,” and the crowd erupted in cheer. That’s for a song that has never been officially released. It’s only been passed around between fans in rough mp3 form on their old message board since 1998.
While nonsensical to some, it’s a testament to the Superdrag’s fandom and their longevity in the digital age.
Playing songs from each era (except 2009’s Industry Giants for some reason), the band was in perfect form. The one-two punch of Fender Jazzmasters between John and Brandon was held tight by the impeccable back-beat of Tom and Don, respectfully. Maybe it was the acoustics of the Subterranean or my hyperbolic sense of reality, but for being only 4 guys, each song delivered a wall of delicious noise.
Throughout the night, John told brief stories about songs and the people they relate to. This included mentions of the late Jerry Finn who produced 1998’s Head Trip In Every Key and a heartwarming story about the titular character in “Whitey’s Theme.” The band also gave a loving shout-out to Snail Mail, as they had a minor hit last year with their cover of “Feeling Like I Do.”
“They got more people to listen to that song than we ever did, if I’m being completely honest!” John laughed candidly.
It’s those little moments that make Superdrag feel more personable.
Those warm vibes extended beyond diehard fans to music lovers and show-goers in general. This isn’t a band filled with wine-drinking, clout-chasing rock stars like Spinal Tap. These four friends grew up together and found themselves in a band that means more to a community than they could ever imagine. And it’s always been this way, even during the band’s early years.
In Episode 27 of the Crushed Monocle Podcast, John told a story behind Superdrag’s signature song “Sucked Out.” During the song’s buzz bin heyday on MTV, most believed it was a sarcastic dig at the music industry. In reality, it was actually about how disingenuous and disgusting local music scenes can be. Be it projecting a lifestyle or certain behavior, for many people, being in a scene became more important than the music itself. Superdrag made it a point to set themselves apart during their genesis, through their major label stint, and into becoming fixtures of the touring circuit.
To me, Superdrag has always been about unfiltered, salt-of-the-earth music.
It’s the reason why they remain so important to so many people. Superdrag and their community might be the only fandom out there that wants this music to be heard and wants others to join. And they’re good at it, too! Over the course of the night, I met people who had been fans during the house party days, staples of the online message boards, and even a few teenagers who just stumbled upon the band recently. Superdrag represents the common, diehard music fan. No gatekeeping, no divisiveness, and no exclusion. I’m not sure if there is any other fandom with the same mission statement.
Moving forward, I don’t know if there are any plans for more shows, albums, or tours. As long as there is air in his lungs, I know John Davis will keep recording and releasing music. But even if this is the last time I get to hear any iteration of Superdrag, I’m completely happy with it.
A big shout out to John, Don, Brandon, Tom, Andy, Ryan, Suzanne, Lydia, Amber, and everyone in the Superdrag community for their hospitable accommodations and for being awesome.
All photos by Aaron Cooper
