Pavement live refers to the experience of seeing the alternative rock band Pavement perform their music in concert. As one of the most acclaimed and influential indie rock bands of the 1990s, Pavement garnered a reputation for their energetic, eccentric, and unpredictable live shows. Here we’ll explore what makes the Pavement live experience so memorable and unique.
The Band’s Discography and Style
Pavement was formed in Stockton, California in 1989 by guitarist/vocalist Stephen Malkmus and drummer Gary Young. Over the course of their career, Pavement released five studio albums: Slanted and Enchanted (1992), Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain (1994), Wowee Zowee (1995), Brighten the Corners (1997), and Terror Twilight (1999).
The band’s lo-fi, DIY aesthetic and blend of classic rock, punk, and indie influences helped define the slacker rock/indie rock sound of the 1990s. Their songs featured absurdist, ironic lyrics, angular guitar riffs, and unconventional structures. While the band rejected the “indie rock” label, their music would go on to inspire and influence countless alternative and indie groups.
Lineup Changes and Varied Setlists
The Pavement live experience was shaped in part by the band’s frequent lineup changes and the musical diversity between their albums. Gary Young’s chaotic drumming style became a signature of their early shows, though he was replaced by more conventional drummer Steve West after Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain.
Founding members Stephen Malkmus and Scott Kannberg (“Spiral Stairs”) anchored the band throughout their career, but they were joined by various bassists like Mark Ibold and Bob Nastanovich (who also served as a hype man and percussionist).
The setlist at any given Pavement concert could vary wildly, jumping between mellow cuts, angular rockers, country-tinged songs, and dissonant noise fragments. Hardcore fans loved the range and unpredictability of the sets.
Malkmus’ Unpredictable Stage Presence
As the principal songwriter, guitarist, and singer, Stephen Malkmus was very much the focal point on stage at Pavement shows. His unique fashion sense, enigmatic personality, and bizarre banter between songs became integral parts of the live Pavement experience.
Malkmus often performed with an air of ironic detachment, delivering his twisted lyrics in a speak-sing delivery. He would go off on bizarre comedic tangents or improvised songs mid-set. The contrast between his aloofness and the band’s chaotic, gritty sound made for a strange energy. Fans never knew what Malkmus would do next on stage.
High Energy Performances
Though Pavement’s songs often had a loose, shambling feel on record, the live shows were known for being much higher energy. Kannberg’s aggressive guitar work added crunch and volume to tracks like “Cut Your Hair” and “Gold Soundz.” West’s drumming propelled the rhythms forward with force.
Ibold and Nastanovich enhanced the live sound as well – Ibold holding down the groove on bass, Nastanovich contributing auxiliary percussion and hype man vocals. The songs took on a heavier, more rocking sound live, inspiring fans to let loose and mosh.
Imperfections and Spontaneity
Pavement didn’t always perform perfectly live, but fans enjoyed the spontaneity and human imperfections. Songs could veer into loose jam sessions or fall apart unexpectedly. Malkmus often altered words or melodies on a whim, lending each show a sense of uniqueness. Young’s erratic drumming lead to frequent broken sticks and timing issues that added to the excitement.
Technical issues and equipment failures occurred periodically as well, but Pavement rolled with the problems and used them as fodder for jokes or improvisation. The rawness and spontaneity of the live shows added to their appeal.
Rowdy Crowds and Mosh Pits
The energy and volume of Pavement’s performances often inspired feverish, chaotic crowd responses and rowdy mosh pits, especially at smaller club shows in the 1990s. Fans pushed and shoved each other enthusiastically during the noisier, aggressive songs, feeding off the band’s raw power.
Stage diving, crowd surfing, and slam dancing were common sights at shows. The loose, unpredictable nature of the crowds complemented the band’s own live energy and disregard for perfection. The shared experience of the frenzied live show helped cement Pavement’s bond with fans.
Inside Jokes and Fan Interaction
Pavement concerts often featured inside jokes, stories, and fan interactions that fostered a feeling of community. Hardcore Pavement fans picked up on recurring jokes, stories, and antics that became staples of the live show. The band would sometimes bring audience members on stage to dance or perform stunts.
Malkmus’ obtuse stage banter also bred a sense of exclusivity – long-time fans understood his quips when newcomers did not. The humor and follower engagement created a unique shared experience that changed from night to night.
Eclectic Covers and Collaborations
In addition to playing their own diverse catalogue of songs, Pavement were known for performing eclectic covers and on-stage collaborations during their live shows. They covered everything from The Fall to Enya to KISS at various concerts over the years.
The band would often bring out supporting musicians like Bob Nastanovich or touring members for special collaborations as well. Fans never knew what musical detours or special appearances the show would take from night to night. The element of surprise kept each concert fresh and engaging.
Guitar Duels and Solos
Pavement’s two lead guitarists, Stephen Malkmus and Scott Kannberg, would frequently engage in playful guitar duels and solos during the live shows. Kannberg’s messy yet inventive soloing was a key part of Pavement’s sound.
The guitarists played off and responded to each other often mid-song, trading improvised riffs and textures. These guitar exchanges showcased both musicians’ different styles and gave concerts an adventurous, free-flowing feel. They were a highlight for guitar aficionados in the audience.
Memorable Concert Tours
Over their 10-year career, Pavement embarked on a number of concert tours that stand out in their history. Their 1992 Slanted & Enchanted tour helped build an early devoted fanbase with their scrappy, chaotic energy. The 1994 Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain tour saw them perform to much larger audiences.
Their 1997 Brighten the Corners tour showed a tighter, more polished band. The 1999 reunion tour after Terror Twilight felt like a celebratory farewell. Pavement’s final show at London’s Brixton Academy in November 1999 has become legendary among fans as a career highlight.
Influence on Indie and Alternative Rock
Beyond their own live legacy, Pavement’s infectious, unconventional concerts helped pave the way for later indie and alternative rock acts. Their blend of irreverence, complexity, and energy during live shows set a precedent for bands like Modest Mouse, The Strokes, and Arctic Monkeys.
The conversational yet slightly surreal dynamic between Pavement and their fans has been emulated by artists who want to break down the barrier between band and audience. Their legacy continues through the live shows of the artists they’ve inspired.
Post-Breakup Reunion Shows
After going on hiatus in 1999, Pavement would periodically reunite for festival appearances and one-off shows in the 2000s. These reunion concerts allowed both new and old fans to experience the band’s raucous live act.
Performances at festivals like Coachella, Primavera Sound, and Pitchfork Music Festival exposed Pavement to younger generations of indie/alternative fans. Diehard older fans travelled far and wide to see these rare reunion gigs and relive Pavement’s heyday. The reunion shows emphasized the enduring appeal of their live performances.
Conclusion
In the end, Pavement live was an unpredictable, messy, exhilarating experience for both band and fans. The loose, irreverent atmosphere fostered community and cemented Pavement’s cultural legacy. Each show offered something different through improvisation, inside jokes, and raw energy.
Seeing Pavement in concert was like being let in on a special secret – it was an exercise in controlled chaos that helped shape the indie rock concert experience. Their live ethos can still be felt through the artists they inspired and their own intermittent reunion shows.