Des Moines, Iowa, a city known for its vibrant music scene, played host to the third night of the exciting Monsters Ball tour. The day's events were a whirlwind of activity that culminated in a memorable night of live performances.
Our day began with a scenic drive from Council Bluffs, Iowa. Our hunger led us straight to the eccentrically named, Zombie Burger, in Des Moines. If you're ever in the vicinity, you owe it to your taste buds to make a stop there. The quirky, horror-themed eatery offered the perfect start to what was set to be a rocking evening.
Following our gastronomic indulgence, we departed for our Airbnb. The proximity of the accommodation to our next destination, Lefty's, made logistics a breeze. Lefty's in Des Moines is one of those venues that, despite its modest size, leaves an indelible mark on the heart of every performer and concertgoer.
In anticipation of the evening's event, we reached the venue ahead of time. Soundcheck is crucial, especially when you're hosting a metal band like the legendary Ataraxis. Anyone familiar with the genre knows of the intricacies involved in setting up. While the band got busy with their preparations, I was engrossed in arranging the merchandise stall. Lefty's has traditionally been solid when it comes to merch sales on the road.
The evening's performances kicked off with the dynamic King Serp. His familiar face had me wracking my brain, trying to place him. But the moment his chartbuster ‘Blood in the Water’ blared through the speakers, memories flooded back. The infectious tune has a way of embedding itself in one's mind, making King Serp an act hard to forget.
The torch was then passed to our tour support - The Enlightened Ones and Worldwide Chaos. Both acts exemplified energy and passion, setting the stage for the main event.
Up next were the local metal maestros, Ataraxis. Their metal performance reminded me why I had seen them live four times before. Beyond their music, there's something uniquely Ataraxis about their merchandise. A hot sauce that perfectly mirrors the band's fiery spirit. I'm guilty of indulging in it on multiple occasions, and it never disappoints.
The final acts of the evening, Louie Fontana and Gorilla Pimp, brought the house down. Dropping names like Tech N9ne and Suicide Boys in the introduction set the expectations high. And boy, did they deliver! Special mention to Gorilla Pimp's rendition of "Chris Gnarly." There's something magical about watching an artist master their craft, and tonight, Gorilla Pimp did just that.
In conclusion, Night 3 of the Monsters Ball tour was nothing short of spectacular. It was a harmonious blend of genres, talent, and energy. As the tour progresses, one thing is clear – music has the power to bring diverse groups of people together, creating memories that last a lifetime. Until the next city, keep the music playing!
READ NIGHT 2’s ARTICLE: