RECAP: GIBBY HAYNES (Butthole Surfers) WITH THE PAUL GREEN ROCK ACADEMY at No Fun 07/22/2022 -By: Peggy of Troy

Friday night we had a living legend come to Troy. Gibby Haynes of the Butthole Surfers and The Paul Green Rock Academy jumped up on the stage at No Fun on Fri night. The Paul Green Rock Academy was made up of 13 -19 year old musical prodigies. Young males and females skilled in their playing instruments and high octane vocals. I believe there were 21 over enthusiastic participants! The kids played a 15 song set (mostly punk) before Gibby joined them, multiple guitarists, a few drum kits, keyboard, even some sax and horn. The female singers hit the highest notes and the male singers were equally amazing in their singing. My favorites were “Loss Of Control,” a group of girls gracing a well swayed choreographed cover of the Waitresses ” I Know What Boys Like and NIN’s “Head Like A Hole” It created an insane vibe and a mini mosh pit! A killer version of the 1966 Motown classic “I Heard It Through The Grape Vine ” changed the tempo, the eclectic playlist kept the listener attuned.

I never witnessed such passion these kids were more than musicians! After a 20 minute intermission, Gibby Haynes came to tower his presence over us all. His original insanity of taste was to blow up our tympanums. The kids and he opened with the Butthole Surfer’s classic “Human Cannonball,” “One Million Dead,” ” DumDum ” and ” I Saw An X- Ray of A Girl ” to those unfamiliar with Gibby he has a penchant for the most outrageous lyrics . “Pittsburgh to Lebanon,” and then followed by about a dozen songs with many mixed versions of a songs as well. A Reggae style of the Surfer’s most famous song “Pepper” was heard in this nonstop melee. Gibby used a megaphone and had some kind of multi-electronic board in front of him adding further psychedelia to an already cosmic vibe. “The Shah Sleeps In Lee Harvey Oswald’s Grave” and “Green Eyed Lady “closed out a 30 something song playlist on a sweat drenched night . Mr. Haynes signed many autographs and I got him to sign my “Dumpster Kat ” comic . Mr. Paul Green was super friendly and the adult chaperones should be commended, these kids were so approachable and friendly, it was so personal, unlike anything I ever experienced . Thanks to Sean and No Fun for getting this unforgettable evening in my musical memory banks.