Recap: Escape From the Zoo / Hans Gruber and the Die Hards at No Fun 11/8/2024

Recap By: Rob Smittix

Photos By: Christopher Ebbs

Asylum Albany & Upstate Black & Blue Presents: Escape From the Zoo / Hans Gruber and the Die Hards / Blast Craze / Zombie Giuliani

I have been awaiting this show ever since I heard the announcement. First, hats off to Dan Asylum for booking this. I (Rob Smittix) have been a fan of Days N Daze for years and all of Jesse Sendejas’ projects including Chad Hates George and of course Escape From the Zoo. I can’t even decide which band I like better, so I made the decision not to try. And to top it off Hans Gruber and the Die Hards are on this bill! My band Smittix played one of our last shows with them and they were a tough act to follow. When I arrived at No Fun I met Jessamyn “Onion” Cobb, the Drummer for Escape From the Zoo and he said the exact same thing that they are a tough act to follow, except they do it every night on this tour.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Jesse back in 2001 and if you’d like to check it out CLICK HERE

Jesse and I talked on the phone several times since that interview and he was even nice enough to listen to my band’s music and give his opinions, which I thought the coolest coming from one of the greatest lyricists of our time. Before the doors officially opened at No Fun that Friday evening I had a chance to finally meet Jesse in person. He was just sitting there all by himself and I didn’t want to bug him but at the same time I may not have had this same opportunity later. I extended my hand to shake his, sat down next to him on the couch and we had a pleasant chat. I confirmed that the phone number I have for him is still correct and he told me I’d reach him better if I just call and not text. He’s the coolest.

Zombie Giuliani opened the show with a killer set. They played their new album in it’s entirety as heard on RadioRadioX.com (shameless plug, lol). Punk is still alive despite what they may say. Blast Craze is also now on my radar, they reminded my brother Jay (also my drummer) and I of ourselves (Smittix). The dude even had my hat lol. I just want these bands to know that we plan on supporting them as much as we can. I wouldn’t be surprised if you see these two local punk bands on some of our bills moving forward.

One of the coolest things to me was hearing from a few people in the audience that it was my radio show that first exposed them to Escape From the Zoo. That’s the kind of feedback that I love to hear. Oh and if I bumped into you in the mosh pit, I’d blame my sister in law Amanda. She loves pushing me into people. It was a great night, we sung along, we danced and we watched a little nut slip out on stage, it was magical!

For More Information on the bands follow these links:

Escape From the Zoo: CLICK HERE

Hans Gruber and the Die Hards CLICK HERE

Zombie Giuliani CLICK HERE

Blast Craze CLICK HERE