Live Review: Robb Flynn’s Electric Happy Hour – ‘The More Things Change…’ Anniversary Stream

The past year has been a real struggle for all of us and we have seen a variety of unique shows and experiences from the entire music industry. One that has caught my attention is Robb Flynn’s ‘Happy Hour’ streams that started back in March 2020. To celebrate the 24th anniversary of ‘The More Things Change’, Robb and Jared MacEachern used the ‘Happy Hour’ to perform the entire album. This is sure to be a real treat.

For those of you that aren’t familiar with these sessions, Robb tends to treat them a lot more casually than an actual show. Almost like a rehearsal for the fans. The stream started with Robb and Jared casually talking to fans in the chat while getting prepared by pouring their beers, and checking their gear. The show starts with the heavy as hell ‘Ten Ton Hammer’ and it is a unique experience, to say the least. Hearing these types of the song without any drumming at all is something I thought I’d never hear, however, Robb’s charisma is enough to keep the fans at bay. From the get-go, Robb called for circle pits “in your living room” and encouraging viewers to “Scream” along to the song.

The ear-piercing scratches of ‘Take My Scars’ are instantly recognisable. Seeing Robb still putting his all into these stripped-back shows a year on is awesome. The lack of harmonic guitars and drumming allows Jared to show off just how impressive his bass playing is. It’s time for the circle pits around your room to commence with the rapid ‘Struck A Nerve’. The riff that dominates the verse sounded monstrous during this live performance. The chat was loving every moment of this one with the beers up and heads swinging. Even after 24 years, it’s clear to see that Robb hasn’t skipped a beat.

Robb and Jared spend some time talking about farts (No, I’m not joking) before starting ‘Down To None’. The ominous intro followed by a bombardment of distortion sounded heavy as hell. Seeing Jared nail these tracks from an album he didn’t record on is a great sign of his commitment to the band. I expect to hear a couple of these older songs re-appear on Machine Heads setlist in the future. The communication between Robb and the chat between songs is something I feel a lot of Livestream shows have missed, and it does make a huge difference. Robb calls for everyone’s beers to be raised before storming into ‘The Frontlines’. Once this one started, there was no stopping the chat. A wall of comments and emojis persisted throughout the band’s performance and for good reason. Jared’s bass line was seriously infectious and Robb’s delivery was full of power and grit.

Without warning, Jared kills the Bass intro of ‘Spine’. You can see that Robb and Jared have mastered the art of performing in front of the camera and they do a great job of making it feel as close to an actual show while recording in a rehearsal room. Something about the DJ esc flashing lights in the back just adds to the whole experience. Unfortunately, there was a minor mishap during this with the audio that was quickly fixed. Hearing Jared’s vocals improve more and more during these set’s has been a real joy as a fan of the band and he sounded awesome once again during this one! Once again, there is a high chance you may end up in your neighbours living room after your done circle pitting to ‘Bay Of Pigs’. Hearing Robb’s level of anger and energy, while delivering his vocal performance on these older songs, is an awesome indicator of how far he has come since releasing this record back in 1997.

The band moved swiftly onto ‘Violate’. Robb’s clean, soft vocals are harrowing during this track and he nailed it during this show. Hearing this one being played in such a stripped-back manner was an absolute treat that seemed to work exceptionally well for the song. Following that was Robb and Jared taking some time to talk with the chat before unleashing the beast know as ‘Blistering’. This marked the songs live debut! It only took 24 years however the wait was worth it. Chat lost their minds hearing this one, and I will admit I was going wild myself. How have the band never unleashed this behemoth of a tune live before? After the reaction it got from their fans during this stream, I have a feeling it may crop up in a set or two in the future. Speaking of songs that Machine Head never play, ‘Blood Of The Zodiac’ received it’s second ever outing and marks the end of ‘The More Things Change’. The chat didn’t ease up during this one and seeing Robb and Jared genuinely enjoying themselves during these two deep cuts was something that would bring a smile to any Machine Head fans face.

With the album playthrough done and dusted, Robb and Jared are not done. The mesmerising intro of Iron Maidens ‘Hallowed Is Thy Name’ rings out, Robb delivers an exceptional vocal performance for this one. Hearing him hitting the higher-pitched vocals will never get old and there is a reason as to why this cover has become a staple of Machine Head set’s since they released it on ‘The Blackening’. Even seeing Robb mess the solo up and just laughing at himself made for great viewing. Up next was the fan favourite ‘Game Over’ off ‘Bloodstone & Diamonds’. If chugging riffs and outrageously raspy vocals are your cup of tea, then this is one for you. Hearing the infamous chorus from this one had me reminiscing about just how loud the Headcases scream this at a concert and it was clear that they were doing there best by flooding the chat so much it froze.

Robb and Jared take some time to talk to chat once again while they change over to some acoustic gear for a cover of 30 seconds to mars’ ‘The Kill’. I have to admit, this wasn’t a song I was expecting however hearing Robb deliver a soothing vocal performance over an elegantly played track accompanied by Jareds melodic backing vocals was quite something. These shows have allowed fans to see a side of Machine Head that we may have never witnessed if it wasn’t for these unprecedented times. Sure, the gatekeepers will say “This ain’t metal, Sellouts” but who cares what they have to say. Just enjoy the damn music.

Robb decided he wanted to play a snippet of ‘Walk All Over You’ By ACDC before covering Black Sabbath’s ‘Die Young’. It was great to hear this cover live as I was a huge fan of the acoustic recording the band released back in 2019. The harmonies created from Robb and Jared’s guitar playing was really pleasant on the ears. For one last time, Robb takes some time to talk to chat before finishing the set with ‘Halo’. This one has always been a crowd pleasure and tonight was no exception. The chat was all singing along to the chorus and going crazy during the heavy sections. ‘Halo’ is always a great choice of song to end a night of Machine Head

The whole ‘Happy Hour’ experience has been something that has given fans something to look forward to each week and this anniversary show was one of the best I’ve experienced. Seeing just how much effort Robb and Jared put in to show just how much they care about their fans. Sure the lack of drums can be offputting for some, but getting to hear some of your favourite songs performed live every week has to count for something. Be sure to check one of these shows out for yourself! If you want to check out the performance for yourself it’s available to watch here on Facebook.