This past Saturday, Los Angeles was host to the toe tapping music of American Murder Song. We Are Indie Horror was there to crash the wake and experience first hand what has been travelling around the country, and it was one unique experience.
If you aren’t aware, American Murder Song is the brain child of Terrance Zdunich (REPO! The Genetic Opera, The Devil’s Carnival) and Saar Hendelman. Posing as Mr. Tender and Mr. Storm respectively, this isn’t just a show, it’s a full blown wake. Set in 1816, these songs of murder tell stories of the year without a Summer. Fans flocked to the event dressed in their best funeral attire, ready to pay their respects to the deceased.
Upon entering the wake, we were prompted to sign the guest book for the recently departed Finneus Buck, the incredibly rich deceased whose will is to be read later in the evening. Throughout the evening announcements were made, scripture was recited, and mournful cries were heard as the crowd awaited the reading of the will from the lawyer, who also happens to play a mean bass.
The band started to play, and Mr.’s Storm and Tender took to the stage singing Yankee Doodle Dandy, a bold choice to begin a show, but nonetheless they did a fantastic job at getting the crowd ready for the evenings mournful festivities. Singing songs from their previous recordings, the crowd was eager to sing along and celebrate in the life of Finneus. There were videos about the late subject of the wake, as well as a fun tribute to this years election.
Perhaps the highlight of the evening was the string of eulogies given about certain members of the crowd. One of the ticket tiers includes your own eulogy, in which your picture appears on the stage, and Mr. Storm and Mr. Tender take turns coming up with euologies about your death on the spot. Needless to say it did not go smoothly, but was so much fun to watch. Watching the two gentlemen on stage each trying to out do each other with eulogies was entertaining and uplifting, as well as a great chance to catch a glimpse of their true personalities.
After the show was over, the two were kind enough to meet with each and every attendee at the wake, signing items, taking pictures, and talking with fans. A completely unexpected and unnecessary gesture, but one that resonates with their fans, and shows exactly why two guys can write songs set in 1816, and run a successful tour. They know who pays for the tour, and the two care deeply for their fans. The genuinity of Terrance Zdunich and Saar Hendelman is something that needs to be seen more in musicians, giving their everything to fans every night.
The American Murder Song Wake Tour isn’t over yet, there are still a few dates left travelling up the Northwest. For dates and tickets, visit their website linked below. We regretted not shilling out the extra dough to be have our eulogy read, we recommend you don’t make the same mistake we did.
