Pet Needs, from Essex in the United Kingdom, is on only their second tour of the USA. The band’s debut album Fractured Party Music, was produced and mixed by none other than Frank Turner. Turner, both a friend and fan of Pet Needs, also produced its sophomore record Primetime Entertainment.
Crowd members who arrived in time were treated to a killer of a set by musicians whose captivating performance exuded an infectious enthusiasm for their off-stage experiences. Blasting through a set list including “Lost Again,” “Ibiza in Winter,” and “Kayak.” The band also performed “Punk Isn’t Dead, It’s Just Up For Sale.” Whether the band is trying to be ironic or not, I did find it clever that Pet Needs was selling t-shirts with that declaration emblazoned across the front and sported on stage by drummer Jack Lock.
“Doors open
With eyes unfocussed
You coast past the clones of the blokes
You swore you’d never become
And then you catch your reflection.”
Lock and bandmates, the Pet Needs founding brothers Marriott – Johnny and George – and Rich Gutz, made sure to take in take advantage of the close proximity of two Chicago icons. Those being Metro Chicago, and its neighbor a few blocks down, Wrigley Field. The lads took in an afternoon watching the American pastime day earlier, watching the Cubs raise the W against the St. Louis Cardinals, 10-4. Johnny Marriott described his excitement at the prospect of sporting a large foam finger and his surprise that the only ones seemingly sold were to him and two of his three bandmates. But still, the delight in being able to drink beer out of a bat was too good to pass up.
After the set, Jack Lock described how, while taking in a game at the Friendly Confines was wonderful, there was one aspect he found weird. Unlike the football (soccer to those of us in the land of the red, white, and blue) matches in his native land, baseball fans can sit together, no matter what team they follow. Lock, who roots for Ipswich Football Club (congrats on the promotion lads!) was referring to the fact that in football stadiums across the UK, supporters of opposing clubs are prohibited from sitting nearby each other. Or at least, those wearing visiting club kits (jerseys) and those wearing home club kits may be in close proximity to one another during the match. Things tend to get a bit rowdier across the Pond. But in the States, he reported to me, everyone was so welcoming and friendly to each other, no matter which team was preferred. Or even if no preference.
In fact, several English Premier League Kits were spotted in the audience and nary a hint of conflict witnessed.
Hopefully, the next time Pet Needs is visiting these US shores, they will be greeted by larger crowds. The band deserves it and those who missed it, really missed out on something special.