Fat Dog unleashed a whirlwind of energy at Urban Spree on Wednesday night, transforming the intimate venue into a pulsating hive of chaos and fun that left everyone breathless. Anticipation crackled in the air as the fog machine filled the space, while vibrant, fast-changing lights flickered and danced, setting the stage for an unforgettable night.
The evening kicked off with an impressive set from support act ELLiS•D, who set the tone with their infectious sound. Their high-energy performance warmed up the crowd and prepared everyone for the madness to come. The synergy between the two acts was palpable, creating a seamless transition that left fans eager for more.
Frontman Joe Love stepped onto the stage wearing a striking fur hat that added an air of eccentricity to his commanding presence. From the moment the band hit the first chord, it was clear that this was going to be an electrifying performance. The crowd surged forward, ready to dive into the relentless sound that Fat Dog is known for.
The evening truly belonged to the synth player, who was unabashedly topless and rocking a red thong under his pants. His antics stole the spotlight, and his playful spirit resonated throughout the venue. From performing pushups mid-song to executing a hilarious crab dance both onstage and in the crowd, he kept everyone entertained. His chemistry with the saxophonist was a highlight, as they engaged in funny dances that had the audience roaring with laughter.
As the mosh pits formed and grew larger, Fat Dog effortlessly transformed Urban Spree into a whirlwind of movement and excitement. Bodies collided in perfect synchronization with the heavy riffs and pulsating beats, making the floor shake beneath us. Broken glass crunched underfoot as the crowd surged, embodying the wild, unrestrained energy of the night.
Joe Love made his way into the crowd several times, a magnetic force pulling fans closer as he sang directly to them, encouraging participation and elevating the energy even further. The shared experience created a sense of unity that made the show feel intimate despite the chaos surrounding us.
“King of the Slugs” was undoubtedly the highlight of the night, encapsulating the band’s unique blend of punk, funk, and unapologetic mayhem. The infectious basslines and fiery saxophone had everyone moving in sync, and as the song reached its crescendo, it felt as though the entire venue was vibrating with joy.
Just as the night reached its peak, the power abruptly cut off, plunging the venue into darkness and momentarily halting the ecstatic atmosphere. In a seamless display of camaraderie, the band took a quick break for a smoke, leaving the audience in suspense. After about ten minutes, they returned to the stage, ready to reignite the party and pick up right where they left off.
The grand finale was a cover of Benny Benassi’s classic “Satisfaction”, and it was the perfect choice to close the night. The catchy synth lines and driving beat brought the crowd back to life, with fans singing along and dancing as if the previous power outage had never happened.
Gallery
From a fan's perspective, the show was nothing short of brilliant—a chaotic, euphoric experience. But from a photographer’s perspective, it was a whole different beast. The thick fog that clouded the stage from time to time, and the constantly shifting, colorful lights created an unpredictable environment. Add to that the relentless mosh pits and bodies flying in every direction, and you had a photographer’s nightmare. Autofocus didn’t stand a chance; it was all about improvisation, quick reflexes, and hoping for those rare moments when the fog cleared just enough, or the lights aligned perfectly, to get that elusive shot of the band in their full, chaotic glory.
All photos: © Chux On Tour Photography