The Figgs, Charlie Watts Riots at Putnam Den
By Chelsea DiSchiano
For Saratoga TODAY
SARATOGA SPRINGS – By this point in the holiday season, it is easy to become slightly weary of Christmas music after hearing it on the radio, in stores, in shopping malls, in restaurants and any other public place looking to spread holiday cheer.
Those who are looking for a different way to celebrate the holiday season have the opportunity to do so this Saturday, December 21at the Putnam Den in Saratoga Springs, where native band members of The Figgs and opening band The Charlie Watts Riots will be playing both original and Christmas-themed tunes.
With music reminiscent of Weezer’s early days, the promising Charlie Watts Riots will be opening up the stage at 9 p.m. (doors at 8 p.m.) with plenty to offer, including their brand new Christmas single “The Christmas Fit,” an upbeat rock track which comically depicts the band’s struggle to write a holiday song, claiming “There ain’t no Christmas songs left for us to play.”
"There’s surprisingly little Christmas rock,” says Seth Powell, the Charlie Watts Riots' singer-guitarist. “You’ve got The Figgs covering the Kinks’ 'Father Christmas' and Springsteen’s 'Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.' After that, what’s left—Mannheim Steamroller?"
In addition to debuting their first-ever Christmas song, the Riots will be playing music from their newly released album, “A Break In The Weather,” the band’s follow up to its 2010 debut album “Long Story Short” which received praise and plenty of play from independent radio stations. Charlie Watts Riots are known for their energetic, rambunctious live shows which bring to life their guitar-pop sound.
Following the Charlie Watts Riots are the main event, The Figgs, who have more to celebrate than just the holidays: band members Mike Gent, Pete Donnelly and Pete Hayes, who met while students at Saratoga Springs High School, are this year celebrating their 25th year of playing music together as The Figgs with the release of “1,000 People Grinning: The Figgs Anthology.”
The Anthology celebrates the band’s 25 years of touring and recording fittingly, as it includes 25 time-tested tracks inspired by bands such as the Kinks, The Beatles, The Band, The Who and more. Over the past two and a half decades, The Figgs have quietly offered their music to a worldwide fan base who value the band’s power rock sound, sonic experimentation and youthful elements, even as the years have come and gone.
The Figgs are also known for their work and tour dates with renowned singer/songwriter Graham Parker, who came across the band after they signed to Capitol Records (which released 1996’s “Banda Macho”), recruiting the band to back him on tour. A 1997 double-album live release on “Razor & Tie, The Last Rock N Roll Tour” was the fruit of that initial tour, but the band has continued to work with the iconic Parker, including recently in his 2010 live DVD titled “Graham Parker & the Figgs: Live at the FTC.”
The Figgs are also prepared to celebrate the holidays at the Putnam Den with their cover of the Kinks’ “Father Christmas” and other holiday tunes. So if you’re getting cabin fever from this week’s snowfall, head out to Putnam Den on the 21st for two sets of rock that will get you in the groove at the peak of the holiday season. Doors open at 8 p.m., Charlie Watts Riots spark up the show at 9 p.m. The show is $15 for 18+ and $10 for 21 and up.
The Figgs / Charlie Watts Riots
Saturday, December 21 – Doors 8 p.m.
Putnam Den
63A Putnam Street
Saratoga Springs
$15 for 18+ / $10 for 21 and up
518.583.8066
putnamden.com
