Wednesday, October 15, 2025

SUGAR returns with new blistering tune, concert dates

 
SUGAR: From left, David Barbe, Bob Mould and Malcolm Travis. Photo by Ryan Bakerink 



By Andy 


Well, it's happening... and we're ready for it.

“The long pause is over. I’m excited to hit the PLAY button. See you in 2026!” said SUGAR singer/guitarist Bob Mould in a press release today.

It's been 33 years since Mould, bassist David Barbe and drummer Malcolm Travis hammered us with their debut gem, "Copper Blue," which is as solid of a front-to-back album that you'll ever find. Truth!

"Copper Blue" -- with its deft, crushing and melody-laced offerings -- and SUGAR's subsequent releases "Beaster" and "File Under: Easy Listening" took us on a wild ride all across the alt-rock musical spectrum. It was necessary music for the times, and of course fits perfectly into any day and year. Those crucial tunes -- plus the new, blistering "House of Dead Memories" recorded in Oakland about four months ago -- hit the spot just as strongly today.

And in the live setting? Well, we've all got our stories of pummeled ear drums after attending SUGAR gigs. You simply cannot deny that the power trio brought it home a thousand-fold when it hit the stage. Cat and I along with our friends were treated to a sterling, sweat-soaked gig at the Warfield in San Francisco back in the day. Fucking brilliant!

SUGAR will once again melt faces in the concert realm in 2026: May 2 and 3 at Webster Hall in New York City and May 23 and 24 at the O2 Forum Kentish Town in London. Be prepared and bring earplugs, my friends.

On the bonus front, BMG will release "Copper Blue" the singles collection on Record Store Day Black Friday on Nov. 28. On that glorious day, SUGAR fans can dig into a limited edition four LP box set that also includes B-sides and more.

“SUGAR was a meteorite,” says Mould in the press release. “I spent all of 1991 writing and performing new material at solo shows. David and Malcolm had never met but I was certain we three would work well together. SUGAR was a workhorse. After weeks of rehearsal in early 1992, we spent three months recording Copper Blue and Beaster. By summer 1992, the musical climate was perfect for what we created. SUGAR was a phenomena. No one could have predicted the results. We held onto the wheel and did our best to enjoy the wild ride. SUGAR was part of a pivotal era in popular music, and a special time in my life."

Added Travis in the press release: “The return of SUGAR is a moment that I’ve been dreaming about for a very long time. What we managed to accomplish in the short span of time we were in existence still boggles my mind. There was so much packed into that period....the travel, the shows, the recordings and getting to meet so many people who loved and supported us. To get back to working together again with Bob and David is such a gift and I’m looking forward to what the future has in store for us.”

“Since we last played in 1995, I have worked on hundreds of records and engaged with music people all over the world. When the subject of SUGAR comes up, it is like a misty legend that they either remember from a long time ago or have only heard about. I am excited for fans to experience it in the real," Barbe noted in the press release.

And, perhaps one of the best quotes ever:

“I am really looking forward to these shows. It will all get real when I feel Bob’s amp shaking my pants legs again," Barbe added.


** "House of Dead Memories"






Saturday, September 27, 2025

It's Husker time with Buddies on Sept. 21 at the Funhouse in Seattle/ Review and Cat Rose photos


Greg Norton, David Jarnstrom and Jon Snodgrass. (All Cat Rose photos)



By Andy


Well, it took me 43 years to finally sing along on stage with a Husker dude.

I almost didn't make it. 

When the Greg Norton and Buddies tour rolled into Seattle on Sept. 21 at the Funhouse to celebrate 40-plus years of Husker Du, I figured I'd get in some backup vocals with the bassist/vocalist, guitarist/vocalist/gigs mastermind Jon Snodgrass, drummer David Jarnstrom and whoever else was along for the ride to help uncork a plethora of Husker gems.

It was on the closer with the massive group chants, "New Day Rising," when I made my move and headed toward the stage. I hopped up a few steps and then slipped on a mat, briefly fell downward but then quickly rebounded and joined Norton at the mic. My old buddy and I locked in on the words for one go-round before I stepped aside to let Norton, Snodgrass, Vic Bondi -- also on guitar/vocals here -- and Jarnstrom carry the song along its manic, melodic journey.

This spectacular gig transported me back to the '80s when I saw Husker on the regular in the SoCal area. The fellas -- plus some other guest singers, including a raucous Bondi and Scott Reynolds -- blasted through tunes like "Celebrated Summer," "Pink Turns to Blue," "Something I Learned Today," "Target," "2541," "It's Not Funny Anymore," "Girl Who Lives on Heaven Hill," "Do You Remember," "I Apologize" and more.

A host of Husker fans in the crowd also lent their exuberant voices to the gathering with raised arms and wide smiles. We were all one with the Du.

It was fucking fun. That is all.

Also unleashing solid tunes to set the stage for the Husker onslaught were Good Dirt and Reynolds in the solo setting.

Here are Cat Rose's photos from the evening:


GREG NORTON AND BUDDIES


































SCOTT REYNOLDS









GOOD DIRT