[All Photos by Donald Rickert]

King’s X Perform at NOLA's Southport Hall

09:00 May 16, 2024
By: Donald Rickert

Rockin' New Orleans

On Wednesday night, May 15, King's X played to a packed house at Southport Hall.

King's X released their debut album, Out of Silent Planet, in 1988, but the band originally formed in Springfield, Missouri in 1979. They relocated to Katy, Texas before being signed to a label and releasing records.

They have been active, to one degree or another, since then and are one of the longest-tenured bands in rock, especially considering the line-up is, and always has been, all original: dUg Pinnick on bass and vocals, Ty Tabor on guitar and vocals, and Jerry Gaskill on drums and vocals.

While all three sing lead at times, Pinnick carries most of the weight in that regard and deservedly so. He has a powerfully gospel-tinged and soulful voice that has a wide range. And the band has harmonies reminiscent of the Beatles.

Currently touring to support their 2022 release, Three Sides of One, their sporadic schedule finally brought the band back to New Orleans at Southport Hall, a nice, spacious venue that is practically hidden by the river bend, close to Oak Street.

The band did play a lot of songs off of that aforementioned album, but they also hit the usual songs that one would expect: "Dogman," "We Were Born to Be Loved," "Groove Machine," and "Pray," among others.

They also dug out a couple of tunes that they hadn't played in a while: "Summerland" and "Over My Head."

Despite some minor hiccups— Pinnick's bass was unplugged twice— Pinnick had said that this show was one of the most fun nights in all of his life. Hyperbole aside, if it is, the show was phenomenal.

Sign Up!

FOR THE INSIDE SCOOP ON DINING, MUSIC, ENTERTAINMENT, THE ARTS & MORE!