Age of The Nerd
The surreal collided with the extraordinary as fans gathered at Brooklyn Bowl in Philadelphia, PA for a night of eccentricity, starting with the dynamic lineup of Playboy Manbaby, Cybertronic Spree, and headlined by the peculiar Mac Sabbath.
Kicking off the evening was Playboy Manbaby, an eclectic blend of punk, rock, and irreverent humor. The Arizona-based band brought a frenetic energy to the stage, with frontman Robbie Pfeffer’s animated performance serving as the perfect introduction to the quirky night ahead. Songs like “Cadillac Car” and “You Can Be A Fascist Too” showcased their offbeat style and had the crowd dancing and laughing in equal measure.
Next up was Cybertronic Spree, a band that transported the audience to a nostalgic realm with their unique twist on classic ’80s cartoon and video game theme songs. Dressed as characters from Transformers, the Canadian group delivered electrifying renditions of iconic tunes, including the Transformers theme and the themes from “Mortal Kombat” and “Pokémon”. The crowd couldn’t help but revel in the nostalgia and marvel at the spectacle of seeing Optimus Prime and company rocking out on stage. We adored the band’s amazing cover of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck”!
As the anticipation reached its peak, the lights dimmed, and the crowd erupted in cheers as Mac Sabbath took the stage. Donning their signature costumes that blend fast food mascots with a Black Sabbath aesthetic, the band delved into a setlist of fast-food-themed parodies of classic Black Sabbath songs. The opening chords of “Sweet Beef” and “Frying Pan” resonated with fans, who sang along with the absurdly amusing lyrics.
Mac Sabbath’s frontman Ronald Osbourne, a parody of the iconic fast-food clown, commanded the stage with a mix of theatricality and humor. The band’s performance was a visual feast, complete with inflatable props, psychedelic projections, and surreal interludes. Hits like “Drive Thru The Void” and “Chicken For The Slaves” had the audience headbanging and laughing simultaneously, creating a uniquely enjoyable atmosphere.
The highlight of the night came during “Iron Man,” transformed into the food-centric “Frying Pan.” A giant grill spat flames into the air as the crowd erupted in cheers, fully immersed in the absurdity of the moment.
In conclusion, the Mac Sabbath concert, supported by Playboy Manbaby and Cybertronic Spree, was a carnival of oddities that transcended the boundaries of typical live performances. Each band brought its own brand of eccentricity to the stage, creating an unforgettable night filled with laughter, nostalgia, and headbanging. The energy, creativity, and sheer absurdity of the evening left the audience with a one-of-a-kind concert experience that will be talked about for years to come.
