Those who don’t like concerts aside, it’s hard to believe there’s anyone left in St. Louis that has not been to an El Monstero concert (as they’ve been playing since November 1999 with their first show at the now-shuttered, legendary Mississippi Nights).
That they can sell out night after night in a row, year after year at the sizable The Pageant is a testament to their production and perhaps to the penchant St. Louisans have for their classic rock.
Christmastime in St. Louis wouldn’t be the same without their series of concerts — they’ve become as traditional as the Ted Drewes tree lot or the lights at Anheuser-Busch Brewery.
More photos; http://bit.ly/ElMostero19cz
For you who aren’t familiar, El Monstero is the ultimate Pink Floyd tribute band. They might just be the quintessential tribute band of all time of any genre. Their productions are high-end and sky-high — we wonder where in the world they even rehearse to bring together this trippy, fantastical, over-the-top show of lights, fire, aerobatics, and more. From the tyrannical schoolmaster during “Another Brick in the Wall” to the creepy Nazi-like ghouls who appear often, to the flamboyant stilt walkers, pole dancers and more, everyone plays their roles fantastically.
Then there is the mastery of instruments and vocals — from lead singer/guitarist Mark Thomas Quinn, Jimmy Griffin (vocals, guitar), Kevin Gagnepain (bass), John Pessoni who delivered on his drum solo during “Run Like Hell,” Bryan Greene (guitar), and the many, many others who create a full, vivid sound from “Mother” (which the crowd replied with extended noes after the line “should I trust the government?”) and “Another Brick in the Wall” to “Shine On You Crazy Diamond.”
The entire experience engulfs your senses drawing you into a dazzling night of extra-sensory stimuli that won’t soon be forgotten. Be forewarned that future concert experiences by others will (most likely) pale in comparison.
A few tickets can still be found for some of the remaining shows in 2019: https://www.thepageant.com/calendars/. We suggest you get one or two right now.
