You know it when you hear it. You must. It’s right before the song starts – a cold intro with a burning message.
“I AM THE GOD OF HELLFIRE! AND I BRING YOU…”
The Crazy World of Arthur Brown‘s explosive single “Fire” reached no. 1 in the UK and Canada in 1968, no. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 charts, a most impressive feat for the first track released from their self-titled debut album. And it was just the beginning of a colorful, illustrious career for the fantastic and outrageous Arthur Brown, the artist known to be the pioneer of shock rock, as well as a tremendous influence on prog and metal. That operatic voice could move mountains and shake foundations. If you didn’t have the fear of fire before hearing Brown, it’d be instilled soon after.
We’re damn lucky to have Brown in Austin for a very special event, indeed. A Fundraising Evening With the God of Hellfire, Arthur Brown features Brown with resident badass Bruce Hughes and friends playing tonight at Mosaic Sound Collective, 6400 FM 969 (78724). The show is a benefit for Partners Against Child Trafficking (PACT), and features a performance by husband and wife acoustic duo The Division Men, with DJ Rock ‘n’ Roll Animal doing the spinning between sets.
Brown will show no mercy. Time to ignite. This one comes very recommended.
-Photography by the phenomenal Barbara FG.
