Bob Mould
with David Barbe
The Earl • Atlanta, Georgia • October 25, 2024
by Charles DJ Deppner
Supported by former Sugar collaborator and bassist David Barbe, Bob Mould closed out his 2024 Fall Tour at a sold-out show in East Atlanta Village’s The Earl. Presentation-wise, Bob is as comfortable and unassuming in demeanor as his dedicated fans. But once onstage, he absolutely cuts loose. And once he leaves, there’s nothing left. He’s given it all.
It’s mesmerizing to see just about anyone with such a long and varied career still able to engage and enrapture an audience alone onstage with just himself and a guitar. It’s obvious that Bob is, has always been, and always will be a “live wire” with an energy that can’t be restricted by the confines of a band or even the limits of his own body.
Per usual, Bob’s pretty open about the trajectory of his life. From closeted teen, to pioneer of second generation American hardcore punk, to sobriety, farming, and solo artist, and landing fairly well-adjusted and recently happily married.
Seeing him standing solo, it’s obvious Bob has more than earned his place in The Pantheon of Punk Troubadours (Joe Strummer comes to mind but not many others).
His story and open disposition bring considerable solace to both longtime and new fans alike in somewhat chaotic and seemingly dangerous times. Being someone who spent formative years in Minnesota and ended up in San Francisco, the current political zeitgeist grants him some form of therapeutic pedigree. And classic songs like “Keep Believing,” everyone can definitely use a lot more of. ◼
