Moe. returned to the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood on Saturday, November 8th. On the same date in 2003, moe. stunned a Portland crowd with a four song second set, climaxing in a raging “Timmy Tucker.” How would things compare eleven years later in Hollywood?

The band came out in full force with a “Plane Crash” opener. This kind of opener brings two challenges to a band: to work up to the high-intensity level required for the tune, without time to build up, and to sustain that level for the rest of the set.

moe. certainly delivered on the former, delighting fans with a high intensity hook, but the tunes to follow in the first set never seemed to reach the peak of “Plane Crash,” but wound up cooling things down with “Downward Facing Dog” and “Lost Along the Way.”

“Paper Dragon” was another stand-out in this set, with powerful vocals by Rob Derhak and a rhythmic rock jam. “Hi and Lo” flowed into a tight “Big World” to close out the set. While the set was rocking, it felt like moe. was holding back. Would they let loose in the second half?

For moe.rons who prefer their sets with long, heavy, flowing jams, the second set of this show was one for the ages. The set opened with “Silver Sun,” a number that is easily becoming a fan favorite from the latest album, No Guts, No Glory. (Read the review here.) The guys drew the crowd in with a mind-blowing “Recreational Chemistry,” jammed out for a full half hour, followed by a “Meat” for the ages.  moe. finished the set with a scorching “Timmy Tucker,” leaving everyone clamoring for more.

The band encored with The Meters’ “Cissy Strut,” dedicated to the memory of festival fixture “Chef Larry” Bressler, who was unfortunately killed last month, allegedly by Larry’s cousin. The iconic NOLA funk tune recalled Chef Larry’s fondness for cajun style cooking and participation in the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Finally, the band ended with the upbeat “Okayalright,” sending everyone home happy. Thanks for stopping by L.A. moe., hope to see you back here soon!

[Setlist via PT]

11/08/2014 • The Fonda Theatre • Hollywood, CA

Set 1: Plane Crash, Downward Facing Dog, Lost Along the Way, Paper Dragon, Hi and Lo> Californ IA> Big World

Set 2: Silver Sun> Recreational Chemistry, Meat> Timmy Tucker

Encore: Cissy Strut1, Okayalright

(1) Dedicated to the late Chef Larry and Denise

[Words and photography by Brandon Weil]

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