Mac Sabbath: Pittsburgh’s Lovin’ It

I must admit, I was skeptical. I mean, “Drive Thru Metal?” What about this would work. A Black Sabbath parody band, appropriately titled Mac Sabbath, almost seemed like an insult to the original band. I realized, though, that I had nothing to base my opinion on. Maybe they would be the greatest group to ever enter the Rex Theater. Parodies are incredible, and this parody group was fully themed down to the paper cup and straw that was their mic stand. That being said, I loaded my camera, and I enter the Rex Thursday night with an open mind.

I entered the room. It was poorly lit. I saw a few dozen balloons scattered across the floor, the small amount of light coming from the stage glistening off of the shiny, inflated rubber balls. I waited around and readied myself for the first band, Super Fun Time Awesome Party Band, was a bit disappointing. While they had a stage presence that could captivate an audience, and their light show was great for an opening act. The quality of the sound they produced was sub-par. Their show was lively, but I was hoping the next band would raise my expectations for the night.

Opener number 2, Only Flesh, was very attention-grabbing. Classifying themselves, according to their Facebook page, as Glam, Rock, metal, Punk, and Industrial music. Their set included some theatrics such as sparking bracelets and hooks through necks (yes, you read that right). Overall, I was satisfied with the performance. They had a sound that fit them, and the set left me feeling excited for what was next. Although what was next had me a little nervous.

The following act went by the name Clownvis. He was in the spotlight a few years back for some inappropriate insults thrown at the judges of America’s Got Talent. I was concerned, after watching that video on YouTube, that a not-so-nice personality was about to shine through on stage. Clownvis was actually one of the funniest clowns I have seen to date. He sang along to classics, such as the Cheers theme song and America the Beautiful, as well as some originals like Barrack-O’s Taco’s. He even did magic! He left the stage with a large round of applause, and all that was left was the headliner, Mac Sabbath.

I stood there, waiting patiently as a tarp went up in front of the stage. The only hints of life behind it were the sound check echoing from the speakers and an ominous shadow with crazy hair occasionally sliding back and forth. Half an hour went by, and fans were getting restless – and drunk, very, very drunk. Finally, the music began. The tarp fell, revealing a cat man, a burger with horns, and drunk, high, and slightly demented form of McDonald’s former icon, Grimace. As the music played, a clown appeared in a yellow straight jacket. He wrestled around, breaking free and cackling as if Ozzy Osbourne himself had entered his body. They began playing songs such as More Ribs, Chicken for the Slaves, Organic Funeral, and Frying Pan. Throughout the show, theatrics were present. Confetti flew out of a vomit bucket, water hit the crowd from a ketchup bottle, and lead singer Ronal Osbourne danced around the stage with a straw. The show ended with the Iron Man parody, Frying Pan followed by a “Mac Flag” song, Pair-a-buns.

Overall, the show, full of great music, gore, theatrics, and maniacal laughter, left me satisfied and glad I came. I will definitely be looking into more parody bands like Mac Sabbath.