The Cory “CJ” Wilkey Memorial show was held Saturday night at Turner Hall. By the time I arrived at the show, Fielder was finishing up their set and Predawn Hour, CJ Tribute Band and Pike Station had already performed.
I heard great things about the previous acts and Fielder sounded great at the end of their set. I had seen all of those bands at other times though, so the main reason I was there was to catch Dead Giveaway in their first performance in more than 15 years.
As the saying goes, you can’t teach old dogs new tricks. Well, in the case of Dead Giveaway, if the old dogs had great tricks to begin with, then they don’t need new ones.
The band has an 80s hair band vibe but with major musical talent and great stage presence. Lead singer Korey Haner has a range that if you’re not careful of your placement in the venue, you could possibly damage your hearing. And I mean that in a good way.
The lyrics are rather simple, but Haner’s execution makes them resonate with the listener. He often yelled “let me hear you scream” over the mic, and the audience obliged while pumping fists and dancing. Haner has the confidence and experience to get the crowd going, which can be one of the hardest things for a front man to do.
As for looks, the guys have matured over time and thankfully chopped their locks at some point and updated their gig clothes. Overall it was a great showing by the band that came together for one reason, to honor fallen musician Cory Wilkey.
Congratulations Dead Giveaway for proving to everyone, including yourselves, why you were such an inspiration to Wilkey to get into music.
Jessica Martin
jmartin@whig.com
