[PHOTO GALLERY] Low Rats, Melk Boys, Black Widows, and Whiskey Rock N Roll Club MPLS at Hook & Ladder

A wise local man once released a song called “Rock And Roll Is Alive (And It Lives In Minneapolis).”

Of course, I mean Prince. This show proved that this is true 25 years later.

The Hook & Ladder Under the Canopy series featured a massive quadruple bill of thrashy and dirty rock and roll on Thursday night. This was the perfect return for so many to come back to a live music experience. The energy was euphoric in the audience, and spectacular chaos onstage.

Seeing friends enjoy the food, drinks, and music that this series has to offer was something I couldn’t keep from smiling at. It was a step towards normalcy that illustrated what there is to look forward to as summer draws nearer.

Each band brought something unique to the stage. Whiskey Rock N Roll Club MPLS started the night with a perfectly gritty fuzzed out set. It felt like friends having the best time on stage. Black Widows followed with their badass surf-rock vibes. They also took some of their stage time to speak up about sexual violence in the music community, which brought the crowd to their feet.

Next was the screaming havoc of Low Rats. They performed a fast and furious set complete with a cover of “Brand New Cadillac” by The Clash. Surely they’ll become a band you need to see this summer. Melk boys finished the night with a bright energy.

If you feel like you missed out don’t worry! There are so many more shows in the series to check out!