Crash Test Dummies – in concert from Royal Albert Hall, London – 1994 – BBC Radio 1 In Concert
Crash Test Dummies tonight. The post-Punk/Folk-Punk aggregation from Manitoba up north, in concert from The Royal Albert Hall in London and recorded for BBC Radio 1’s In Concert Series.
Through a lot of personnel changes, but always maintaining the distinctive vocals of Brad Roberts, Crash Test Dummies made waves in the early 90s with their one worldwide hit in 1993, Mmm, Mmm, Mmm, which was a big hit, but not in their native Canada (go figure). Although they were popular in Canada well before they hit the mainstream worldwide, their 1991 debut album The Ghosts That Haunt Me, along with the single, Superman’s Song garnered them a Juno Award in 1991. And it was their second album, God Shuffled His Feet, where their big single came from was a hit in the U.S. and was given maximum exposure on the fledgling FM radio format, Adult Album-Oriented Alternative Rock (AAA).
They maintained their worldwide popularity until 1996 where mixed critical and audience reaction to their third album, A Worm’s Life caused some reassessment of the band’s direction and brought about a hiatus. By 2000 the band were dropped by their label BMG and started their own label. But by 2006 it was time to take a longer break and Crash Test Dummies went dormant until 2010 when they resurfaced, with new personnel (again) and have stayed active since.
This concert comes around the time of their first big worldwide success, and the band are well confident and at the top of their game. Good stuff – especially if you’re familiar with the band during this time. If not, take a listen and get a better idea of what the 90s were all about from all angles, not just the underground legends, but the mainstream acts as well.
It was a busy decade with a lot going on, even in Manitoba.
