Can you hear it? The overwhelming sound of people screaming and chanting the band’s name as they make their way on stage. Now can you listen to it dying? As the opening number ends, you begin to realize that the lead singer acts more like a soloist than a member of the band. It becomes evident that the drummer, guitar, and bass players hold a large majority of this group’s talent and stage presence and deserve the recognition of their leader. But in turn, they are ignored as the lead singer walks on and off the stage. These are the actions I witnessed when watching Adelitas Way on stage. Now don’t get me wrong, I have been an avid fan of this band since their “Home School Valedictorian” album dropped in 2011, waiting for years for the chance to see them live. On September 25th, I got that opportunity, but I am sad to say I was left disappointed.
Rick DeJesus, lead singer and founder of Adelitas Way, gave off the vibe that he was not comfortable on stage; he moved very little around the stage and did not engage with his bandmates. Multiple times during the periods where he was not singing, he would walk off stage and not return until it was time for the next song to start. It gave off the vibe that he was some too-good frat guy who ended up forming a band with some random rockers he met at a college party. While the drummer and guitar players were eye-catching and stole the show, it is unclear whether DeJesus offered them to take or left it there as he walked away. He ended their performance by throwing the setlists into the crowd and walking off well before the band had finished their last song. There were other issues with the performance, but I’ll leave it at this. DeJesus could have been having a bad night, but he left a negative impression that would last much longer.
