Globe Iron is one of Cleveland’s newer spots for live music, but on this night, it felt like something way older—something with real history. With thick fog in the air and multi-colored lights cutting through it, the place set the perfect scene for The Brian Jonestown Massacre.
Without a new record to promote, the group was able to divide their set across a variety of songs from their 35-year career. It was a solid reminder that they’ve been a driving force behind the whole modern psychedelic rock scene.
BJM was founded in 1990 by the lead singer, Anton Newcombe (who is the last original member remaining). Newcombe is the songwriter and producer for the band, and his commitment to doing things his own way has kept the band creative and just outside of the mainstream. Even the name, a combination of Brian Jones (the guitarist from the Rolling Stones) and the Jonestown tragedy, helps capture that mix of psych-rock roots and a kind of outsider, cult-like energy that has followed the group the whole way.
Over the years, they’ve released more than 20 albums and gone through more than 40 members, all while blending sounds like garage rock, shoegaze, folk, krautrock, and classic psych into something totally their own.
The vibe at Globe Iron was intimate, but definitely not quiet. Before they even hit the stage, fans could feel the buzz. The crowd was all over the place in the best way—different ages, styles, energies—but all clearly there for the same reason.
When the band finally took the stage, their appearance matched their sound. Each of the six members had their own thing going—’70s glam, embroidered shirts, bandanas, and Newcombe was sporting his signature feathered hat. They kicked things off with “Whoever You Are” from way back in 1997, and just like that, the room was locked in—layers of guitars, deep bass, and tambourine shimmer rattled the room.
From there, it was a mix of new and old. Songs from the modern albums felt like natural extensions of their earlier stuff—spacey and analog, but with a more reflective feel. There’s still the raw, fuzzed-out chaos they’re known for, but there’s a sense of purpose to it now.
The venue setup helped too. With no big barricade or flashy production, it all felt more direct. Fans weren’t just watching a show—they were in it. Some parts had the crowd in a collective trance, swaying along to the sounds. Other moments hit hard and loud, and the whole room moved.
For a band that’s had an ever-changing lineup, the current members are solid, with Newcombe steering the ship. Still, everyone had their moment. They swapped instruments, shifted roles, and it all felt effortless.
Time got a little weird, the haze in the room never let up, and the whole night felt bigger than it should’ve been—in the best way.
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