The Marvelous 3

August 3, 2001

Centennial Olympic Park -- Atlanta, GA

The Marvelous 3 know how to throw a going away party. And they certainly tore up their show at Olympic Park like the rock stars they are. Fully living up to the carefully selected moniker, the Marvelous 3 (actually it should be the Marvelous 4 with the addition of a second guitarist) rocked out at their free On the Bricks concert to tens of thousands of fans eager to see the hometown boys. Although it wasn't highly publicized, save for a few mentions on 99X and the Marvies website, the August 3 performance marked the last show for the Marvelous 3. Sniffle. Sniffle. Ready to pursue solo projects, the members realized it was time to call it quits and close this chapter of their rock and roll careers.

Knowing that it was a special occasion, Butch appeared decked out in (sleeveless) shirt and tie, makeup, and beautiful sparkle-top guitar, ready to go. Accompanied by bassist Jayce, drummer Slug and new guitarist J.J., the Marvies emerged to the screams of the fans. Gathered on the grass for four hours and having been subjected to five mediocre bands before the real entertainment started, the crowd had slowly transformed into an entangled mass of hot, sweaty bodies squished between one another hoping for a glimpse of one of the best live bands.

Quite possibly one of the last genuine rock and roll acts out there, the Marvelous 3 exude the rock star persona with every word, every chord and every pose-striking move. Dutifully playing through an hour long set, giving every ounce of energy they had to executing each and every song, they played with maximum flair and style. The Marvies started with "Little Head" and tore through fan favorites "You're So Yesterday," "Radio Tokyo" and the killer rock anthem "Grant Park." They played the singles "Sugarbuzz" and an amazing rendition of "Freak of the Week," but tossed in a few covers as well. In addition to the crowd pleaser "You Gotta Fight" by the Beastie Boys, Butch had some alone time on stage, tickling the ivories to Queens "Bohemian Rhapsody" and throwing in the lighter-inducing Queen hit "We Are the Champions." The Marvies continued that night with more songs from "ReadySexGo" and "Hey Album!" like "Write it on Your Hand," "Get Over" and "Mrs. Jackson."

Departing 30 minutes too early, the Marvies were beckoned back on stage at the request of the horde of screaming fans and gave them just what they wanted. To end the show, the guys gave a 15 minute performance of their traditional 80's cover, "Always Something There to Remind Me." With full-on crowd participation, pitting the girls against the boys to see who could chant the chorus the loudest, everyone could see the pride in Butch's eyes.

That night under the stars of downtown Atlanta, filled with jaw-dropping, perfectly executed pick tosses and some of the best guitar playing around, was a magical setting for the Marvelous 3 to retire their title as reigning kings of pop-rock and roll. The fans can only cling to the hope of a quick reunion, as their good times with surely be missed.

Leah Weinberg