Knoxville flexed its alternative muscle in July
by Sam Hastings
It simply is not possible to have too much of a good thing.
And that reasoning is what allowed two beloved bands from Knoxville’s past alternative scene to reunite at the Pilot Light on July 6th.
It had been years since Lions last played a gig. It had been even longer for Capulet – almost 20, in fact. Both groups have been starving Knoxville’s indie-punk scenesters, so when a reunion show featuring both groups was announced, it made sense that there would be a line out of the door come showtime.
The price was right, too. Despite the double-rarity, a ticket for the event was just $10, the somewhat standard price for entry to the Old City venue.
For Lions, Knoxville was ready for a moment years in the making since the group’s last “final” performance back in 2019 on the same stage.
Fate can sometimes intervene; therefore, this 2024 reunion was not just about reliving past glory as much as it was a tribute to the city and the community that helped forge it.
The bittersweet night started with a set from locals La Croix Can Recycling Center. After that, Kentucky-based Townsel Turner took the stage. Then came Capulet, awaiting a sea of fans that filled every square inch of the compact venue.
The band played a set that celebrated the 20-year anniversary of “Ship to Shore,” its debut album. The set can best be summarized using the lyrics from the second track off that effort, “State of Panic.”
The stage is set / the stars in place / lights, camera, action / I will get through this if it kills me
It didn’t kill them, though.
The crowd sang along, danced and moshed, keeping Capulet going throughout. This reunion would not be possible if not for the fans, both new and old. Capulet has a special place in Knoxville’s heart, and from what I could tell, Knoxville has a special place in Capulet’s.
After the set, many inside rushed outdoors for a quick smoke, allowing others to enter or re-enter the still-crowded space.
After a quick soundcheck-tease in front of the audience, Lions took to the stage in front of a still completely packed house.
“When have we ever seen a line outside the Pilot Light?” vocalist/guitarist Josiah Smith remarked. “I’ve played many shows here to 12 people.”
The 10-song set was full of hits, stories and a nostalgic moment which found the band thanking the Pilot Light for its support.
There was no encore performance, which gives reason to believe that Lions gave it everything they had and left it all on the stage in the process. “Let’s go hang out outside where it’s nice,” joked Smith after the set.
Lions even made specific merch to match the night, which doubles down on any theories about a possible re-reunion after this one.
To support Lions, visit wearelions.bandcamp.com
