Neutral Milk Hotel

It’s been a few months since I did a reportage at a concert so it felt great to get out and draw. Neutral Milk Hotel is a special band. I’ve been a fan since the 90s and,without getting into detail, they haven’t toured since. Last year they announced a world tour, which almost completely sold out instantly. Yes, they’re the most popular, best band you’ve never heard of. I’m not sure how that happens, but it happens.

So when the tour was announced I quickly grabbed tickets for 3 shows, the last of which at Webster Hall NYC, is the show I chose to draw. I don’t really know how to put into words the type of music they play…it’s a mix of fuzz, noise, horns, a saw, and an incredible voice. It’s rare that you come across a truly inventive, unique band, but they are it.

During the last song I was drawing the singer Jeff Mangum, and the girl next to me began to cry. It was that kind of night. Here are my drawings. greg-betza_Jeff-Mangum greg-betza_Neutral-Milk-Hotel-4 greg-betza_Neutral-Milk-Hotel-1 greg-betza_Neutral-Milk-Hotel_Julian greg-betza_Jeff-Mangum-color greg-betza_Neutral-Milk-Hotel-2 greg-betza_Neutral-Milk-Hotel-3 greg-betza_Neutral-Milk-Hotel greg-betza_JeffMangum

Comments (2)

  1. Don Mcnulty

    I always admire your drawings. Gotta check out the Neutral Milk Hotel, where do bands get these names anyway, love it.

  2. Greg

    Thanks Don. No idea what the name is about…but hey it works for them!

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