Simply hearing the the word Oysterheadconjures up the fondest of jam memories, as the short-lived supergroup featured the likes of Trey Anastasio, Les Claypool, and Stewart Copeland. The three men need no introduction as individuals, and, as an ensemble, few can match their enormous ability for fusion music.
Oysterhead formed during Jazz Fest of 2000 when Claypool was asked to put together a supergroup lineup for a one-off late-night performance. What was intended to be just a single performance blossomed into a lengthier project, as the trio released an album in 2001’s The Grand Pecking Order, and would ultimately tour behind it as well.
After almost 14 years apart, Oysterhead announced in 2019 that they would be putting the band back together. What was intended to be a triumphant return—with a mini-tour as well as festival appearances into the summer—turned out to only be a two-night run at the 1STBANK Center in Broomfield, CO on February 15th, and 16th, 2020.
After the global pandemic hit, Oysterhead was put back on the shelf with fans once again wondering when they will see the beloved supergroup. The COVID cloud eventually lifted long enough for Oysterhead to finally make its grand return, with the band playing its last scheduled reunion show in 2022 at SweetWater 420 Fest. Fans now are once again in the familiar situation of wondering when—if ever—they will see the beloved supergroup again.
Check out footage of Oysterhead performing at the Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, CA, played on this day 22 years ago. Five songs from the show, as well as an interview with the band, were compiled for a special feature on PBS.
Oysterhead – Hollywood Palladium – Hollywood, CA – 10/27/2001
[Video: Dead8Phish]
[Video: hazyphonics]
Oysterhead Video Tracklisting
01. Little Faces
02. Polka Dot Rose
03. Shadow Of A Man
04. Radon Balloon
05. Psuedo Suicide
[Originally published 10/27/17]