Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt Eschews the SXSW Stage for Crowd Participation

Any concert that starts with the Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt's lead singer saying, "If you guys want costumes..." and offering a duffle bag full of vintage clothes to its fans is one you know you're going to remember.

During Friday afternoon's (March 18) SXSW show at the Dirty Dog in Austin, Texas, the crowd immediately donned vintage French maid regalia and other outfits as lead singer Neil Fridd slipped out of his T-shirt and bathing suit in favor of a slinky purple dress. The bassist rocked a skull mask and doctor's lab coat, as the band skipped the stage and set up his own on the floor with the fans, using flashing lights that were housed in old suitcases and Christmas lights strung over a light-up snowman.

The show started a little late because the band had to set everything up, but once the music was on, Fridd brought the the small crowd in close before bursting out with the chorus of their first song, 'Snake Bites.'

Performing in the early afternoon at Dirty Dog on 6th St., Fridd interacted with the crowd throughout the entire set. At one point he left his band mates behind and drew everyone to the side of his makeshift stage to deliver a microphone-free soliloquy from atop an upturned bucket with the percussion going on behind him.

At the start of the band's final song Fridd brought out another duffle bag and unzipped it, revealing a stitched together blanket that everyone in the crowd unraveled and hoisted above their heads to create an instant VIP room. The sight from the bar was one of an adult gym class filled with hipsters as Fridd started shouting, "You make my heart explode," and everyone joined in.

It was the New York band's one and only SXSW appearance, one that Fridd was nervous about performing "for one hungover guy" and was very gracious towards the crowd for their participation.