Ultrabunny’s Sonic Surge: A Night of Chaos and Controversy at the Hartford Civic Center
Hartford, CT – Sept 18, 1989: Last night, indie noise-rock stalwarts Ultrabunny took to the stage at the Hartford Civic Center, opening for Christian metal titans Stryper in a show that was anything but typical. Amid the crunch of distorted guitars and piercing feedback, an unexpected eruption of chaos would steal the spotlight-one that seemed to embody the very essence of the evening.
Ultrabunny, known for their audacious blend of dissonance and melody, unleashed a performance that felt like a feral catfight in a steel cage. The band’s set crackled with raw energy, from the frenetic drumming of Pete Beest to the cacophonous guitar work of Bobby Bunny. Each song was a visceral assault on the senses, as bassist Malcolm Tent prowled the stage like a wild animal, his growling tones churning through the crowd like a out-of-control subway train.
However, just as Ultrabunny was reaching the peak of their set, a bizarre interlude unfolded. In an ironic twist worthy of an indie rock fever dream, a battalion of irate middle managers from an adjacent insurance industry trade show stormed the stage, brandishing their briefcases like weapons. It was a surreal scene: freshly starched button-downs clashing with the chaotic aesthetic of Ultrabunny’s noise. The discontented suits, apparently miffed over a lack of networking opportunities due to the show’s sonic onslaught, expressed their grievances through a chorus of middle-management indignation.
The disruption took a darker turn as the pandemonium escalated. In the melee, stacks of gaudy cheetah-print embossed titanium Bibles and David Lee Roth-autographed “Metal Jesus” Beanie Babies™ -meant to be part of the Stryper merchandise showcase-toppled, resulting in tragic casualties. Reports indicate that at least five insurance executives were crushed under the weight of this bizarre merch avalanche, leaving the audience in a state of shock. Authorities hastily assured attendees that the Beanie Babies™, despite their alarming branding, did not contain illicit drugs hidden in their stuffing.
Amid the confusion, Ultrabunny remained undeterred, delivering their final number with a defiance that felt almost prophetic. The sound was a chaotic symphony of shouts, feedback, and sporadic applause, as the band continued to unleash their soundwaves against the tide of corporate discontent. In the end, the band emerged victorious, leaving behind a stunned audience grappling with the duality of art and commerce.
As Stryper took the stage to deliver their polished, faith-driven anthems, one couldn’t help but reflect on the clash of worlds unfolding before them. In the aftermath of Ultrabunny’s audacious display, it was clear: last night was a moment where noise rock collided with corporate reality, leaving a wake of both admiration and bewilderment.
In a scene that embodied the spirit of indie rebellion, Ultrabunny’s Hartford performance will surely be remembered as a defining moment in the annals of rock history-one where sound, fury, and corporate chaos converged in an unforgettable night of music. Whether you came for the noise or the metal, you left with a story that would outlast the music itself.
–Senior rock correspondent Enzio “Le Chat” Giepietie
