Andrew WK – MWTX Party

A few blocks East lay the MWTX party (formally known as Mess With Texas) on a massive vacant parking lot just North of the Levi’s/FADER Fort. Over two days the 100% free party boasted quite possibly the most diverse lineup of the festival. The temperatures were frigid and unforgiving, and it was hard to stand anywhere without shivering. But the fans undaunted, watched as Andrew WK’s large band assembled. As the band commenced with some straight-up metal riffs, Andrew WK’s wife and self-styled aerobics/dance instructer Cherie Lily came forth to sing backup. Then, the man himself ran out, adorned in his notorious dirty white t-shirt and pants. WK launched into his first album opener (and anthemic battle cry) “It’s Time to Party,” with the crowd chanting along to every word. WK and his wife air-punched in unison as the band went through a set containing mostly cuts from his debut I Get Wet. He deftly switched between handheld microphone and a mic mounted on a keyboard. “I Get Wet” and “Ready to Die” aimed for his heavier edge, but the best moments came in the form of “She is Beautiful” (with its intricate sing-song verses) and early single “Party Hard” (where the crowd sang along for nearly every word). Andrew WK did his best to extol the virtues of SXSW and that his performance was a celebration of how great life is. Strangely though, the set ended directly after “Party Hard,” a mere thirty minutes from its start. Standing backstage Andrew WK could visibily be seen practically running away from the venue upon his set’s completion, running straight down the street to the van his band and him arrived in.