Live music review: Big Dumb Fest Four invaded Mohawk once more, Rickshaw had badass burgers
Annual traditions by Austin bands make the city unique. The Black Angels have Levitation, Big Bill hosts the Big Bill Ball, and Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol runs Big Dumb Fest. For its fourth year, the band curated a heavy lineup across both Mohawk stages in the Red River Cultural District. Along with booking standout bands, Rickshaw ensures fans arrive early and stay late by collaborating with local food spots like Bad Larry Burger Club, Epic Jerk, and Busty’s to keep energy high. After returning from a tour with American Sharks (also on Saturday’s bill), Rickshaw kicked off another successful year of Big Dumb Fest, channeling undeniable energy in their tribute to their hometown.
For the seven-band lineup, some of Austin’s top shredders got the moshing started immediately. Local hard rockers Transit Method delivered a powerful set, showcasing sharp guitars and pounding drums in the night’s opening moments.
Longtime Austin trio American Sharks delivered an electrifying show after a standout 2026 comeback with new LP Not Dead Yet. Chief songwriter and producer Roky Moon embodies perfectionism—every riff and lyric is meticulously crafted.
With their first record in seven years getting major attention, it’s a big win for the band. Drummer Nick Cornetti also tours with Daiistar and Annabelle Chairlegs, underscoring his impressive drive.
The ascendance of Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol has been a sight to behold. Singer and guitarist Leo Lydon, bassist Aaron Metzdorf, and drummer Sean St. Germain are nothing short of scene lifers. With consistent album releases, worldwide tours, and mentions of them throughout the music media, the Austin powerhouses have made a name for themselves on the touring circuit that has the underground chattering about their meteoric rise.
Their ethos is simple: 8-string guitar riffs, Les Claypool-esque vocal howls, and smashing drums that feel like a blood-soaked endurance test. Since their 2016 formation, the Austin weirdos have released three full-length studio albums on top of numerous EPs and singles that have the whole town showing up and singing along to their brain-fried anthems. With a new album on the way this Fall, it’s become clear that there are no days off for the hardworking group.
Rickshaw took the stage right around when Game 7 of the NBA Western Conference Finals was wrapping up, with the San Antonio Spurs knocking out the Oklahoma City Thunder to advance to the annual championship series. The cheers could be heard from the indoor bar. This is Spurs country, make no mistake. As a Mavericks fan, any Thunder loss feels good to this writer.
“I’m The Fucking Man” served as the opening number, a cut that sparks instant mayhem with the opening bars, “Did I tell ya, I painted Mona Lisa? “1-800-EATSHIT” was an early set fist-pumping sing-along, an offering that has become an Austin music scene standard. When that chorus hits, the crowd’s unified chants could be heard from blocks away over whatever crap was at Stubb’s down the street. (It was emo rapper The Kid Laroi, just checked and it is, indeed, crap).
A packed Mohawk can be a challenge for fans. When a show like this one packs out the venue, you’d better hope it’s a moshy affair, because shows with no crowd movement offer few good vantage points unless you’re planted in the front. Fortunately for the raucous crowds the Burger Patrol brings, the tidal waves of people crowdsurfing and stage diving made for an excellent fan experience to witness (or partake in). Another aspect of the Rickshaw audience is a lot of the older metalheads show up for the big dumb riffs, too. They all show up for the Austin scene veterans who have shared the stage with the likes of The Sword, Pink Fuzz, Whores, and more.
Along with all the “hits,” some newly released cuts were sprinkled with tracks, “Peaches” and “Bough Down.” With a new album slated for the Fall, it’s a wonder of how these guys manage their time with all the relentless touring. Grinding musicians aren’t a rarity in this town, but bands lasting for over a decade and keeping the new music coming while pursuing an aggressive touring schedule is a tall order. We can only hope the train keeps rolling for the years to come for Rickshaw Billy’s Burger Patrol.
“Body Bag” and “The Cincinnati Tilt” served as the final moments for the local fest blowout on a messy, sweaty Saturday night. It was an evening filled with Austin music scene loyalists who show up to experience its unifying embrace. Whether it’s a SXSW appearance or a local festival, Rickshaw takes care of the fans needs with their bludgeoning riffs and eccentric lyricism. What we have in Austin is rare. The crowd reactions are evidence of it never being taken for granted. Thank you to Leo, Aaron, and Sean. Until next time, dudes.
All photos by Troy Gonzales
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