The Many Men of Man Man

words by Elliot Cole
photos by Randy Cremean

They look like a bastard hybrid of drunken sailors and carnival operators; their matching white shirts are subdued by exotic makeup, beards, mustaches, and sweat-drenched hair. This much is apparent: the many men of Man Man are wholly devoted to their utterly incomparable live show, a performance that is a blend of spastic histrionics, wailing group vocals, and chaotic instrument changes. They flail and convulse on stage while pounding out the manic cacophony that has solidified their reputation as a can’t-miss act. Their similarly sweating, howling, and devoted fanbase gyrates in response. It becomes clear that Man Man is more than just a band, it’s a passion.