Here’s a throwback to what may or may not be Beck’s first television appearance on a short-lived Australian late-night show hosted by popular Aussie comedian Andrew Denton.
The clip features an amazing live performance of “Beercan”, the third single released from Beck’s major label debut, Mellow Gold followed by an impromptu cover of Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot".
After releasing the subdued, acoustic number, “Pay No Mind (Snoozer)” as his second single, “Beercan” was a return to the goofy folk-rap of Beck’s mega-hit “Loser”. Although both are great songs, neither managed to match the impact of his debut.
This early live clip shows a very young Beck, backed by an incredibly tight live band, blazing through a high energy performance of the slacker party anthem. The drummer in particular is killing it here. I don’t know who that guy is, but he sure knows how to rock a beat.
After the performance, Denton greets Beck on the stage and asks if it’s true that this is his first television appearance and a dazed (possibly stoned?) Beck responds with a confused non-answer. He then participates in one of the show’s recurring bits which challenged musical guests to perform a song on the spot randomly chosen from a barrel full of well-known hits. The song he is assigned is Pat Benatar's "Hit Me With Your Best Shot".
Beck’s response when asked if he was up for the challenge is priceless.
To close out the show, Beck deconstructs the ‘80s hit as only he can, with the familiar guitar hook quickly dissolving into wall of feedback and distortion.
Crack open a Foster's oil can and enjoy!