Drowning Pool shook the former Iraqi sports stadium with songs like "Tear Away," "Reminded," and a few previously unreleased songs, such as one dedicated to the Soldiers themselves. The band wants the American people to see what they see, so you might hear the tribute song on the next album. The unreleased songs are also from the upcoming album, so America's Servicemen and women watching the USO concerts are getting a sneak peak at what I will readily admit is some damn fine music.

From a cover of Pantera's "Cowboys from Hell" to one of McComb's old SOil tunes, "Halo," the band kept the bodies surfing and slamming among the soldiers and airmen wedged to the front of the crowd. I only noticed a few nasty falls, and almost without exception the soldiers and airmen, men and women alike got back up and rode the waves of the crowd once again.

Ryan McCombs dedicated "Tear Away" to Drowning Pool's late frontman Dave Williams, asking the crowd to sing along as loud as they could to make sure that Dave could hear, and be here at Anaconda for the show.

Through out the show McCombs, or Mike Luce (drummer), would stop between songs to thank the troops, express their gratitude at being allowed to come to Iraq to play, or comment on the absolute lack of humidity. At one point McCombs stopped between songs to lament the pain in his throat from chewing on dust and dry air all night. "What did you guys do with the moisture? I guess you soldiers don't want it, so you said 'Screw the moisture. I don't need it!'"

Finally, as the show was winding down, McCombs told the soldiers that he'd like to take a moment to get into the foxholes with them. He then began to whisper, "Let the bodies hit the floor. Let the bodies hit the flooor."

And from there the soldiers and airmen went wild.

Drowning Pool finished the set with "Bodies," a song performed almost as loudly in the audience as the sound the band produced. The song created a truly memorable moment in the evening.

Drowning Pool wrapped up by circulating autographed photos of the band on a glossy flyer indicating the concert here at Camp Anaconda. The flyers went out as part of a meet and greet (in which everyone in attendance who wanted to take the time could get some face time with the band).

Tonight was truly a night to remember here in Iraq. Made possible by the generous contribution of time, and the band's sincere thanks to the men and women of the Armed Forces. Drowning Pool demonstrated that they have nothing but the deepest respect for the American military.

As a side note: Cover for the show was provided by a highly skilled sniper who took up a defensive position where he could best put down any efforts of the enemy to provide fireworks that might liven up the show in any kind of negative light. It was the first time in my life that I suspected the armed security at the concert really meant business.

Drowning Pool - Bodies

Dave works in Iraq and writes daily at Dave's Not Here. Man.

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