If you had walked into Corner Brewery at 7:30 p.m. last Thursday, you would have been greeted by a unique ambiance. The brewery hosted a birthday party for a very special guest, the Violin Monster himself, as he warmed up on his violin. The lights had been dimmed to set the appropriate mood and a few test howls could be heard, followed by applause from 200 eager guests adorned in party wear.
The apparel for the evening ranged from birthday hats to costumes, including a pirate and even another wolf mask. The Violin Monster was wearing his signature wolf mask as well as a Batman mask, cape and traditional Halloween-themed sweater.
The Violin Monster was the first to play that evening and personally chose the two bands that would be playing after him, The Paths and Dragon Wagon, because he is “more of an opening act than a closing one.” He said Dragon Wagon would encourage people to dance, which is the way he wanted to end the evening.
For his set, The Violin Monster chose to play a range of songs including the theme song to “Game of Thrones,” which he prefaced with the infamous line “Winter is coming.” He also played “Old Joe Clark,” one of his favorite songs to perform. The lights were dimmed during the performance and the audience was captivated by the music, each song ending with a howl.
He expressed how he felt about turning 493 years old. “It’s hard to say, I can feel it though,” he said before stating that “each year felt like a week” to him. He likes to reflect back on the past and can’t wait to see how the world will change. When asked about his life before live performing, the
Violin Monster was hesitant to respond, saying there’s a “dark history” and he doesn’t like to give details, but he did share that he has been a pirate and a mercenary in the past. He added that the violin is soothing to him and allows him to be in social settings despite his monstrous ways.
The Violin Monster was seen giving flowers to guests as tokens of his appreciation for the people who came to see him perform. The Violin Monster said there is currently no Mrs. Monster, but there have been in the past. They sadly have “all been outlived,” and he now lives in a world of “eternal heartbreak.” After that reveal he gave one final “Awwooo!” before returning to the party.
A special limited time menu was created for the event, inspired by the Violin Monsters birth year, 1520. Smoked turkey legs and bread bowls, to name a few, could be seen coming out the kitchen.
The Violin Monster chose to have the 15th Century Charcuterie, a plate of beer-infused sausages with bread and a Gouda cheese sauce, for his birthday meal. The brew on tap, Violin Monster Autumn Ale, was a favorite for the evening. The brew is produced by the Arbor Brewing Company, a sister establishment of the Corner Brewery.
The Corner Brewery’s events coordinator, Krista Jacob, said they were happy to host the Violin Monsters birthday because he is a “figure down at the Arbor Brewing Company,” and it’s nice to work with “local people who are involved in the community.” Jacob also said they will be hosting a Halloween party later in the month.
