The last week of December proved to be a bittersweet Christmas for the St. Louis music scene, as one of the most prominent and successful bands to come out of St. Louis called it quits.

After a decade plus of touring and music making, the Urge decided that it was time to move on to bigger and better things; individually. Usually, the Urge played their annual Christmas bashes at Mississippi Nights, but a special occasion called for a special venue; The Pageant in University City.

Power-rock, mixed with a little ska echoed throughout The Pageant for three sold-out shows. The Urge gave the crowd their money’s worth as each show lasted two hours plus. The Urge, known for their high-energy shows, finished their careers just as they had started 12 years ago.

Set lists from the concerts featured tracks off all of the past Urge albums such as: Bust Me Dat 40, Magically Delicious, Puttin’ the Backbone Back, Receiving the Gift of Flavor, Master of Styles and Too Much Stereo.

It is hard to fit a decades worth of music in one show, but when you go all out for two hours, like the Urge, wondrous things can happen.

Although these were the Urge’s last official concerts, I think the Mid-west is far from seeing the last from the band that branded the slogan “Mosh Hard.” As they have their final release coming out sometime this spring on Immortal/Epic records.

The Urge was a great musical act that respected their fans and made every show an event, not just another show.