02/03: Dude, we're getting the band back together!
So, last night we went to see yet another reunited band (see Feb. 27th entry about Phish for first reunited band comments) -- Toad the Wet Sprocket.
Now, to quote Austin Powers, Toad is "not really my bag" but Carrie is very much into it and so off to the Avalon we went (killer venue by the way). The main difference in the reunited Toad versus the reunited Phish is the fact that Toad is not touring in support of a new record. This translates into EXACTLY WHAT THE FANS WANT TO SEE -- the old shit!
The last thing a fan ever wants to hear when going to see a band they loved 10 years ago is "Here's a song off our new album." To a fan, this is the kiss of death. It's as if the band is actually saying, "While we play this next song that you won't recognize, we encourage to startup a conversation, go to the bathroom, go get a beer or simply tune out."
Toad did not do this. They played nothing but their own old hits and deep cuts. The crowd was thrilled. Carrie was thrilled. Me....I recognized the hits and enjoyed those though I must say, the drummer's really a little guy (smaller than you'd expect for a drummer).
For me, the highlight of the night was the 2nd opening band (yeah, we had no idea there were going to be TWO opening bands) -- Bleu. Following the OK first opening band, Wheat, Bleu kicked some serious ass. It was melodic. It rocked. It was intelligent (but not so much that the audience got lost). It was as if Ben Folds played nothing but guitar and wrote songs flavored with Steely Dan's pop hooks but backed by driving beats and grooves, a la Foo Fighters but not as hard. I was really impressed and wanted more than his short 30 minute set.
Yes, I said "his" cuz as it turns out Bleu is a one man show -- except when he's touring. Very impressive.
In what was meant to be a calming gesture, Avalon management felt it necessary to reassure everyone that "they had a sprinkler system" and not to worry. We were advised to find the nearest exit and "enjoy the night." Along with these encouraging words they posted flyers all over the club directing people to exits with the phrase "Be smart. Stay alive. Have fun." printed on each one.
I applaud their efforts but it frustrates me that it takes a terrible tragedy to motivate club owners, police and lawmakers to enforce rules designed to prevent such tragedies.
02/03: Dude, we're getting the band back together!
So, last night we went to see yet another reunited band (see Feb. 27th entry about Phish for first reunited band comments) -- Toad the Wet Sprocket.Now, to quote Austin Powers, Toad is "not really my bag" but Carrie is very much into it and so off to the Avalon we went (killer venue by the way). The main difference in the reunited Toad versus the reunited Phish is the fact that Toad is not touring in support of a new record. This translates into EXACTLY WHAT THE FANS WANT TO SEE -- the old shit!
The last thing a fan ever wants to hear when going to see a band they loved 10 years ago is "Here's a song off our new album." To a fan, this is the kiss of death. It's as if the band is actually saying, "While we play this next song that you won't recognize, we encourage to startup a conversation, go to the bathroom, go get a beer or simply tune out."
Toad did not do this. They played nothing but their own old hits and deep cuts. The crowd was thrilled. Carrie was thrilled. Me....I recognized the hits and enjoyed those though I must say, the drummer's really a little guy (smaller than you'd expect for a drummer).
For me, the highlight of the night was the 2nd opening band (yeah, we had no idea there were going to be TWO opening bands) -- Bleu. Following the OK first opening band, Wheat, Bleu kicked some serious ass. It was melodic. It rocked. It was intelligent (but not so much that the audience got lost). It was as if Ben Folds played nothing but guitar and wrote songs flavored with Steely Dan's pop hooks but backed by driving beats and grooves, a la Foo Fighters but not as hard. I was really impressed and wanted more than his short 30 minute set.
Yes, I said "his" cuz as it turns out Bleu is a one man show -- except when he's touring. Very impressive.
In what was meant to be a calming gesture, Avalon management felt it necessary to reassure everyone that "they had a sprinkler system" and not to worry. We were advised to find the nearest exit and "enjoy the night." Along with these encouraging words they posted flyers all over the club directing people to exits with the phrase "Be smart. Stay alive. Have fun." printed on each one.
I applaud their efforts but it frustrates me that it takes a terrible tragedy to motivate club owners, police and lawmakers to enforce rules designed to prevent such tragedies.
[Jeff]