I'm tired of putting myself out there and I'm tired of getting shot down. They call it a game for a reason. You're playing the odds. The odds of everything lining up all at once and things working out. You take chances, and I'm tired of taking chances. Does this mean I want to be alone? Hell no. So what that means is I'll sit around being happy with my solo existence until someone else comes along that I feel is something special... and I put myself out there again. Typically resulting in a false sense of security in something I felt I could believe in. To many times in my 28 years of life has this happened, and I'm tired of it. I'm tired of getting excited about people who I think are worth my time only to discover that I'm not worth THEIR time. I'm tired of getting excited about people who aren't worth MY time. I'm tired of hearing, "you're such a great guy! I don't know why no one has snatched you up yet!" Seriously?
If you're reading this and are in a relationship that you are at least marginally happy with and have been in for at least a little bit now... do yourself a favor and call them or find them and tell them you love them and about how lucky you are to have them. Because you are, and don't you ever fucking forget it!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
An Evening With Black Light Burns
Over a month ago I read through the Combichrist (updated by Joey Letz) tour blog and that was the final push I needed to go to see this show. I wanted to be a part of what they had going on! So I bought my ticket online right then.
One month later a gnarly ice storm rolled through the Midwest and I’m homeless for the week leading up to the show (February 1st). Essentially, this bummed me out and I can’t justify missing my Monday class anymore… :(
Sunday rolled around and I had already canceled the trip, but then I realized that would be stupid of me to miss this. I don’t get to see them very often, and this would be my best chance. Tossing all of my stuff into my car and moving out of the hotel, I hit the road at about 1:30pm. The trip was uneventful. I made good time and got into Kansas City with plenty of daylight left. “This was too easy,” I thought. Following my Googly Directions to the T, I drove right by the venue. Once I realized I had overshot my destination, I pulled into a side street to turn around… only to hear a screeching noise coming from the hood of my car. “no No NO” ran through my head as the screeching quickly turned to smoke. Great! I shut off my car and popping the hood that lead to an investigation that made me believe my serpentine belt had popped loose. “Ok… what now," I thought. I don’t know a living soul in Kansas City, and now I’m stranded in a shady neighborhood. Ok… um… I’ll move all my belongings to the trunk, turn on the hazards, leave a note, and walk to the venue. I can’t be very far away.” While I didn’t know anyone in KC, I knew the guys in Black Light Burns, and while I wasn’t expecting them to save me, it would be an environment that felt a little safer and more familiar. I hoof it down the road where I found a Jiffy Lube with a lit up open sign. “SWEETawwwwww they just forgot to turn off their sign.” Not really knowing where I was going, I popped into the Pizza Hut next door and asked for directions. This was the first time I had actually spoken since 1:30pm. All that came out was, “Car… broken… how do I get to The Record Bar?" The lady at the Hut, just as confused as me, replied, “So, what do you need? A tow truck? Directions to a bar?” Directions. A guy that had just popped in for 9 pizzas for a Super Bowl Party (named Drew, by the way) offered to drive me to the venue because his pizzas weren’t ready. He gave me his phone number in case I couldn’t find a place to stay and needed someone to look at my car.
I arrive at the show, and immediately bumped into Marshall (BLB drummer), and he seemed excited to see me and shows concern about my situation. He’s on the phone and has to go (KC is his home town and is likely hooking up with friends and family). Shortly after I saw Nick, but our interaction was in passing. ((Later he told me that he was actually very sick)) Not knowing if I can go into the venue yet, I walked right in. Shortly after asking for a phone book and tracking down a number for a tow truck, Wes walked in. I followed him around the room trying to get his attention. Once I did he seemed genuinely glad to see me. I explained what was going on with my car, and when asked what I was going to do, I showed him the phonebook. “That’s a good place to start,” and he was off to work again. Shortly after, I bump into the owner who says they weren’t charging yet. While explaining I had a ticket, he asked if I needed anything. Yes. Definitively. He gives me the number of a maintenance shop that was just around the corner. So, I round up a Tow Truck and a Cab and I got my car to the parking lot of the venue. I just wanted to get my car closer to me and in a safer place since I couldn’t get it fixed tonight, so I could just get up in the morning and take care of it.
After that, I could finally relax. I came back inside and saw Wes ordering at the bar which reminded me I had a bottle of Johnnie Walker Red and a Cabernet in the car for the guys. ((I try not to come empty handed. I feel like they do so much for us, the fans, and I know life on the road is tough. I try to give back.)) They invite me to sit down with them and order some food. Upon seeing the liquor store bag, Dennis’ eyes light up. I handed Wes the bag and he pulls out the wine first, then the scotch. Dennis thanks me for the wine when Wes chimes in, “um no, THIS is for you… the wine is mine,” and handed Dennis the Red Label. They thank me for the booze, even if Dennis says he prefers the cheap
stuff. ((He actually clarified this for me later. I thought he called
what I brought "the cheap stuff.")) So, there I was… having dinner with Wes, Nick, and Dennis of Black Light Burns, and Trevor (I think) of Combichrist. We talk music and movies and bad service and bad food. I’m a quiet guy, but I assert commentary where I deem appropriate. ((which is pretty much all the time)) Dennis is not a shy person and includes me in the conversations regularly. The venue opens the doors and the party disperses. The guys disappear to go get ready for their set, and I get a PBR ((The Special!))
After pacing around for a bit with my beer, I realize if I wanted to be front and center, I should reserve my spot now. So I just go sit on the stage in the front and center and drink my beer, and people watch. Lots of Goths and lots of Emo Kids and one couple that I initially thought to be a gay couple where the smaller person was carrying around a stuffed unicorn hand puppet that he was using to interact with (like Mr. Hat/Mr. Garrison). Head banging to the music. Talking to his boyfriend. Picking up merch. Weird. ((It was only later that I realized that no, that was not a gay couple… the one with the puppet was just an interesting looking female)).
Now, I didn’t realize there was another opening band, until while at dinner Dennis asked me if I listened to Stolen Babies, and that I was in for a real treat. They all talked about what an amazing talent, Gil Sharone, the drummer was and told a story about how he was called in to play for Travis Barker while he had a broken arm. So Gil hopped the next flight to Australia and learned all the material while on the flight and played the show less than 24 hours after being asked to do it. While this story is going on, Stolen Babies is warming up and I watch the bassist, Rani Sharone, just wail on his bass. We’re talking Claypool kind of wailing, but he’s twisting and distorting the sounds. I was floored. I knew then that this was going to be a treat.
Stolen Babies hit the stage, and it was like it was story time. I wanted to sit on the floor and watch Dominique read me a story. I initially described their music as Evil Calliope music. It was very circus like and dark. Her vocal style and the music was very theatrical. At least… I thought so. Their bassist was phenomenal. Rocking out like as if he was a lead guitarist. Can’t say that I’d seen bassist get that animated before. Dominique also played an accordion (or, at least, it looked like an accordion. I don’t think that’s TECHNICALLY what it was) In an effort to make conversation between songs, she asked if anyone knew anything about dinosaurs. Stating that they had seen a giant statue of one on their way into town… but that it looked like a duck. Their bassist chimed in with “ducks come from dinosaurs, did you know that?” Once the set was over she told the crowd that they were going to be signing at the merch table, and she’d be willing for someone to buy her a drink.
I stand my ground while their gear gets broke down and Black Light Burns gets setup. I think I referred to what I was doing as “camping.” In fact, when I was done with my beer I just crushed it and put it in my pocket so as to not lose my spot throwing it away. ((You can use this strategy too. I'll allow it.)) The guys one by one hit the stage and rearrange mics and pedals and water and water and water. They really should buy stock in Nestle Water. I couldn’t even really tell you a set list as they played a mix of their two albums and a few new songs. They started with a new song that blew me away. Suddenly I didn’t care about my car anymore. Wes is more animated onstage this time around, and Dennis brings a new level of energy to the group. Also, Wes gets into the crowd a lot more. Because of my spot… I get wet. Sprayed on. Sweated on. It’s just part of being at a show. I’ve said this before but seeing bands that I’m passionate is a like a religious experience. Overwhelmed with emotions, etc. Only problem was that song three was Mesopotamia and I strained my voice, and during the next song (Stop A Bullet?) it felt like something broke loose. I needed water… badly, but wasn’t going to get it in a drinkableformat. This kind of knocked me out of the next two songs. I couldn’t sing and I was fighting back gagging. Things were going great in the set though… until this big guy that I'll just call Beardy decided to yell out “FUCK WES BORLAND.” Confused and irritated looks came from band members and other people at the show. This really sucked the life out everyone. You really could really feel it. The guys weren’t as animated and the crowd kind of calmed down. It was really lame. The guys finished the set with So Alive and announced that they would be hanging out at the merch table, signing goods, and giving out blow jobs. An exclamation of “3 Cheers for Blowjobs” seemed to landon deaf ears. They leave the stage and I head over to the merch booths.
I wasn’t really going for Black Light Burns, because I knew I’d see them,but to check out Stolen Babies. They were all hanging out at their booth. Talking with people. Real chill. It was loud so I point at their CD with my wallet in hand. Handing it to me I make a scribble gesture, and he seems surprised and humbled as he goes for his sharpie. However, he thought I meant I wanted the sticker signed that he threw in for free, but I was fumbling with getting the wrapper off the CD. I pulled out my knife to cut it off, and in doing so… gashed the shit out of my thumb. Didn’t realize it till 5 minutes later. I sing the bands praises. They really were awesome. They all seem genuinely pleased to hear what I had to say. Didn’t notice at first, but they’re guitarist wasn’t at the merch table. I didn’t have any pockets, and am super protective of my stuff, so I just took the CD out to my car. Came back inside, and went back to Stolen Babies table. I asked Dominique (they’re front lady) if anyone had gotten her that drink yet. Again, she seemed taken aback. “Oh… well… no… actually… um…” Would you like one? “Wow, really? Are you sure?” Absalootly! “Well, then can I have a jack and coke?” You got it! It was then I realized I had blood down my hand. I head over to the bar, order my drink and a Band-Aid and swab down my wound with bar napkins. He gets me the drink, and runs off to get a Band-Aid… but I discovered the one he got me didn’t have one in it. Sweet. Fetching me a new one, I head over to deliver the beverage and apply the bandage. Dominique gets all motherly and asks if I had, at least, cleaned it. She thanks me for the drink and asks, “So, what do you know about dinosaurs?” With a blank look on my face, I have no response other than, “uh, a meteor killed them?” She seemed disappointed, but laughed it off.
Moving over to the Black Light Burns booth, I see Dennis staring off into the distance and tell him to try not to act so excited. He told me he was bummed about the show. That it wasn’t very good. They didn’t have any room to move around. That the show from the previous night was so great. I just rolled my eyes and told him the truth: That it was the best show I had seen in awhile, and they brought the house down. ((yeah, I kissed a lot of ass tonight, but it was the truth)) I think his response was, “Man that means a lot. That’s all that matters, then.” “Hell ya, you deserve it.You worked your ass off tonight,” I said. I tell him that seeing bands that I’m passionate about are like a religious experience. Overwhelmed with emotions, etc. I think he's surprised to hear me say this about Black Light Burns, but he told me he totally understands and he gets the same way. Remember Beardy, well I mentioned that I could really tell a change in the band and in the crowd after he yelled what he did. "Yeah, totally," he said, “Am I going to have to beat the shit out of someone with my bass?” We talked music and merch and I mentioned that he had seen the comment I had posted about the special Edition Set they were selling for $40 that I paid $100 for. He laughed a little, but with a “man, I’m sorry” look in his eye. “What pisses me off are the people who come up to us and tell us they paid the $100 and never got theirs,” he tells me. That’s when I tell him that I ended up with two because the ones I got were jacked up. Packed poorly, and coming apart. We talked a little more when Nick and Wes showed up. Wes showed me that HE was the one that tapped into the Scotch first. ((Ijust realized I didn’t really talk to him much. I know I never thanked him for the show he put on, or even kissed his ass that much. Crap.)) The guys together seemed to be in higher spirits. Considering that Nick had been fighting an illness for two days now. All feeding energy off each other as fans approached them. Signing things. Talking shop. It was fun to watch them work. I head off to put the shirt I had acquired in my car as well, when Dennis grabs my shoulder and asks if I was sticking around. “Hell ya man, I’m in this for the long haul,” I say. “Cool, I’ll see you in a bit then.”
Soon after, the lights went down and the stage filled with smoke. Here comes Combichrist. It was pretty funny watching the faux enthusiasm ((for the sake of comedy)) Black Light Burns and Stolen Babies exuded for their entrance. “WOOOOOO COMBICHRIST!!!! I LOVE YOU ANDY!!!! OH MY GOD IT’S JOEY LETZ OF COMBICHRIST!!!!!!” The guys walked through a cleared path in the crowd, and I watched Joey wipe make up off his neck with a finger, and proceed to smear it, one at a time, on the faces of the people in the crowd. All with a goofy Stan Laurel look on his face. Everything I’ve just said are examples of the feelings I was getting from reading Joey’s blog. I could tell these guys were having a blast. They weren’t run down from the road. They were excited to be here and were excited to performing. It was in the air. You just feel it.
I’ll be honest; I didn’t know Combichrist in anything other than name and appearance before this night. So all I knew was evil. :) Once they got going I was blown away. They are a good time. The only way I can explain them is they are like StaticX but a lot more awesome. All that’s on stage is a drummer, a percussionist, and synth player, and a bear. ((yeah, that’s right, a bear! Google Andy Leplegua)) I couldn't really see any of the guys on stage except for Joey and Andy. Joey was a lot of fun to watch. He's a fun drummer. Like one of those Shaolin Monk-like drummers. He and a tech are tossing sticks at each other through the whole show. At one point it looked like he got frustrated with a piece of equipment, and he tossed it behind him angrily. Looking around, suddenly the look of the crowd became all to clear. The interesting combination of Goths and Ravers made sense. There were a number of “evil candy kids.” Granted, I hadn’t seen a band that could be described as Industrial in a long time. Maybe I’m just out of the loop. Now, don’t hate me for mentioning ravers and candy kids. There are deep electronic elements in the band… and there was an older, unattractive man there wearing lime green hot pants, and skin tight blue t-shirt and this rainbow jester cap thing. He was behind the sound booth just dancing to his little gay hearts content! I thought he was adorable, but was definitely more out of place than even the girl with the unicorn puppet.
I sort of milled around the merch booths during a bulk of their set. At one point I’m standing immediately in front of the BLB booth watching the show, when I look over to the band and they’re all “lurking” me. ((glaring at me, pointing at their eyes)) I lose it. The picture I got of them doing it was when I told them to do it again for the camera. ((Thanks for flipping me off, Dennis :D)) Shortly after this, Dennis grabs my shoulder and pulls me close.
"Do you have a hotel room yet," he asks.
“No. Not yet. Hadn’t gotten that far,” I responded.
“Well, go get one and we’ll help you pay for it. We know what you’ve had to go through to get here and we want to help you out.”
I look at him bewildered, and turn to Wes and Nick and try to talk them out of it. “You really don’t have to do this,” I plead to them.
“No, we really do,” Wes says.
“Well shit… Alright guys. Wow. Thank you. I’m at a loss.”
That’s when it hits me...
"Hey man, if I’m going to have a hotel room… do ya’ll want hot showers,” I tell Dennis.
“Oh shit, hell ya! Have you told Wes,” he asks. I shook my head and he pointed at Wes. I ask him and his face lights up. It’s like it hadn’t completely occurred them what getting a hotel room meant.
At this point I hoof it down the road. Not really sure where I was going, but I had heard there was a hotel nearby. The plan was to just go into a business and ask where it was, and I was on my way to Sonic when I saw the sign for the Holiday Inn Express. PERFECT, I think loudly to myself. I semi jog down the road thinking, “Ya know, it’s not out of the question for me to get mugged or hit by a car. I mean, that’s kind of how my luck with Kansas City usually is.” I pass by a bookstore that has books just sitting on a shelf outside. Mind you, it’s at least 11pm and everything was closed or closing. I pondered taking a book and bringing it back to the guys. “Here. A gift.” I figured they wouldn’t find it as comical as I would, so I passed. Anyway, I get to the desk of the hotel… and another Drew greets me. Small world, eh? A Drew drives me to the venue, and a Drew checks me into the hotel. I take my key, and head back to the show… uneventfully. ((considering I had to cross this one wonky intersection 3 times because of the way it was laid out, I’m impressed I didn’t die)) I show the keys back to Wes and he asks what Dennis had told me. “That ya’ll were going to pitch in on a room.” Wes proceeds to dig into the merch booth pouch and hands me some cash, and Dennis returns with another bill from the bus. I’m floored and I give them yet another chance to back out. I still don’t know what to say, but I thank them profusely. That was one more thing I didn’t have to think about.
Then, Dennis turned to me with an open hand and said, "Gummy bear?"
What was difficult for me at this point was that I had hoped to buy a Stolen Babies t-shirt… but I now felt bad about spending money since the guys had just handed me cash for a hotel room. I wanted to ask permission, since a part of me felt like I was spending THEIR money. I kept trying to get Wes’s attention, but he was neck deep in fans. Eventually I throw my hands in the air and buy the shirt. It ended up being the only clean article of clothing I had for the drive back.
The show ends and the lights come up. Honestly, the end of the show is kind of a haze. Events and interactions that all blur together… and sadly, all the notes I had taken in phone got deleted. Don’t worry; I don’t think there was much to report in this interim. Other than when it came time to close, the bar employees did what they were supposed to: be assholes. YOU GOTTA LEAVE. I DON’T CARE. RIGHT NOW. The bands started getting pissed because they had crowds of people at their merch booths. “Come on man, I’m making a sale here!” It was soon after that one of the employees chimed in with (apparently), “Alright, they’ve unleashed the cougar! Everyone’s gotta leave RIGHT NOW!” Dennis loved this. The Cougar? Really? “Somebody let the cougar loose!” Dennis would continue to yell this several more times before the evening was over. This same guy tried to get me to leave, but I showed him a $20 bill I as about to buy a tshirt with. He chilled out, and moved on. A few minutes later with the shirt over my shoulder, he tried to get me to leave again. I got some smug satisfaction when I told him, "I'm with the band."
"Oh...," was his only response.
Remember Beardy, well it was about this time that he approached the merch booth and was all, “Wes… I love you, man. I’ve been listening to you since I was 13.” “Well thanks man,” said Wes, “Hey, weren’t you guy yelling Fuck Wes Borland? Why would you do that?” The conversation got serious, and Wes was trying to get him to go away. The guy didn’t seem to want to buy anything to get signed, so Wes signed a double over piece of masking tape.
Wes asked around for a place to eat, and turns to me and asked if I wanted to go. “Well yeah, I could eat,” I said casually even though I was thinking to myself, “YES!” It was the super cute waitress that seemed to be assigned to the bands that recomended Harry's. They started packing things up and I tell Wes that I’m going to take some stuff over to the hotel room and settle in a little, but that I’d meet him out front since apparently we were going to a bar that just a little ways past my hotel. I got my valuables out of my car, and headed back to the hotel and arranged for extra soaps and towels. After getting set up, I had extra time… so I just meandered back to the venue, where Wes was talking to his wife Anna outside on his cell. I pace around for a couple minutes when large portions of Black Light Burns, Combichrist, and crew pour out of the bus and head down the road.
I don’t think Harry’s was prepared for 3 gnarly looking rock bands to come in and take over… but it happened. A couple of the guys got upset when they see this bar had rules. Essentially, a dress code that rock band attire fell under… but just barely. We pushed 4 tables together and got a round of beers. At this point I kind of became a fly on the wall. I was sitting in between a Combichrist roadie and Stolen Babies drummer Gil, and immediately across from Joey Letz of Combichrist, and catty corner to Wes on my right and Dominique to my left. I mean, really? Was this actually happening? Joey and Wes order Stella Artois, so I join in. I was totally out of my element. What was I supposed to say? I’m a quiet guy anyway, and usually the way I interact with “unknown” situations is to just insert things into conversations that are humorous. I’m not talking about pulling a Kip and going, “You’re mom goes to college,” but observational humor. At one point before the food came out, I was listening to Gil, Dominique, and Joey talk about traveling the world. “Oh I love London.” “People in Spain are so rude.” “I got in a street fight in Italy.” “Russia is so freaking sketchy.” I remember thinking how lucky these guys are. To be traveled enough to be able to bitch about other countries… and I haven’t even left mine yet. It was fun to listen to their stories. Joey flooding the lobby of a hotel because of a poorly designed shower. Gil getting in a fight with an actual gang in Italy. Dominique getting stranded and abandoned in Spain.
Suppose I should mention the food. I was surprised to see the ongoing enthusiasm the guys showed for food. The Record Bar supplied meals for everyone, and I remember them all being “oh yes, I am so getting this… and getting it with this… and this on the side.” Stated very assertedly and excitedly. The same applied at Harry’s, too. Wes became excited about the barbecue chicken pizza and the crab cakes. This food business was like kids in a candy store. Vigorously tearing into it when it arrived and enjoying every bit. However… Wes’s crab cakes were admittedly really fishy. ((ironic)) So much so that he began to SLATHER them in Louisiana Hot Sauce. ((SLATHER!!!)) He destroyed the pizza though. Nick, on the other hand, ordered the same pizza, at one slice, and was done. Did I mention he was sick? My gumbo was as expected. Nothing to write home about.
Dinner at Harry’s was largely uneventful. It was Stolen Babies last night on the tour, so there were lot of hugs and goodbyes… which I felt awkward about. I didn’t know these guys well enough to get up and shake hands and hug. While they were rounding the outside window, we all waved and shouted, and Dennis flipped them off jokingly. However, one of them caught him doing it and suddenly he became very upset that maybe they thought he was serious. He springs from his chair and runs out of the bar to apologize. We didn’t know what was going on, but he explained upon his return, saying, “They just thought it was funny… in fact they’ll be driving by in a moment and they’ll be mooning us.” I’ll confess all the guys became very excited at the idea that Dominique might be showing her backside as well. ((typical dudes, right?)) Sadly, it was not to be. HOWEVER… when their van pulled up to the red light with their door open and butts hanging out there was a Security Officer vehicle catty corner to them at the light. Suddenly, shit got tense… and funny. They both turn opposite directions, but both turned around and crossed paths again. We knew at any moment the lights were going to turn on and Stolen Babies were going to get a later start on their trip (they had to drive 24 hours back to LA).
The checks started to come out, which the waitress had managed to split up every ones ticket individually… which I thought was impressive, cause I wasn’t sure how splitting a restaurant tab with Joey Letz was going to work out. Joey had stepped away from the table for a bit, and in a nice, drunken, gesture I picked up his ticket. The total wasn’t any more than $30, so I felt like it was within reason. Granted, this is now the second time I spent money that I didn’t feel like belonged to me. I still feel bad about this. ((Should I say something, or try to make amends? Wes, Nick, Dennis... if you read this, I still feel bad about this)) Joey came out and asked for the check, and the waitress said it had been taken care of. “Who,” he asked as the waitress nodded my direction.
“What? Oh shit man! This means I have to buy you a beer,” he tells me.
“Then I’ll just have to drink it,” I respond.
It was about this time that Joey told everyone to pile together, that he was going to take a picture. We all huddled together, and he took two pictures. Dennis apparently did something odd in the back as Joey said that he was even able to get him in the picture and Dennis thought that the picture was pretty funny. When we all settle back into our seats, Wes tells me, “Welcome to the Combichrist Tour blog, Spider!”
I respond to him saying, “Man, that would make my week…Actually, Joey, I’ve been meaning to tell you. It was your blog that gave me the final push to come to this show.”
“What? Really? Did you hear that, Wes,” he says and has me say it again, but to Wes this time. I think Joey shakes my hand and says he’ll take of it for me. ((at least, I think that’s what he said…))
I was trying to remember how the evening started to wind down, but then I recalled the sick Nick. At one point he made a break for the bathroom. I felt bad for the guy. Being nauseous sick on the road can NOT be good. He started asking me every few minutes if I was ready to go. I could tell he was wearing out and needed to hit the road. Trouble was, Joey had just handed me the aforementioned drink… and I was having a hard time getting down one more Stella. People start standing up and settling up and we’re finally able to get out the door. Now everyone else had already taken off down the street but Joey and a roadie were still settling up at Harry’s. I opted to hang back as I never like people getting left behind. Wes saw that I was lagging behind and he stopped and asked what was up. Joey rounded the corner and we started walking. What took me by surprise was that no sooner that we had passed the bar, he saddled up to a fence and proceeded to take a leak into a parking lot. I did the only thing I could think of… and made visual barrier by walking slowly away from him.
On the walk back to the hotel, I probably should have taken pictures ((heck, I should have been taking pictures all night!)) as Wes was walking like a weirdo down the street and Dennis jumping around. We make it to the hotel where I announce, “Black Light Burns… this is your stop!” Black Light Burns and I part ways with Combichrist when Joey asks, “Are you leaving? Aw man, I gotta get a picture!” He buddies up next to me and pulls out his camera. Unfortunately, I think I made some stupid Rock Face and ended up looking like an ass. So it goes, I guess. We shook hands, and I thanked him for a great show and letting me hang out. I waved to the rest of Combichrist (minus Andy), and BLB and I head to the door of the hotel.
Dennis became very concerned when upon trying to open the door, it wouldn’t open. I shook my head and laughed. “Don’t worry. Follow me… I got this!” There was a side door that had a key entry. Up we went. Now, a lot of the specifics are kind of lost to me at this point (it was 4am and I hadn’t slept well in a week), but I’ll relay what at I remember… maybe not in order. Nick immediately lounges out on one of the beds. Everyones shoes come off and they discuss who gets first shower. Wes did. Nick asks if he can watch TV and we end up watching Squidbillies on Cartoon Network, and after that it was Metalocalypse (which is the favorite cartoon of all of them, apparently). “My dad loves this show,” announces Dennis, “He always makes me watch funny episodes he saw the night before when I see him.” Dennis removed his socks and immediately he and Nick (who were on a bed together) start complaining about the smell. Dennis apologized and said that this never happens. “My feet don’t normally smell like this… but I guess when you don’t wear socks for a week.” It was a moment later that the smell hit me. It was horrendous. What was interesting is that the smell never went away. It just stayed in the room until after he showered… even then, the damage had been done. Wes offered kudos for the extra towels… and then his face scrunched up in response to Dennis’s feet. I suppose this quiet time with Black Light Burns would have been a perfect time to ask Wes my list of questions that I had made on the drive up, but alas, I asked nothing. It wasn’t that I was chicken, but it just didn’t feel right. I ddn't want to drill the guy. I felt they had done enough for me. While Dennis was in the shower there seemed to be a lot of slamming and cursing and snotting involved. I asked Wes if we should be concerned.
“He’s fine… he always does that," he responds.
Now, I remember this next part happening, but I don’t remember when it happened in the hotel room: “Yeah, since my power was out, I’ve been living in hotel rooms for the past week," I say.
"Oh that's right, you work in a hotel, don't you," asks Dennis.
"Yeah, the Inn at Carnall Hall... Right, with that said, if you guys ever play in Fayetteville or Little Rock, Arkansas, you’ve got a place to stay. I promise you,” I respond.
Wes returns with, “Oh, nice. Ya know... I don’t know why we didn’t stop in Arkansas on this tour.”
“Well, when you do, I’ve got you covered!”
So while Dennis was putting his shoes back on a conversation came up about beer, and he asked me what my favorite beer was. Sadly, I couldn’t come up with any fancy beers, so I just told him “High Life.” “Man, you’d be in heaven on the bus then. That’s all those mother fuckers drink.” At this point we finish watching Metalocalypse and start gathering ourselves up for them to head out. Dennis sees my laptop and exclaims, “Man, Spider, I would sworn you were a Mac person.” I tell him that I had always said my next computer was going to be one, but that my classes required a program that was written for PC. “You can run windows on a Mac,” Nick says. “Sure, but I’d feel like I was running the program through the back door,” I respond. I think Wes says that his Dad had just gotten a Sony (like mine) and that he loved it.
We start saying our goodbyes.
Dennis and Wes give me a hug, and Nick shakes my hand. “Spider, it’s always a pleasure. Hope we get to see you again soon,” Wes tells me. “Yeah man! Hopefully sooner rather than later,” I respond. With that, they were out the door.
At this point I set my alarm for 4 hours later, as I really needed to get up and get my car into a shop first thing. Granted, it was the best sleep I’d had in awhile as the mattresses at the hotel I’d been living at sucked. The next morning I get up and take a shower and call the shop. I check out of the hotel, walk to my car, and get towed to the shop. Turns out, my AC Motor locked up. Meaning the serpentine belt was trying to turn it, but it didn’t want to move. FORTUNATELY, it was an easy “fix.” ((Fix meaning I could drive home)) All they did was cut the belt off so it didn’t work anymore, but everything else could run fine. Whew. I could go home. Only events on the drive home was breaking my new years resolution of no fast food for 2009 by eating at Wendy’s It was totally worth it. Emergency situation and all. Then further down the road I saw a truck that had recently been set ablaze… and said fire had consumed most of the cab. It was kind of neat to see, but I had hoped that no one was hurt. It was on the drive home that I listened to the CD ((that the whole band
signed!)), I realized that while calling them "evil calliope music" was accurate, the
experience was more like they were narrating a musical. Like in Repo!
or something. I get home to Fayetteville around 3pm, or so, only to discover I still didn’t have power and my power company wasn’t answering their phones anymore. Nice.
I still need to call the Drew that gave me a ride to The Record Bar and let him know that I'm alive, and thank him for his kindness.
Best 24 hours ever. If I could, I’d do it all over again! In a heartbeat I’d do it over again.
Thanks guys. For everything.
April 1st Edit:
Recently got my car fixed.
$3,000
Woo!
One month later a gnarly ice storm rolled through the Midwest and I’m homeless for the week leading up to the show (February 1st). Essentially, this bummed me out and I can’t justify missing my Monday class anymore… :(
Sunday rolled around and I had already canceled the trip, but then I realized that would be stupid of me to miss this. I don’t get to see them very often, and this would be my best chance. Tossing all of my stuff into my car and moving out of the hotel, I hit the road at about 1:30pm. The trip was uneventful. I made good time and got into Kansas City with plenty of daylight left. “This was too easy,” I thought. Following my Googly Directions to the T, I drove right by the venue. Once I realized I had overshot my destination, I pulled into a side street to turn around… only to hear a screeching noise coming from the hood of my car. “no No NO” ran through my head as the screeching quickly turned to smoke. Great! I shut off my car and popping the hood that lead to an investigation that made me believe my serpentine belt had popped loose. “Ok… what now," I thought. I don’t know a living soul in Kansas City, and now I’m stranded in a shady neighborhood. Ok… um… I’ll move all my belongings to the trunk, turn on the hazards, leave a note, and walk to the venue. I can’t be very far away.” While I didn’t know anyone in KC, I knew the guys in Black Light Burns, and while I wasn’t expecting them to save me, it would be an environment that felt a little safer and more familiar. I hoof it down the road where I found a Jiffy Lube with a lit up open sign. “SWEETawwwwww they just forgot to turn off their sign.” Not really knowing where I was going, I popped into the Pizza Hut next door and asked for directions. This was the first time I had actually spoken since 1:30pm. All that came out was, “Car… broken… how do I get to The Record Bar?" The lady at the Hut, just as confused as me, replied, “So, what do you need? A tow truck? Directions to a bar?” Directions. A guy that had just popped in for 9 pizzas for a Super Bowl Party (named Drew, by the way) offered to drive me to the venue because his pizzas weren’t ready. He gave me his phone number in case I couldn’t find a place to stay and needed someone to look at my car.
I arrive at the show, and immediately bumped into Marshall (BLB drummer), and he seemed excited to see me and shows concern about my situation. He’s on the phone and has to go (KC is his home town and is likely hooking up with friends and family). Shortly after I saw Nick, but our interaction was in passing. ((Later he told me that he was actually very sick)) Not knowing if I can go into the venue yet, I walked right in. Shortly after asking for a phone book and tracking down a number for a tow truck, Wes walked in. I followed him around the room trying to get his attention. Once I did he seemed genuinely glad to see me. I explained what was going on with my car, and when asked what I was going to do, I showed him the phonebook. “That’s a good place to start,” and he was off to work again. Shortly after, I bump into the owner who says they weren’t charging yet. While explaining I had a ticket, he asked if I needed anything. Yes. Definitively. He gives me the number of a maintenance shop that was just around the corner. So, I round up a Tow Truck and a Cab and I got my car to the parking lot of the venue. I just wanted to get my car closer to me and in a safer place since I couldn’t get it fixed tonight, so I could just get up in the morning and take care of it.
After that, I could finally relax. I came back inside and saw Wes ordering at the bar which reminded me I had a bottle of Johnnie Walker Red and a Cabernet in the car for the guys. ((I try not to come empty handed. I feel like they do so much for us, the fans, and I know life on the road is tough. I try to give back.)) They invite me to sit down with them and order some food. Upon seeing the liquor store bag, Dennis’ eyes light up. I handed Wes the bag and he pulls out the wine first, then the scotch. Dennis thanks me for the wine when Wes chimes in, “um no, THIS is for you… the wine is mine,” and handed Dennis the Red Label. They thank me for the booze, even if Dennis says he prefers the cheap
stuff. ((He actually clarified this for me later. I thought he called
what I brought "the cheap stuff.")) So, there I was… having dinner with Wes, Nick, and Dennis of Black Light Burns, and Trevor (I think) of Combichrist. We talk music and movies and bad service and bad food. I’m a quiet guy, but I assert commentary where I deem appropriate. ((which is pretty much all the time)) Dennis is not a shy person and includes me in the conversations regularly. The venue opens the doors and the party disperses. The guys disappear to go get ready for their set, and I get a PBR ((The Special!))
After pacing around for a bit with my beer, I realize if I wanted to be front and center, I should reserve my spot now. So I just go sit on the stage in the front and center and drink my beer, and people watch. Lots of Goths and lots of Emo Kids and one couple that I initially thought to be a gay couple where the smaller person was carrying around a stuffed unicorn hand puppet that he was using to interact with (like Mr. Hat/Mr. Garrison). Head banging to the music. Talking to his boyfriend. Picking up merch. Weird. ((It was only later that I realized that no, that was not a gay couple… the one with the puppet was just an interesting looking female)).
Now, I didn’t realize there was another opening band, until while at dinner Dennis asked me if I listened to Stolen Babies, and that I was in for a real treat. They all talked about what an amazing talent, Gil Sharone, the drummer was and told a story about how he was called in to play for Travis Barker while he had a broken arm. So Gil hopped the next flight to Australia and learned all the material while on the flight and played the show less than 24 hours after being asked to do it. While this story is going on, Stolen Babies is warming up and I watch the bassist, Rani Sharone, just wail on his bass. We’re talking Claypool kind of wailing, but he’s twisting and distorting the sounds. I was floored. I knew then that this was going to be a treat.
Stolen Babies hit the stage, and it was like it was story time. I wanted to sit on the floor and watch Dominique read me a story. I initially described their music as Evil Calliope music. It was very circus like and dark. Her vocal style and the music was very theatrical. At least… I thought so. Their bassist was phenomenal. Rocking out like as if he was a lead guitarist. Can’t say that I’d seen bassist get that animated before. Dominique also played an accordion (or, at least, it looked like an accordion. I don’t think that’s TECHNICALLY what it was) In an effort to make conversation between songs, she asked if anyone knew anything about dinosaurs. Stating that they had seen a giant statue of one on their way into town… but that it looked like a duck. Their bassist chimed in with “ducks come from dinosaurs, did you know that?” Once the set was over she told the crowd that they were going to be signing at the merch table, and she’d be willing for someone to buy her a drink.
I stand my ground while their gear gets broke down and Black Light Burns gets setup. I think I referred to what I was doing as “camping.” In fact, when I was done with my beer I just crushed it and put it in my pocket so as to not lose my spot throwing it away. ((You can use this strategy too. I'll allow it.)) The guys one by one hit the stage and rearrange mics and pedals and water and water and water. They really should buy stock in Nestle Water. I couldn’t even really tell you a set list as they played a mix of their two albums and a few new songs. They started with a new song that blew me away. Suddenly I didn’t care about my car anymore. Wes is more animated onstage this time around, and Dennis brings a new level of energy to the group. Also, Wes gets into the crowd a lot more. Because of my spot… I get wet. Sprayed on. Sweated on. It’s just part of being at a show. I’ve said this before but seeing bands that I’m passionate is a like a religious experience. Overwhelmed with emotions, etc. Only problem was that song three was Mesopotamia and I strained my voice, and during the next song (Stop A Bullet?) it felt like something broke loose. I needed water… badly, but wasn’t going to get it in a drinkableformat. This kind of knocked me out of the next two songs. I couldn’t sing and I was fighting back gagging. Things were going great in the set though… until this big guy that I'll just call Beardy decided to yell out “FUCK WES BORLAND.” Confused and irritated looks came from band members and other people at the show. This really sucked the life out everyone. You really could really feel it. The guys weren’t as animated and the crowd kind of calmed down. It was really lame. The guys finished the set with So Alive and announced that they would be hanging out at the merch table, signing goods, and giving out blow jobs. An exclamation of “3 Cheers for Blowjobs” seemed to landon deaf ears. They leave the stage and I head over to the merch booths.
I wasn’t really going for Black Light Burns, because I knew I’d see them,but to check out Stolen Babies. They were all hanging out at their booth. Talking with people. Real chill. It was loud so I point at their CD with my wallet in hand. Handing it to me I make a scribble gesture, and he seems surprised and humbled as he goes for his sharpie. However, he thought I meant I wanted the sticker signed that he threw in for free, but I was fumbling with getting the wrapper off the CD. I pulled out my knife to cut it off, and in doing so… gashed the shit out of my thumb. Didn’t realize it till 5 minutes later. I sing the bands praises. They really were awesome. They all seem genuinely pleased to hear what I had to say. Didn’t notice at first, but they’re guitarist wasn’t at the merch table. I didn’t have any pockets, and am super protective of my stuff, so I just took the CD out to my car. Came back inside, and went back to Stolen Babies table. I asked Dominique (they’re front lady) if anyone had gotten her that drink yet. Again, she seemed taken aback. “Oh… well… no… actually… um…” Would you like one? “Wow, really? Are you sure?” Absalootly! “Well, then can I have a jack and coke?” You got it! It was then I realized I had blood down my hand. I head over to the bar, order my drink and a Band-Aid and swab down my wound with bar napkins. He gets me the drink, and runs off to get a Band-Aid… but I discovered the one he got me didn’t have one in it. Sweet. Fetching me a new one, I head over to deliver the beverage and apply the bandage. Dominique gets all motherly and asks if I had, at least, cleaned it. She thanks me for the drink and asks, “So, what do you know about dinosaurs?” With a blank look on my face, I have no response other than, “uh, a meteor killed them?” She seemed disappointed, but laughed it off.
Moving over to the Black Light Burns booth, I see Dennis staring off into the distance and tell him to try not to act so excited. He told me he was bummed about the show. That it wasn’t very good. They didn’t have any room to move around. That the show from the previous night was so great. I just rolled my eyes and told him the truth: That it was the best show I had seen in awhile, and they brought the house down. ((yeah, I kissed a lot of ass tonight, but it was the truth)) I think his response was, “Man that means a lot. That’s all that matters, then.” “Hell ya, you deserve it.You worked your ass off tonight,” I said. I tell him that seeing bands that I’m passionate about are like a religious experience. Overwhelmed with emotions, etc. I think he's surprised to hear me say this about Black Light Burns, but he told me he totally understands and he gets the same way. Remember Beardy, well I mentioned that I could really tell a change in the band and in the crowd after he yelled what he did. "Yeah, totally," he said, “Am I going to have to beat the shit out of someone with my bass?” We talked music and merch and I mentioned that he had seen the comment I had posted about the special Edition Set they were selling for $40 that I paid $100 for. He laughed a little, but with a “man, I’m sorry” look in his eye. “What pisses me off are the people who come up to us and tell us they paid the $100 and never got theirs,” he tells me. That’s when I tell him that I ended up with two because the ones I got were jacked up. Packed poorly, and coming apart. We talked a little more when Nick and Wes showed up. Wes showed me that HE was the one that tapped into the Scotch first. ((Ijust realized I didn’t really talk to him much. I know I never thanked him for the show he put on, or even kissed his ass that much. Crap.)) The guys together seemed to be in higher spirits. Considering that Nick had been fighting an illness for two days now. All feeding energy off each other as fans approached them. Signing things. Talking shop. It was fun to watch them work. I head off to put the shirt I had acquired in my car as well, when Dennis grabs my shoulder and asks if I was sticking around. “Hell ya man, I’m in this for the long haul,” I say. “Cool, I’ll see you in a bit then.”
Soon after, the lights went down and the stage filled with smoke. Here comes Combichrist. It was pretty funny watching the faux enthusiasm ((for the sake of comedy)) Black Light Burns and Stolen Babies exuded for their entrance. “WOOOOOO COMBICHRIST!!!! I LOVE YOU ANDY!!!! OH MY GOD IT’S JOEY LETZ OF COMBICHRIST!!!!!!” The guys walked through a cleared path in the crowd, and I watched Joey wipe make up off his neck with a finger, and proceed to smear it, one at a time, on the faces of the people in the crowd. All with a goofy Stan Laurel look on his face. Everything I’ve just said are examples of the feelings I was getting from reading Joey’s blog. I could tell these guys were having a blast. They weren’t run down from the road. They were excited to be here and were excited to performing. It was in the air. You just feel it.
I’ll be honest; I didn’t know Combichrist in anything other than name and appearance before this night. So all I knew was evil. :) Once they got going I was blown away. They are a good time. The only way I can explain them is they are like StaticX but a lot more awesome. All that’s on stage is a drummer, a percussionist, and synth player, and a bear. ((yeah, that’s right, a bear! Google Andy Leplegua)) I couldn't really see any of the guys on stage except for Joey and Andy. Joey was a lot of fun to watch. He's a fun drummer. Like one of those Shaolin Monk-like drummers. He and a tech are tossing sticks at each other through the whole show. At one point it looked like he got frustrated with a piece of equipment, and he tossed it behind him angrily. Looking around, suddenly the look of the crowd became all to clear. The interesting combination of Goths and Ravers made sense. There were a number of “evil candy kids.” Granted, I hadn’t seen a band that could be described as Industrial in a long time. Maybe I’m just out of the loop. Now, don’t hate me for mentioning ravers and candy kids. There are deep electronic elements in the band… and there was an older, unattractive man there wearing lime green hot pants, and skin tight blue t-shirt and this rainbow jester cap thing. He was behind the sound booth just dancing to his little gay hearts content! I thought he was adorable, but was definitely more out of place than even the girl with the unicorn puppet.
I sort of milled around the merch booths during a bulk of their set. At one point I’m standing immediately in front of the BLB booth watching the show, when I look over to the band and they’re all “lurking” me. ((glaring at me, pointing at their eyes)) I lose it. The picture I got of them doing it was when I told them to do it again for the camera. ((Thanks for flipping me off, Dennis :D)) Shortly after this, Dennis grabs my shoulder and pulls me close.
"Do you have a hotel room yet," he asks.
“No. Not yet. Hadn’t gotten that far,” I responded.
“Well, go get one and we’ll help you pay for it. We know what you’ve had to go through to get here and we want to help you out.”
I look at him bewildered, and turn to Wes and Nick and try to talk them out of it. “You really don’t have to do this,” I plead to them.
“No, we really do,” Wes says.
“Well shit… Alright guys. Wow. Thank you. I’m at a loss.”
That’s when it hits me...
"Hey man, if I’m going to have a hotel room… do ya’ll want hot showers,” I tell Dennis.
“Oh shit, hell ya! Have you told Wes,” he asks. I shook my head and he pointed at Wes. I ask him and his face lights up. It’s like it hadn’t completely occurred them what getting a hotel room meant.
At this point I hoof it down the road. Not really sure where I was going, but I had heard there was a hotel nearby. The plan was to just go into a business and ask where it was, and I was on my way to Sonic when I saw the sign for the Holiday Inn Express. PERFECT, I think loudly to myself. I semi jog down the road thinking, “Ya know, it’s not out of the question for me to get mugged or hit by a car. I mean, that’s kind of how my luck with Kansas City usually is.” I pass by a bookstore that has books just sitting on a shelf outside. Mind you, it’s at least 11pm and everything was closed or closing. I pondered taking a book and bringing it back to the guys. “Here. A gift.” I figured they wouldn’t find it as comical as I would, so I passed. Anyway, I get to the desk of the hotel… and another Drew greets me. Small world, eh? A Drew drives me to the venue, and a Drew checks me into the hotel. I take my key, and head back to the show… uneventfully. ((considering I had to cross this one wonky intersection 3 times because of the way it was laid out, I’m impressed I didn’t die)) I show the keys back to Wes and he asks what Dennis had told me. “That ya’ll were going to pitch in on a room.” Wes proceeds to dig into the merch booth pouch and hands me some cash, and Dennis returns with another bill from the bus. I’m floored and I give them yet another chance to back out. I still don’t know what to say, but I thank them profusely. That was one more thing I didn’t have to think about.
Then, Dennis turned to me with an open hand and said, "Gummy bear?"
What was difficult for me at this point was that I had hoped to buy a Stolen Babies t-shirt… but I now felt bad about spending money since the guys had just handed me cash for a hotel room. I wanted to ask permission, since a part of me felt like I was spending THEIR money. I kept trying to get Wes’s attention, but he was neck deep in fans. Eventually I throw my hands in the air and buy the shirt. It ended up being the only clean article of clothing I had for the drive back.
The show ends and the lights come up. Honestly, the end of the show is kind of a haze. Events and interactions that all blur together… and sadly, all the notes I had taken in phone got deleted. Don’t worry; I don’t think there was much to report in this interim. Other than when it came time to close, the bar employees did what they were supposed to: be assholes. YOU GOTTA LEAVE. I DON’T CARE. RIGHT NOW. The bands started getting pissed because they had crowds of people at their merch booths. “Come on man, I’m making a sale here!” It was soon after that one of the employees chimed in with (apparently), “Alright, they’ve unleashed the cougar! Everyone’s gotta leave RIGHT NOW!” Dennis loved this. The Cougar? Really? “Somebody let the cougar loose!” Dennis would continue to yell this several more times before the evening was over. This same guy tried to get me to leave, but I showed him a $20 bill I as about to buy a tshirt with. He chilled out, and moved on. A few minutes later with the shirt over my shoulder, he tried to get me to leave again. I got some smug satisfaction when I told him, "I'm with the band."
"Oh...," was his only response.
Remember Beardy, well it was about this time that he approached the merch booth and was all, “Wes… I love you, man. I’ve been listening to you since I was 13.” “Well thanks man,” said Wes, “Hey, weren’t you guy yelling Fuck Wes Borland? Why would you do that?” The conversation got serious, and Wes was trying to get him to go away. The guy didn’t seem to want to buy anything to get signed, so Wes signed a double over piece of masking tape.
Wes asked around for a place to eat, and turns to me and asked if I wanted to go. “Well yeah, I could eat,” I said casually even though I was thinking to myself, “YES!” It was the super cute waitress that seemed to be assigned to the bands that recomended Harry's. They started packing things up and I tell Wes that I’m going to take some stuff over to the hotel room and settle in a little, but that I’d meet him out front since apparently we were going to a bar that just a little ways past my hotel. I got my valuables out of my car, and headed back to the hotel and arranged for extra soaps and towels. After getting set up, I had extra time… so I just meandered back to the venue, where Wes was talking to his wife Anna outside on his cell. I pace around for a couple minutes when large portions of Black Light Burns, Combichrist, and crew pour out of the bus and head down the road.
I don’t think Harry’s was prepared for 3 gnarly looking rock bands to come in and take over… but it happened. A couple of the guys got upset when they see this bar had rules. Essentially, a dress code that rock band attire fell under… but just barely. We pushed 4 tables together and got a round of beers. At this point I kind of became a fly on the wall. I was sitting in between a Combichrist roadie and Stolen Babies drummer Gil, and immediately across from Joey Letz of Combichrist, and catty corner to Wes on my right and Dominique to my left. I mean, really? Was this actually happening? Joey and Wes order Stella Artois, so I join in. I was totally out of my element. What was I supposed to say? I’m a quiet guy anyway, and usually the way I interact with “unknown” situations is to just insert things into conversations that are humorous. I’m not talking about pulling a Kip and going, “You’re mom goes to college,” but observational humor. At one point before the food came out, I was listening to Gil, Dominique, and Joey talk about traveling the world. “Oh I love London.” “People in Spain are so rude.” “I got in a street fight in Italy.” “Russia is so freaking sketchy.” I remember thinking how lucky these guys are. To be traveled enough to be able to bitch about other countries… and I haven’t even left mine yet. It was fun to listen to their stories. Joey flooding the lobby of a hotel because of a poorly designed shower. Gil getting in a fight with an actual gang in Italy. Dominique getting stranded and abandoned in Spain.
Suppose I should mention the food. I was surprised to see the ongoing enthusiasm the guys showed for food. The Record Bar supplied meals for everyone, and I remember them all being “oh yes, I am so getting this… and getting it with this… and this on the side.” Stated very assertedly and excitedly. The same applied at Harry’s, too. Wes became excited about the barbecue chicken pizza and the crab cakes. This food business was like kids in a candy store. Vigorously tearing into it when it arrived and enjoying every bit. However… Wes’s crab cakes were admittedly really fishy. ((ironic)) So much so that he began to SLATHER them in Louisiana Hot Sauce. ((SLATHER!!!)) He destroyed the pizza though. Nick, on the other hand, ordered the same pizza, at one slice, and was done. Did I mention he was sick? My gumbo was as expected. Nothing to write home about.
Dinner at Harry’s was largely uneventful. It was Stolen Babies last night on the tour, so there were lot of hugs and goodbyes… which I felt awkward about. I didn’t know these guys well enough to get up and shake hands and hug. While they were rounding the outside window, we all waved and shouted, and Dennis flipped them off jokingly. However, one of them caught him doing it and suddenly he became very upset that maybe they thought he was serious. He springs from his chair and runs out of the bar to apologize. We didn’t know what was going on, but he explained upon his return, saying, “They just thought it was funny… in fact they’ll be driving by in a moment and they’ll be mooning us.” I’ll confess all the guys became very excited at the idea that Dominique might be showing her backside as well. ((typical dudes, right?)) Sadly, it was not to be. HOWEVER… when their van pulled up to the red light with their door open and butts hanging out there was a Security Officer vehicle catty corner to them at the light. Suddenly, shit got tense… and funny. They both turn opposite directions, but both turned around and crossed paths again. We knew at any moment the lights were going to turn on and Stolen Babies were going to get a later start on their trip (they had to drive 24 hours back to LA).
The checks started to come out, which the waitress had managed to split up every ones ticket individually… which I thought was impressive, cause I wasn’t sure how splitting a restaurant tab with Joey Letz was going to work out. Joey had stepped away from the table for a bit, and in a nice, drunken, gesture I picked up his ticket. The total wasn’t any more than $30, so I felt like it was within reason. Granted, this is now the second time I spent money that I didn’t feel like belonged to me. I still feel bad about this. ((Should I say something, or try to make amends? Wes, Nick, Dennis... if you read this, I still feel bad about this)) Joey came out and asked for the check, and the waitress said it had been taken care of. “Who,” he asked as the waitress nodded my direction.
“What? Oh shit man! This means I have to buy you a beer,” he tells me.
“Then I’ll just have to drink it,” I respond.
It was about this time that Joey told everyone to pile together, that he was going to take a picture. We all huddled together, and he took two pictures. Dennis apparently did something odd in the back as Joey said that he was even able to get him in the picture and Dennis thought that the picture was pretty funny. When we all settle back into our seats, Wes tells me, “Welcome to the Combichrist Tour blog, Spider!”
I respond to him saying, “Man, that would make my week…Actually, Joey, I’ve been meaning to tell you. It was your blog that gave me the final push to come to this show.”
“What? Really? Did you hear that, Wes,” he says and has me say it again, but to Wes this time. I think Joey shakes my hand and says he’ll take of it for me. ((at least, I think that’s what he said…))
I was trying to remember how the evening started to wind down, but then I recalled the sick Nick. At one point he made a break for the bathroom. I felt bad for the guy. Being nauseous sick on the road can NOT be good. He started asking me every few minutes if I was ready to go. I could tell he was wearing out and needed to hit the road. Trouble was, Joey had just handed me the aforementioned drink… and I was having a hard time getting down one more Stella. People start standing up and settling up and we’re finally able to get out the door. Now everyone else had already taken off down the street but Joey and a roadie were still settling up at Harry’s. I opted to hang back as I never like people getting left behind. Wes saw that I was lagging behind and he stopped and asked what was up. Joey rounded the corner and we started walking. What took me by surprise was that no sooner that we had passed the bar, he saddled up to a fence and proceeded to take a leak into a parking lot. I did the only thing I could think of… and made visual barrier by walking slowly away from him.
On the walk back to the hotel, I probably should have taken pictures ((heck, I should have been taking pictures all night!)) as Wes was walking like a weirdo down the street and Dennis jumping around. We make it to the hotel where I announce, “Black Light Burns… this is your stop!” Black Light Burns and I part ways with Combichrist when Joey asks, “Are you leaving? Aw man, I gotta get a picture!” He buddies up next to me and pulls out his camera. Unfortunately, I think I made some stupid Rock Face and ended up looking like an ass. So it goes, I guess. We shook hands, and I thanked him for a great show and letting me hang out. I waved to the rest of Combichrist (minus Andy), and BLB and I head to the door of the hotel.
Dennis became very concerned when upon trying to open the door, it wouldn’t open. I shook my head and laughed. “Don’t worry. Follow me… I got this!” There was a side door that had a key entry. Up we went. Now, a lot of the specifics are kind of lost to me at this point (it was 4am and I hadn’t slept well in a week), but I’ll relay what at I remember… maybe not in order. Nick immediately lounges out on one of the beds. Everyones shoes come off and they discuss who gets first shower. Wes did. Nick asks if he can watch TV and we end up watching Squidbillies on Cartoon Network, and after that it was Metalocalypse (which is the favorite cartoon of all of them, apparently). “My dad loves this show,” announces Dennis, “He always makes me watch funny episodes he saw the night before when I see him.” Dennis removed his socks and immediately he and Nick (who were on a bed together) start complaining about the smell. Dennis apologized and said that this never happens. “My feet don’t normally smell like this… but I guess when you don’t wear socks for a week.” It was a moment later that the smell hit me. It was horrendous. What was interesting is that the smell never went away. It just stayed in the room until after he showered… even then, the damage had been done. Wes offered kudos for the extra towels… and then his face scrunched up in response to Dennis’s feet. I suppose this quiet time with Black Light Burns would have been a perfect time to ask Wes my list of questions that I had made on the drive up, but alas, I asked nothing. It wasn’t that I was chicken, but it just didn’t feel right. I ddn't want to drill the guy. I felt they had done enough for me. While Dennis was in the shower there seemed to be a lot of slamming and cursing and snotting involved. I asked Wes if we should be concerned.
“He’s fine… he always does that," he responds.
Now, I remember this next part happening, but I don’t remember when it happened in the hotel room: “Yeah, since my power was out, I’ve been living in hotel rooms for the past week," I say.
"Oh that's right, you work in a hotel, don't you," asks Dennis.
"Yeah, the Inn at Carnall Hall... Right, with that said, if you guys ever play in Fayetteville or Little Rock, Arkansas, you’ve got a place to stay. I promise you,” I respond.
Wes returns with, “Oh, nice. Ya know... I don’t know why we didn’t stop in Arkansas on this tour.”
“Well, when you do, I’ve got you covered!”
So while Dennis was putting his shoes back on a conversation came up about beer, and he asked me what my favorite beer was. Sadly, I couldn’t come up with any fancy beers, so I just told him “High Life.” “Man, you’d be in heaven on the bus then. That’s all those mother fuckers drink.” At this point we finish watching Metalocalypse and start gathering ourselves up for them to head out. Dennis sees my laptop and exclaims, “Man, Spider, I would sworn you were a Mac person.” I tell him that I had always said my next computer was going to be one, but that my classes required a program that was written for PC. “You can run windows on a Mac,” Nick says. “Sure, but I’d feel like I was running the program through the back door,” I respond. I think Wes says that his Dad had just gotten a Sony (like mine) and that he loved it.
We start saying our goodbyes.
Dennis and Wes give me a hug, and Nick shakes my hand. “Spider, it’s always a pleasure. Hope we get to see you again soon,” Wes tells me. “Yeah man! Hopefully sooner rather than later,” I respond. With that, they were out the door.
At this point I set my alarm for 4 hours later, as I really needed to get up and get my car into a shop first thing. Granted, it was the best sleep I’d had in awhile as the mattresses at the hotel I’d been living at sucked. The next morning I get up and take a shower and call the shop. I check out of the hotel, walk to my car, and get towed to the shop. Turns out, my AC Motor locked up. Meaning the serpentine belt was trying to turn it, but it didn’t want to move. FORTUNATELY, it was an easy “fix.” ((Fix meaning I could drive home)) All they did was cut the belt off so it didn’t work anymore, but everything else could run fine. Whew. I could go home. Only events on the drive home was breaking my new years resolution of no fast food for 2009 by eating at Wendy’s It was totally worth it. Emergency situation and all. Then further down the road I saw a truck that had recently been set ablaze… and said fire had consumed most of the cab. It was kind of neat to see, but I had hoped that no one was hurt. It was on the drive home that I listened to the CD ((that the whole band
signed!)), I realized that while calling them "evil calliope music" was accurate, the
experience was more like they were narrating a musical. Like in Repo!
or something. I get home to Fayetteville around 3pm, or so, only to discover I still didn’t have power and my power company wasn’t answering their phones anymore. Nice.
I still need to call the Drew that gave me a ride to The Record Bar and let him know that I'm alive, and thank him for his kindness.
Best 24 hours ever. If I could, I’d do it all over again! In a heartbeat I’d do it over again.
Thanks guys. For everything.
April 1st Edit:
Recently got my car fixed.
$3,000
Woo!
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