Well, the Calvins’ show went great. There were a lot of people there! We got there a little early, close to 8 for a 9 start time, and we were like: “Alright, there’s a good amount of people in here.” And the people just kept coming! I should back up a bit. Originally there were 5 acts on the bill. Cochinas Locas were supposed to start at 8:30, and us at 9:15. Earlier in the week They had asked us if we’d go on first, because their drummer didn’t get off work until 8:30. That seemed suspicious. We’ve known the line-up for a little while, and there seemed adequate time to make arrangements. I know things happen, but I also know sometimes people try to improve their slot with shenanigans. We said we didn’t want to change. Then one of the other local acts decided to drop the gig, so there was extra time. So instead of the original start time, Cochinas Locas would start at 9, and us at 9:45. Not that big of a deal. Apparently, a lot of people were there to see them. I had never heard of them. At first, I was put off by how late they started. They didn’t even start setting up until 9! Then, it seemed like the singer/guitar player didn’t know how to use her equipment. Someone had to help her! I thought: “Oh great, this has ‘suck’ written all over it.” They finally got their sound together, a little late, but no big deal. They were actually okay. She could really sing. The crowd was pumped. We went on, and the place was still packed. People were going ape shit. We recognized a lot of people, but to our knowledge, we did not bring that many people. I think only about 10 were “friends” of ours, and a few scenesters, other than that I don’t know how they knew who we were. But they loved it. Someone actually came up and took our set list!
Come to find out, it was some kind of rock
girl show. The “headliners” were an all-girl band from Arizona. We were the
only band that did not have a female singer, and no females in the band. It
didn’t seem to matter, but I wonder how we got on an almost all women show. We
were definitely more testosterone driven than the rest of them. It was
noticeable. When I checked social media, I could not believe how many pictures
we were in. People we don’t even know posting pictures of us! It was wild. A
very good show. Although we fell apart half-way through our last song. Then we
decided to start again, and fell apart again. Oh well, it’s punk rock, and no
one seemed to care. I have since discussed with the guys what we could have
possibly done, and it was received with humility. I have JoZ practice tonight.
I’m stoked. It has been a month since we’ve seen each other. It should be
Eruption practice, but the drummer is still healing from his car accident. I’m
not sure what to do. We got offered a show a little bit ago, and I had to turn
it down, because of his injuries. And then, the other day, we got offered a pretty
good gig on March the 2nd. I asked if he thought he might be ready
by then, and he said he didn’t know. You don’t know if you’re a month out from
being able to practice?! It’s disheartening. I’ve never been through whiplash, and
I know it can be serious, but still, what do I do? Just keep waiting? It’s been
4 months, and he doesn’t have any idea if he’ll even be close in 6 months. That
means a whole lot more JoZ. Which is fine, but at the same time, we want to be
doing other things. At least I think we do. I’m going to have to have a serious
talk with the other guys tonight, to kind of see where they’re at.
I have another drummer in mind, but it
might feel weird. He just lost his bass player. Our mutual friend Mario passed
away New Year’s Day! What a bummer. Saturday, we went to visit with his wife
and some of our friends. It was sad. It’s weird seeing all of my friends
crying. He was a talented musician, and knew a lot of talented musicians, I
couldn’t believe how many people were there. So, because Eruption’s drummer
doesn’t seem to like to play that much, I’ve been thinking about this other
drummer for a little while. And now that drummer has no band. Times like these
are when my mind starts to wonder: Is this divine intervention? Is this the
opened window to a seemingly closed door? I have to talk to the guys. Even if
it’s just for some fun. The drum machine can be fun, but that’s not what we got
in this to do. So, I feel I’m in an awkward position, and I’m about to ask my
bandmates if they want to join this awkward position. I feel weird asking
another drummer in if we’re not going to gig. We’re fine not gigging that much.
But I would feel weird asking some one to join a band that doesn’t really want
to play that much. Although taking the extra time with the songs, with a new
drummer, might inspire people. I would also feel weird bringing in someone, and
letting them know “It’s only until our drummer is ready to come back.” Although,
having someone sitting in might be the motivator to help people heal quicker. I
don’t know. This is where I’m at right now. I know the last time I saw our
guitar player, he said we may have to have a “big conversation” about what’s
going on. Tonight may be that conversation. I hope so, I don’t want to “kick
anyone out,” but I also don’t want to be sitting around waiting, while
opportunities pass us by. We’re not getting any younger, and we don’t know if
he’ll ever be “ready.”
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