Feb. 21, 2003
Opening things up, Ask the Man, played a tremendously long set. And the crowd goofed off and talked over the music. Which isn't surprising, considering that the crowd was one of the youngest I had ever seen. The average age of the kids in the audience must have been about thirteen years old.
On Hiatus, took over and played a run of the mill set.
Finally, The Big Spank came out and started off strong. The show was going well and the crowd was skanking contently, until the police came to ask that forty people clear out to ensure safety in case of a fire.
I am assuming that this uncommon meddling by the police was in lieu of the recent night-club tragedies. Through which many unsuspecting concert-goers were killed or severely injured in a fire, when nearly all of the audience tried to escape through the same exit.
So, to appease the police, most of the audience exited and The Big Spank promised to play their set twice so that the ones who went outside could later come in and hear what they had missed. But, nearing the end of the band's first set, the Albuquerque Fire Chief arrived and asked that the entire crowd disperse. The guys of the band were upset and told the audience that to make up for the incident, The Big Spank would one day put on a free show.
There has been no word on wether or not Field and Frame will be allowed to continue hosting shows. Changes to the structure may be in order to satisfy the Fire Chief and persuade the city to continue allowing the operation of this venue. The recent tragedies, might also spell trouble for other small venues, particularly Insomnia Coffee House. I'll keep you updated...