Seattle Weekly Music Awards showcase
5/1/05
from the Seattle Weekly
This show was a showcase/schmoozefest for bands who were nominated. I was a bit bummed we were on the makeshift underground stage, and not on the big fucker upstairs, but what can you do? It was a plug and play event, meaning all the bands share drums and amps. Unfortunately, the stuff they told us we'd be using was for the upstairs, and they had totally different gear for downstairs. This would play a key role later in the evening.
Stay Tuned was on when we arrived, playing odd versions of TV show themes. The crowd was sparse, but they dug 'em. I think they were the first band I've seen in my ten plus years in Seattle that featured a key-tar. I also never thought I'd hear the theme from "Gilligan's Island" juxtaposed with Iron Maiden's "Rime of the Ancient Mariner." That took balls, especially since an Iron Maiden tribute was playing later.
We took the stage, and all of a sudden the room filled up. We flew through a short set, only stopping when the drums Hoagie was beating like they owed him money begged for mercy. Both the snare and the legs of the floor tom lost tension, resulting in a dull thud for a snare sound and the floor tom leaning against Hoagie's leg for the bulk of the set. My only angst came as a result of the death lights seemingly inches from my sweaty wigged head. I felt like an Egg McMuffin under a friggin' heat lamp. I think I actually got a little bit of a sunburn.
Apparently the next band, Maiden Seattle, had the same drum issues. They soldiered on through their set of Iron Maiden classics, which were a pleasure to hear in shoegazer friendly Seattle. The kit finally quit during "Run To The Hills," forcing the drummer to alter the rythym just to finish the song. In spite of this, they did their idols justice.
I spent the rest of the evening schmoozing and boozing. It seems I can booze without schmooze, but can't schmooze without booze. I was happy to see that even though it had been years since I'd been in a situation more industry than fan oriented, my "you're beautiful, babe" finger still was in adequate working condition.
Fortunately, for once I didn't have to lie to anyone and tell them how great they were while trying not to throw up a little bit in my own mouth. The bands I saw, including the visually striking Go Like Hell, all kicked ass. I was really bummed that the All-American Playboys were playing at exactly the same time at another club, forcing me to miss them. Oh well - I'll see them at the awards ceremony, which they're playing.
Wish us luck....