A really cool moment occured when we were standing directly backstage (which was stocked with bottled water, Heineken, and freeze pops, due to the 90+ degree weather) waiting to jump up. We were all standing there behind the curtain, going over last minute details with Mark, and waiting for the signal to take the stage. To the left were guys from the other bands tending to their gear. A look to the right revealed Matt Cameron (Soundgarden, etc) sitting on the couch chatting with a friend. In front of us was a big stage just waiting for us to tear it up. It was like a scene fron some music biopic, except we were in it. We went out there and kicked some ass, plowing through the odd technical difficulties.
One thing that threatened to derail the show was a fan. Not a fan of the band - but a fan I had set up between the monitors at my feet to provide a little extra air. It wasn't plugged in at first, then got knocked over later. Late in the set, after the fan was toppled, I felt the temperature in my head rise dramatically. My wig was surrounding my face, and my leather jacket (which as portraying Joey Ramone doesn't come off) seemed to be set on "broil." For a moment, I thought I was going to pass out right there on stage. Instead, a quick flip of the hair hat, half a bottle of water, and an internal "Oh HELL no" saved the day.
Once again, as the opening act, we got the crowd hopping and singing along, but from the cautious distance reserved for unknown bands opening for local legends. Much positivity was directed at us after the show as well. It's pretty cool when someone says that while listening to us, they could close their eyes and reminisce about a Ramones show they had seen way back when, with the soundtrack blaring in their ears in real time. And "Fuck man! Your Dee Dee guy looks EXACTLY LIKE DEE DEE!!!"
I'd like to tell you what the other bands were like, but I was so exhausted after our set that I kind of hid backstage for most of the rest of the night downing water, beer, and freeze pops in a somewhat flawed attempt at rehydration. I spent a large part of that time chatting with members of The HO (who where totally cool) about music and movies, as their set got moved from right after ours to the 5th slot. What I did hear overall was pretty rocking, most notably Hoof providing a serious sonic bludgeoning to the huddled masses.
Through the smoky haze backstage and my parched delirium one memory will remain. Tad Doyle from Hoof (and ...uh...Tad) complimented our set to me. I thanked him, and told him about how we were turned a little bit sideways when we showed up, seeing as we were playing with and in front of guys like him and Matt Cameron, whom we'd all seen their shows, heard their records, and respected. Let's face it - these guys are fucking legendary, especially in this city. He just smiled and said, "Dude, we're all the same." Thanks Tad for clearing the fog with five well timed, down to earth words. It made my night.
I'd like to thank all our friends and fans that came out. I'd also like to thank the staff of the Catwalk for their professionalism, thoughtfulness (freeze pops backstage on such a hot day was a nice touch), and friendliness (especially Jennifer, an old friend who was working there that night.) Lastly, thanks to the other bands (Old Man Smithers - thanks for the tipoff about the gig) for their good humor. All of these things made for a fun, if exhausting night.
It looks as if we're taking August off to recharge the batteries and learn some more songs. Any suggestions? We''ll be back in September with some really cool shows that are in the works both in and out of Seattle. See you then!