I've eliminated the possibility that we suck, which if we did I'm sure someone would have told us by now or we'd have figured it out by ourselves. Plus the Seattle Times and the Stranger gave us recommendations in their club calendars! So apparently we don't suck. There - now I feel better. That being said, there are only a few reasons possible as to our light draw. Could we have lost fans to the KMFDM show at the Fenix? REM was in town too. I'm also wondering if the Catwalk's previous reputation as a Goth and fetish dance club may have frightened off a few folks. If that's the case, then I'd like to report that there were absolutely no vampires, whips and chains, or rampant sexual deviancy present (much to my dismay.) It was a rock show at what is now a rock club. The staff is friendly and professional, and not the least bit scary. The sound system rocks, and they often feature drink specials. Hell - the toilets are even clean! So I remain baffled at the low turnout.
The people who were there (thank you thank you thank you!) were awesome as usual, right up front and singing along. The two opening bands, Snitches Get Stitches and the hilariously rocking Misfats, went over well too. We soldiered on through the odd technical mishap, such as Dan busting a string and myself almost going ass over tea kettle when my mic stand lost tension.
I'm pretty hard on mic stands, though I can't be any worse than some of these guys who fling 'em around or slam them down or whatever. I put a lot of weight on the top, and have a tendency to mangle the clip that holds the mic. Apparently I squeeze the mic pretty hard. Why, I don't know. I mean, it's not going to run away or anything if I loosen my grip. Considering the choke hold I subject it to, the constant yelling at it, and the random spit that it absorbs, I wouldn't blame it if it did.
On another subject, I'd like to raise an issue that desperately needs to be addressed. The future of Israel and Palestine in a post Arafat world? The situation in Iraq? National security? No ladies and gentlemen, a far more pressing issue needs to be settled once and for all. Of course, I'm referring to the critical matter of who gets on the guest list for a show. A band gets only so many spots on the guest list. Each name listed is one less paying customer. As a club band, we obviously are looking to maximize paying customers, as our pay ( which goes to gas money, gear, recouping promotional costs, food, etc.) is contingent on that. The promoter also gets a cut of the door, as does the soundman, and of course so do the other bands on the bill. So it's not in anyone's best interests to expand this list. Furthermore, often someone will tell you they'll come, but only if they're on the guest list ( very uncool.) Or they'll actually make it to the list and not show up, therefore wasting a spot that could've been filled by someone else. To clear up any misconceptions or disinformation, I've prepared a short questionnaire in which the results determine if you can get on the guest list at any show, not just ours.
1) Do you sleep with a band member?
2) Are you related to a band member?
3) Are you there to professionally photograph, interview, or promote the band?
4) Did you give the band a sweet deal on equipment, clothing, or anything else directly related to the furthering of the band?
5) Did a band member specifically tell you that you would be on the guest list?
6) Will you definitely be there, regardless of if you are on the guest list or not?
If you answered one or more of these questions with "yes," then maybe - maybe you'll be on the list. Bands often get one spot per band member on the list. If all four have significant others, the list is full by default. Even then, often someone has to (gently) inform their girlfriend that they won't be on the list, as there may be someone special in the business they need to put on it. It's not a popularity contest, nor a sign of how tight you are with someone in the band. Essentially, if you have to ask to be on the list, odds are you're not going to be on it. It doesn't mean your friends in the band don't like you, or that they're being stingy, egotistical assholes or whatever. No offense is intended. All it means is that there truly is no way to get you in for free. And besides - I go see friends' bands whenever possible and not once have asked to be on the guest list. And believe me, in all of my years as a musician I've seen a lot of friends' bands.
The reason I bring this up is due to the scads of calls I fielded requesting a spot on the list. Not one of these people showed up after learning they weren't on it. As the rest of the band was dealing with the same issue, it made for some tough calls on who actually would be on the list. Example - at the last minute Justin Parks, a friend and coworker I'd put on the list who has often photographed the band for this website, was rubbed off the list because he was feeling sick and didn't think he'd make it. When he called and said he was feeling a little better and might make it, I couldn't get him back on the already full list. I felt like shit, because Justin is a hell of a guy, and has supported us from the start. So I told him if he felt up for coming, with or without camera, I'd hook him up with some drinks. Still, it sucks being in the position of having to tell your friends "Sorry, Dude - no room at the inn." Especially on a night in which we were paid more in beer and Red Bull than we were in cash.
Some final notes: Major thanks go to Attila Meszaros for dropping everything and helping us schlep gear to the show when Hoagie's van crapped out. I've known Attila for years, and he's a truly rare and wonderful individual who never ceases to amaze with his generosity and humor. Dude, you fucking rock! Thanks also to Ben for the extra beer at the end of the night. Boy was it ever needed. And if any of you run into Hoagie, congratulate him on completing the New York Marathon.
See you soon, perhaps New Years Eve? Oh yeah - Happy Thanksgiving!