I can't possibly get into all the details, as it has all happened so quickly.
In October, I started running. And running. And running. And literally running (more about that later.)
I've seen a bunch of concerts that have each been mind-blowing- and collectively mind-blowing.
I've seen a few things, heard a few things, and felt a few things that have made me re-think my place in the world.
October 25- The Black Angels. Salt Lake City.
I've been a fan of this band for a long time, but have never managed to see them live before. I've missed out on everything. And now I wish I hadn't waited.
October 28
I start running. As in moving quickly down the street, wearing soft shoes and wicking synthetic clothing under my own power.
October 30- Ministry. Salt Lake City.
Fan for 35 years.
Having seen this group of miscreants before, I knew what to expect. But it's been a while, so it was a bit of a surprise. I made sure to come prepared with my headbanging muscles fully stretched and
ready to bang. And bang we did.
Spent the evening with some good friends and my baby bro, who is 36 years old.
Dodging a bunch of old-timer posers who had rummaged through the closet and found the wrinkly old leather jackets, I had a great time.
October 31- Halloween. Seattle.
There was a party. And gargoyles. I started a fire.
Halloween is indeed every day.
November 1- Ministry. Seattle.
Fan for 35 years and 2 days
The Seattle leg of this adventure was co-sponsored by my good friends D and Lil A, who each provided elements critical to the success and pleasure of the week.
The show was the same as the previous gig, other than I was a guest of the band at this show. It seemed very cool, until after the show when it got cooler. Because of a friend I made a couple years ago, I was invited to meet the band backstage and stuff. It happened. Good conversation, good times, good laughs with some of the craziest people on the planet.
I wish I could tell you everything, but it happened on the tour bus. And there's a code of silence about what happens on a tour bus. I'm being silent. Because I hope I can be invited back for more.
November 2- Morrissey. Seattle.
Fan since the first Smiths album came out, thanks to the brother of a friend, who worked in radio and recommended it. We skipped church to listen to the album and drink Dr. Pepper.
I'd seen this guy before- many years ago- and since then he has become a bit of a diva bitch. But I still like his music.
He is a long time animal rights fellow, and has become notorious for playing some very graphic animal rights/animal abuse videos during his shows. I'd never seen the videos, but this time I looked. It was disturbing- made me forget about the music for a while. I'm fully sensitive to the message he's trying to convey. But his method is a bit brash.
Still, a good show. Side note: I missed seeing the Jesus and Mary Chain in SLC on this day. No regrets.
Then I took a day or two to breathe. Still running.
November 11- Running. SLC.
I ran a road race. It was a goofy run called the 'Donut Dash' wherein the objective was to run for a while and eat some donuts. I ran, but didn't eat any.
I finished. I made really good time, considering the last time I ran in front of anyone was 35 years ago.
Since the race, I've continued running and doing cardio training. Stay tuned for updates.
November 13- Road trip. Multiple states.
So I piled into a car with a handful of Twizzlers and my trusty travel companion, who we shall call Sugar the birthday girl.
This leg of the adventure was sponsored by Sugar and her parents, who provided tickets, accommodations, good will, support and general grounding during a crazy week.
Running hard into the night, Sugar and I discovered the joys of a late night pizza in the basement of a Vegas casino.
November 14- Desert adventures and roads.
Driving southward, looking for turtles. Eventually we ended up about 5 miles from Mexico, exhausted.
November 15- Gary Numan, San Diego.
Fan for 30+ years, probably 35, exact date unknown.
While in the San of Diego, running around town looking for clean food and new things to look at, I found a beach full of sand dollars.
At the appointed time, we made our way to the concert venue. A bit of pushy push and a spot was secured at the front, just behind a short lady.
A few minutes later, the short lady's significant other arrived- the tallest guy in the room. Eff. But he was nice and had a cool shirt, so cool.
Then the show. Numan. Epic. HOLY CRAP!!!!! The best sounds ever.
After the show, french fries and Sriracha ketchup. And sleep.
November 16- LA Adventures
TMC fan since 1984, Depeche Mode and Yaz fan since '82 or so
A good friend from a hundred years ago set me up a lunch with one of my idols- really, a gentleman named John Fryer- record producer and musician and artiste extraordinaire. His name is on more things in my record collection than any other person. Nine Inch Nails, Love and Rockets, Depeche Mode, Cocteau Twins, Yazoo, Fad Gadget, and most relevant to me: John was half of This Mortal Coil.
He is now based in LA and hangs out making (more) amazing music. And wears amazing shoes.
Over a table full of tacos, chips and salsa and such, we rapped and giggled about all things. John is quite adept at accents and dialects- this British gentleman can do 'Californian' and 'Texan' and 'Scottish guy'- the stories were spicy (like the salsa) and the laughter was abundant.
Back in his studio he made me (!) listen to an unreleased track, and we made an agreement for him to work on something I create. (HOLY CRAP!!!!!)
After a long drive through Laurel Canyon and winding through the mean streets of Hollywood, we ended up at the downtown concert venue.
November 16- Gary Numan, Los Angeles.
Arrived at the concert venue. And we grabbed some food inside the on-site restaurant.
While hanging out there eating, in walks the tallest guy in the room. After a bit of re-introduction, we became good friends and had a fiery conversation about all things Gary Numan and such.
Just before showtime, in walks Cevin Key from Skinny Puppy. I said hi. He said hi. It was all I could do to avoid soiling myself.
In walked one of the roadies, I arranged to get a setlist from him after the show.
Then we made our way (unsoiled) into the venue and took a place with good view.
Gary's show was epic as usual. His daughter Persia joined the band on this night- lending sweet vocals and a delightful stage presence to the show.
November 16- Aftershow adventures, Los Angeles.
I make my way to the stage to pick up my previously arranged setlist. Before I can get there, they are all given to others. So I stand, dejectedly, at the stage. I turn around to see Sean, the tallest guy in the room, waving at me from the upstairs VIP section, next to Skinny Puppy guy.
Sugar hits the potties while I go up to chat with our new friends. Chat chat chat. Sugar rejoins the party.
After a few minutes, Sean and Cevin and the entourage heads down the stairs and they indicate that we should follow.
As we herd toward the backstage door I can hardly breathe.
There's some kind of huge party going on inside that room. And the door is open.
Just then, Mrs Webb (Numan) appears and shuts the door, leaving us in the hall. After a couple minutes wherein I crack jokes with the crew and try to formulate a plan, We decide that Sugar should barge in, find a familiar face and start chatting. She agrees to the plan and immediately leaves me in the hall, alone with the roadies.
After 30 seconds, out comes a smiling guy looking for 'Peetah' - He shakes my hand and introduces himself- Steve Harris, lead guitar for the Numan band- who I of course recognized. We chat for a minute and he grabs me and hauls me into the party. It all happened so fast, but I seem to remember at least a couple people applauding as I walked in.
Time passes, we say hi to various band members as they wander in and out, meet the other guests.
I get a chance to congratulate Mr Skinny Puppy on his recent nuptials. I see Numan's kids. They leave. I talk to Steve about his guitars. He plays a Hagstrom in the show, and I tell him I have a sparkly Hagstrom. He in interested in seeing it and says he will "play it in the Salt Lake show."
As the party winds down, I start chatting with Mrs Webb, and tell her that we'll see her in a few weeks in Salt Lake. She seems quite interested in 'seeing a Mormon.' Many laughs and fun moments later, it turns out that we are in a room with 2 strangers, Gary Numan and his wife.
It's go time. "Gary- thanks so much for the great shows, We saw you last night and will see you again in Salt Lake." "Is it ok to get a picture?" "It's so nice to meet you."
A bit more small talk, a wish for safe travels. I'm struck with a brilliant idea: I pick up an orange off of the catering table "Gary, I know this is the strangest thing you've ever heard, but will you sign my orange?"
He did.
November 17, Travel day. Multiple states.
Sleep in. Late Start. Spend the whole day plotting the next adventures. Drive Drive Drive.
Great dinner in Vegas. Great laughs and good tunes.
November 18- Morrissey, Salt Lake City.
Still a fan, even after the gross-out video and his ridiculous public image.
So after 2000 miles, back at home and seeing the hometown show.
Dinner and drinks before the show. As we pull into the venue I see a work truck (from my job) and wonder aloud - "Are we doing production on this show?" The answer is yes- our audio team has provided parts of the sound system to supplement the touring rig.
I see so many people I know- coworkers, neighbors, friends, enemies, house crew, etc.
The show is great- Moz is really chatty. Funny and animated. A good show.
More rock than roll.
After show chit chat. Catching up with old friends.
I'm exhausted. And it'll be like this again in December.
And I hope every month for the rest of forever.
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