Waiting in the cold for a band I am not head over heels in love with would not be what I would have wanted to do last night but after seeing them play I totally take that back and I love the idea all over again. In case you didn’t know I used to follow Nine Inch Nails around the country and so I have slept outside and in cars, taken showers in Target bathrooms and survived on nothing but cigarettes, red bull and chips. Those times are long behind me though and I haven’t found a band since to follow around but I would totally consider this band if I was more well versed with them.
The show at the Avalon on Nov 8th was amazing, plus the Avalon is a pretty cool looking venue. First thing was the fact that there was no opening band, but we did get to listen to about an hour or so of Abba music. I was having fun dancing to the few songs I did know of theirs and then laughing when the people around me were getting annoyed and saying they were in purgatory. We were also enjoying seeing the girls on the balcony watching as the techs were getting ready. One of them happened to be Paz, an old band member who would play strings and piano in the studio. At one point during the show she actually climbed down off the balcony and we all thought she might get on stage but was only seen minutes later back up there eating a banana.
During their set there was plenty of stopping from the band to switch from song to song. Maynard introduced the band one by one at points and then would pick on the bassist, who is a well known guy but hasn’t played with them before. (Matt McJunkins) Billy Howerdel and his amazing guitaring was running around on stage occasionally looking at the crowd. He was scouring for ‘his’ fans and staring at them intensely. James Iha actually told jokes on stage in between songs. One was, “what never goes out of style, a smile.” He laughed and told us how he thought it was funny. Then there is Josh Freese. If you have seen him then you know he is always having a good time. He is infectious to watch and we all Love him. Maynard was out in his awesome plaid shirt and crazy hair as always singing in the back left corner of the stage with sunglasses on the entire time. He seemed comfortable and to be having fun as well. There was even a point where he threw a bottle of Fiji Water at Josh and he caught it without missing a beat on the drums. Overall I would have to say the entire show was amazing cause you just felt like you were watching an older band just have fun.
Setlist was as follows:
(All of Mer De Noms)
David Bowie cover- Ashes to Ashes
John Lennon cover- Imgaine
After playing all of Mer De Noms Troy Van Leeuwan came out to perform with them and guest star on the backup guitar. It was amazing because when he was introduced Maynard couldn’t stop talking about his shoes and how much he wanted them. They agreed on a price, 2 Hungarian dollars, which later turned into two hours. Troy looked amazing as always. A nice pinstriped suit and white southern gator-like shoes, but to my surprise no tie. It was nicely complemented by his buttons undone and being able to see his chest though. His hair was the same as always. Such a stylish addition to the line up I’d say.
After Imagine they ended the show. Maynard was happy and said he would see us all the next night when they would be playing Thirteenth Step. Hopefully I will see them tonight and be happy to let you all know what crazy awesome fun things they do tonight.
Jess Dp
