Echo Temple – “The Fall”

“Your Majesty will be joining me here.”~Echo Temple “Witch”

It came. It finally came in the mail! And I’ve wasted no time to put in the CD.

Here we go!

THE FALL (2014)

Tom Calandra-Vocals
Sean Turcott-Guitar
John Wisser- Guitar
Thomas Helton-Bass Guitar
Chris Kotlarz- Drums

The album has been pouring upon my hearing like gold falling upon the fallen kingdoms of history’s past. I’ve noticed that in many songs on the record, there seems to be (at least lyrically) a war or battle theme of times long ago forgotten. The deep hidden secrets of the dark when men went to war for everything, including protecting their own lives from the states of enemy.

The entire record has cleansed my palate with heavy metal music. And its an extensive and nice change for once. It does not take you along the same old journey that metal fans are getting bored with in recent years. Songs like Destination Die, Scarlet Cord, The Fall, and of course Witch brings that element to those who are visually stimulated.

What I mean by that is when I listen to it, I wanna be transported back into those times in which Calandra sings of. To slay the dragon, become ruler of nations, fight devils and demons, and take no mercy.

This is exactly what the album does: Takes No Mercy!!

Hailing from Houston, Texas (of course) if you have been following this blog you know that I have talked about them with great personal pride and affection. Yet I am willing to write this honestly and sincerely as well as be willing and able to get the word out of the band as much as possible.

I honestly hope that ECHO TEMPLE will take this record out on the road. Because it needs to be shared and not ignored. I’ll bring them here for a few nights to play if I have to. There’s no candle that can hold up to the band”s hardcore and brash sound.

My personal reverence towards this band remains intact. By the end of listening to the album for the first time, I had experienced the chills that just make you want to scream and shout and throw the horns in the air… no matter where you are at while listening to the record. And its even brought a couple of tears to my eyes. So if you want to stay away from the junk that is being produced by cookie cutter metal bands, then you need to pick up The Fall by ECHO TEMPLE.

I AM

“Happiness consists more in the small conveniences of pleasures that occur every day, than in great pieces of good fortune that happen but seldom to a man in the course of his life.”~ Benjamin Franklin

Hang on tight because some of you are not going to believe this!

This evening, I was very proud to hear that a band that I follow, ECHO TEMPLE, was going to be played on Internet radio, Q102.. An Internet radio station out of Arlington, Texas.

Q102 has something called “Lone Star Metal Mondays” from 9 PM until midnight Texas local time. Central time zones for those of you counting.

So it slipped my mind around 9:29 or so before I turned it on. And I was honored to be chatting via Facebook to guitarists John Wisser and Sean Turcott from the band along with Sean’s beautiful wife, Claudia.

John and I however were complaining mostly about the genre specifics of what kinds of metal the radio station was playing all this time. I know that members of ECHO TEMPLE and other fans were just waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting.

I mentioned to John that I would receive extra bonus stoked points if the DJ played “Witch” that happens to be my #1 favorite song of all time from ECHO TEMPLE.

John  Wisser kind of giggled and shrugged it off. But more and more and more and more of the same growling, snarling, screeching “Cookie Monster” type of vocals kept getting played. 

Knowing that the radio show would go until midnight, I warned John Wisser that I would be most pissed off if the DJ waited and did not play ECHO TEMPLE until 11:53 PM, which in essence would be just enough time to play “Witch” and then be off the air at 12:00 Midnight. I told John Wisser that I was going to punch the DJ in the Bojangles. And again, for those keeping score: I was meaning that I would punch him in the balls.

Then I noticed Epic Death was on the air. And it sounded familiar. Then Helstar, which WAS familiar.

I mentioned to John Wisser that they were playing bands out of Houston in a block. Things suddenly got exciting. But then it broke off to a song from the thrash metal band Exodus.

At long last finally, I noticed the next song about to be played.

I was correct the entire time.

“Witch” was the song that was chosen to be played on air over the Internet.

I looked at my watch and realized the time.

It was incredible because in Texas the time was 10:53 PM.  And in New York City and locations within the Eastern Time Zone, it was (as mentioned hours before) 11:53 PM. In which I was joking that would be the time that they would play the song on the air.

So even though I was off by one time zone, it still was the right time.

It was very, VERY ironic that I could have been so specific. And that I was right on one example and if you wanted to stretch it, I was dead on with another.

Predicting which song that was going to be played on air and at what time, just off by one time zone.

I AM .. the fucking Oracle!
Just…. not as hot as the one in the film “300” and so forth.

Anyone else wanna take a chance with my new-found ability?????

11 January 2014: Surprise Visitation To Six Minute Century

“You must spray that shit for da bitches, sir.”~ Dr. Froth

I know that back in October I mentioned that I would not be continuing my trips to Houston.

However, this time around the premise and purpose was no different but there circumstances were.

Back in December, Mrs. Froth put out a message for those who were going to be involved in the January 2014 show to help me out, financially. Members from both SIX MINUTE CENTURY and ECHO TEMPLE were kind enough and gracious to have donated all of the money needed to make sure that I had a successful journey to the show.

I cannot say thank you enough to the people who did donate!!!!!!!!!!!!

And as a matter of fact, I ended up with a little MORE than what was originally designated based on their generosity. So I came home with MORE money than what I had coming. So humbled.

Off I went again on the bus to the great wonders of Houston, Texas.

It probably wouldn’t have been nothing but just another show, but Mrs. Froth had given birth to a son a few days later and this was going to be my chance to see the baby first hand. There was nothing that was going to get in my way.

Its weird that with the bus, that I can delay the bus driver to get me properly secure inside and that will take ten minutes out of his time from handling other passengers. End up anywhere between fifteen and twenty minutes late departing, and still some how make up time.

Going TO Houston, fifteen minutes behind. Arrive ten minutes early.

Leaving FROM Houston, twenty minutes behind. Arrive only ten minutes behind.

Thankfully for this blog post, I don’t have anything CRAZY to report. No staring strangers, no dead cats in luggage, no bratty children…. nothing at all. Just a peaceful to and from in which somehow I fell asleep and screwed up the back of my neck. Yipppppppppeeeeee!!!

Dr. Froth and his newborn son, Merlin. At the hospital.

When I arrived though, I got swept up by Dr. Froth, got fed, and then off to the House of Froth to meet the newest addition.

I was there for a few diaper changes. I was there for a few feedings, a few belches.. which surprised me a little bit. They were bigger than I expected.

“Baby Froth” is a sight to behold. That is for sure.

I got to hang out for a while and listen to Dr. Froth play around on his bass as he got ready for the show.

Then he realized that this was about to be his son’s first ever experience listening to music, and listening to his father play music.

A few jokes about him not sucking were passed around and Dr. Froth took that NSStick and TORE-IT-UP!!!

One thing that I will never forget was Mrs. Froth singing “Under The Moonlight” to her son as her husband dwindled away at the NSStick to an album recording of the song.

It was one of the most precious parent/child moments I had ever witnessed.

Also…. did anyone else know that Dr. Froth was a man of many huge talents?? He cooked up some walnut chicken and we all had a good time with it. Dr. Froth really is an extraordinary cook as well as a well-talented musician.

I’m blown away!!

But all good things had to come to an end, before the next good thing was allowed to happen. It was upsetting for me internally as Mrs. Froth would not be joining us at the show.

My first SIX MINUTE CENTURY show without my +1 of many, many years! Very strange!!

I was greeted by members of ECHO TEMPLE who were already there. It was like a meeting of the brotherhood. At least that is what I personally call the members of ECHO TEMPLE… my brotherhood, my brothers. And bountiful and moist conversations took place before the music got started.

It was there that I would actually be greeted by and then introduced to the original bass player of SIX MINUTE CENTURY, John Sample, aka Sampy. I had never met him. By the time I got to see the band in person, he had already left and Dr. Froth was in his place.

A really nice and gentle guy. He’s the kind of bass player that plays with a unique style that he bends over at the waist and lets his bass guitar drop to around his ankles and sits there and plays. He was part of MYSTIC CROSS, the headlining band.

Then I saw the succubus. If you go back to about August 2013 with Dr. Froth’s last birthday extravaganza post… there’s a little something there to it. But again, its not worth complaining about.

But with all the women that I have ever had trouble with, that I had met in Houston during a show…. she was not someone that I thought I would ever see last night.

I was kind of hanging out near the bar where the restrooms were and she had to get by to go to the ladies’ room. But coming out was a different story as the crowd shifted around and she couldn’t go back the way she came. She had no other choice but to walk right by me.

Let me just say that my peripheral vision kicks ass. I knew the moment she walked out of the bathroom and I knew the moment that she found that she could not “avoid” me on her way back from the bathroom.

So she touched my shoulder, said something while VICIOUS CYCLE was playing, but I can’t hear crap in there. So she asked another question that I understood.

She asked if I had gotten into town yesterday and I acknowledged that was fact. Then she said that it was great to see me again and she walked away. I never bothered with her again. Even though I had thoughts of trying to take a photograph with her. But why bother? ON WITH THE SHOW!!!!

VICIOUS CYCLE got up there and played first. And it sounded really good. I didn’t know them from before. I’ll have to keep a closer eye on them.

Don LaFon

SIX MINUTE CENTURY took on second and so many people were having a great time. But again, I was entirely disappointed with the numbers that were in attendance. There had to be less than 60 people at the peak. What the hell has happened in Houston and what is going on with music fans? I understand most of them got sick, and even Mrs. Froth was honestly in no condition with a new baby… but what are the excuses for the rest of them? I don’t freakin’ get it!!

Those who were there, were celebrating guitarist Don LaFon’s birthday. I too, have a birthday this month but SIX MINUTE CENTURY removed my favorite song of theirs of all time from their rotation. So no more birthday dedications at the January show. Damn….

At least now I know who was responsible for that. Ironically enough, I’m not mad…?

Lead Singer Chuck Williams didn’t even mess with LaFon as much as he usually does about how OLD of a man LaFon really is. And I keep forgetting the cantaloupe to hurl at the request of Frothtonomy and its followers. I think though that was a 2012 request. It may be void and no good any more.

I’ll have to check with Dr. Froth.

MYSTIC CROSS got on stage and it was sooooooooo fucking loud that it even pushed me outside into the back, out on to the patio… where it was a nasty 42°F/5°C at that time of night. Well, even though it is winter, this is still TEXAS! That’s not supposed to happen until next month some time where it will get nasty and bitter cold.

Dr. Froth then came running out and decided that he was going to pass out cigars like the old tradition after having a baby. He gave me one of his very select collection of very few. I was honored. A group of us stood there outside puffing away like dragons and even fewer of us knew what the hell we were doing.

I  think for many of them, it was their first cigar. And others their first tobacco experience EVER. I kept the tube in which it came in and put it away, this will be a souvenir to keep until the end of days. My first ever “Baby Cigar.” 

And still since the music was so loud we could enjoy the sounds of MYSTIC CROSS, which is another band that Don LaFon plays in.

Then when the cigar silliness was over, ECHO TEMPLE took the stage and I hugged the stage like a mad man. The same as I would always do for SIX MINUTE CENTURY. A monitor in my face and a filler at my chest… beating away.

And I’m not deaf yet?

As I was enjoying ECHO TEMPLE, Chuck Williams came by and hugged me. He slurred his “I love you man.” for whatever reason. I guess he was thinking about it too hard and he panicked. Oh well. The poor guy had teeth pulled less than a week before and he admitted this afternoon that he was in pain at the end.

I then was told that Mrs. Froth was having a difficult time at home with the baby, and Dr. Froth handed off the duty of getting me safely back to the hotel to Don LaFon… but I freaked out because — its his birthday show– hadn’t he been drinking?

A few minutes later I realized that my luggage bag was in Dr. Froth’s vehicle so I sent a text message to him expressing my concern. No response came.

It worked out though because Dr. Froth had forgotten some equipment that was still on stage and so he waited to get it all at the end of the night and THEN he brought me back to the hotel.

The biggest surprise (for me) was that the drummer of MYSTIC CROSS would come up to me during the ECHO TEMPLE set and try to talk to me while music was going on. I couldn’t hear. So he left and a few minutes later, he gave me the printed out set list of MYSTIC CROSS.

Drummer Austin Gartman was totally adoring me and I couldn’t figure out why. It was then that I found out that Don LaFon was at it again, adulating me to anyone who would listen to explain that “the guy in the wheelchair is SIX MINUTE CENTURY’S #1 FAN EVER!” and that he takes the bus every time to come to a show.

Yep, he had done it again and this time it caught the attention of Austin Gartman. It blew his mind! So then he swiped the set list away from my hands and grabbed a Sharpie and made everyone in MYSTIC CROSS  autograph it.

Now keep in mind, Don LaFon has autographed many things for me personally as many things. Mainly SIX MINUTE CENTURY, but he is probably getting used to it all by now.

Austin Gartman gave me many bro hugs and nearly he cried. I saw this with my own eyes. And he thanked me profusely for my dedication.

Now with Mrs. Froth gone, there was an option of going out to eat without her OR Dr. Froth would just drop me off. But since things were getting a little hairy at home with the newborn… I was dropped off at the hotel.

But its a trade-off and I understand it. I can either stay out a few more hours and then have to stay awake long enough to go get on the bus to come back OR I can leave and go back to the hotel earlier and attempt a few hours of sleep before having to get up and get on the bus to come back.

I didn’t mind taking sleep. Trust me on that!

I laid there in bed with my eyes probably sore from being red and I thought about all the wonderful things that everyone had done to get me to that show. All the love, all the financial assistance, all the support. I literally wept in the darkness until I fell asleep.

I took in four hours of sleep. Not bad, considering that the last couple of times I’ve had less than an hour while still in Houston. Its a little easier to get motivated to go when you have a little sleep.

It is abundantly clear though. I still will not be using my own money to make these kinds of trips to Houston. If anyone wants me there, they can pitch in. They’ve done it before. Last night was not the first time this has happened this way.

However, if there is any hope or idea or belief that there will be “more” after the show, then I am simply going to have to take in two nights in Houston. That first night will be the night of the show, and then take that night to sleep. The following morning I can do whatever. Watch television in HD or anything else and then go to bed early that second evening and then get up in the morning the second morning and return.

When I returned, my brain just wasn’t working well. So I’m going to need more sleep.

All in all, I totally enjoyed the trip. Glad that I didn’t have to deal with any stupids with the bus too! Meeting with old and making new friends. And enjoying music. How can you beat that???

 

 

19 October 2013: Spending My Last Days In Paradise With Six Minute Century

“Nobody clapped! I hope they get the clap!!” ~ Omar Ramirez

It feels like a blur. An achy, head-pounding blur. And I’m no good with that.

“Wasting Time” release party to the rescue!!!

And that’s exactly where I went. By way of Dr. & Mrs. Froth, and SIX MINUTE CENTURY.

I never thought that in a thousand years I would see so many people that I actually KNEW. People that I can say that have become great friends with me. And they were all in one spot, BFE Rock Club in Houston.

Some who have been around for a while, and others pretty new. But they were there.

I had been itching to go to this show so bad that I knew that if I had bugged Mrs. Froth with the “Are We There Yet?” over and over and over and over again for weeks, that she would greet me when I arrive and then KNOCK me into next year!

After starting about fifteen minutes late on the departure to Houston, the bus driver had obviously kicked some serious butt driving on the highway because for a trip that was supposed to last 2 hours and 45 minutes, we arrived just under ten minutes early………. I don’t know, you do the the math and then get back to me!!

The bus was such a blunder. I bought my tickets for the trip in early September. But then forgot to mention that I was in a wheelchair and needed a disability seat. A $4.00 expense that turned into an addition $41.00 because I bought another round trip ticket (the RIGHT way) the day before travel.

OUCH!!!!!!!!

I even sent a message to someone who lives along the travel path, and got to see them waving at the bus as it roared by their work place. I thought that was cool. Too bad I couldn’t get off the bus and go TALK to them.

I checked in to my hotel and then it was an afternoon of fun and overdue “Face Time” with Dr. & Mrs. Froth within their humble abode.

Come to find out that the band has been watching the Internet for album reviews. They found my last blog post. And frontman Chuck Williams saw it and thought that there were a lot of good and positive comments made about it. But he learned real quick that it was me.

After that, it was on to the show!! I had sent out several text messages in my excitement saying “For Those About To Rock, We Salute You.”

And then there is this:

I think it was very funny that SIX MINUTE CENTURY frontman Chuck Williams, replied with “LET FREEDOM RING!!!”

And then there is this ……..

Meet Danae Saree. 

I did. And for the first time.

I’ve been in communication with her over the Internet for so long that I actually came into contact with her when MySpace was used like Facebook.

Yep, that long ago… and it was the first time ever seeing her in person.

Awesome! Can I get an AMEN?

I think its just too cool for school to be able to finally meet people like this. Its too bad I didn’t get an opportunity to take a photograph with her.

Then it was on with the show!!!!!

Silenced Within jumped on stage first, and just rocked it. And it set a good tone to what would be a great night.

It became unusual that the drummer for Stress Level Red (who is former drummer for SIX MINUTE CENTURY) came up to me and asked me to critique the band and their performance. But NOT in the critique that you might think.

So they jumped on stage next and did their thing.

About that time when Stress Level Red was playing, and I was surrounded by bodies of people… that stupid stomach bug hit me, and hit me hard. I don’t think I recovered from it. Let’s put it this way, I didn’t bother asking anyone.

SIX MINUTE CENTURY then hit the stage with what I am believing was their longest set ever. We all were there to do one thing, celebrate and promote the new album. And that’s exactly what they played on stage. One track after another after another. Some of them, had been played live before. Others were brand spanking new and nobody had heard them, either recorded or played live. “Last Days In Paradise” is just as spooky and creepy played live as it is listening to on a recording. That song gives me the creeps.

But I was glad and relieved to see that there was a huge crowd there for SIX MINUTE CENTURY. I am given to understand that the band thinks its one of the largest ever. And personally, I am most definitely proud to have been a part of that.

I was most impressed with the talents of Dr. Froth as he tried different things on stage and to have them work out in such a remarkable fashion. He truly is a bad ass on that NSStick.

However, whatever was rumbling in my stomach was beginning to win. My energy was fading away quickly. And to boot, I had been awake since 5:00 AM that day. And I had several more hours to go.

The crowd began to thin out by the end, and I just kinda shook my head.

ECHO TEMPLE was up next to finish off the night. And so with ECHO TEMPLE, SIX MINUTE CENTURY, and Silenced Within…. three bands that I adore were playing all at the same place on the same night? Of course it was a blast!!! But that huge crowd was gone. And I just thought that was really shitty of the people.

After it was all done, I received a copy of the new album. And even had everyone sign it.

What was incredible and still is today, is that in the “Thank You’s” is the fact that I am mentioned by name TWICE. Once as a band collectively thanking me, and the other as Dr. Froth added me to his list of personal thanks. The band also mentions “The CENTURIONS” and the fans, which is something that I had come up with. Frontman Chuck Williams thanked the CENTURIONS and the fans in his personal notes as well. So I’m mentioned at least by name, twice.

I’ve never been included like this before. And it just fills my heart. I know for sure now that I am “something” to this band. To have been able to go to as many shows as I have in the past two years, traveling all that way, spending so much money, and still giving 1,000% in support. SIX MINUTE CENTURY basically returned the favor by mentioning me in their list of thank you’s.

Wanna see what I’m talking about?!?!? Go buy the album!!!!!

So after all the music was played, a group of us took off. There was a crowd of at least 16 people hanging out. Some of them needing to sober up and eat something over at the IHOP.

The longer I could stay awake, the better it was for me. But all good things must come to an end. And after I don’t know how long of laughing, being gross and immature, and just enjoying the moment…. I was brought back to the hotel and departed ways.

It was after 4:30 AM. My plan was to leave the hotel at 7:00 AM. My bus returning home was supposed to leave at 7:55 AM.

Luckily, I caught some really old re-runs of “Married With Children” and with that, I began to doze off. At some point I think I probably dozed off for about 20-30 minutes. I did not miss the bus however.

There was some random guy fussing and picking on people and telling them what to do because he wanted to get on the bus and he was unable to find a way to purchase a ticket. He yelled at everyone he looked at. And I began to wonder WHY is it that there’s always someone that has to fart in the bowl of ice cream?? Its ALWAYS SOMEONE or SOMETHING. And always on the return trip.

So this guy went after the bus driver when it arrived. And they charged him $44.00 to get on. And he flipped his lid again, but paid.

I was so tired that I couldn’t even think straight any more, and as we went on down the road and reached Houston Outlets, tears formed in my eyes and they rolled down my face without a care. And I could not figure out whether it was because of sadness that I was about to leave Houston for a very long time, or it was because of my exhaustion and serious lack of sleep.

My head bowed down and rolled around and bounced the entire trip home. The back of my neck now hurts. Leaving twenty minutes late from Houston this time, and then we arrived ON TIME. I tell you… I don’t know what it is about these drivers.

I did have fun though. I didn’t bum myself out with a lot of negative thinking. Considering that this was to be my LAST trip to Houston to go to any shows. Its beginning to become very difficult to deal with. Based on the fact that the bus schedules are yet again moved around.

All that money and time spent, for me to be awake for a continuous 30 hour stretch, and not even be in the city of Houston for 24 hours is catching up to me. Plus with the desire of wanting to move, I need to save the money as much as possible.

Its not the end of the world. No, I didn’t get into a dispute with SIX MINUTE CENTURY or their fans. I just need to save the money so that I can move. That way, I’m “there” whenever a show comes up. After all, if it had not been for the House of Froth, I wouldn’t have been there for the CD release show. And that would’ve sucked. So I give all my thanks to them!!!

So I spent my last day in Paradise. Maybe things will change down the road that I can return.

 

 

 

 

9 August 2013: Family Ties With Echo Temple

“The family ties between hundreds of thousands of German families and their American relatives led many to think that America would never join a second war against Germany.”~Julius Streicher

The past weekend is going to definitely be memorable. And memorable in the most wonderful of ways.

Because I have been doing much better with kicking some nasty habits, I came into more money than usual. So this past weekend, was extended to include Friday night, as well to be able to see ECHO TEMPLE play live at Acadia Bar & Grill.

It was an unusual show for me since I was not with my friends there. I was virtually by myself. That’s if you don’t count the band ECHO TEMPLE or their families, at all.

I digress.

Although I just could not feel it for SIGNAL RISING and RAZOR DOVES. The bands who happened to be first and last for the evening. ECHO TEMPLE went on second, WELLBORN ROAD third.

But it wasn’t for a lack of trying. I mean, I was there for most of the night.

I took my spot near the front of the stage when ECHO TEMPLE started to set up. I was being disrupted and distracted at that fact that there was a DOG inside the club. A dog… just walking around with a Corona bandana around its neck like it belonged there. I would see the dog throughout the entire night. I am guessing that it had to belong to one of the owners or something. It was still strange to see it.

One of the funniest moments of the evening was when the set lists were being passed out, guitarist John Wisser asked me if I wanted a program.

Usually those set lists are kept private or at the very least not talked about much. I just knew that my favorite song from ECHO TEMPLE “Witch” was going to be played at some point. But I still took the set list and then turned around and made the entire band autograph it. And that now makes the second item of band memorabilia that I have fully signed and autographed by the band.

Who’s Da Man???

I was also to secure a photograph of the entire band WITH me in it. I’m told that’s not been done too often. That its difficult to get everyone together. Especially since there’s FIVE of them in the band.

It was funny that guitarist John Wisser AND guitarist Sean Turcott had BOTH come up to me looking for a fist bump before they got started. So awesome!!!

Their set seemed to be shorter than what I remember. But nonetheless, I got “Witch” and as a matter of fact lead singer Tom Calandra dedicated the song to me, announced that came a long, long, long ways to get to the show and that the band knew I loved the song.

I reached up and gave thumbs up, but Tom grabbed me around the hand. I literally thought that he was going to pull me out of my wheelchair and drag me up on stage…. that would have been VERY BAD as I would only been able to lay there like a slug on stage. That’s just not attractive.

But I was thrilled that they would do that for me. It felt like I was fitting in with the band, or that they cared what their fans/listeners thought.

The band would hang out for the rest of the evening. And later it was stated that’s okay for me to hang out with the band. Even if I thought they were discussing band business. It was expressed that if whatever they were talking about was serious enough that they wouldn’t be talking about it in a club. But rather in private, so I shouldn’t have to be afraid to hang out with them and not join the conversation.

It was then that I realized I was not just a fan, but part of the ECHO TEMPLE family.

How much more awesome does this get???? First SIX MINUTE CENTURY. Now ECHO TEMPLE.

Wellborn Road got up on stage and practically melted my face off with their blinding style of lyrics and metal music. They are from College Station…. home of Texas A&M. What was interesting to note was that when the band started to play a group of people moved forward and stood there for the rest of the set. Looking like a wave of college students.  Holy Crap!! Everyone has their following! 

But I was impressed. I missed them when they opened for none other than ECHO TEMPLE back in March at the House Of Blues. I got to see them from beginning to end.

I got to talking to the lead singer for a little bit after promoter Rusty Conner made the original introduction. Before the guy knew it, I was wanting merchandise and as much as he could give it and as much as I could afford it.

I ended up with a couple of their CD’s, a t-shirt, and a download code. I wanted two shirts, but they didn’t have the size. They didn’t actually have the size that I was looking for to begin with and it proved that truly I am a size XXL in t-shirts. I had the Wellborn Road t-shirt on earlier and my belly was showing at the bottom. Unattractive.

We’ll see if Wellborn Road comes to my area now.

He saw the military tags around my neck and assumed. And a drunk did as well. Ended up getting a FREE drink from the drunk’s assumptions.

Meanwhile the dog kept walking back and forth, in and out of the club all night.

Then Razor Doves got on stage. Constantly announcing that they were from San Antonio. But I just couldn’t get into their vibe. I mean, I was clawing at the walls to get out of there!!!!

Razor Doves just isn’t for me. Neither is Signal Rising. Although Signal Rising had a cool looking t-shirt that I wanted, but nobody came to help me out in that. Who the hell am I supposed to give the money to???

All in all a wonderful night of music. A Prelude if you will… an appetizer for a second night of music that was to come.

2 March 2013: Echo Temple at House Of Blues Houston

“Nobody went to jail. Nobody was murdered. Nobody got raped. All in all a good evening.”~ Dr. Froth

Ladies & gentleman. Followers & visitors. Upcoming subscribers. I present to you one amazing 26 hour period. 20 hours if you subtract the time spent traveling by bus.

Lone Star Metal put together a show featuring Wellborn Road and ECHO TEMPLE at The House Of Blues Houston.

You have already read while I was still in shock that I was going to be able to go. But for those of you who know this blog well, know that I must give the story of the entire trip from departure to arrival. And back again.

The previous blog has given you some of the minor details of the trip that took place.

Funky smokers. Inattentive lovers. Crabby cuties. But it doesn’t give the full scope of this short time period. And believe me…. even though it was short…. my exhaustion feels as if it was for even longer.

I was going to give this blog post the title of “Sandwich With Shit Bread” but I think that it would have confused you to read about all that happened in this experience and still believe me when I say to you that I had a wonderful, wonderful time.

In fact the bands did play The House Of Blues Houston. And yes I was there as well. Thanks to a lot of people coming together to put it together to make sure that I was able to arrive.

The first mention of my name by Mrs. Froth that came across the attention of ECHO TEMPLE started a flurry of busy little musical “elves” to make sure that I would in fact be there.

It was a tense and long wait for the day to arrive that I would make it there. A very long and intense 72 hours before I would arrive in Houston. Back to the same convenient hotel nearby the Shell Gas station where the bus arrives and departs.

From the moment that I got off of the bus in Houston, tragedy struck and struck brutally hard.

I stepped inside the Shell to use the restroom. From there at some point, I lost my cell phone. A cell phone that I only had since the previously mentioned Pancake Breakfast. So not even a full month.

It was gone! G-O-N-E … GONE!! I came out of that restroom, went to the hotel and checked in, and then on the way to entering my hotel room is when I noticed it missing. I went ahead and threw my luggage in the hotel room, shoved the hotel key into a pocket where I would feel it and it would not be lost and began to go backwards. I hadn’t been there 20 minutes and not gone far.

I went to the front desk of the hotel to inquire. It wasn’t there. I went all the way back to the Shell station and kept my eyes along the path that I knew I just was on and asked at the Shell if someone had turned a cell phone over to them. When I told them that the last time I knew that I had it was in the restroom, they assured me with a snide and stern voice that was gone forever because many people had gone into the restroom after I came out.

I went back to the hotel front desk and asked to use the phone so I could make some contacts. I bugged both a friend and my sister to get on to Facebook to reach Mrs. Froth to let her know that I had lost the cell phone and not to worry if she had noticed that I was not responding to any text messages or telephone calls she may have been sending.

At the time though she was driving, so those messages weren’t received right away. The only thing I could do was hope, pray, and wait. Eventually, Mrs. Froth found me and I connected with her. And off we went!

I  got to hang out at the House of Froth before going to the House of Blues. (Yeah I thought that was catchy too!)

We arrived a bit late to see Wellborn Road play. Tickets were at will call. But my ticket was somehow not there. It was taken care of by the band… but I had no idea which person. They were obviously inside the venue by that point getting ready. Nobody had any contact information to find out where any of them were to see under who’s name it was under that my ticket was being held under.

As slightly frustrating and irritating as that was, it couldn’t hold a candle to losing the cell phone just hours before. Eventually a ticket was purchased and it was on with the show!!!

Onward we went to the Peacock Room. Had our tickets scanned. Our wrists slathered in pink wrist bands so that we could drink if we chose. And we went inside.

The Peacock Room was unusually quiet I thought. Where the hell was Wellborn Road?? Did they honestly just have a very short set and were gone? And what about the keyboard that was set up on stage?? If Wellborn Road was finished, ECHO TEMPLE doesn’t have a keyboardist.

Dr. Froth noticed a flood of Pink Floyd t-shirts in the room. Then it clicked in our musically inclined minds: We are in the WRONG room.

So out we went. Scanned our tickets again and outward public grumbling ensued.

The show we were looking for was actually in a part of the venue called The Bronze Peacock Room. 

Okay House Of Blues: Why so many similarly named rooms? Where’s the “Silver” Peacock Room? And why ticket-checkers, are you slacking from your jobs from sending people to the correct venue??

We went from a large space with a stage, balcony seats, and tables TO one big-assed room. Something you don’t see in the brochure, I am sure!

As we entered inside, Wellborn Road was still on stage. They were covering “Man In The Box” by Alice In Chains. Not bad at all!! Quite entertaining.

The at the last of their set, the guitarist flipped his instrument behind his head and played The National Anthem. That was pretty sweet. I took a picture of it and I hope it comes out.

While waiting, I was greeted by many of the members of ECHO TEMPLE.

As I was very well aware that without them, I would not have been there … I made really sure that I thanked each and every one of them for their generosity for making sure that I was able to be there to watch them play at The House Of Blues.

I also met Sean Turcott’s wife, Claudia and John Wisser’s wife, Carrie for the first time.

I’m starting to gain one heck of a reputation with the ECHO TEMPLE family.

But I wondered what do ECHO TEMPLE fans call themselves?? But I will digress from that train of thought.

After a few more minutes of sharing and caring, it was time to enjoy the show.

We all crept up on the stage by request of Tom Calandra. And still, I found myself at “crotch level” of the band. Nothing more frightening than the threat of having a musician coming so close to the end of the stage that they could possibly tea bag me in the forehead.

ECHO TEMPLE just keeps getting better and better each and every time that I see them play. This was my third time. So awesome!! But as it has been with the band SIX MINUTE CENTURY, I am becoming more and more of friends with the members of the band, rather than someone who is just a serious fan. It would be safe to say that the friends circle from Houston just keeps expanding. And that’s what makes it so damn difficult to leave when I have to.

Watching them as they combine forces to make such powerful music is always a bonus. I kept wondering that because I was so close to them all if they could hear me singing. Who knows?? These guys just rock!!!

I cannot wait for their album to come out. I’m gonna be making a lot of noise when I hear the news that it has been released. Particularly attempting to earworm the band to death to save me a copy.

With ECHO TEMPLE on stage, and Dr. & Mrs. Froth nearby, all my cares in the world melted away. Its a wonderful feeling.

And as we were all on a natural music high, employees of The House Of Blues went and farted in all of our oatmeal.

As soon as the show was over they were telling people to get up and leave. Every person who didn’t have a “backstage pass” attached to their bodies somewhere were given the motion to get the hell out. Ironically though, nobody came up to me personally and asked me to leave. Even though they were asking other people that were nearby. I did not have a “backstage pass” on me, but they never bothered with me. Regardless, I went outside because I was told that there were plans to meet up with the band after the show. But in the whirlwind of people getting kicked out and others being told to get their gear and go, we never connected. We were on our own.

The parking garage was fun though. Going down ramps rather than going up them. I kept screaming “SLALOM!!!”  as I cruised down each ramp until we reached the vehicle. I could sense that Mrs. Froth was shaking her head while I screamed like a five year old. WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gotta love downtown Houston!

After a quick bite to eat at Denny’s, gossiping about worthless crap, and talking about future shows we realized that the hour was not as late as they have been in the past. As a matter of fact I was back at the hotel it was not even 1:30 AM. Such a difference from January where I got back around 4:30 in the morning!

I woke up this morning around 7:00 AM. Needless to say that I could have cursed myself because I could not go back to bed. Being so paranoid that I would sleep too long that I would miss the bus to return home. The unnecessary early hour and the foolish paranoia just had me on the wrong foot to start the day I suppose.

I had a cup of coffee from the continental breakfast. I thought to kill time until 8:00 AM and I was going to finally get my chance to eat at the Harris County Smokehouse. Something I missed back in January.

Jayma Mays in “Paul Blart: Mall Cop”

Sadly, I was not impressed with it. It could have been my sour mood. It could have been the fact that I had been full from having an omelet at the Denny’s the night before and eating one there at the Smokehouse as well. Too much eggs, perhaps?? Who knows. I just know that I wasn’t thrilled.

After that, I returned to my hotel room to push it to the limits of the time of check-out. It was already paid for after all, I might as well enjoy it. I was able to find “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” on television.

I found myself enjoying it more the second time watching it than I had the first time. I realized that Jayma Mays just looks a lot better in HD than anything else.

Yep, such a beauty!

After that, I had about an hour left before I had to check out. I turned on one of the films from the Resident Evil series. I don’t remember which one. But then again, I wasn’t paying much attention to it as I was double checking that I had everything packed and ready to go in order to get back.

I went outside for one last moment of fresh air in Houston, and attempted to go back into the room. But the key suddenly wouldn’t work.

I went to the front desk and they asked me if I was going to check out soon. I still had 40 minutes before noon!!

Apparently, these room keys actually will TIME OUT on you and no longer work!! I didn’t know that!!!!!!! So I got a different key. I went back, grabbed my luggage, turned off the television and the lights and left.

I’m still filled so much with appreciation to ECHO TEMPLE and Dr. & Mrs. Froth for getting together and making this happen. I feel like I could thank them for a thousand days and nights. Words just cannot express just how much it meant to me knowing that I was only a few days from actually missing it.

I’m grateful that I had the experience of being at The House Of Blues. But I have doubts if anything will ever be booked there again that would interest me. I still am grateful for the opportunity to have been able to go.

Another show, another quick trip. Another set of memories to last a lifetime.

MY HUMBLEST THANKS TO DR. & MRS. FROTH AND THE PEOPLE OF ECHO TEMPLE!

I hope to see as many of them as I can at the next show that I am able to attend!! Eventually I shall succeed in yet another group photo, this time will be the members of ECHO TEMPLE and I. It will be just a matter of weeks.

Sad to know that WELL OF SOULS plays this coming weekend and I cannot just run back there for that one. But I’m at the point where I have to be picky.

Still, it was a great time. It turned the weekend from becoming a bore and sent me back into my simple oasis.

Overnight Delivery

“I worked half my life to be an overnight success, and still it took me by surprise.”~ Jessica Savitch

Wow, what a mess!! I’ve probably not had a roller coaster afternoon that blended into the evening and early night hours since the war. (Don’t ask.)

I think that all will be well at the end of the weekend. My fingers are crossed. I’m keeping positive. You can expect to be kept posted right here.

This week has been rough as the sledge hockey team was invited to Houston this weekend. We would have had two opportunities to get on the ice. Friday night and then again at Houston’s regularly scheduled ice time Saturday morning at Memorial City Mall.

And then I was reminded that ECHO TEMPLE was playing at The House of Blues Saturday. That definitely would have been a full day but I was unable to figure out what I was going to do with all of my hockey gear and what not throughout the rest of the afternoon until that night.

I struggled. I fought tooth and nail to make at least the sledge hockey work as Houston threw the gauntlet at us. Oh how I would have loved it!! But with the backwards progress of the team, and the very little opportunity available for grabbing transportation, it just didn’t seem likely to happen.

Missing sledge hockey and ECHO TEMPLE was a miserable, miserable feeling for me!!

I ultimately threw in the towel for it all. Things were just out of my hands.

This afternoon though I had received the brand new t-shirt from ECHO TEMPLE. I received the very first one available to the public. I was over the moon to receive it. Guitarist Sean Turcott was more than willing to drop one in the mail for me.

Then I got so excited about the t-shirt that I posted a photo of me wearing it on Facebook, tagged the band members and thanked them. Suddenly comments were coming from all sides. Family members and fellow fans alike that they wanted one. Some family and even spouses were frumping about the fact that they didn’t even have one yet.

OOOOOOOOOPSSSSSS!!!!!! Didn’t mean to strike the nerve of the wives and families! Sorry.

Even though I thought that I would miss this epic opportunity to go to The House of Blues, the t-shirt was a great silver medal.

So I continued to think until earlier in the evening……….

I was contacted by Sean Turcott asking if certain arrangements were made, that I could make it to the show at The House of Blues.

I nearly shit myself.

ECHO TEMPLE was going to take care of hotel, travel, and a ride to wherever I was going. But I’m still  attempting to help out my sister with watching my niece and I’m doing that on Saturdays. The same day as the show.

My sister knew that I was attempting to cancel for the hockey but I told her that I gave up on that. Hindsight is definitely 20/20. Had I just said I was going, this wouldn’t have been an issue. But I didn’t have this “all expenses paid” offer until earlier tonight.

It would’ve worked out fine.

In my disbelief, I contacted Mrs. Froth. And wouldn’t you know it? She knew about the plans that ECHO TEMPLE was willing to put into action. And she and Dr. Froth was a very important part of this planning to grab me from the hotel and take me to the venue.

I wonder what else she had her hand in making this possible??? Oh well. Its better not to ask questions.

I struggled some more. Frustrated, that I couldn’t make the overnight trip work. I knew that I would have to come back as soon as possible to watch my niece. It wouldn’t have mattered much. If I had gone and still had to watch my niece then I would have to leave Houston around 6:40 AM. What a pain!!

Echo Temple

By 11:00 PM though, my sister pretty much told me that I was good to go. She said that she was 99.9% sure of it. She just needed to make sure it was okay by the uppers of all this work shifting around over the weekend. But I had nothing to do with that. She stated in her message to her work people that I wasn’t able to watch the niece and left it at that. Never gave an explanation and never said why…. just that I couldn’t do it.

I will be able to go The House of Blues in Houston, Texas!!! I am pretty damned pumped up about that. And I will get to see ECHO TEMPLE play there. Dr. & Mrs. Froth will be in attendance and that……. ohhh unholy egg nog, is just one helluva bonus right there. Besides, I’m a little behind on super hugs to the Mrs.

And yes, I will be eating some words that were uttered to Mrs. Froth just this morning. I’ll just go ahead and admit that right now before my arm gets twisted in ways and in places that I don’t want it. NOM!NOM!NOM!!!

So at home base, I’m virtually good to go. I know that I will have things taken care of by the bands in Houston.

But I am not out of the woods at this late hour of the night just yet! I will have to make sure that I can get a ride to the bus  stop here in town. I’m hoping the usual neighbor will be willing. If not, its either the public transportation or a taxi. Yikes!!!!

This ECHO TEMPLE VIP is gonna rock this weekend at The House of Blues!!!!!

 

9 November 2012: Baptized In Flames Of Six Minute Century

 

“If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun.”~ Katharine Hepburn

My fourth show this year. My sixth show in two years, and overall. I have become VERY fortunate  that I have been able to go to yet another great show by SIX MINUTE CENTURY.

I was so pumped from Dr. Froth’s Birthday Extravaganza back in August that the very next day after I returned home, I made hotel reservations to be able to go to this November show.

Unlike the catastrophe in June, I went to another hotel chain. I arrived at the Motel 6. After all, I’m not there to live in it. I am there to have a place to crash.

I’ve tried different hotel chains in the past. This one by far was the least expensive for two nights. I paid with a $100 bill and still got change! Try that once in a while!!

There were a few things that were upsetting about it. They were in the midst of remodeling their second floor. Luckily I was not located there, but there was a lot of in and out and a lot of things just dropped off on the floors where it became an obstacle course inside of the hotel lobby and the hallways leading to the rooms.

The most disturbing thing that I found inside my hotel room was the fact that once I decided to kick back and relax and watch some television, I had pulled back the covers and sheets on the bed and had found several long hairs clinging to the sheets.

So gross.

Then I thought that the television wasn’t working, so I went to the front desk to inform them. It turned out that I was not patient enough for the television to turn on. And then, channels at the bottom of the dial simply did not work. I had to start at channel number 12 to watch anything. Besides, I do not have cable at home. At least I had more than just eight channels to watch.

Most of the employees were Hispanic. And with my ability to actually speak in Spanish, I did so whenever I could to make sure that they understood me. What drove me crazy was whenever I would speak in Spanish, they would always reply appropriately in English! Oh well!!!!

But no matter, I was less than a day at that point to being with awesome and wonderful friends enjoying the best music that Houston has to offer.

Dr. Froth made sure that the all important question was answered. Yes, I was hungry- no, I had not eaten. So he bought me something to eat before dropping me off. So I sat on the hair-infested bed (but on the other side) and just vegged out and texted with best friends until 3:30 in the morning.

The following morning, I woke up pretty late. I enjoyed the fact that since I was up so late that I could sleep in for as long as I wanted.

Then later on in the afternoon, Dr. Froth came by and picked me up and I went into the House of Froth until it was time to go to the show.

As Dr. and Mrs. Froth got ready, I was able to watch even more cable on their television and I played with Merlin, their Alaskan Malamute some more. I had only been there three months ago, and that dog grew over twice the size since I had seen it last. And to find out that it is only five months old, that dog is gonna be huge!!!

I pointed out a poster that was on their wall, that I would really love to find. I looked and found printing on the very lower corner that said PYRAMID POSTERS. So I will attempt a Google search later on to see if I cannot find it. I would love to have one on my own wall.

As it grew time to go to the show, I was introduced to the opening band Fluid Frequency. These guys came from the panhandle of Texas all the way to Houston to play the show. Three awesome guys with awesome personalities. Kind and social.

I had to laugh because as we were out the door I shouted “Let’s Roll” and then there was this brief moment of whether or not I should have said “Let’s Rock” instead.

If anyone knows me and my humor, it is that I say “roll” because that’s what I do to move around….. roll. It is a lesson that I believe YouTube personality LISAFAYECHARDONNAY and others has learned quickly. Instead of telling me “You Rock” she now says “You Roll” and quite honestly, I do. So its still correct.

Fluid Frequency had followed us to the venue. The show was at Acadia Bar & Grill.

For me though, this was even more important to be there as not only SIX MINUTE CENTURY was playing but also ECHO TEMPLE. A band that I first got to see back in August and immediately fell in love with their music. So I had two bands that I give fealty to in one night.

Getting there early, I passed on the cover charge at the door. Awesome! But also getting there early also allowed me to get back into the feel of things inside and be able to establish grounds of which to nest in for the show.

I was struck at the view of one of the bartenders who had these really beautiful and awesome pigtails. But they were not on the sides of her head. They were close together in the middle of the back of her head. Something that I hadn’t seen before. It was really fascinating to look at. I did get an opportunity to tell her that I loved her hair and she acknowledged me.

As Fluid Frequency was setting up on stage, members of ECHO TEMPLE were coming in. Most of them were there before the show even started. They were playing right after Fluid Frequency.

I had just joined their Facebook fan page not that long ago and I have been very actively participating. So it should not have been any surprise that they knew who I was when they spoke to me. And still, I was.

ECHO TEMPLE had their CD and t-shirts for their fans. I was totally honored and blessed that ECHO TEMPLE gave me both as their gift to me, for my support of their band. So I had them all autograph the CD. So AWESOME!!!

In the weeks before, I made sure that they all knew that I wanted to hear their song “Witch” and I got teased by them on Facebook that they were not going to play it, but they turned around and said that they were only joking.

I noticed that there was a DVD being given out of the heavy metal music scene in Houston. They only asked for a kind donation rather than charging for it.

As I huddled around the foosball table, Fluid Frequency offered a friendly match. I was dumb enough to decline. But I watched as they went head to head against one another. 

Fluid Frequency members have such a great sense of humor. It was actually so much fun watching them play and listening to them bash on one another.

After a few minutes of sound check, Fluid Frequency got up there and as the opening band just ripped it wide open!!

This trio of terror played their hearts out and screamed so loud that it made an impression.  All three of them were doing vocals and it was so intense.

By the end of the first song, they proved that they were absolutely serious. And definitely by the end of the second song, they solidified their statement.

I was convinced and hooked. I bought anything that they had there to sell!!!!!

For them to come from such a long way to play was so cool. They traveled at least twice as long as I had to get there. And then I would find out that Dr. Froth knew them personally, so even then I knew that they were going to be a force.

They had set the tone for the night and left it wide open for the rest of the bands to carry the torch throughout the rest of the night.

Then ECHO TEMPLE jumped on.

I had been told by drummer Chris Kotlarz that they were going to be playing some new material and he hoped that I would enjoy it. And enjoyed it— I DID!! 

New songs coupled in with a few cover songs and then their original songs that they have played before equaled an amazing performance.

I have always been impressed with the vocal ability of lead singer Tom Calandra.

Tom Calandra

Eventually towards the end of their set Tom would mention my name and say that I had requested their song “Witch” and then they played the heck out of it. I climbed right up against the stage and just soaked it all in. Had I been able to, I probably would’ve jumped on to it.

They finished off so strong and my blood was really pumping at that point.

The t-shirt that they gave to me as a gift, I slipped over my CENTURION t-shirt as they played. When they were done, I slipped it off.

Two bands down and two more to go. And already by that time I felt like that I was lost in Paradise.

I took my place at the front of the stage again. I locked my brakes and there was NOBODY that was going to be pushing me away from that stage. I was there with purpose and a reason.

I noticed that Dr. Froth was trying to find a place to put the set list down. I tried looking through the back of the paper but he pulled it away from my sight, stating that Don LaFon said to keep it to himself. Party pooper!!!

One key note about the set that SIX MINUTE CENTURY played that night was the fact that when Dr. Froth came to the hotel to pick me up, the very first thing that he mentioned was that they were not going to play my #1 most favorite song in the world by them. He stated that the show was going to be more towards the new material that they are putting together for the new album that is soon to come. And I actually understood that. Time constraints prohibited them from performing it and they hadn’t practiced it in the weeks before.

I gave not one complaint. Of course it was a little disappointing but they have so much other great stuff coming up on the new album as well for everyone to enjoy.

SIX MINUTE CENTURY had a special guest in the crowd. Former drummer, Darren Davis, was there at the show. He had left the band because of a move. But he showed up for the night.

He also knew that I loved “Zero Hour” and that’s probably because I will never shut up about it. He came to me as SIX MINUTE CENTURY was doing their sound check, saying that he was going to do a guest spot as drummer and they would play that song.

With being told previously that it was not going to be performed and then being told that it would, it stirred in my brain a little bit. I didn’t know if he was joking or not.

Chuck Williams

Come to find out that what Dr. Froth had told me that afternoon was true. Most of the songs that were played were from the new album with the exception of a few staple songs that had its place in the set list. But even that was changed a bit to make sure that the crowd went away from the show of blood pumping, fist raising metal fury from within their souls.

At one point, I threw the DH into the air right in the face of lead singer Chuck Wiliams. It was such an amazing show at that point that I couldn’t make myself believe that it could get any better. But it did.

When I had my hand in the air, Chuck grabbed it. I didn’t want to let go of him but I knew he had others in the crowd to perform for. Still though, even after the first show that I ever attended and they played “Zero Hour” and dedicated it to me and he reached over to shake my hand…. having him grab it like that with full force and authority, we both made sure that we knew that we were there for one another. Him to perform and I to support.

By the time that they had come to the end of their set, Darren Davis had walked up next to me and stood there with me enjoying the show. They did their last song and actually ran out of time for Darren to join them on stage. There was one more band to play and SIX MINUTE CENTURY had no interest on encroaching on their time to perform.

And then the last band, Sibylline Prophecy did their sound check and they were off to cap what would be a fun and amusing night.

But within milliseconds of the end of the set for SIX MINUTE CENTURY, I felt someone tapping on my shoulder. I turned around and found this woman starting to ask questions about how much of a dedicated fan I was of the band.

An ultra-super-mega cute blonde was wondering if it was true that I ride the bus to come to Houston to see the show. She also wanted to confirm where I was from. And then at least she presented her offer.

She no longer wanted me to ride the bus to Houston. She felt that it was something that I did not have to do. But then how would I get there? Flying is just retarded expensive. And I do not drive. She said that when she heard that I make the time to travel as I do, it really touched her heart that I had that much dedication and support for the band. Apparently she was moved to hear about it.

Well, the offer was that she was going to make the drive up to where I live and pick me up and then drop me off at home. And that would consist of her driving about twelve hours in total for two round trips, and plenty of money used up for gas.

I still have not been able to figure out just how serious she was or is. But I guess there’s only one way to find out.

I gave her my card which had my phone number, e-mail address, and mailing address on it. Then we traded cell phone numbers.

She told me that I could verify that she was legit by asking both Don LaFon and Chuck Williams. And both of them said that she was a very sweet and kind girl and that they believed that it was possible that she would do this. The only difference was that one of them said she was single. So I suppose that I will investigate whether or not she is in fact serious. The only thing that I can think of is that she was serious because when she offered it, she was in my personal space. Close enough to where I could have easily licked her. And I am regretting that I didn’t at least attempt it. I mean….. who gets that close to a stranger??

And throughout the rest of the night, actually from beginning to end there were a flood of bro hugs and hugs from female music fans.

The best way to know that it was a good night was the fact that TWO of the performing bands were buying ME drinks. Not that I was buying drinks for the bands… but the bands were buying them for me. Two out of the four who performed. Are you kidding me?? Hello…!!! Another way of them being able to show how much they appreciate my support.

You can’t really get much better than that.

By the time I had left Acadia, I had one girl offer to come pick me up from home and another girl sitting on my lap outside on the sidewalk. And drinks bought left and right. Merchandise both purchased and presented as a gift.

Then I was able to go out to eat with Dr. and Mrs. Froth, O.J. Morris from the band WELL OF SOULS, and another guest that I had the pleasure of meeting. After inviting Chuck Williams, Darren Davis, and a few others that never showed. Boo on them!

I got to hear the delightful tales of Dr. Froth’s adventures, some talk about the most disgusting films ever made, and the “summer camp of 1943” all were apart of the very unbalanced table conversation. But when you are in the midst of some great and wonderful people, it doesn’t really matter what is being talked about.

The fact that I was out with people that I love in the middle of the night after an evening of fun and I didn’t have to worry about the drama and stress of the things that I had left back home, who cares what was being talked about or who was laughing at stuff that mainstream public would consider inappropriate???

Another late night for me and it was fabulous. However, I could not sleep in as check-out was 11:00 AM. And as I made my reservations with Mrs. Froth in mind, the suggestion was to stay as late as I could and leave in the afternoon. So I had the opportunity to return to the House of Froth and hang out with them some more. The unfortunate thing was that I woke up with a migraine. I took something for it and was able to survive pain free for a few hours but it came back with a vengeance. By the time it was reaching its peak, it was time for me to go back and be dropped off so that I could return home.

I gave Mrs. Froth a big hug. And I did not want to let go. I did not want to leave Houston. Tough moment for me.

The drive up 1960 was not as long as I had anticipated. But rather, Dr. Froth’s timing was very impeccable. As we drove passed Acadia, I attempted to take a photograph of the marquis sign because it was still advertising the show from the night before.

I kept yawning and yawning and yawning. But I knew something was wrong. My head was killing me and Dr. Froth was attempting to engage in conversation, and I was not up to par for it. It was something he noticed. He thought that I was just depressed that I had to leave. But it was more than that.

As I climbed on board the bus and we got on the road, it was getting tons worse. Thirty minutes into the trip back home, the plateau hit. With my luggage bag on my lap, I had no other choice but to unzip it to open it up and vomit three times inside of it. I could not with good morals or intentions do it all over the bus. However, the contents that were on top of the bag were dirty clothes which are going to be washed anyways.

After that, I felt better. The migraine disappeared and I sat there with my eyes closed and listening to the CD that ECHO TEMPLE and Fluid Frequency that I had acquired. When I opened my eyes again and I began to realize where I was, I soon saw that I was more than half way home. The trip went by that quickly for me even with the shaving off of thirty minutes from the total duration.

I was feeling fine by the time I got home. So there was no longer a concern for my health. I felt like everything was great after all of that. But still like every time that I go to see SIX MINUTE CENTURY, I am bummed out and depressed that I have to leave such lovely and fun people and return back to the life that I have here.

Having so much given to me, I am humbled and appreciative! Because of the fact that I only spent $25 the entire trip, I still have cash left over and that gives one great head start for saving for the next SIX MINUTE CENTURY show.

I hope that ECHO TEMPLE teams up with SIX MINUTE CENTURY again… that would be the best show on Earth!!!

And so I wait for the new album to come out by SIX MINUTE CENTURY. I can sit here in hope that maybe ECHO TEMPLE will travel here to play a show. Or find the way to get back down there as soon as possible to see everyone again and take the time that I need for myself to relax, and enjoy.

I love these people. Both as musicians and as friends. And the people within their camps. They are so awesome in my book that its not a wonder why its so damned hard for me to leave.

One could argue that with it being the sixth time of doing so in two years that it would get easier, but it doesn’t. But I keep in mind that there will be another time, another show, and another opportunity for me to be there again. And so I wait for that time to present itself.

 

 

 

 

 

11 August 2012: Six Minute Century Presents Dr. Froth’s Birthday Extravaganza

“Come butter the sandal.”~ Dr. Froth

Gather around children. It is time for a Frothy tale.

I find it difficult to believe that I’ve been down to Houston and back again in such a short time.

Not only that but in the span of two short months, I have gone to see SIX MINUTE CENTURY play two shows.

This time, it was for Dr. Froth’s Birthday Extravaganza. The second one that I have been able to attend.

This was my THIRD show this year alone, my fifth in total. And it just gets better and better.

I had hoped that I would not have to write several blog posts concerning the weekend trip to Houston. Thankfully, I feel that there will be no need for it. The only foul up was the trip to Houston when I arrived and the bus that I was supposed to get on, was said to have no wheelchair lift.

That foul up actually turned around and totally worked in my favor.  It would cause me to get on a different bus and arrive just under an hour earlier than originally scheduled.  Perhaps the fault is within the bus line that I have been using all of this time. Perhaps I need to change since the buses that are here all go to the same place anyways.

But it took me on a different route. I would be able to see parts of this great state that I had never seen before. And a few things that I have. The most impressionable view that I had seen was the devastation that was left behind from the fires in Bastrop from last summer. The trees are standing but they are nothing but unified and uniformed pieces of sticks. It stuck in my mind because the night before, I was watching a show called “Day Tripper” and that show was in Bastrop. I would end up seeing the very same thing as was on television. But with my own eyes as we went down the road. So surreal!

However with this entirely different route, the ride wasn’t as “boring” as it has been in times past. Before I knew it, the bus was infiltrating Katy from the west and coming through right into downtown. I had to laugh and just wave as I saw Memorial City Mall where I have played sledge hockey before. And of course we remember the Mystery Woman who works there too!

As I got into town, I would have one more slip up. One that was more significant.

A man came up to me and was asking if I needed help with my bags. I declined.

But then he grabbed the strap and began to pull it. And that wasn’t cool. The strap was around my neck and the bag was on my lap. And had he actually pulled a lot harder, he probably would have strangled me.

So I popped him in the nuts with my elbow and down he went. Then he ran off. Probably scared and confused and totally apologetic as he ran the other direction.

Minutes later, Dr. Froth and his wife came and picked me up. I told him, “Get me outta here before I land in jail.” So we took off. I was so happy to see both of them, I probably could have dragged them into a group hug or something.

I checked into my hotel room and then I was all set. I was close enough for Dr. Froth and wife to grab me from the hotel and take me to the show on Saturday evening.

I’m so glad that I don’t have to waste my energy and time writing a negative blog about the hotel!! Last June was a complete nightmare. This time, it was wonderfully peaceful and accommodating.

Right before I settled in, Dr. Froth told me that if I needed anything to just let them know. Almost immediately I announced to him that I hadn’t eaten.

This was a very smart move as MRS. Froth had previously read my blog about the Super 8 hotel experience and when I mentioned I hadn’t eaten that day and never told her about it so that they could get me something…. well, I was grounded!!

I wasn’t going to go through that again, so I mentioned that I was a little hungry and whatever they decided to get me was just fine with me. My stomach was at their mercy. And needless to say, they pulled through with an excellent choice.

So I watched some television, turned up the air conditioning, and simply chilled. Ironically, I would find myself watching the movie, “Rock Star”. How fitting that was! I would find myself watching it again Saturday morning. It was a good thing to do to kill time.

Later on in the evening, I would settle in to watch some more television and then go to bed. But that would not happen as my cell phone rang while I was in the middle of a texting conversation with one of my friends.

I’m not going to go into detail about the telephone conversation, but I will say this: One should NEVER play with fire because you may get burned!

What was supposed to be a 10:30 PM bedtime, ending up being 2:15 AM the following morning.

And that would play into the fact that since I was awake at 8:15 AM that same morning? Yeah, six hours of sleep. And evidently, I slept totally wrong in that hotel bed as I woke up all contorted and twisted. It was weird.

It was time to get ready for the show. Watch “Rock Star” on television for a second time in 12 hours, and then the energy just came over me as I was told that I was going to be picked up in the afternoon to hang out with Dr. Froth and family as they got themselves ready for the show. And that included actually playing with their two month old Alaskan Malamute. Yep, Dambreaker was mixing it up with the puppy! And the dog won.

After that, we took off for BFE Rock Club. Fourth time there for a SIX MINUTE CENTURY show. I was not entirely enthusiastic about the restroom situation, but I made the best of it.

I was hoping that a particular person would be working there and tending bar. I’d get my wish. She was working outside on the back patio. The entry way though, has a very huge step down. It was very shaky because I had seen it before at night and never thought that I could navigate it. It would be like jumping off of a curb. But when there is a will, there is a way.

So I had a drink, talked to the waitress, got to know her a little bit better instead of relying on Facebook. And the gold medal action of it all, was that I got a photograph with her! And that was something that I had hoped could happen.

And due to some unfortunate circumstances there was a change of the venue. One band couldn’t make it. Another stepped in at the 9:00 PM slot.

ECHO TEMPLE. I had heard about them, but never any of their music. They blew me away!

After the first song, I had trouble finding my brain. All I could do was sit there and say, “WOW!”. And it was pretty loud when I said that. Many people admitting that they heard it, but were unsure where it was coming from. I’m sure the band heard it as well. I sat there wondering if I could get my hands on anything that they may have released. I totally enjoyed their set. It would be cool to see them play again.

The true test of the night would be the next band. WELL OF SOULS.

I know that Mrs. Froth has always waved the banner for them, just as much as she does for SIX MINUTE CENTURY. And keep in mind, it is she that is responsible for introducing me to SIX MINUTE CENTURY, and I love them! So most certainly, she can do no wrong… wouldn’t you think?

WELL OF SOULS is a different genre of music. Doom metal. It isn’t something that I could honestly say that I have gotten into. But I decided to jump on the fence and see where I landed at the end of their set.

Their front man has such showmanship, that I became nervous for him to look at me from the stage. Almost as if I was afraid that his eyes was going to consume my eternal soul and claim it. I was impressed by that. Again, this was a band that I knew of, but knew nothing of their music.

Dr. Froth

Dr. Froth, I should mention also plays bass guitar with WELL OF SOULS. So the poor guy was about to pull double duty for two bands, and play them back to back. I don’t know how these musicians do it but they do it because they love it!

After one particular song from WELL OF SOULS, I was up against the stage and I threw the Devil’s Horns into the air. The front man caught it, and he threw them right back. His eyes filled with dark passion for the music. It was totally incredible to see that vision with his fingers in the air. I wished I had taken the opportunity to take a photograph of it.

I was sold. And now the VoM has created a monster. Her response? “I told you!”.

Yes you did. You did indeed.

All I could think about at that point was I was totally impressed by the two bands and I want in on everything there is to have. Where’s the merchandise table????

Sadly, there was none. At least nothing there that I didn’t have already! But by the end of the night, I wouldn’t leave empty-handed.

As I turned away from the tables, I was accosted by another waitress who was selling off Jell-O shots. I at first declined, but then she started to shake her groove thing, and I couldn’t resist that.

As Larry Miller said: Women are the most powerful magnet in the universe. And men are cheap metal. And they all know where “north” is.

So what the hell, I bought one. She gave me change back and she wasn’t quite sure if she gave me the correct amount. I was to receive $4.00 back. So I counted off the singles and took the last bill and shook it in her face.

The waitress stepped closer to me and stuck her chest out.

She allowed me to stuff this dollar bill down her top across her left breast. With what she was wearing, there was no room for it in her cleavage.

I made nice and sure that it was tucked down in there. Ohhhhh yes I did. I made sure that it wasn’t going to fall out easily at all. Nice and cozy.

But the adult games would have to come to an abrupt end as I saw members of the gothic metal band SILENCED WITHIN heading for the door. I’ve made good friends with them, and I wasn’t going to let them leave without taking some more photographs with them. They’ve become so nice and adapting when it has come to that. What was so cool about it was that bands were coming out to support other bands. That’s gotta be one of the coolest feelings in the world for bands who are performing.

Bands, bands, everywhere.

After that, I had to take my place by the stage and prepare for the moment that I had been waiting two months for. I was going to send a text message out to a few select friends, but noticed that my battery was as dead as door nail. All because of the night before using the phone for so long just killed it. And I didn’t know what I was going to do because how was I to communicate? I simply forgot to bring the charger. Will NOT make that mistake again.

Since we were there to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Froth, it was particularly special for me to have been there. I mean… I HAD to go, right?!?

The set for SIX MINUTE CENTURY was a bit longer, but that was perfectly fine with me! The band actually debuted a few new songs that are off of their new album that they are working on. I felt extra honored and extra special that I was there to witness that.

“Baptized In Flames” was one of their new songs. The song moved me so much that I cried. Yes, I actually cried REAL tears. I freaked out the guy standing to the right of me.

But I stuck it out and I let loose. I knew that there were eyes on the back of my head, and I just didn’t care. I was there to rock and have a good time, and that is exactly what I did.

Especially after bugging VoM to death for the past seven weeks by my constant badgering of “Are we there yet?”. I actually asked her one more time. But it was up close and personal. I took one more shot at her and paid the consequences for it. I sat there and said aloud, “Yeah, I deserved that shit.”

After all, we WERE there. No clue as to why I should drag it out other than to tease her about it. Oh well. I’ll perhaps learn one day. For my OWN sake.

The three band just impressed me so much Saturday night. It was the greatest show ever. And I was there to be a part of it all.

I was able to bring my own custom made SIX MINUTE CENTURY t-shirt. I hope the guys in the band liked it.

After the show, I got to hang out at Denny’s (again for the third time in 24 hours) with WELL OF SOULS and have breakfast. When that was finished, the front man provided me with some of the band’s merchandise that he had in his vehicle. I was very appreciative of that. They too, have a new album coming soon. I’m gonna run like a child hyper from eating chocolate when I hear that the album has been released.

Saturday night was so short. Whenever we are leaving the late night breakfast, my brain goes into this mode of preparation for my departure which is always soon around the corner from that point.

I told VoM on more than on occasion that I never like getting to that point because I know that I have to go home. But I have also mentioned to her that I know deep down that it is not the last time.

And now I am home. It is kind of freaky to think that just several hours ago I was there hanging out with everyone and having the time of my life!