18 April 2015: Storming Houston Over Six Minute Century

“We’re trippin’ them Satan’s balls tonight!”~Dr. Froth

My apologies to my subscribers. I nearly forgot to write on this.

After a six month absence in Houston, I was able to make yet another trip to see SIX MINUTE CENTURY. For the birthday celebration of lead singer, Chuck Williams.

After failing miserably in January, being fooled by what Texas appears to call winter weather …. things just seemed odd. Probably because of the fact that it HAD been six months.

I found myself attempting to make it there on my own. No neighbors could help give me a ride to the bus stop, so I didn’t feel like there was much of a choice.

But that hill that found me, nearly killed me. And there were a ton of people around who were just walking by. Nobody offered to help. I started to get angry, but then again, I could see that uncertain area in between being helpful and being presumptuous about the situation. And then when I got on the bus, we ended up getting into a rather unusual fender bender. A Taurus ran through a red light and clipped the corner of a double decker bus. If this vehicle was playing chicken, then they didn’t realize what they were up against.

All but one passenger was okay. That one passenger elected to get off the bus (by his own power) and seek medical attention. The rest of us apparently wanted to carry on towards Houston. The remainder of the trip was fine though.

Once arriving in the afternoon for a change, I didn’t have to wait very long to get picked up to go to the show. There was a number of people there that I hadn’t seen at a Houston show in probably a year or more. And it was great to see my friends again. Once again, making me feel like I have a new home there if I wanted it.

Dr. Froth however, needed to take a side trip to someone’s home to gather up some music gear. And as he was loading it, I looked down at the driver’s seat and saw a paper sitting there. It was the set list for SIX MINUTE CENTURY.

I tried so very hard not to look at it, but I had already seen a few songs. Songs that I would have already figured that they were going to play at the beginning of the show. But deep down I did wonder whether they were going to play “Zero Hour” or not. With great restraint, I was able to resist.

The opening band was Infidel Rising, from Dallas. I was blown away at their talent. From their amazing drummer all the way up to their lead singer’s vocal abilities. I mean… I was just floored!!!

Their drummer had an amazing style of how he played. And I think that everyone there noticed it.

They proclaimed themselves to be prog metal, but I could see them fitting into all sorts of sub-categories. I really do want to give them another chance to make sure. They return to Houston in June, playing with Masqued. How I would love to go!!! 

SIX MINUTE CENTURY took the stage for what was going to be about two hours in length. Something I had never experienced before. The moment that they began to play, something went far back into the wrinkles of my brain and found the pleasure centers as well as memory factors and just bombed the hell out of it. The hair on my arms stood up and my spine went through one hell of a shiver.

This was the band that I remembered. This was the band that I led the charge for. And I was there for it all.

The crowd as well as the band began a silent countdown in their minds to midnight. And at that point, it would be officially Chuck’s birthday. As he kept saying. “I’m 22. Twice (or again)”

Surprisingly enough, the alcohol did not flow as much as it has in Aprils past.

This was a genius idea!

There were a few chants and shouts and a couple of drinks brought to the stage.

They played both of their April 19th tunes. Also noting that the Oklahoma City bombing was already 20 years ago. Time is certainly flying at a speed that nobody really believed possible!

And the party continued on and on and on.

I was actually anticipating someone to start singing the Birthday Song, but nobody attempted it. It was disappointing, actually.

I sure as hell was not going to sing. Had I started that up, people would have insisted I get on stage. And that just wasn’t going to happen.

But I don’t think that Chuck Williams can complain. Or SIX MINUTE CENTURY for that matter.

Towards the end of their set,  I heard the sounds of the helicopter and I knew exactly what that meant.

Chuck Williams stepped up again to the microphone and dedicated the song “Zero Hour” to me.

The band nailed it. They nailed most of the night. “Zero Hour” however, it was just as perfect as one could get it. From an audience point of view.

After that eargasm, Chuck walked closed to the edge of the stage where I was sitting and I shouted “Love you brother!”

Chuck Williams response was reciprocation as he spoke softly but directly into the microphone.

The show was one of their best successes in years. At least since I had started to arrive at shows in Houston back in 2011.

Rob Lowe (right) joins Chuck Williams and the rest of SIX MINUTE CENTURY

Then the big finish was NOT their usual performance of “Perfect Picture” but rather a cover. And this had Robert Lowe joining them all on stage for double vocals on the microphone.

I had never actually heard nor seen Robert Lowe perform live. I had heard some of his other recorded work with bands such as Candlemass and Solitude Aeturnus. But never thought about hearing him sing live.

 

SIX MINUTE CENTURY may be returning to Vintage Pub on Independence Day this year. I have my doubts to make that show. But the Dr. Froth Birthday Extravaganza will be the 29th of August. And that’s the one show that comes with a heavy price to pay upon my head if I miss it. Put there by the House of Froth.

Vintage Pub however seemed to turn on its customers when the music was all said and done.

“Last Call” was announced and they just simply changed the genre of music over from rock and roll and heavy metal to hip hop and R&B……. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, over?

A late spring thunderstorm hit with plenty of thunder and the pouring of rain, and Vintage Pub is screaming at everyone to get the hell out.

There was one waitress that I kept staring at the whole night. I never got close during any time. But at the end of the night, she walked right by and got a close up to see who I was dealing with. The “cool idea” of getting a photograph with her was abandoned. Chances are that I will never see her again.

By the time I had left with Dr. Froth, the rain had stopped. A fresh coat of simple wet was applied to everything.

The following morning, I got ready to check out of the hotel and get on with my travel back home. I left a little early to catch something to eat at the Smokehouse place directly next door. I had failed to notice a few signs though.

It was closed. They had moved to another location. And now instead of my plan of just waiting for under an hour for the bus to arrive. I had to kill over two hours.

Then the bus was late. By almost a full hour.  Other passengers who were waiting were talking about some bicycle ride that was happening from Houston to Austin. It was their theory as to why the bus was late.

It wasn’t a theory, it was fact. With road closures and detours, we simply had a late bus.

By then, my arms and hands began to hurt. Probably from bracing myself from the bus impact the day before. My right hand and wrist blew up like a balloon and pain was radiating all the way up to the elbow. Others who were also there to experience that were talking about being sore in general terms.

By the time the bus had reached the destination, it was able to shave off several minutes of being late. Not many though.

I took off again on my own to try and get home. But that bicycle race was right there. I mean literally the next block over.  Delays and cancellations. It took me an hour and a half to find a functioning city bus stop to climb on board in order to get home. I had been in town for well over TWO hours before I even got home.

Bookmarked by misery, the enjoyment of the show was something to behold. Cannot wait to see what August brings. But some changes on my behalf will have to be made.

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.

17 October 2014: 10th Anniversary For Six Minute Century At Vintage Pub

“We are not the same persons this year as last; nor are those we love. It is a happy chance if we, changing, continue to love a changed person.”~ W. Somerset Maugham

I’m pretty sure that I have mentioned this before, but when I am going to Houston for the weekend or a day or whatever, I never seem to wanna come back home. I’ve probably mentioned it so many times that others are getting annoyed by just hearing it.

Yet it was just time for me to take a break. I needed one so badly. Thankfully SIX MINUTE CENTURY had a show and it gave me that break that I needed.

But as time goes by, things change. The atmosphere and environment around me has changed. And I find myself quickly in a hole trying to get out of it while attempting to adapt to all of the changes that are thrust upon me.

Megabus now has “reserved seating” and honestly I cannot tell the difference. Other than those seats that are marked for reserved seating are leather. Apparently if you purchase a ticket and you want reserve seating, you just pay a little more. Then you are one of the first people allowed on the bus before the rest of the passengers. This seemed a bit ridiculous. On the lower part of the bus there were only FOUR leather seats. But hey… I guess that they are making money. Its still stupid in my opinion!

However with dealing with a passenger with a disability, I was first to get on board.

It was a full bus. And the employees working, including the bus driver, once they got me up the ramp, they grabbed me from underneath my arms and practically threw me out of my wheelchair and into one of the bus seats in the back. NO warning. NO words spoken. NOTHING. They just up and grabbed me and threw me.

I’ve put a call into the supervisor and currently awaiting their return phone call.

Normally its the bus scenario that gets me to complain and bitch. Outside of being tossed like a sack of potatoes without warning or say-so, there was not a lot to complain about. I’m actually pleased to be able to write to you that the eye candy on the trip TO Houston was incredibly wonderful. But that’s all I will say before someone starts picketing my blog.

I was happy to see that the hotel when I arrived had things all ready to go, even though I was arriving HOURS before their official check-in time. But when you become a repeat customer so much… things start to get done.

I crashed on purpose during the afternoon as much as I could then it was off to the show at a place I hadn’t been to before, The Vintage Pub.

I told Dr. Froth that I had not eaten much but snack crackers until my mouth got bored from eating them. It just so happened that a McDonald’s was in the same parking lot area as the venue.

I asked for one thing: double cheeseburger, NO pickle, add bacon. That’s it! Very easy! Quite simple!! 

Dr. Froth rolled on up to the drive thru window and without failure, gave the order in what is known as The Voice Of The Old Man. If you haven’t heard this…. you are missing out. It is one of the funniest things on the planet.

So we drove off to the first window but nobody was there. We moved on in line to the second window but then we heard a voice to come back to the first window. Dr. Froth remained in character with the unsuspecting woman. He mentioned that one of the burgers should NOT have pickles.

Dr. Froth said to the woman: He can’t have pickles. Otherwise he will break out in hives all over his face and genitals.

And said it in character and a straight face. The poor woman asked who and Dr. Froth pointed right at me. So I ended up playing along.

We paid then went to the second window and did it all over again as we received our food. When we drove away from the restaurant, that’s when we just started laughing so hard at ourselves, shaking our heads.

We even turned it into a game of whether or not I will get hives because they messed up the order and gave me pickles when I said NO pickles.

They did. So for all intents, construction, and purposes… I doth have hives on my face and genitals.

Clearly I took off the pickles. But then I found a complete PILED UP mess of onions too! And that was unnecessary. AND no bacon.

A complete fuck up that led me to scrap everything from the burger and my fingers in a mess with barely anything to eat now because even the good stuff went off the burger along with the bad stuff. I remained hungry the rest of the night. But the hives story was still the highlight of that adventure. 

That surely is a McDonald’s that I should call and complain. But what good is it going to do me if they offer free food in exchange because I do not live there?

We arrived at the Vintage Pub and I saw some very familiar faces. It was a big relief. Seeing so many people that I knew and loved again after having the last couple weeks that I’ve gone through. My cares melted away.

Vintage Pub is really nice. Far better and easier for me to get around in. Including their bathroom situation. Their bar is like an island in the middle of the building. One side is the stage the other side are pool tables and what not.

Hear N’ Ade was first on stage. I’d seen them before when Chuck set up his birthday show some time in April ago. They had Chuck Williams on stage with them doing several cover songs.

Then SIX MINUTE CENTURY took to the stage. Being that it was their 10th anniversary show, this was something that I could NOT miss. They even brought back former members of the band, John Sample on bass and Darren Davis on drums as they played a few songs during the set.

All I can really say about it is that if you weren’t there, then you missed out. What can I say about the show that hasn’t been already said???

But I was absolutely glad to be there.

I was also able to meet some new people and make new friends. That’s always a bonus! 

“Zero Hour” was played live and I’ve not heard that in a while. Being that band dedicates that song to me, saying that is my song.. along with the members of our nation’s military.

Mystic Cross jumped on stage and finished the night off with a fiery bang. I’ve gotta pay more attention to them, I think.

The following day I spent in Houston on purpose. I’m so tired of getting up early to come to Houston only to go right back the next day just as early, so I spent Saturday there. After spending the day watching random cable channels and a butt load of college football, Dr. Froth grabbed me from the hotel and I got to hang out with him and his wife and family.

I told Dr. Froth that the depressing emotion that I feel when I know that the trip is coming to an end, that I wished it would not but since I know that it will … that I often get the attitude of if I have to leave then let’s just do it already.

So I returned home. Again, NO drama with other bus passengers… which is highly unusual. I got back into town but I had no ride home, so I rolled downhill a few blocks and grabbed a city bus. So off of one bus to get onto another. Then by the time I actually was home… I started to wish that I DID have hives on my face and genitals over not being in Houston any more.

That was definitely a memorable trip. If you did not see the show, well sorry for you!

I wait for the next one. I am guessing would probably be back at BFE in January of next year. But since my birthday is in January and its a BIG BIG deal that I make it to that birthday after being told by doctors that I would never make it to that age… I hope to be able to celebrate it there in Houston as well as on the actual date of my birthday. What better thing than to celebrate this monumental birthday but with SIX MINUTE CENTURY. That would be the birthday wish of all wishes!! That and a few other things that don’t belong written on this blog.

Megabus, I am waiting for your phone call, by the way….

Come on, January!!

Let Freedom Ring!!!!!!

9 August 2014: Pork And Beans with SIX MINUTE CENTURY

“That duck is NOT a puppet!”~ Dr. Froth

It was time again for another episode of “Dambreaker Goes to See SIX MINUTE CENTURY.” and it just seemed like it had been so friggin’ long since the last time I went. I mean, I was there in Houston in May but not for SIX MINUTE CENTURY but I was there to go into the recording studios for the new project by Dr. Froth and Robert Lowe (of Candlemass and Solitute Aeturnus fame.)

This however, was a SIX MINUTE CENTURY journey. And it would be one of the very best times I’ve had while in Houston in a very long time. There was very little to no disappointment in this journey and I was thankful for that.

However I still will take this opportunity to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Dr. Froth & Mikey Lewis of SIX MINUTE CENTURY. When your birthdays arrive, I hope that they are wonderful times for you. Thank you for allowing me to share in the celebrations with you.

I must say that I will be looking for some kind of change. The fact that I am taking the bus back and forth is something that I cannot avoid and therefore I am going to need to change and do something different in order to keep myself from going insane from boredom for 2-3 hours each way. I still do not know how these bus drivers can be so behind schedule when departing and then end up way ahead of schedule when arriving. I can come up with no other theory than they are going way beyond the posted speed limits on the highways.

Nonetheless, I was supposed to arrive in Houston at 10:45 AM, but got there around 10:30 AM instead. After being up since 5:00 AM and not used to that, I was so tired and all I wanted to do was crash in the hotel room and just veg for the rest of the morning and afternoon until it was time to go to the show. But my arrival at the hotel next door was not prepared. The staff knew who I was but they did not have anything ready and they were going to have to make a special request to housekeeping to get them to clean a specific room so that I could check-in and be done with that and then I could rest and go back to sleep.

Sadly, all of that crap took an hour or more to get completed. The person at the front desk said that she specifically placed me into a room that had a mini-fridge and a microwave because she knew that my reservation was for two nights and if I wanted to go out to eat and bring back left overs that I would have that opportunity to store it and then heat it up when I wanted to eat again. Totally considerate I’d say.

After a few hours of sleep, I woke up with really bad back pain.

The bed was lumpy.

After a suggestion by Mrs. Froth, I went back to the front desk to complain about the bed being uncomfortable and I noted that I’ve been going to their hotel every time I come on my own to Houston, which is 3-4 or even 5 times a year for the past three years. They understood and did change my room. But then again, that was another hour of waiting.

I wasn’t able to sleep after that. My back was just out of whack. So I sat there awaiting word from either Dr. or Mrs. Froth about what time they were stopping by the hotel to pick me up. After that information received, I sat back and relaxed watching HDTV and cable. Something that I do NOT have at home.

After sooooo many times of watching the same commercial ads time and time again, I just was wishing that there was something else to do that was outside of the hotel room. But I’m not going back to the Harris County Smokehouse. That place sucks. I’ve complained about the establishment in previous posts. Its a shame too because it smells good from the outside every time I am there. 

As I was saying, so many commercials for Shark Week and a new television show called “4th And Loud” which is about an arena football team in Los Angeles that was bought by the rock band, KISS.

As stated before, I don’t have cable, so it appeared to me to be yet another one of those reality programs that will either sink or swim. Who knows what will become of it. I don’t know. The only thing that I really remember was watching some football player in the locker room exclaiming “I piss awesome.”

Ummm, really?!?

You know, if I tried to say that in public I would be an immediate outcast.

How do you PISS awesome actually??

Then finally I was able to find something that I could relate to and enjoy watching until it was time to leave.

I have always been a fan of the show Pawn Stars. Mainly because I think its interesting to see what things have enormous value and what things have little to no value at all. 

Some of the customers though are just clueless though.

Yeah, I realize that they are in there because they want money. And they probably have some kind of amount in mind that they want. But if there’s someone appraising your item for big bucks, and you are inside of a pawn shop, you have GOT to realize that whatever that appraiser says the value is… that is NOT the amount you are going to get for it. Ever!

I could go on forever about pawn shop customers. Hell, I’ve been one a time or two or a thousand.

But it was time to go to the show.

The moment that I saw Dr. & Mrs. Froth show up as I met them outside the front lobby of the hotel I was immediately reminded about how much these two individuals meant to me in my life… in all aspects of it. All of that came to mind and I hadn’t even gotten inside of the vehicle yet.

But we arrived and it was time to make with the party and whats nots.

Vicious Cycle was a band that I’ve seen before. Both at home and in Houston. However I had never heard of Masqued.

Strangely enough I realized that I was standing not that far away from Steffany, the lead singer when I looked up. I took some photographs with her and thanked her. 

And then the surprise of the evening was when the succubus came straight up to me and greeted me. She hugged me and pressed her cheek against mine. Asked how long I had been in town and what not. Then smiled and walked away saying that it was good to see me again.

I nodded. And I proved that I can still keep my cool with a situation that I honestly let go of a while back mentally. There’s nothing in the rules that state she has to even acknowledge me. But she did.

Then it was on with the show!

Masqued was first up on stage. Without knowing anything about them, I didn’t know what to expect so I was watching with anticipation and a bit of blindness.

They weren’t bad at all. Then I understood that this was their very first show. And I was very confused as to whether they meant the first show at BFE Rock Club or if it was their first show EVER as a band live. I still am confused!

Either way, it wasn’t bad.

SIX MINUTE CENTURY then came up on stage and took a little more than an hour and fifteen minutes of awesomeness. I will say that when they performed “Baptized In Flames” it was the VERY BEST sounding performance of that song since they debuted it back at Acadia Sports Bar & Grill in November 2012. To which I will mention was recorded and posted on YouTube if you want to check it out. The back of my head is visible at points during that video. Good luck and enjoy!!

Still it was the best that they’ve ever played it. Hell, they even went back and played my absolute, ultimate, supreme, most favorite song “Zero Hour” from the first album. It had been a very long time since I have heard them play it live. Guitarist Don LaFon told me in 2012 that “Zero Hour” was now MY song. I couldn’t believe it. But they now have a new album out called “Wasted Time” which came out in October 2013, so the old stuff was shelved and now they focus on the new material.

My point is that I got to hear it again. Its just too bad that the sound technician is deaf or blind or just plain dumb because the sound levels during Masqued were just fine, people said. But once SIX MINUTE CENTURY got on stage, the guy screwed with the volume and it pissed off a lot of the fans and other customers of the bar.

I didn’t even get my “Zero Hour Hug” from Mrs. Froth after they finished performing “Zero Hour” …. it was THAT loud that it pushed certain family/friends/fans away from the front of the stage. And it was still too damned loud. Every time that SIX MINUTE CENTURY would play that song, I would get a hug from Mrs. Froth… because she knows that it was her MySpace profile with that song posted on it that got me started into the fanaticism for the band. Thus the reason for posting every time I go to see them live.

But after a lengthy set on stage… it was one of the better shows performed by the band in a long, long time.

I even had the waitress who was trying to hustle Jell-O shots to sit on my lap for about two minutes and even take a photo with me during the set. Mainly because I kept buying at least one each time she walked by. Jell-O shots for $1… ehh, cannot go wrong I guess. it’s better than paying $14 for one drink in which one person unfortunately had the displeasure of doing. Eventually though, the waitress wasn’t just walking by any more. She was coming right for me after a few rounds of successfully getting me to buy a shot. She tried about three times with me as I said no before I crumbled and finally said yes. I’m not quite sure how much I spent on them alone. I just know that someone else there was buying twice as many Jell-O shots as I was. So I think she did good by the end of the night.

So when SIX MINUTE CENTURY was finished, I found everyone hanging outside in the patio area in the back of the club. The sound had driven every last one of them out there and still the volumes were so loud. Even in between bands when they were just playing the radio or a CD or jukebox or whatever it was. Insane amounts of unnecessary volume.

Vicious Cycle rounded up the end of the night. Members of ECHO TEMPLE were there to support them. And I always think its cool to have bands support other bands. Plus I got to see ECHO TEMPLE and socialize with them a bit.

After a few more Jell-O shots and some other horror stories that were shared by patrons and friends about the sound… it was time to go. I connected with the waitress and started a nice friendship.

As we waited for the decision to leave, I began to take photographs with certain people. Don LaFon’s company was very insisting that she and I take a photograph together all night long. So this was her chance. But she kept getting awkward with bending and kneeling and squatting and hovering until I finally yelled at her to sit down. Insinuating down on my lap.

So she did, but she got totally nervous about it… assuming that she was going to get “in trouble” for it.

Umm… its only a photo.

My camera however had plans of its own. At the time I did not know what was going on. But the camera would not work. I kept thinking that the person who was asked to take the photograph was inept as it took many failed attempts to take just one photograph.

Suddenly out of nowhere the succubus jumped in to the left side of me, inserting herself into the shot.

I already had one person on my lap and now she’s jumping into the shot, I pulled her closer towards me with my arm around her and my hand consequently on her ass.

But the person operating the camera could not get it to work. And it frustrated me because here was the chance to get that photograph that I had wanted so long ago. Just one photograph but I guess she lost patience with the situation and she walked away.

The photograph was taken, but by someone else’s cell phone. And it had to be e-mailed to me. But by then the succubus was long gone.

At the very end of the night, I realized that I needed to change batteries.

I love that LISAFAYECHARDONNAY gave me this camera as a gift. But damn, it sucks up a lot of battery juice fast and the batteries inside get super hot too if you leave the shutter open, and that also messes with the performance of the camera, making it assume that the batteries are dying when the fact is that they are just too hot.

The succubus came back and again hugged and pressed against my cheek and wished me a safe journey back home. I mentioned that I figured out what the problem was with the camera and she said in response, “Oh, that’s too bad.”

I asked her if she wanted to re-take it. She said NO. I asked a few more times and she kept shaking her head. I finally just waved at her and she walked out of the bar. Lots of people that either saw it happen or heard about it have had their opinions. None of which are positive. Oh well. She behaved with the affectionate greetings that I just was not expecting.

After all that non-excitement, we took off for the IHOP that is directly across the highway from the hotel that I always stay in. There was five of us there in total. Small, but just cozy enough. 

Behind us was a much larger party of eight or more. I didn’t honestly take time to count. They were quite noisy and loud. And you knew exactly what they were doing there and where they had been before.

One of them was stretching out by leaning his chair back. It proved to be a mistake as he ended up tipping backwards and landing on the floor. And he just sat there in his chair staring at the ceiling.  I leaned back too far and then WHOOOOOOPS!!!! Down he went.

It was at this time I wondered how much better we would have done had we gone to Denny’s instead. But IHOP is fine. Geographically speaking, its perfect.

Christina Applegate (left) & Milla Jovovich (right)

Then finally I was back at the hotel after 3:00 AM, closer to 4:00 AM.

I would then find the old re-runs of “Married With Children” on television. But why so late/early??

I found this episode which starred a VERY VERY YOUNG Milla Jovovich.. who would become famous many years later for her role in the Resident Evil film series.

And when I say young, I mean only about fourteen years old. Christina Applegate who plays Kelly Bundy at this time the episode was made was about 17 or 18 years old at the time.

Jovovich played the part of a foreign exchange student from Paris, France and the Bundy family readily welcomed her into their home so that she could study in the United States. But when Jovovich became too popular too quick and started to take the attention off of Kelly Bundy, Kelly then struck back to get the attention back on her by sabotaging her.

I went to sleep in peace knowing that I had a great time with SIX MINUTE CENTURY and knowing that I was not going to have to rush to get out of the hotel and over to get on a bus so early in the morning. The last time that happened, I only had a few hours and I could not afford to go to sleep. And still dozed off a few times, I was damned lucky I made the bus. But I won’t be doing that any more.

The next day I was free to do whatever I wanted. I could sleep as long as I wanted. And I would end up going to the House of Froth and just hanging out with everyone, including their baby son Merlin who is getting so big. He’s crawling everywhere and grabbing a hold of things to stand up. But then he falls down and usually backwards and bumps his little head.

Dr. Froth had other ideas for that day. That afternoon he cooked some fabulous food. He said he loves to cook but doesn’t get a lot of leisure time to do so. If you EVER have a chance to eat any of Dr. Froth’s cooking, you will NOT be disappointed!!!

Then he sat down with me and began to record video with me by his side. Then we went outside and he kind of interviewed me about the project that he is working on that I got to be in the recording studio for this last May.

And that was on purpose.

Many of you people seem to think I’m just messing around. That its not happening or that I wasn’t ever in the recording studio. His update on the project, which was his fifth…. showcases me as proof and evidence that I HAVE been participating in this project. And for those of you who have been so negative about it? Go look it up… and then when you find it and realize that I have been telling the truth all this time, I’ll accept your apologies right before I let you kiss my ass.

“Gathered In Darkness” has the great potential of being picked up by a super major recording label, mainly because the name of Robert Lowe is attached to this project. And since I did a little voice over work on it, I can honestly be telling the truth if I wanted to say that I am on a major record label. That’s if this project does get picked up by one. And it is possible to happen but we’ll just wait and see.

So I did all of that and got to hang out with the rest of the family until it started to get dark.

I sat back at the hotel and watched the ending of a film called “Blue Caprice” in which I am guessing was about the D.C. Sniper. Dr. Froth and I had just talked about the fictional situation of a pregnant woman being killed in relations to other things. But apparently that was part of this film. It was unnerving.

After that I went to bed at a decent hour before having to wake up early again to return home. With what I thought was sufficient rest, I returned home Monday morning… but then soon crashed.

Like I said at the beginning, it was a visit that had no problems to deal with. I was glad it was problem-free.

The next possible time I will be back is for the TENTH anniversary of SIX MINUTE CENTURY which will be in October.

I’m just glad that I had a great time with no problem and made new friends. Special thanks go out to Dr. & Mrs. Froth as well as Jose “Angel” Martinez to make this trip possible.

Full Spectrum: Part I- Celebrating A Life

Dr. & Mrs. Froth

“Don’t tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results.”~ George S. Patton

I was going to call this post “Surprise,  Surprise” but in the next blog that is upcoming, you’ll understand why I have taken this and broken it down into two parts.

However, I did something that was totally not all that characteristic of what I do but I was totally glad that I did it. It was SOOOOOOOOOOOO WORTH IT!!!!!

Dr. and Mrs. Froth are expecting a son in January 2014.

This past weekend, was a shindig AND a hooten-nanny all in one. But this was more for Dr. Froth than it was for Mrs. Froth. A little different, hey… a party is a party, right?!?

So in my usual communication ritual with Mrs. Froth, I had begun to feel absolutely worthless based on the fact that I didn’t think that I could pull it off.

But then something that I’m not quite sure that I should be calling a miracle happened.

I was GIVEN the money to go ahead and attend this party. So then I got with the hostess and the so-called coordinator and said that I was coming. But it was agreed upon that my attendance at this party would be kept a secret until I just simply showed up.

That’s exactly what I did. For a guest list that did RSVP close to 30 people in one house for a party, besides myself there were only three others that knew I was coming. Everyone else took in the surprise ……. including Dr. & Mrs. Froth.

When I arrived, the looks on the Froth faces were absolutely perfect, not to mention priceless. I’ve never seen a woman seven months pregnant move so fast with such gusto and excitement in order to greet me.

Everyone who knew who I was, which was a majority, was totally blown away that I was there.

I was able to be with my friends and celebrate this expected child of Froth. I believe that the child is referred to as the Spawn.

Food, great company, lots of laughs, a few tears when it was over and I was heading home. But damned well worth the secrecy.

I’ve never been good with those kinds of secrets. I’ve always broken down and told someone which ruined the surprise in some fashion. But this time, I was able to pull it off and probably earn myself Friend of the Year Award. Yep, it was that important to Dr. & Mrs. Froth that I was there to share with them. Even though they had no clue that I was coming and several times of being told that they wished I could be there.

Be careful for what you wish for! Just saying……

A little different as we were not out all hours of the night as we normally would be if I was in town for a show. I was able to reach the hotel and get something they call sleep. Or rest.

I woke up early still, so I watched more re-runs of “Married With Children” just like I had three weeks ago when I was there last. Then I hopped on the bus and almost the entire trip had to listen to some stupid group of people argue over the Twilight movie franchise and its characters and what they can and cannot do …………. sexually!!!

Really? First world problems are whether or not vampires can bang each other????

Thankfully I had the sense to bring along the new album of SIX MINUTE CENTURY with me and drown those bastards out!

Yet the party was so much fun. I got to go into the “forbidden” rehearsal room of WELL OF SOULS while they were practicing and listen for a bit. Apparently wives/girlfriends aren’t even allowed in there, and some how I got through. But I think I am beginning to stamp my VIP pass a little too hard because I did receive the stink eye from a lot of people.

I still had fun surprising everyone there at the party. That was truly a blast to have been able to accomplish it. Even though I was so tempted to tease The family of Froth with text messages while I was waiting to be picked up to go to the party.

And you know what? I’d do it again all over again if I had to!!!

So when that time comes, I’ll be back again soon to see this wonderment of child.

And even TODAY, the 11th of November, is their wedding anniversary. So HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!

 

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.

 

 

 

 

SIX MINUTE CENTURY – “Wasting Time”

SIX MINUTE CENTURY 

Chuck Williams- Lead Vocals
Don LaFon- Guitars, keyboards, and sequencing
Dr. Froth- NSStick
Mikey Lewis- Drums

“If you wouldn’t fist the mallard 24 hours a day you might get some work done. That duck is not a puppet, son.”~ Dr. Froth

Its been a very long time coming.

The arrival of the new album by SIX MINUTE CENTURY is now upon us. Spreading mirth and moistitude.

“Wasting Time” has more meaning behind it than any other album title I have ever seen. Especially if you ask the members of the band or their family and friends.

The album gives the listeners something different than what was on their first album. The progression of the overall talent of the band.

Even with a few changes in the band with Dr. Froth on the NSStick, the departure of Darren Davis, and Mikey Lewis (from Helstar) taking over on drums. These guys have come a very long way to prove that they are not some fly by night band that just plays whatever music they think will appeal to the masses. Instead they have opened their selves up to a total world of improvement and excellence.

As a fan that has seen them play live so many times (almost every time) some of the tracks on the album are recognizable. The rest of them serve as a treat to the listeners and it just blows your mind away into a far, far, far away place of elation, and overall a sense of total eargasm. 

Thanks to a much darker tone and feel by vocal front man Chuck Williams and his mind which has sprung forth the most intense and dark song lyrics; it is definitely a step away from their previous work.

Tracks such as “Last Days In Paradise” and “Hell’s Gate” is very fetching to say the least. I find myself wanting to know more…. wanting to research these stories. Even if they creep me out.

Songs like “City of Hope”, “Killing Fields”, and “Baptized in Flames” takes the listener on a journey through times since passed and surrounds you with such a unique sense that you want to listen to it over and over and over again. The album is full of both melodies and savagery with their songs which cover subject matter of recent history.

The kick ass riffs done by Don LaFon throughout much of the album makes things memorable.

Dr. Froth as well with his intense style of play is also given a bit or two of feature to many tracks on the album as he is put up front on a number of tracks, and from what I am understanding, he wrote one of the songs on the album. I have a new found respect for the man.

Actually, my respect for everyone involved has grown.  

This quartet of music geniuses have collided and gelled together to make “Wasting Time” a very much desired thing to listen to.

There are other reviews out there, more professional than in this blog, and they too agree when they are given either 3 or 4 out of 4 stars, or even 4 out of 5.

It will be available through Amazon and other online outlets, as well as through their record label, Nightmare Records.

SIX MINUTE CENTURY will celebrate their album release on the 19^th of October at BFE Rock Club in Houston, Texas. If you are within a few hundred miles of Houston, this will be a show that you will NOT want to miss. It will be worth the drive, trust me.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

9 June 2012: The Oasis within Six Minute Century

“Most moist.”~ Dr. Froth 

And the crowning jewel of vacation. Going to see the SIX MINUTE CENTURY show at Acadia Bar & Grill in Houston, Texas for the R.N.I. Fest.

SIX MINUTE CENTURY played the second night of the event, and unfortunately I was totally bummed out that Decimation Theory threw in the towel and did not play.

Lonestar Metal Magazine put together this event to have bands from Texas play. It was really cool. Yet, I was there for one reason and one reason only.

Even dealing with being just a little bit sick, I carried on because I was already there and it would have been a disaster to have missed this show. Fever and all, I carried on and got there. Although by the time they got on stage, I was feeling better.

Instead of dealing with a stage that was at chest level, which is the way it is at BFE Rock Club, the band was only a couple of feet from the floor at Acadia. And so I had absolutely NO problem getting “up close and personal” with the band.

Still, this was definitely a show that should have been seen, and I’m overjoyed that I made it.

I had the opportunity to have dinner with Dr. Froth his wife, alongside lead singer, Chuck Williams and his wife. Just hanging out and laughing and talking about various stuff. They still feel comfortable with me being there whenever they talk about “band stuff”. That’s always been on my mind that they would feel that comfortable with me. But I do not take it for granted.

SIX MINUTE CENTURY now has a new drummer, and it was his first show to play for the band. And as a matter of fact, he still hadn’t met Chuck Williams before that night. Chuck had undergone surgery and was recovering. So with the new drummer now in place and the front man overcoming surgery… well, the show couldn’t have turned out any better.

THEY ROCKED UNTIL THE PLACE CRUMBLED INTO PIECES!!!!

That’s how I would characterize it.

And when they played my favorite song, “Zero Hour”, they gave me a shout out. I love when they do that, I will admit it.

Lead guitarist, Don LaFon (aka The Frenchman) told me a few months ago “That’s YOUR song!”. I could have just died. I noticed that Don reminded Chuck about me before they played it. Yeah, I was that close to the band and stage.

Near the end of the set, Don moved over towards the side of the stage where Dr. Froth was playing bass. Then Don moved forward and I remember just how close he was to my face playing his guitar.

I kept wondering a million questions in less than a second- “Do I touch him? Do I touch his guitar? Do I yell? What do I do?”, and so on. But alas, I froze and did nothing and he moved back to his side of the stage.

I think that their set was just under an hour. Probably more like under fifty minutes. But it was worth it.

Yet with my camera being stupid, I never got any pictures of the band in action. However, Vampiress of Metal (VoM) made sure that a picture was taken with her and I. And a picture with myself and Dr. Froth (her husband). I’m thankful for that opportunity. I can still say now that I was there.

Don LaFon allowed me to take a copy of the set list for the show. And then VoM suggested that I have the band autograph it. She made sure it got done. Including from the new drummer. Now I must go forth and find a frame.

One of the more memorable moments of the evening was throughout the night, I was introduced to a lot of people who are in the Houston music scene. And depending on who was introducing me to people, I was announced as … “he is from the Austin area and comes down to the shows. He is the band’s biggest/greatest fan.” It was either one of those two.

Flattery anyone? More like modest honor.

I’m still trying to wrap my head around it, without allow it to inflate in the process. Because that would be bad juju.

Then at the end of the night, with an autographed copy of the set list, and meeting the new drummer, and a great show… the band members began to leave. Chuck gave me a really big hug and I told him that I would try to make it to their next show, which would only be about an hour away from me. (Although I’m having doubts that I will make it.)

Chuck said to me, “YOU’D BETTER!!”. I was like: YES SIR!!

It was great to see them play again. It was even greater to be able to be around them for a night. Even though I originally hadn’t planned to be there… until the last minute– thank you, family vacation for being so close that I could make it to the show!!

And thanks to Dr. Froth and Vampiress of Metal for helping me out to make sure that I could be sure to be in attendance!

 

Super 8 Is Not Great

“And it’s tough traveling. You know, the hotels and the airports and all that. That part, eating and getting around to the hotel room and then going on.”~ Harvey Korman 

Part two of my ten days away from home required me to stay at a Super 8 hotel for two nights, so that I could see SIX MINUTE CENTURY perform. It was the only way.

We took off from the resort and drove the 20 minutes to get to this hotel. I found a deal on the Internet that a weekend reservation, that it was 15% off the price. And wouldn’t you know it, that’s exactly what I was needing, Friday and Saturday nights.

So I called and booked this hotel room and was told that I would be on the second floor. And it was all with taxes and fees under $100. SCORE!

But as I was getting dropped off and going into the hotel lobby to check in, my nephew came up from behind and gave me a drink that I had in my sister’s car that I had left behind on accident. How nice of him to come through and give it to me.

And then, the horror began. As he walked away to return to his mother, I heard him weeping openly… sad that I was leaving and not going home with him. It nearly killed me. But life goes on with me doing what I need and want to do.

I checked in, was given my key to the hotel room and then told “You’re on the first floor”. Umm okay? I made the reservation for the second floor but whatever. It would work out in a sense as there was NO elevator.

But now we have a huge accessibility problem as for every hotel room on the ground floor, there was a HUGE step to get through the door. Something that I would have a lot of difficulty in my wheelchair to manage for two nights.

And then the key wouldn’t work. Or at least I was never able to get it to work. So instead of fussing with it, I would throw the dead bolt to block the door from shutting all of the way and locking me out and then go on and do what I needed to do.

I DO NOT recommend doing this! I left myself really exposed to being robbed of everything I had in the hotel room. And yes, I would have been the one responsible for everything that would have been stolen. Luckily, I had everything still when I left. But I did allow the door to shut when I was leaving to go see SIX MINUTE CENTURY. And I decided that I was going to fight with this door when I got back from the concert.

It would be a fight that I would lose and I had to go to the front desk to ask for help at 1 AM.

But let me back track some to let you in on all of the trials and tribulations that I had with this hotel, that has caused me to set aside some time to either write a letter or an e-mail and make phone calls to file multiple complaints against this hotel. Yeah, Dambreaker is pissed again.

Friday evening, I was aware that I would not see anyone from the circles of SIX MINUTE CENTURY until Saturday evening. So I had the entire day to myself. But where this hotel was located, was not attached to sidewalks. So roaming somewhere nearby to find something to eat on Friday was not in the cards, so I did without and of course when I don’t eat, I get headaches and migraines. And I didn’t want pizza delivery because I had gone through that a lot while spending the week with my family. Kind of burned out on it.

As I was in the room, I fought with the air conditioning unit, trying to get it to cool off in there. But the dial actually just spun around in circles and I never felt or heard any “clicks” from setting to setting. Eventually I found the setting to make the hotel room feel like the Arctic Circle.

Then I laid in bed and watched television. The television however would only allow me to turn the volume up half way. I suppose that was to respect the others that were around me. And after a while of watching television… the signal was lost. I saw a familiar warning. The hotel’s cable was actually coming from Dish Network. I know this because when I lived with my sister a few years ago, she had Dish Network and it would do the same thing when a thunderstorm would pass.

But the satellite wasn’t getting any signal at all. Tired from the days before and while getting impatient, I turned off the television and just fell asleep.

Less than an hour later, I noticed that the air conditioning suddenly stopped. I sat up in bed and realized that the power went out.

I  went outside and saw that it was raining and the only thing that I could assume was that the thunderstorm that was overhead knocked out the power. So I went back to the hotel lobby to verify that’s what had happened or to find out if it was just my room that was powerless.

When I opened the door, I saw a lady huddled in the corner in the darkness. The only lights on inside were the emergency flood lights in the building. She had this look on her face that she was so terrified.

The entire hotel was out of power. So I knew it wasn’t just me. And this woman behind the front desk was frantic about the situation because she couldn’t make any phone calls out to anyone, except for the use of her cell phone. But she was calling other hotels and their power was out as well and she couldn’t get through.

I remember her saying, “If we don’t get power back on soon, I will have to close down the hotel.”

I began to wonder what that meant exactly. And was it so bad that they were going to have to take all of their customers out and put them somewhere else. That thought actually crossed my mind and deep down, I hoped that it was true because a ground floor hotel room that is NOT accessible… is just ridiculous!!!

As I went back to my room to make sure that nothing was stolen since I left it wide open, the rain had stopped. The clouds were parting and I just went back and laid on the bed and went back to sleep. The hotel would have no power for 50 minutes before it came back on.

So here’s what else that I found that was so difficult with this hotel room, all of their restrictions and what not.

No smoking. No pets. No visitors. No housekeeping. No vending machines, other than ice.

Yep, that’s right. There was a card laying on the bed when I got in there that literally said. “Use our towels like you would use yours at home, over and over again.” So no fresh towels and no beds being made.

And if you were caught smoking or had pets or visitors, it was either an eviction or a very large cost to your room.

They had a list of their rules posted on the back of the door. It was crazy.

At last, I would find that behind the front desk they had candy bars and beverages that they were selling. But hell, I couldn’t see them at my altitude because the front desk was so high up that I was doing Kilroy when I got to it.

So I bought some drinks here and there. Which helped. And then Saturday morning I noticed that they had a computer set up in the lobby. I jumped on to check on my e-mail and after only a week of not being on the computer (because I was spending time with family) I had over 80 e-mails. I tried to clear some of them out but the computer wanted me to enable cookies. And I just wasn’t going to mess with it, so e-mail was going to have to wait until I got home. And when I did, I had to deal with a total of 105 messages and spam.

And then I silently signed on to Facebook. Bad decision.

12 pokes, almost 20 notifications, 5 messages in my inbox, and one friend request. A majority of the messages were regarding the woman who killed herself and they were asking if I knew about it.

I didn’t want to deal with the situation because I was still on vacation and at that point, still had a concert to see. I didn’t want to go to the concert all bummed out because of what had happened.

So I left and watched HBO, which was free. But then ended up getting yet another migraine and fever only two hours before I got picked up to go see  SIX MINUTE CENTURY.

Being frustrated with having to deal with that large step up into the room, I did some investigating. I found four hotel rooms on the property that had a poured concrete ramp up to the door. But they were not in service. It even had the wheelchair symbol on the hotel room number sign.

Why wasn’t I in one of those??

When I checked out Sunday morning, I was asked how my stay was by the same woman that I had been seeing in the day time.

I LET HER HAVE IT!!

And then she replied with, “Yeah, we don’t have any accessible rooms at all.”

This after being told when I made the reservation in the first place that I would be put in one. I gave her a puzzled look and she continued with “We’re hoping to have some soon. But we don’t have any at the present time.”

So I gave it to her again. All she could do was say “Sorry”.

Sorry doesn’t cut it though.

And why is it that I found this out at the END of my stay instead of being told while I was checking in that there was nothing??

There will be some heavy duty bitching about it. Yeah, there was nothing I could do about losing the power on Friday. But going through what I went through, wasn’t all that necessary. So I’m going to do something about it, and hopefully someone will have the sense to either refund or comp my next visit to Houston.