14 March 2015: Metal Monsters of Texas – Casket Of Cassandra/SXSW 2015 @ Dirty Dog Bar: Austin, TX

“One of my favorite traditions is that my sisters and I, we all wear the same pajamas. I’ve even still got some from when I was 6. Also, I’ll always remember cooking together in the kitchen and that no matter how busy our schedules are, we are all together for Christmas.”~ Bailee Madison

I think that I got supremely lucky to have the opportunity to have two out of ten bands in my pocket performing all on the same stage.

But I did have to wait several hours in between the two performances.

Although during my wait I was able to get me some merchandise. The count has already begun. Some free, some paid for. But that’s for another post after this craziness is all over.

The excitement level went through the roof as I was about to see CASKET OF CASSANDRA on stage again. To be able to watch them play and then kind of look over the crowd for their reaction is always fun.

I would find that this was no usual performance from them. Band members were jumping on stage and doing their sound check …. in their pajamas.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, over??

Some of them had super hero themes, others did not. But it was all bedtime sleepwear. 

The only thing that I could think about was that it was similar to Slipknot with their track suits. But each member of CASKET OF CASSANDRA had their own thing going on. Individuality doth rocketh!!

The thing with CASKET OF CASSANDRA is that there’s this strange, personal attraction to the band’s music that both entertains and scares the shit out of me. And there is no even balance between the two. Either I am totally floored with impression or I wanna run out of the building and go to my happy place.

How they do that, I will probably never know!!

CASKET OF CASSANDRA is constantly evolving, constantly growing, and continues to be impressive.

It is always great to be sitting right up against the stage when they are playing. To be able to hear Amanda Maddera’s vocals as it pours from her mouth even before it reaches the microphone is a cool experience. To be that close to…. well … uncertain death (so to speak) can give quite the thrill. Or scare.

Amanda Maddera

But I am not mocking them in the least. All of them are supremely talented. Its just that the band as whole with their music, lyrics, and stage presence can be quite intimidating.

To this day, Maddera is blowing minds that she has the vocal capability to perform as she does. I heard so many people afterwards totally tripping out about her vocal talents and abilities. I kept thinking to myself “Welcome to the world of the Casket.”

Considering that most of the members came from California and implanted themselves for their career in Texas says a lot about their passion and dedication for their specific craft.

However on this day, it was like watching a brand new band.

The pajamas, the music, the stage presence, the ending… was all new to me.

inches away

At the very end of their set, they played my favorite song, “Solitaria.”

I also love “Bury You” and “The Kraken’s Reign” so I had three options of favorite songs that they could have played. They played my most favorite of theirs.

And I kept thinking as Maddera got closer and closer and closer, coming off the stage and standing on these very unstable bar tables and just inches from me. I knew something was going to happen. I just hoped that she wasn’t going to crash in the process.

I abandoned my digital camera and attempted in vain to stabilize the tables that Maddera was standing upon.

Then it suddenly dawned on me about what she was about to do.

Maddera shouted to the crowd without her monster vocal tone and then went into a crucifixion pose.  She stepped to her right and one step away from being directly in front of me. And then she dropped while finishing off the song.

An official (or unofficial, whichever) CASKET OF CASSANDRA stage dive. Something I had never personally experience from them. It was pretty bad ass though.

So I don’t know when I will be seeing them again. I hope its soon. I don’t know if they will abandon the pajamas. But I think it worked with great entertainment value. So kudos to CASKET OF CASSANDRA.

Check them out!!

CASKET OF CASSANDRA – Day Four

“I’m scared to death of being poor. It’s like a fat girl who loses 500 pounds but is always fat inside. I grew up poor and will always feel poor inside. It’s my pet paranoia.” ~ Cher

I finally went to my mailbox and got my pre-order for the new album by CASKET OF CASSANDRA.

I unfortunately missed their big release party because I was too busy working on the new Dr. Froth project. More about that later.

But this is for CASKET OF CASSANDRA.

I can say with full confidence that I am scared to death.

Some of the things that were recorded on this album were so creepy! And not that kind of creepy that makes the album stink, but more of a creepy that tells you “I should have seen this coming, but how could I have?” kind of punch-in-your-face-this-is-still-heavy-metal.

Everything about “Day Four” just drives me crazy with pleasure and contentment.

After only hearing about them a few short months ago for the first time, I really found myself drowning with interest in their music and I got to know the band personally which was really cool.

My favorites are still “Soltaria” and “Bury You” but now I’m going to add “The Egotist” since I had an interest in it when I heard it live back in March I think it was… the studio recorded version of the song grabbed me by the neck, slammed me into the chair,  and wouldn’t let go until the CD was finished. 

So not only am I really proud to say that I know these guys, but they really do put out some quality stuff for what they know how to do. This is one incredibly freaking awesome band.

And I must add before I forget, the back cover image of their new album “Day Four” is quite a trip- and still scary as shit.

“Nail To The Eye” is another song that is becoming a favorite of mine, simply for the chant in the middle of the song:

“Glass bones
Paper skin
Fragile as fuck
Faced with sticks and stones
You’re shit out of luck”

Lyrics that I never would have dreamed to have written!! Whomever came up with that line… I bow in respect, because in the world of heavy metal, it doesn’t get any better than that.

“You Shouldn’t Have Done That….” had so many wild turns in it, that I thought that I was experiencing a horror film IN REAL LIFE.. I literally turned it down because I didn’t want anything jumping out at me. I freaked out so bad.

The album as a whole is put together as one awesome unit. The entire thing from beginning to end is unbreakable. 

I am going to ask permission by Amanda Maddera and Riles Olacsi if I can do a Q&A session with them, and then post the “online interview” on my blog… if they agree to it, then it will be something exclusive for just this blog. If they say no, then I’ll move on.

Perhaps I shouldn’t have listened to this at night? I don’t know. I just know that I’ve gave it the maiden voyage and now…. life is a little creepy.

But like I said, not horrible creepy. Just scary-what-the-hell-was-that?!?!?!?!?

CASKET OF CASSANDRA could not have done a better job with this album. They are going to really pick this up I hope. Because I think that if they do, they will really make it in the business and do very well for themselves.

Get your own copy of the album. And you’ll agree!!

http://casketofcassandra.bandcamp.com/

Taking And Losing Control With Fear Control: 11 April 2014- Dirty Dog Bar

“Last chance to take a stand
Finally lets kill this man
Loss of fear now takes control
Lost my chance to save my soul
Now there’s no turning back
Now’s the time we must attack
The end of your reign has come
Swift vengeance now be done” ~ ‘Off With His Head’ by Fear Control

I sadly missed the Texas Independence Fest today  with CASKET OF CASSANDRA playing along side other bands with big name recording labels such as Behemoth and Goatwhore.

But I went to the pre-party the night before. Again to the Dirty Dog. I realized that I had not been out in a few weeks so the bus ride was a little wonky even though it seemed like I got there in no time.

One of the bartenders actually took the time to introduce himself because he said that he had been seeing me a lot and wanted to say hello. He kept my hands filled with Coke whenever he saw that I was done drinking one.

It felt good to get out of the house. Especially since it was the beginning of the weekend and I started to hear chatter about other people’s plans of showing up at the venue.

Some actually showed up. Others did not. But I was definitely there for Fear Control as I have been in close communication with guitarist Frankie Rodriguez and lead singer and guitarist Kash Sakaria. They KNOW that I am pretty much obsessed with their song “Off With His Head” and proud of it.

I was very much happy to see most of the members of CASKET OF CASSANDRA there at the Dirty Dog. They had one missing due to work. But they were also busy with getting ready for the Texas Independence Fest. So they stayed for a while before taking off.

Meanwhile, I kind of was splitting my time between CASKET OF CASSANDRA and Fear Control’s guitarist.

After a while the show got started and soon enough things were going up and up. Like I have been saying every time I write one of these show reviews for my blog, whenever I am sticking around long enough to hear OTHER bands… I end up getting swept up into some other band.  And that show was no exception to the rule.

Trauma Concept

I couldn’t understand a lot but what I could hear, between listening to music and being involved in conversation I got swept up in two different bands by the time the night was over.

First band was Trauma Concept. I don’t know what it was, there was just something about them that caught my attention and then I ended up being stuck either in front of the stage or off to the side of the stage and just listening and watching.

I went to their merchandise table and gobbled up everything that they had to offer.

I did the same thing for Nekrist who played later in the evening.

But I was for sure about Trauma Concept.

After that there was one band on the bill that kind of made me A LOT nervous.

Whore Of Bethlehem

Whore Of Bethlehem.

I had no idea what to expect. I had no idea what they were up to. I had no idea what their gimmick was. All I know is that their band logo was on the bass drum on the drum kit.

The thrashing death screaming vocals that came out of this guy was amazing. I had never experienced anything like that in my life. And the band was probably singing a song about slaughtering angels or someone innocent or puppies or something.

So after that I took a look at their business that they had to offer.

I didn’t know that the woman that was standing by the table was the girlfriend of the lead singer. And since I didn’t know her name at the time (and cannot remember it now even though she told me) I referred to her as “Satan’s girlfriend.”

Death/Black metal….. even they get the ladies. But had I known that’s who she was… I would have left it alone. I took a photograph with two members of Whore Of Bethlehem, and then turned around and took one with the woman who literally said “Let me get my boyfriend to take the picture.”

I knew then to stay clear, but I didn’t realize it would be the guy screaming his heart and soul and lungs out on stage minutes before.

Scary situation!!! But I survived.

The band is local. So that means these people and this woman are local. And I live in a city of over a million people and that means I’ll probably never cross paths with them again, at least not on the street. Maybe at some other venue or show though… that would be possible.

Kash Sakaria

I did however think that it was really cool that Frankie allowed me to hold his guitar and pick a little at it. Then he took a photograph with my camera. I’m happy he allowed that. I begged Kash not that long ago to do the same thing with his guitar but …. no such luck so far.

KASH!! BROTHER!! Please!! Just one photograph with the guitar!! Lemme know….

And then came the problem of the night: ALCOHOL.

What I mean by that is FREE alcohol.

I’ve always thought that fans were responsible for giving bands their buzz. I never thought that bands would souse their fans.

I cannot count how many people had bought me so many cocktails and beers. And you know what they say about mixing them or drinking them in the wrong order. Ughhh!!!!

From all of that happening and the free Coke that I was getting myself, it made for a long, long, long, long night when I returned home and an excruciating morning afterwards. And again, not a single penny was coming out of my wallet for these beverages. I got to the point where I didn’t even know where they were coming from. Just that I would look up and there were more beers, more cocktails sitting there in front of me. 

Fear Control hit the stage and they started to tune up, set up, and I was ready for action again. Sweat pouring down my face as I began to wonder whether or not to change t-shirts in the bathroom. I received a very limited edition WHITE t-shirt from Fear Control.

Basically, they only had a few more left. And now I have one.

I was happy to hear that my favorite song was on the set list. I do not know why I would have ever thought that they would take it off of the set list. At least not right now. Perhaps down the road when more new songs are written.

I must say that I am really enjoying the song “Texas Tea” as well. Its basically a drinking anthem.

But “Off With HisHead” was a very surprising OPENING song to their set.

I lost it!!! But in a good way.

Singing along and just having a fun time. As their set went on, I realized that some drunken idiots attempted to start a mosh pit. The only way that I know is that someone bumped into me as he was shoved in my general direction from behind me.

Ohhhh crap. Not this again. I had problems enough with this going on at SXSW Festival this year and I probably would have had a little bit more help as this was a venue. The fine folks at the Festival probably would not have done a thing.

Suddenly “Satan’s girlfriend” comes up to me while I was enjoying “Off With His Head” and I turned around away from the stage and she took a photograph of me in front of the band playing on stage.

That was cool. But then mosh pit was getting a little more active and a little too close for comfort for me. My back is damaged enough from assholes in the past who injured me over trying to steal something that had less than $20 value, I don’t need some drunk guy ramming into me and then trying to start something with me because he slammed into the back of my wheelchair and he hurt himself and me in the process.

I think that “Satan’s girlfriend” saw the concern and fear in my face. So she put her arm around my shoulders and stood there throughout the rest of the song that was playing.

I slowly turned back behind me and I saw him AND his girlfriend nearby.

And instead of having the feeling of the possibility that they were going to protect me from people slamming into me…. I felt fear again. Thankfully I never “touched” her or put my hands on her that would cause trouble.

After Fear Control, the lead singer to Trauma Concept walked by. He shook my hand saying, “Hey, I just wanted to say thank you for getting all of our shit.” Ohhhh if he only knew…. if he only knew.

A $5 cover and free drinks and merchandise. I came out of there like a fricking bandit!!

So I took off at the end of the night and had to get a taxi or something since buses stopped running. I found this giant extended van that was sitting there and this guy assisted me in finding this van. He looked to see how far my home was in miles and then did some kind of weird calculation and said that he could get me home for $25.

Well, that’s fine. Taxis are about $20…. so its pretty close. But that van was right there and I didn’t have to sit there on any sidewalk, yelling and waving like a fool and an idiot trying to pull someone over. The guy was ready to go. All I had to do was climb inside…. which was a pain because the van was so high up. But I made it. 

Come to find out that the driver was ALSO in a band and his band was in the recording studio. He mentioned that he wanted to give me his card and that if I found the band on Facebook that he would connect with me and give me merchandise……….. FOR FREE. Again, with the free merchandise!!

Has anyone that has been reading these band show posts writing this stuff down on how this is working??

Earlier in the day prior to the show, I sent messages to both Kash and Frankie stating that a storm was coming.

Boy did it ever!!!! Now someone please hand me a glass of water and a few tylenol and grab me the trash can and don’t wake me up until June. Unless there is another show that I can go to.

9 March 2012: The Pain’s Not Forgotten With Well Of Souls

“Skim MILF.” ~ Unknown

In seven days there was: 12 hours on the road, five bands, 2 venues, 2 hotels, and countless memories, hugs, and ultimately experiences to last a lifetime.

Two bands, one venue and hotel was already discussed in a previous blog post. But within a week’s time there was another.

It is fruitless to add that I was at the same Motel 6 where I had fallen into the pool last November. This time I was only there long enough to get a few hours of sleep. And being that there was evil thing called Daylight Savings Time, I would be up for  a full 24 hour period. Yippeeee!!

This show was compelling. It called out to me. Not to mention the encouragement of a few people in my ear. I HAD to go, if I found that I was able to. And obviously I was.

I did however get plenty of face time inside the House Of Froth, learning a new video game called Skyrim for much of the afternoon until it was time to go to the venue.

This show had appealed to me on two separate but equal fronts. WELL OF SOULS and BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE.

It had been nearly a full year since I had seen either band play live. And with that, I packed my luggage for an overnight stay and got up nice and early and left town.

I hadn’t heard of the other two bands before. I just had received a pep talk about what I could possibly expect from these groups. But both of them surprised me. 

Come to find out that there would never be enough counseling in the world to explain what I saw.

THE SCOURGE started things off with a bang from the moment they played their first note. After a very hard hitting musical interlude they played “Fuck With Fire” which was to be their first song.

Honestly, starting a show like that? Hang on to your leather pants, people!!!

These guys went out on stage like they had nothing to lose, everything to gain. And they ended up grabbing my attention to make me a new fan! For the love of anything good and pure… find me the merchandise table for these guys and buy in bulk!

They were put together nicely and I would not mind seeing them again. It turns out that they will be playing at BFE in April for the next show with SIX MINUTE CENTURY. The term “excited” doesn’t do it or them justice. My only hope is that I can make it there at that time. Even though it is part of the plan at this point.

After blasting some really awesome music and ripping apart people’s faces with excellent performances of a few cover songs, I could have just withered onto the floor. My only regret was being so far back that I never took any photographs of them while on stage. OR at all.

But I had to pace myself. BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE was next!

I hadn’t seen this band out of Waco, Texas since going to The Domain last year. And there was about to be some very obvious differences in performance as The Domain was more of an acoustic set compared to Acadia’s plugged in and full throttle event.

Not to mention that I didn’t have a camera then, but I did now!

I wasn’t sure if I should have called it “BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE: Plugged In” or something of that nature.

But there’s something more to it than that.

BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE has an energy about them when they are on stage. I saw that their music was pulsing through their veins and fire in their soul. Because of it, I moved up to the front of the stage.

Each of the band members greeted me with awesome hugs and smiles when they walked in the door. Even lead singer, Brenda Flores, complimented me on the leather jacket that I was wearing. I thought that was really cool. Find one thing about the person that you like and then start a conversation from there.

I could have never expected the electric atmosphere that BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE brings with them on stage!!

There was nothing to compare it to. And there still isn’t. BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE is a band that is on top of their A game and they remain standing on the top of that hill. They were lost in their passion for music and it showed. The performance overall was top notch in my opinion.

Brenda Flores did mention me by name after playing “Nearly Forgotten” and I was surprised by it. A dedication came out to me and appreciation was expressed that I had come that long way to get to the show. Although I’m still a bit hazy and confused as to which song was dedicated. Was it “Nearly Forgotten” or the song that they played after it? It remains a mystery. Meanwhile, Mrs. Froth screamed to her hearts content when I was mentioned. I felt all bubbles and goo inside as the goosebumps shot up my spine. I am so loved and that’s no doubt!

By the time BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE reached their final song of the night, I noticed that their bass player, Maribel was motioning for me to get even closer to the stage. The last part of the song, both her and Auggie Del Ray came off of the stage and rocked it to the end. Maribel being right in front of me only a few short inches away. I didn’t know if Auggie was going to encapsulate me to the other side or not but he just let it all out to what he had and they finished their set on stage.

Holy Crap!!! More that I did not expect or see coming. Was she gonna climb up on my lap and hammer out the rest of the song while standing on my knees? And would she find it funny if I started throwing dollar bills on the floor? No, I remained still until the end then she hugged me.

BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE took the time after their set to talk to the people who were the most animated during their performance. Photographs were taken as a sign of the band’s heartfelt appreciation.

And as they were finishing up loading their gear, the entire band came back inside and ALL of them were total smiles as they came in my direction. They took pictures with me. And I even handed out my own camera to have pictures done. I suspect that most of the fan photographs will be either posted on Facebook or their own website, or both.

As I looked over their merchandise table, the only thing that really didn’t have was a keychain. Ultimately that was simply given to me by the band, and now I am the one full of appreciation. I wanted one of their new t-shirts but they didn’t have my size. I hope to try again and get one in the future.

They all hugged me before leaving. I’m still working on NOT fearing Auggie Del Ray and his muscles galore as he can break me in half. But I still appreciate and love their music. Proud to be a part of The Pride.

After that it got DARK. It got GLOOMY. It was the headliner WELL OF SOULS of doom metal fame.

The time they spent on stage just gripped on to me like a horny vampire and wouldn’t let go until it consumed every ounce of my soul. John Calvin’s stage performance and appearance still creeps me the hell out. But he’s awesome in what he does!

But where does that accent come from when he is singing? Anyone know??

Combined with O.J. Morris and Tim Wayne on guitar and of course Dr. Froth on bass, and Chris Kotlarz as their hired hand on drums, this band also had their shit together and made for a powerful and memorable performance.

To be honest, I wasn’t a doom metal fan at all before I heard them. And I’m slowly starting to warm up to them. But it is clear that WELL OF SOULS welcomes me into their fold with open arms. Both by the band and by their circle of family and friends.

Then there was We, The Enemy.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, over???

Just a few songs played and then they were done. What happened? What was going on?

The urban legend was later told by Dr. Froth that he had stepped outside and that band was pissed off because one of the guitarist kept screwing up and couldn’t efficiently play because he was extremely drunk.

But nobody noticed. Nobody knew what was going on. They could have played the rest of their set with their guitarist screwing up left and right and never had been exposed to it. So many people were confused. A lot speculated that the band was upset because after WELL OF SOULS had played, Acadia cleared out. But they did have a fan or two left. One that was actually in military uniform. But no. It was over. They packed up their gear and split.

Maybe we’ll see them again soon somewhere down the road. But for now it appears that they are sorely butthurt about their guitarist.

After that was the usual out to eat experience. Which was crazy insane in and of itself.

Then crashing at the Motel 6 at 4 AM. Did I mention the stupid time change? There was no time to fall into the pool. There was no time to mess with their stupid television or be annoyed by the fact that they are STILL remodeling.

I was glad that I had Dr. & Mrs. Froth hang out with me during those last few minutes that I was there before getting on the bus and headed home. Its a lot easier to wait when there is someone to talk to. Someone you click with. And it also makes it difficult. But I’m getting better at it.

No crazy women cussing me out, no strangers handing out money as it was last week.

It will be a few weeks before the show by SIX MINUTE CENTURY featuring the birthday of Chuck Williams. Now I am on my knees, praying that it happens. But I have no regrets showing up for this show.

Well Of Souls: Sorrow My Name

WELL OF SOULS 

ALBUM: SORROW MY NAME

YEAR: 2012

BRAINTICKET RECORDS

John Calvin-Vocals

John (O.J.) Morris-  Lead & Rythym Guitar

Tim Wayne- Lead & Rythym Guitar

Michael “Dr. Froth” Millsap-Bass Guitar

 

Doom is here!

Yesterday I received the pre-order of the brand new album from Well Of Souls.

I was really excited about it. I didn’t waste any time to put the CD in and play it.

Although I must say that this is a new genre for me. I don’t recall listening to a lot of what is considered “doom metal”. Or it could be that I just never thought about calling it that.

I was really impressed with their show back in August. I really believed in John Calvin’s stage presence. So convincing and it gripped at me. So listening to the new album, I knew that his pure vocal style would reach out again and twist at the strings of my soul to bend.

There are some really awesome pieces to this album. I think that so far, that I’m really into songs like The Pain’s Not Forgotten, Forsaken, and Sorrow My Name.

I believe that this album actually got me to open my eyes to the wide variety of music that is out in the world. Not everything that I do listen to requires a lot of hair spray, shredded jeans, and screaming vocals. As most people tend to believe.

Well Of Souls has a sound on their new album that convinces me that their shit is together. I got to hang out with these guys and just by the way they talked, I could tell that they were all serious about the band and their music. And I find that to be one of the greatest things that many bands are missing today. To other bands, its just something that they do. They have no passion, and only look forward to the paycheck at the end of the night when they play a live show.

But I cannot get enough of The Pain’s Not Forgotten. Even within the privacy and comforts of my own home, I feel like throwing the horns into the air and swaying the Bic lighter back and forth. And then switch into wanting to jump off of my own furniture. However, I do not need to miss a future show because I broke my neck or something.

Throughout the first time that I listened to the album, I had several people calling me on the telephone, wondering what in the world was going on. I did honestly have the volume up so high that probably parts of northern Mexico could hear it.

Probably the most common question I got from people either knocking on my door or calling me was “Who Died?” and I cannot help but find that funny.

Like I said, its not something that I commonly have a lot of knowledge with. But I am so very glad that I got to see them play live so I could see just what kind of an effect their music has on people, including the effect that they would have on me.

I’m totally impressed!!!

And what makes it a whole lot better is that when I opened the CD case, I found it autographed by the entire band. To which I am humbled and thankful that they did that for me.

I am glad that I was able to expand inside my own mind. The album is officially release date is on the 9th of October.

 http://www.wellofsoulsband.com

26 August 2011: Getting Moist with Six Minute Century

“Through the flames, we abide. Weary, we march on!”~ “Paying Death’s Toll” by SIX MINUTE CENTURY

Incredible show. I was able to reach Houston again for the next show by SIX MINUTE CENTURY. They were celebrating the birthday of bassist, Michael Millsap, aka “Dr. Froth”. But I call him “Father Froth” because he’s been quite the positive encouragement in my personal life.

After about five or six weeks, in a complete state of panic of whether or not I was going to make it, I survived the bottom dropping out from being scammed and basically rescued by romance author, Jessica Trapp as she welcomed me to stay with her and her family.

It seems that in my own life, these two things go together. Music & Books. And that is just fine with me.

The show was fantastic. The first band was “Silenced Within”. I had seen them play the last time. The only difference was that the lead singer and I had met back in April and have started to become good friends while communicating on the Internet. I was totally excited to see both Silenced Within and SIX MINUTE CENTURY play the same night again.

By the end of the third or fourth song, I was going deaf. Sitting up against the stage. I could hear everything I ever wanted, and all that I would not. It’s only Rock & Roll but I like it.

I probably could not have asked for anything more. The lead singer, Sloan, had actually dedicated one of their songs to me. I believe it was “Set Me Free”. It was unexpected.  That was really awesome.

By the time SIX MINUTE CENTURY hit the stage, I was flying high and eager to just enjoy the rest of the night. The most exciting thing about it was that the band was going to film the ENTIRE show. They were planning a video for “Just Remains”. The song is on their upcoming album. They are almost finished in the recording studio, and I am just really anxious to hear it all.

It was a really great show. Lots of people came. I felt bad though because the night before, I only got about an hour and a half of sleep. I was far too excited to be taking this trip, and the night before the show, I only got about five hours of sleep. I am sure that those cameras caught a few yawns here and there… but hey, I was there!!!

After nearly going through hell to try and make it. I was there, I enjoyed myself. And yes, I went deaf (again).

And then after all of that, I BEGGED the band for a group photo. I wanted to be in a picture with the band, and then another with the band and their wives. It took forever to get them all in one spot, but I did it. Then I had some wild photos taken with me and the drummer’s wife. Shall we say, rather erotic photos?? I was warned that she was like this: boy-crazy and likes to flirt with the guys. Her husband even had to tell me that “it was okay”, and that “he wasn’t going to get all mad.” Well, I suspect that he would not get mad when his wife is on my lap kissing me and he’s got my camera!!

The band even took a silver sharpie and signed my t-shirt. It will never be washed or worn again. “Whatever is left is just remains”…. pit stains and all. The t-shirt is now priceless and cannot be worn.

And then we have the bad part of the night. I went into the restroom, and the BFE Club is not wheelchair accessible at all. At least not their restrooms. Eventually, I squirmed my way into the bathroom stall, without having pissed on myself. But the wheelchair on the outside of the stall blocked one urinal.

I was horrified and pissed off beyond all belief when I saw that someone had urinated on my wheelchair to the point that there was a puddle of it on my seat cushion. I was sooooo fucking mad! What dumb motherfucker does that?!? How drunk do you have to be?

There’s not much I can do about the wheelchair. But there was no sense in doing that!!

I cleaned it up as much as I could and got back out into the club before I had missed anything else.

But with that aside, the night was so much fun!! I was then taken out to Steak & Shake. I’m not quite sure if they have one in here in my area. I haven’t really looked. But it was nice. It kept me out later and later and later though. I was concerned that because of the hearing loss that I would be making a lot more noise than my brain was telling me and I would wake up Jessica and her family. They claimed the following morning that nothing really disturbed them. Her husband said that he thought he heard a few bumps in the night and just blew it off thinking that I had come into the house.

I am so fortunate. I guess I was waiting to be executed. By the time I laid in bed that night it was already 4:00 AM. So yeah, I was a bit nervous and concerned.

So now the next big show will be in November as Michael gets married to Lori. They will celebrate with the rest of the world by having a show. I cannot wait for that one!!

But it’s always a great thing to be able to go and do something that you enjoy so much. I don’t think that I should have the problems that I had this time around. But at least I was there. And I have a few weeks to prepare for it, starting with today.

I am very proud to say: I AM A CENTURION!

 

22 April 2011: Zero Hour with Six Minute Century

This day is going to go down in my book of life as one of the top most memorable experiences of 2011.

The night that I got to see SIX MINUTE CENTURY perform at the BFE Club in Houston, Texas. Something I have been hoping and dreaming of doing ever since I first heard the song, “Zero Hour” which ultimately became my absolute favorite song from the band’s first album, “Time Capsules”. Which was probably about two years ago, maybe even longer. But no matter, it was most certainly a dream that absolutely came true.

If you read my last post, you already know that I went to Houston for a bit of a little vacation of sorts. And you already know what wonderful experiences I had from the beginning. Also, warning: a lot of this post is going to be repeated material from that earlier post.

The evening before, I was taken into the recording studio by bassist, Michael Millsap and his fiancee, Lori. I had never been inside a recording studio before, so I am sure that I looked like a character from “Willy Wonka” who just found the last golden ticket and had entered the factory gates. Being able to hear the new material that the band is working on for their next album far before anyone else in the general public, I couldn’t help but feel so honored to have been there. A little later, I got to meet lead guitarist, Don LaFon.

I don’t know if he was surprised to have seen me there. I knew that the whole entire purpose was to surprise the band that I came all that way so that I could see them perform live!! I hope someone from the band was. If they weren’t, then I think that all the secret planning would be wasted because it was getting very difficult to keep my excitement toned down, especially during the last week before I went.

I sat there in awe of Don. If I am understanding correctly, SIX MINUTE CENTURY is a project that he started. Being in the recording studio with this totally awesome guitarist was truly something I thought was so cool. There I was sitting in this control room with the lead guitarist and the bassist. Right off the bat, I got to meet half of the band. Awesome!

And then of course came the big night at BFE Club. Several bands were on the bill before SIX MINUTE CENTURY was to be on the stage, including a really awesome band from Brazil called “MindFlow”. Others included “Decimation Theory” and “Silenced Within”. Yep, if you haven’t figured it out by now… it was a heavy metal show.

It was a bit scary to have these metal acts doing their thing, and then they looked down right at me. Especially, Decimation Theory!! That guy screamed his lungs out, sweat pouring down his face, and then he looked straight at me. CREEEPYYY!!!!

MindFlow did the same thing. Sang a bit, came to the edge of the stage and looked me right in the eyes while singing.

What was really exciting for me was all of the introductions that were made amongst other fans and friends of the bands. I surely got to meet a lot of great people. It was wild to be walking around in the club and instead of waving to acknowledge the person, all they did was throw the Devil Horns in the air.

I was quite honored that lead singer, Chuck Williams made an effort to come and talk with me just before he went on stage. He kneeled down to talk to me at my level and just talked to me like I was a person. Not as if he was the star and I was the adoring fan that must worship him. No, it was “man to man”. He thanked me for being such a great big fan of the band and he said he was happy that I could make it to a show there in Houston. I would find out later that most of the band was quite happy and thankful to hear that I had made it all that way just for the show.

Chuck asked me if I had heard any of the new material and if I enjoyed it. Of course…

I told him that my favorite song was “Zero Hour”, and then he replied with: “Well, good because we’ll be doing that song tonight.”

Okay, a little confession. I had already known that. And yes, I was totally stoked to hear it. So then he shook my hand and said that we would talk later after the set. Its just too bad it didn’t work out that way. I was just very happy that he treated me so kindly. To be honest, the entire band and their family and friends did. As if they had welcomed me into their family.

So during the major bands, I was right up at the stage. Speakers and amplifiers and fillers galore in my face. What I did not realize was that there was one underneath the stage. I wondered why I kept feeling like I was getting punched in the chest and face each time the bass kicked. But as they say, if it isn’t loud- it isn’t rock and roll. And it isn’t metal if it isn’t louder.

By the end of the night, I couldn’t even feel the hair on my arms. My hearing was shot, my voice sore. Yep, that’s the way to do it!

When SIX MINUTE CENTURY hit the stage and got things going, I got right back into place right up front near a monitor and slammed the brakes on my wheelchair. There was no way that I was going to be removed from being right up front at that point.

Nobody.. and I mean absolutely NOBODY was going to knock me from the top of the mountain!! Do it and die.

Thankfully, Lori stood right behind me during the show. I felt so guarded and protected from the scores of people that were there.

I had no idea, but apparently when SIX MINUTE CENTURY comes out to play a show, people come crawling out of the woodworks in Houston. The first few bands didn’t have a lot of people there, but SIX MINUTE CENTURY had tons of people!! I found myself amazed that after they got off the stage, there wasn’t a lot left. I was told that SIX MINUTE CENTURY doesn’t play too often, so if a fan misses a show, they are out of luck for a while until the next show comes up. I believe the last show before this one was back in late January of this year. When I had missed that one, I knew that I was going to work very hard at getting to the show on 22 April.

But back to my original point, with someone behind me it was what I needed to know that nobody was ever going to mess with me while the band was playing. I could just be care free and totally enjoy myself. So I am thankful to her for that.

Then “Zero Hour” was about to be performed. Hearing the helicopter at the beginning of the song, I knew it was coming.

Suddenly, Chuck walked over towards the front of the stage where I was and shouted out, “This is for you, buddy!”. He pointed right at me. Then I reached out towards him. He grabbed me by the hand and then I gave him the love sign, to which he returned with the Devil’s Horns.

At that point, I probably could’ve used a new pair of pants. I totally was getting into it. Slamming my hands onto the stage, singing as out as I could, and just enjoying the song. And yes, I did feel like the song was performed just for me. I allowed myself a moment for once in life.

When it was finished, I felt like I had truly accomplished something great. Of course, I enjoyed the rest of the show. They played some of the new material that is on the upcoming album.

I have to laugh because I remember having a conversation with Don a few days previously over lyrics of one of the newer songs. We couldn’t figure it out. Eventually, the mystery was solved and so when they were playing it, Don was looking from the stage in my general direction and he saw me singing those lines in which I had previously had been questioning him about.

The man SMILED!!

I don’t think he smiles a lot. I could be wrong. In fact, he can appear scary. But you know, that’s just part of the draw. There’s just no “happy happy, joy joy” in heavy metal. Its more of an attitude of “I’m about to eat your face off.” But he smiled. I thought that was cool. I should’ve been quicker with the camera to capture it on film and have evidence of it. Oh well.

When the set was over, Don walked over to me and I thought he was going to just shake my hand. He instead was trying to give me something. His guitar pick!! I loved it. That was totally cool!!! It rests here today in front of my computer until I can find a good place to make my own SIX MINUTE CENTURY shrine. I will have to make room to add it to my other shrines that I have.

When I find something that I totally enjoy, I don’t do it half way– I go to the extreme edge and carry it further. My dedication knows absolutely zero bounds. Whether its music, or people that I enjoy. I’ll do whatever I can to have the best and keep them close to my heart. Defending my position of admiration.

I should be fair though and add that the drummer from MindFlow came up and gave me one of his drumsticks that he just used. Its pretty chewed up, but its a wonderful momento of their performance. I bought their newest CD, a t-shirt, and a shot glass from MindFlow.

I wonder what other kinds of memorabilia that SIX MINUTE CENTURY can come up with? Maybe I should e-mail Don and ask what his thoughts are??

And I cannot forget getting introduced to the lead singer of Silenced Within. You just gotta love female metal singers. Besides, she’s really cute!!!

Then later on, I got the set list from both Don AND Michael, and I thought that was cool. I remembered that I had my copy of “Time Capsules” with me and I got Don and Michael to sign it. After the show, Chuck and Darren (the drummer) just disappeared. What a bummer that I didn’t get to meet Darren at all.

I really wanted to have a picture taken of me and the entire band. Plus gain autographs from everyone. Whether it be a t-shirt, a CD, a flyer, or anything that had their names on it. I hope that I will be able to return to Houston and get that done. It must be done- it is my mission as the absolute avid fan.

Did I enjoy the show?? YOU BET I DID!!

I’ve been working really hard for all of this to happen. Three months, countless secret e-mail exchanges, lots of saved money, and many hours to just get down to Houston. Meeting totally beautiful people, making new friends, and feeling accepted. I definitely believe this to be one of the best experiences I have had. The VIP treatment, presented by SIX MINUTE CENTURY is something a person will never forget. I never would have imagined all the kindness that came from everyone, all of their sacrifices to help make this short trip so memorable.

I am waiting excitedly for the new album to come out. Don told me that once its out there, they’ll consider coming to Austin for a show. And that would be cool beyond words at this point. I will do whatever I can to make sure it happens.

But until it does, I will look forward to their next show. And I hope with every fiber of my body that I can do whatever I need to do in order to make that return trip back to Houston to be there. Right in the same place near the stage.

That night, I went out with Michael and Lori for a little bit of breakfast which included a few other people in the party. I think there was about twelve of us. Some of them, had to sober up.

And then when the night was all finished, I crawled back into my hotel room at 5:01 AM, laid down on the bed and thought to myself, “Hell yeah!!”.

Tired. Sore. Deaf. Numb.

From all the hard work that went into making it happen for me. Absolutely worth it.

I came up with a slogan for fans of SIX MINUTE CENTURY. I think that the band likes it. I’ve been saying it ever since:

I AM A SIX MINUTE CENTURION!!!