24 June 2014: Musical Mayhem At The Dirty Dog Bar

“Nobody expects a footballer to have any kind of an IQ, which is a bit of an unfair stereotype.”~ Frank Lampard

What a night!

Before we begin, HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY WISHES to vocalist, Amanda Maddera of CASKET OF CASSANDRA!

I had been looking forward to this particular night for a while.

Having the opportunity to see both CASKET OF CASSANDRA and Fear Control was appealing to say the least!

And there were so many other bands there, that one never knows what would happen.

It would be a roller coaster of a night for me.

So let’s just get to the highlights and lowlights.

First and foremost, there should never be any lowlights. Ever. I mean, its a metal show. It is entertainment. It is a party. And it is meant to be fun.

Sitting there with my various collections of band t-shirts, knowing that I would switch from one band to the next to the next to the next.

First for the t-shirt waltz was CASKET OF CASSANDRA.

I hadn’t seen them play in a while. I missed their CD release party because I was out of town. And knowing that they had new material, it would be interesting.

However, this was a battle. And there were a ton of other bands involved. I mean, the doors opened at 5:00 PM, so early in the day!!! Everyone got only fifteen minutes. 

That’s not a set. That’s a rehearsal. That’s a warm up. But every band got the same time frame for their set. It just seemed like to a lot of people that a band was only getting started and then they were gone.

I find it very fascinating with CASKET OF CASSANDRA that the very moment they are told by the sound technician that they can begin that all bets are off, the flood gates open up, and everyone is switched ON!

I literally witnessed before my own eyes vocalist Amanda Maddera go from “a woman standing on stage” to “total heavy metal demon.”

I have yet to find anyone that can best Maddera with her stage presence, her energy, her vocal style, and her performance.

Every time I see this band play, its a brand new experience. Far different from the last one I had seen. Everything gets destroyed your face and you’re left to just simply deal with it.

It gets your heart pumping. You never know what’s going to happen on stage. Everyone is head banging and going wild from one side to the other. And so you begin to wonder who will jump off that stage and on to you, if at all??

Many times I thought that Maddera was going to march right off the edge of the stage and just levitate in the air, and then keep marching.

I’m not going to put that past her.

So from that, the place had this electricity in the air. Mainly because  CASKET OF CASSANDRA is still (in my opinion) high voltage and high energy.

Fear Control would later take on the stage as the night burned away from the rest of the world outside. 

As many times as I have picked on Kash Sakaria for allowing me to hold his beautiful guitar both here on this blog and on Facebook– he finally allowed it!! Photographs were promptly taken.

Thank you to Kash Sakaria. That meant the world to me!!

Fear Control took over on stage and was in the driver’s seat. I love the fact that they attempted to play a new song live. Well, they didn’t “attempt” it, they did it. And its going to be awesome when all the rough edges are smoothed out. It is going to be a killer tune!!!

Ironic that he was wearing a CASKET OF CASSANDRA t-shirt? Ehh, probably not!!

What was great was that these two bands were there supporting one another even though they were going head to head.

The swift and quick fifteen minute set was gone in a flash.  The band has these new boxes I noticed the past two shows that when they step on it or stand on it, they become illuminated from beneath. I thought that was pretty awesome. I wonder where they got the idea from? It really is a kick ass feature on stage and its something that the BAND controls and not some technician.

And then after that came the lowlights.

After pouring a few back, there’s always the evacuation process. But there were so many frickin’ bands there that towards the back of the venue where the restrooms were was a huge shit pile of drum kits and drum parts. So much that they were blocking my path to get by. I couldn’t reach the restrooms at all.

I tried to push back some of the equipment,  but that failed. Then when I finally found the corresponding drummer to the equipment that was blocking my path, I asked the guy to push back his stuff less than a yard…. only about two feet.

Instead of complying and being helpful and assisting, he gave me the middle finger and told me to fuck off.

Wow. Really guy???

This guy (who had X’s marked on his hands … so in other words under 21 years of age) had the testicular fortitude to be that kind of a jerk. Where does he think he comes from???

I don’t care if you have toured the world and have sold millions of records and scored numerous chicks…. my request was not all that complex and difficult and in fact, it would have been beneficial to all mankind. At least the people who were there. And you tell me to fuck off?

After frustration and shock set in, I said something about his mother. Then it was on. But he could not get a lick on me at all.

The defense moves that I have been learning or somewhat trained with came to be very helpful. And suddenly the tables were turned that HE was the one frustrated. So he threatened me to get his posse and then we’ll see what was up.

After that, I knew I would be annihilated and I wasn’t going to take any chances of being arrested and thrown into jail or kicked out of the venue. So I told everyone that I was going to leave, even though it was before 10:00 PM and there were a ton of bands left to play.

I came home wondering what it is inside the minds of people that makes them think that its okay to act like that. And furthermore what makes them think its okay to hit someone in a wheelchair? Battle for Mayhem, indeed.

Perhaps these are questions I’ll never find the answer to. But you know what? I had the brain power to leave before the situation turned ugly. One of these days I fear that something like this is going to happen and I will not walk away from it like I did last night.

But I did walk away. And I live on to see another show.

CASKET OF CASSANDRA & Fear Control did NOT disappoint!!!! I’m proud of them, and proud to say that I know them.

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.

16 March 2014: Blood Must Be Shed With Fear Control @ Dirty Dog Bar

“Never stop yearning. Never stop learning. Never stop fighting. Never stop trying.”~ Kash Sarkaria of Fear Control

Minutes after CASKET OF CASSANDRA and immediately after Echoes In Oblivion came a band that I was able to see the Friday before for the first time at the HoT Rock Fest stages. 

These guys totally captured my attention. 

And this is the exact reason why I say that there’s no harm or foul in going to these kinds of shows where many bands are playing and to check them out instead of just seeing who you want to see and then leave. 

Supporting the music industry is what it is all about. 

So on Friday the 14th of March here was this local band called Fear Control. They were hard. They were fast. And most importantly they were completely brutal. 

Damn. Who are these redheads that you draw to your stage? And the rest of the party animals too???

I had never heard this kind of metal before. At least not live.  Fear Control got up there and everything was passion-fueled and full throttle, balls to the wall heavy metal music. 

People who had been out there for hours and probably most of them drunk or drinking lost their minds and just went into their own little worlds and enjoyed the crap out of the show. 

Several times for my own safety, I had to roll far away to the left of the stage because impromptu mosh pits kept popping up and I didn’t want to get hit by anyone. Especially if they were drunk or drinking. 

Nonetheless the music alone captured my attention and I was hooked and reeled in. And yes, the eye candy was pretty good!! 

Kudos to Fear Control on that one. And my apologies if I am offending anyone’s girlfriend/wife. 

For a good half hour was hardcore and thrashing music. Something that I hadn’t heard all day long. And knowing that I was going for a band that wasn’t that hard… it was different to my ears but it was a GOOD different. 

After the show I just felt so compelled to talk to them. Or at least to the lead singer. I threw the horns up at the bass player and then the head nod and then the thumbs up. He reciprocated. 

Ladies and gentlemen: That right there is a full conversation from beginning to end, in the heavy metal world. 

The weather started to suck but Fear Control made it through. Their headbanging style was incredible. Their musical abilities and talents were beyond what I had even thought possible. I really was liking this friggin’ band. And I was still going to be around for a while. 

So I had my five minutes in the sun with Kash Sarkaria and I felt like a childish dork with words stumbling out of my mouth. Thankfully he probably realized that I was still in awe of the band’s music and was relishing every moment of it and he gave me a break. Kash is a rather nice man. Funny as shit too!

At the end of our conversation he gave me a t-shirt, for FREE. His only rule was that I wore it. Well when I found out that they were going to be playing along with CASKET OF CASSANDRA two days later, that was a no brainer. 

These two bands together at one show? How fortunate could I have been??? 

Frankie Rodriguez (left) and Kash Sarkaria (center) of Fear Control playing at Dirty Dog Bar.

I really have enjoyed Fear Control’s music live though. I rolled on throughout the rest of the week and I remember passing by Kash and he asked if I had even left the stage area.. and I jokingly told him that I had slept on stage overnight. You know, because that would be so metal. 

Sunday the 16th at the Dirty Dog Bar it took a couple of passes by Kash for him to realize that I was there. The rest of his band mates noticed me and said hello as well. It was like a funky groovy family reunion that had only been separated by 48 hours. But that was okay. 

It was more of the same goodness that I had heard on Friday. 

The exception was that I was again front and center on the stage. I remember giving Franke and Kash both the horns and they flared them back at me. It was so awesome. I love it when I am able to interact with people on stage one way or another. It just shows that they are seeing and caring about those who have come out to hear them. 

I sat there with my new Fear Control t-shirt and just soaked it all in. Until they got to the end of their set and then Kash was giving lyrics for singing instructions for their final song called “Off With His Head.” 

However someone struck a guitar chord during the explanation of the lyrics and I could not hear what they were so I could not really sing along. 

Off with his head …
……… something. 

Whomever played that chord? Step into my office, ‘cuz you’re fuckin’ fired!! 

I jest. As well as digress. I asked after the show what the lyrics were. But by then it was too late to sing along. 

I looked over and saw members of CASKET OF CASSANDRA screaming and headbanging and raising their beers into the air off to the left of me and I thought about how that was cool of the band members to come over and support this new (to me) band. 

Kash gave me their EP, and I could’ve just hugged the man. But hey, keeping it metal…. 

Now I’m addicted to the song “Off With His Head” and I haven’t stopped playing it today. 

I cannot wait until they know when their next show is going to be. Apparently they play at the Dirty Dog a lot. And since I kinda know the place it won’t be that difficult to manage. Just sucks having to take that long 30+ minute bus ride each way. 

But Fear Control was a band that I picked up during the SXSW Festival this year. I think that they’re going to stick just like POC NATION did. 

Rock on and always UP THE HORNS!!!!!! 

Fear Control’s Facebook Fan Page

 

16 March 2014: Casket Of Cassandra @ Austin Metal Showcase- Dirty Dog Bar SXSW 2014

“I will fucking kill you!” ~ ‘The Egotist’ by CASKET OF CASSANDRA

At long last the ending of SXSW 2014 was upon us.

The barricades disappeared as well as the crowds, trash was everywhere. It looked like a building full of comic books and graphic novels had exploded its contents all over the streets and sidewalks.

But my back and forth travels were not done. Not by a long shot. It was time to finish six consecutive days of travel for last but definitely not least, CASKET OF CASSANDRA.

Operation: Solitaria Redemption.

After chatting with drummer Chris Campagna, as well as vocalist Amanda Maddera, I was given to understand that this coming show would in fact play “Solitaria.”  So if I wanted to hear my favorite song from them played live then I had no choice but to strap on a pair through my fatigue and once more head out to the downtown area and back inside the Dirty Dog Bar for their show.

A 2:00 PM show was hardly anyone’s idea of fun. Especially those who went to SXSW at any time during the week especially the last couple of days, let alone six consecutive days.

I soldiered on.

I was warmly greeted by the entire band and was able to hang out just for a moment with them and engage in conversations about their music and how excited I was to be there. Most of them giving me their personal guarantee that “Solitaria” was going to be played that very day.

I was filled to the brim with excellence and excitement.

For those of you who just read the word “excrement” go to your room!!

CASKET OF CASSANDRA was first on the bill to hit the stage. It is always fun to watch Maddera do a microphone check because for those people in the venue who don’t know her or do not know what the band is all about gets a surprise drizzling down their leg when she does the sound check.

I literally heard behind me “… da fuck was that?!?” to someone who was not anticipating her style of vocals. Is it wrong of me to have laughed at that point?

So as they were preparing for the start the show, they gathered in unity as a band for a gimmick of wearing fake mustaches of various bright and florescent colors. That cracked me up.

I turned to Campagna and said “Casket Of Gimmicks!” and he turned to the rest of the band and related that message to them. A good laugh was had.

The show started and I was melting like hot butter on popcorn because CASKET OF CASSANDRA started with “Solitaria.”

YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!! I just wanted to hug someone. Anyone. Yep. Big ass hug for someone, anyone… right here, right now. 

Anyone? No?? Damn. Oh well.

I got into the song and started singing along, doing whatever and again didn’t care what the people behind me thought they saw me do. That is the whole point of getting into the music like I do…. is to reach that escape into pure enjoyment where the bullshit of the world disappears from my mind and I do not have to deal with it. 

First song and it was finished. I applauded so hard that my hands were going to break apart. Or so I thought.

Then Amanda Maddera turned her back to the crowd setting up for song number two.

She turned back towards the crowd and screamed: “I WILL FUCKING KILL YOU!” and the band jumped in. I had never been so scared in my entire life. I was sitting there front and center of the stage. I could hear both the air from her vocal chords coming from her throat as well as the sounds from her larynx as well as it being amplified through the microphone.

It was a song that I inquired about later called “The Egotist.” I know that they are working on a new album and I was told that would be one of them. Unless I heard wrong? That song just broke me into pieces and I cannot wait to hear it recorded. I will never doubt Amanda on anything ever again. Good grief that was bad ass!!!

Those of you in the California area who have seen them play live know all too well what I am talking about! This stuff is just mind-blowing and amazing.

Not your Coyote Ugly show!!

Eventually the set would go on and again I would be reminded as to why Amanda Maddera uses a wireless microphone.

She jumped off stage and roamed around the bar for a while. The band came closer together on stage and rocked their own socks off as well as those in front.

Meanwhile, I could hear Amanda singing but where the hell was she? I mean seriously. Did she slip inside of a wall somewhere and stay put?

Nope. She was standing on the one of the corners of the bar.

She had been given a cookie by someone and she had it and her microphone in hand. By the time I turned around and got closer to the bar for photographs, she fed a woman standing there a nibble of her cookie.

“Communion of Cassandra” ?? Nahhhh!!!

Amanda Maddera (vocals) and Quinton Rivera (bass). Quinton in mid-flight of a head bang…Amanda in a vocal scream.

It was incredible to watch. Then she came back to the stage and finished off the song with a hellacious headbang.

That girl knows how to headbang for sure. She slams and she swirls. And the members of the band all have enough hair to look decent with headbanging…. with the exception of Campagna. But he’s the time keeper and doesn’t have time to think about it. But I am sure he’s doing it in his heart as he rattles on his drum kit.

This was a different set than what I had seen from the first time I watched this band. Most of it was made up of their new material. Songs that they are getting ready to release on their new album. They are guessing it will be released later in May of this year.

Amanda Maddera crawls over anything and everything to “Bury You.”

It was all worth the sacrifice. Even though a couple of days ago I was sick. After being around hundreds of strange people, who knows what was floating around out there.

At the end, they performed their brand new song called “Bury You” and I’ve been listening to that online since they released it. It available for purchase and you choose the price! The money goes to help them go on tour later this year. Anything and everything I am sure will be appreciated by them.

Amanda crawled all over the monitors at the front of the stage and it scared the crap out of me……again.

She was so close to me, screaming and singing, that I could have reached out and touched her. I just didn’t want her taking that aggressive nature in her music to her advantage to rip my arm clean off my body. 

I’m digging that song to death. So the first and the final song….. I TOTALLY am addicted to!!!  I hope that they get to do their tour and blow more minds and bring more into their musical fold.

I am glad that I’ve been in contact with the different members of the band. I’m slowly and surely becoming friends with them and that’s great. Having conversations with different members of the band both before and after the show was really cool.

Since this was a showcase … other bands were soon to follow.

Members of CASKET OF CASSANDRA were not inside of the club at the time the next band got on their microphones to address the crowds at one point… and if ANY of the members of CASKET OF CASSANDRA are reading this, then please know that Echoes In Oblivion said “Thank you to Casket of Cassandra for melting our fuckin’ faces off with their music. They are so good!”

So there you have it. Not only a fan/friend’s point of view. But from the point of view from another band.

Casket Of Cassandra – “Bury You” SINGLE

Casket Of Cassandra’s Facebook Page

 

15 March 2014: SXSW Heart of Texas Fest- Surrender To Resisting Vegas

Resisting Vegas – SXSW 2014

“The resistance that you fight physically in the gym and the resistance that you fight in life can only build a strong character.”~ Arnold Schwarzenegger

I fought through impatience.
I fought through adversity.
I fought through counting the days and hours.
I fought through a high temperature of 101.7°.
I fought through a bladder infection.
I fought through bad weather of rain and drizzle.

Why?

Two words: RESISTING VEGAS.

The 15th of March, yes the actual Ides of March or  Idus Martii or Idus Martiae whichever you prefer.

The ending times of SXSW 2014 and it was bad news/good news.

The bad news was that the band that I keep following was out of my reach that I couldn’t travel to where they were to hear them play one final time. The good news was that RESISTING VEGAS was playing at the same HoT Fest stage that I have been to the last few consecutive days.

But I’ve been wanting to see them again live since I saw them for the first time on the 3rd of March with Tantric and BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE.

I was a man on a mission:

#1- Merchandise. Get some.
#2- Get photographs/autographs with the band.
#3- Ask for/receive a hug from lead singer, Maranda.
#4- Get to another RESISTING VEGAS show to enjoy.

When I left my home the weather just plain sucked. The night before my fever was still a bit high. I told myself that when I woke up that if I had a temperature that I would just stay home.. write a note to the band explaining my absences and wish them all well for a good show.

Thankfully the worst thing that I had to deal with was a few drops of rain that quickly passed on.

Well, that and the other thing was that things were so delayed that RESISTING VEGAS almost played a full hour later than what they were scheduled for.

But it was all good. And I’m starting to get into this vibe of getting to these shows super early so I can listen to some other bands and see what I can see. Had I not done that, I wouldn’t have been able to get score me about a half a dozen FREE t-shirts and a handful of free CD’s.

One of which was thrown at me from the stage that was blocked off, leaving about three feet to separate the stage from the crowd and the stage was maybe six feet tall? The guy just threw it at me like a frisbee and miraculously it came right at me and I caught it. Now that’s how you score free stuff!

I also had some more opportunities to take photographs with some lovely ladies as well. As I have been doing throughout the week because everyone’s having a good time and what not and … sure, what the hell?

I saw lead singer Maranda walking by a few times but I didn’t bug her. Then I saw lead guitarist Cameron Stewart and then he saw me, so he came up to me and greeted me and confirmed that things were lagging a little behind but they were soon to be on stage.

I found out which stage they were going to be on… rolled on over there. PUT THE BRAKES ON… and stood ground at the top of the mountain daring anyone to move me.

Maranda Vegas

Finally got Maranda’s attention as she was getting ready. And that smile of hers just lit up like a Christmas tree. I love it.

Up close and personal? Maranda is very very pretty. She’s going to make some rock and roll fan very happy one day!!

They got it started and their faithful followers were all standing behind me.

I could hear them screaming and whistling and making noise.

Maranda’s voice just took me back to the 3rd where I found her the first time.

I honestly at this point in time could not describe it other than one of the best female vocals that I have heard in a very very very long time. It just makes me melt like butter. Goosebumps and all!!!

Then one of their songs, “Monsters” and it was just full of bad ass. I didn’t think there was much room left in the tank. How wrong I was!! 

Then they blended it with a little “Eye Of The Tiger” by Survivor, before going back to talk about Monsters again. I thought that was really cool. And it shows to musicians worldwide that you can do anything you want. Music has no rules.

Towards the end of their set they did play the one song of theirs that I am totally addicted to called “Limbo.”

Maranda looked down at me from the stage, saw me singing, and smiled yet again at me. Who knows what she was thinking?

So after that, I scrambled and ran over everybody and anybody to get to that merchandise table. I signed up on a mailing list. And also had some photographs taken with Cameron. But where the heck was Maranda? Finally after getting her to stop in one place to get a photograph with her. The photography side of my mission was over. Getting anything and everything from their merchandise table was also accomplished. Out of the four details of my mission the only thing that eluded was the availability to ask Maranda for a hug. But she might not be the hugging type.

But as long as this band exists, I will do my best to check them out wherever they are in town.

I love how their bass player has a HELLO KITTY sticker on his guitar strap. He knows its there and he just don’t care.

That’s definite testicular fortitude.

Fighting through all that I did, the sacrifice had some rewarding pay-offs.

This would be my last and final show to watch for SXSW 2014. Tomorrow will be CASKET OF CASSANDRA back at the Dirty Dog Bar. As well as another band that I was introduced to this week FEAR CONTROL…. both bands on the same date. Ohhhhh yesssss!!!

 

3 March 2014: Gettin’ Dirty With Beautiful Disturbance

Back to the Dirty Dog, we go people!!

Hard to believe that it had been one exact month since I went there to see CASKET OF CASSANDRA. But it honestly is.

And within another week, SXSW Festival will begin their live music portion and I’ll be back for that one too.

But for the 3rd of March was to see BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE.

I’ve lost count how many times I’ve seen them play live. All I know is that I love it and I keep going back for more. Whether its locally or out of town (when applicable.) It is what I dream about and what I live for. Almost like a religion.

But before people start twisting their panties in a bunch, I will move on with the rest of the night and provide as best I can a look inside of what it was like to get to the Dirty Dog and sum up what its like to see BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE live.

I must first mention the fact that there are music fans and there are die hard people who will go through anything to be able to hear the kind of music that they wanna hear.

Last night’s weather was deplorable with the threat of freezing weather which has caused the shut down of … everything in town this morning. A lot of people thought I was insane for wanting to go out into the elements when it was 38°F/3°C and the sun going down, which would drop it to 34°F/1°C by the time I left to return home. The difference was that there was a thunderstorm going on, complete with lightning and due to the cold air … it was rain but more so sleet.

And yes, I went out in it. A neighbor asked me why I was planning on doing it. I told them “I love my family.”

BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE refers to their fans and people who enjoy and support their music as their FAMILY. And I feel like now I am apart of that.

But what was even better last night was that when I saw the band setting up and what not, they actually for the first time (in my face) referred to me as “friend” rather than “fan.”

I remember this happening before in Houston by other bands. Its always a proud moment for me.

BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE mentioned that they had a whole new set list to try out. And it was going to include my favorite song, “Nearly Forgotten” which thrilled me to the bone. They started the night out and I did what I had to do in order to enjoy myself, not caring what the scores of people behind me were thinking.

This is rock and roll, and yes I like it. Anyone who don’t understand can leave the room. 

Belle, their bass player, continues to hold up to her reputation as being one of the top bass players in the country. This comment and opinion coming by OTHER bass players.  And Auggie Del Ray’s passion is always seen whenever he steps foot on stage. Its like a switch gets turned on inside of his head and he turns into a rock and roll giant beast. Completely unstoppable.

The first song that they played was a new tune called “Runaway.” I thought that my face was going to melt off of my skull and my skin just break up into pieces. Where did this come from???

And their last song “My Heroine” really dug down deep to where I wanna hear it again and again.

BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE at the Dirty Dog Bar

I couldn’t help but get goosebumps throughout the entire song!!!I would later find out that the song was written only one week ago. And that just blew my mind! These people are musical entities with a passion never before known and in my opinion, nobody can hold a flame to. I figured if I loved the first song so much that I was really in for a high voltage, pure octane show.

I was right. I just didn’t realize how much.

Just when a person thinks that there are no more surprises left to be had… a whole new level of “WOW! DID YOU SEE THAT?!?!?!?!?” comes up.

I am probably going to die a painful death for this one, but ….

When they got to my favorite song, lead singer Brenda Flores knew exactly where I was and from the stage landed me a high five. She also gave me a high five as they walked from the front of the venue to get on stage. So, high ten??

I always figured Brenda as a high-five-turned-into-a-fist-embrace kind of woman. But I guess I was wrong.

The one thing that I truly enjoy about their music is I am not afraid of jumping in front of the crowds and getting as close to the stage as possible. This allows me to hear Brenda’s voice both through the microphone and at the same time as it comes from her mouth.

It is one of those things you just have to experience. But I have always loved Brenda’s voice. I’m crazy over Auggie Del Ray’s stage performances. And Belle… what is not to love about her?

I’ll probably get into trouble for saying this but these two women I adore greatly without end. Both as professional musicians and as people. I’m so grateful to have them in my life and so grateful that I can use the term “amiga” to describe them.

BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE has a new drummer. I was glad to see that he came to me and talked and socialized with me with a genuine interest. It wasn’t that stereotypical musician comes to you, says hello, talks about the weather and your health, gives you a handshake, and then leaves. Nope. This guy is cool. I gotta learn what his name is soon.

The thing that I just get annoyed about is that both times I’ve visited the Dirty Dog, bands are only given about 30 minutes for their time on stage.

Maybe I am spoiled from other experiences in other places. But thirty minutes of BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE just is not going to be enough. Not for me at least.

But as good things come to an end always, there was more show to be had.

There was another band from Waco that came on next. And then I couldn’t hear very well at that point, but a lot of people thought that they heard that the third band said something about Israel? 

And then the next band was called Resisting Vegas. I was on the other side of the venue hanging out when I heard more female vocals.

I HAD to go check it out. Because if I didn’t, then I wouldn’t be me.

I love the fact that the lead singer engaged with eye contact during their set. I’ve always found it pleasing if the lead singer looked at me.

With the exception of my first ever show in Houston where the lead singer of DECIMATION THEORY gazed at me and pierced into my soul with his screaming vocals that terrified me so much I crapped in my pants.

But Resisting Vegas, there was no threat of soul consumption. Maybe a little fluttering but no consumption. I’m a new fan of theirs.

Is anyone else starting to see a pattern here???

So as the night continued to creep upon us, so did the inclement weather and BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE was going to have to drive back home to Waco in this nasty weather. By then it had dropped to just above freezing at 34°F and the awe and wonder of lightning and thunder filled the nighttime sky.

I got my hugs from the band, took a photograph with the entire band… of which my camera just refuses to work when I want it to. Its humiliating. And apparently it loves being dropped on the cement floor of the Dirty Dog as it has happened twice now in both visits. Stinking technology.

After all of that, I took off for home in a taxi. I fell down because I was expected to freaking walk to the cab because the driver parked too far away from the curb. I was expected to rise out of my wheelchair and walk inside of the cab.

Umm really?? Idiots….. OF COURSE I AM GOING TO FALL DOWN!!

Brenda Flores and Auggie Del Ray of BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE

I’m hurting. But I’m going to live. Lucky for them.

Back safe and home before 11 PM was a good thing though. Now we’re gonna to find out how stupid the city has become because of all of the ice. I can just see it now. All of the accidents on the roads and highways.

But I am most thankful for BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE and their continuing mission for excellence in music and giving it all that they have with each live performance. I love that about them.

It was like a warm up to the SXSW Festival which is less than two weeks away. More so like a week and a half.

And BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE is guaranteed to be there.

As long as I can handle the point A to B, I shall be too.

And I encourage everyone to listen to their music and give them a shot.

BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE both on stage and off is nothing like you’ve ever known before.

 

 

Metallica Conquers The Entire World

“In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.”~Bill Cosby

Today, on the very frozen continent of Antarctica, heavy metal pioneers embarked on a journey never traveled before.

A concert on the icy continent for their fans.

I can hear you now… why is this significant?

Because now Metallica can say that they have performed all seven continents in the entire world. They’ve toured for many years and gone around and around and around the globe, and now they can add Antarctica to the list of places where they have played. I cannot be 100% entirely sure because I do not know, but I am not aware of any other musical act who has pulled off playing in all seven continents. So I would hedge before saying that Metallica was the first. But to MY personal knowledge, they are?

I thought it was a crazy stunt. I thought that it was unnecessary. I also doubted that it could be done. But I was proven soooooooooooo wrong today that I should probably go to bed and lay there in my wrongness.

Here is the only full length video I’ve found via YouTube of the action if you either wanna watch it or don’t believe me:

It is of very, very poor quality. But there’s your proof of sorts. Perhaps better and more videos will be uploaded to YouTube as the days go by.

Congratulations to Metallica! Horns up to you guys!!!

9 August 2013: Family Ties With Echo Temple

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

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

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

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

I digress.

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

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

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

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

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

Who’s Da Man???

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

30 June 2012: Beautiful Disturbance at The Domain

“I look within and choose to find, A blaze that won’t die”~ Beautiful Disturbance “Nearly Forgotten” 

Each person can measure the distances of just how far they are willing to go to get whatever it is that they want. Some will find that their limitations are quite small, and therefore don’t go very far.

Today for me, a test of will. How far was I willing to go in order to see a band that I just heard about fairly recently? The answer: ALL THE WAY.

I got myself up and running even if it was a Saturday morning. I knew that I was going to have to do battle with the local buses in order to make this show. And I was excited from the moment that I had today’s first yawn. Listening to what has become a personal passion for their song, “Nearly Forgotten”… my poor neighbors again, having to endure it on repeat.

My journey would have some difficulties though as the bus didn’t quite drive up to the front door of the venue, which was The Microsoft Store in The Domain. The Domain is this large area of restaurants and shopping on the other side of the interstate highway from where I live.

Several miles, but only an hour bus ride through public transit. Except for the last haul of the journey.

The last three-quarters of a mile, I would trudge through uneven ground, tall grass, and steep inclines. I guess the city ran out of money to pave some stinking sidewalks down there.

I thought I was going to be late. The website said 1:00 PM. I went through the doors of the store at 12:58 PM. Hmm, lucky me.

Employees greeted me and of course was trying to be of assistance. But I was not there for their service. I was there to hear music. Most of the employees who heard the reason of why I was there stared at me with a blank look of confusion growing upon their faces. One even told me “They are not here so they must not be coming.”

I felt defeated. I didn’t see any notifications of any cancellations. Especially after seeing on Facebook that they were “on their way.”  I also felt so tired from treating the wheelchair like an ATV. Which it is not.

I had a choice: Stay and see what happens or trudge back home.

And then I had a fabulous “Eureka!!” moment. I’m inside the Microsoft Store. There are computers all over the place!

Hello? McFly??!??

I logged into one to find out if there was any last minute cancellations. I then found the phone number for the band and I called to find out whether or not they were coming. They answered, they were minutes away.

I stayed put!!

I saw the band come in. But I didn’t say anything to them. I wanted to see if they were going to recognize me. I nodded and smiled as they were in and out of the store to set up for their gig. I kept silent, just looking to see how long it would take before they realized who I was.

An employee of the store would ruin all of the fun.

She cried out “You gotta fan waiting for you guys!”. She turned to see where I was and then pointed me out. When I introduced myself, it all clicked for the band. They were overjoyed that I had made it.

A few minutes of setting up everything, it was time to start.

The show began.

The set was to be acoustic. So I wasn’t able to just let it all out and start rocking….. or was I??

They started with my obsession, “Nearly Forgotten”. I had never heard this acoustically before. And it still was great. Although during the second verse I was busted by their lead singer, Brenda, for singing along. She and I caught eyes and she smiled and pointed at me as she realized I had already joined in with them and was singing.

It’s only rock ‘n’ roll, but I like it! It was only the first song and I was getting INTO IT like Paul and Barnaby getting all into Grandma Smith’s apple pie.

Their bass player, Belle, was very impressive as well. I’m not sure how it got started but she had been draped with the reputation of being one of the best bass players in the entire state. And after seeing just the acoustic set, I can see why they say that.

And then on the other side was their lead guitarist, Auggie. A man that has love, music, and life rushing through his veins. He is so intense with making music and it shows. He is a monster! Even with the fact that it was an acoustic set, I was absolutely certain during the third song of the set that he was going to break the bench that he was sitting upon and just turn wild and loose!! He’s a passionate musician. And I think that is something refreshing to see from the fan’s perspective instead of having this attitude of “I’m the musician, you’re the fan. My job is to play. Your job is to love me.”

But all of the band members were friendly and kind. After the show, photographs were taken. I got their EP autographed as well.

As they were beginning to take down their set, I found myself not wanting to leave. I just wanted to hang out with them. But I got out of their way to let them do what they needed to do. They have another show in their hometown of Waco this evening. Best wishes to them tonight!!!

It was worth going the distance today. And it fuels my excitement to see them play again in August at BFE Rock Club in Houston, Texas along side SIX MINUTE CENTURY. That should be a really great show, in my opinion.

http://www.beautifuldisturbancemusic.com