For lack of a better title, they're who I'm listening to right now.
Spring break and midterms have taken a toll on my life. Maybe that's why I've abandoned the perfectly laid out plan for this blog. (I actually do have interesting things planned for this).
Last Thursday I went to Taste of (death, ghey, neardeathexperience) Chaos, and I may or may not have broken a rib. Anyway, as I stood/sat/laid in line for, oh, eight hours, I met this guy (yea, he was cute, I'm not gonna lie).
We did a lot of talking, and somewhere in that eight hours, I mentioned my Kill Hannah tour. He said something to the effect of me needing to see more bands. I didn't really have a valid argument as to why I kept seeing Kill Hannah... maybe the fact that there haven't really been any shows I've been dying to go to (except Silversun Pickups which has been sold out for weeks, and Cold War Kids, which is actually tonight, which just sold out last week). Go figure.
Anyway, I just saw Kill Hannah again the other night, and was introduced to a really good "local" band from Virginia Beach, called Killing the Cure. This brings me to my point, I may be seeing the same HEADLINER over and over, but the opening acts are all different. I'm still finding new bands all the time... So who's to say it's a bad thing that I've gone to a lot of Kill Hannah shows?
Next entry: Possibly a comparison of two of my favorite bands.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Monday, March 12, 2007
enter rambling...
+ i like silversun pickups. a lot. they're one of those bands that will lift you out of that gloomy place if you need it. then again, they're good at keeping you there, too. i like that.
+ i've been sitting at this computer for several hours, just listening to music. trying to figure something out. i still haven't gotten it yet, but the music makes that a little bit more acceptable.
+ warped tour is really bringing me down this year. there are a few bands that i'd like to see this year, but most of them aren't playing my city. i think i've just determined that i am going on the trip to texas that i was contemplating. and i watch warped tour spiral down.
+ is it necessarily a good thing that ANYONE with a computer and recording equipment can start to put things on the internet? spare me, please. true, some acts are really good, but other things i'd really rather not waste my time with.
+ has anyone else every listened to something so spectacular that it made you feel like less of a person? i have.
+ i have the utmost respect for recording ARTISTS. anyone who has the guts to do what they love, and risk financial stability is more respectable than royalty in my opinion.
ramble over. for the moment.
+ i've been sitting at this computer for several hours, just listening to music. trying to figure something out. i still haven't gotten it yet, but the music makes that a little bit more acceptable.
+ warped tour is really bringing me down this year. there are a few bands that i'd like to see this year, but most of them aren't playing my city. i think i've just determined that i am going on the trip to texas that i was contemplating. and i watch warped tour spiral down.
+ is it necessarily a good thing that ANYONE with a computer and recording equipment can start to put things on the internet? spare me, please. true, some acts are really good, but other things i'd really rather not waste my time with.
+ has anyone else every listened to something so spectacular that it made you feel like less of a person? i have.
+ i have the utmost respect for recording ARTISTS. anyone who has the guts to do what they love, and risk financial stability is more respectable than royalty in my opinion.
ramble over. for the moment.
Friday, March 9, 2007
on tour...
Back in January, I went on a nine day Kill Hannah spree.
This is the story:
Watching: Party Monster, That's So Raven, Suite Life of Zach and Cody
Reading: Trashy magazines, hotel Bibles, Arrive magazine
Listening to: Kill Hannah, Action Reaction, Love Arcade, The Pink Spiders, The Spill Canvas, The Sounds, The Smiths, The Faint, High School Musical Soundtrack, Placebo
Eating: Pasta Bowls, McDonald's Quiznos, Cup of Noodles - Creamy Chicken, Buffalo Chicken Salad, Pasta Afredo (with Broccoli)
Drinking: Candy, Jager Bombs, Andre, water, Gatorade, Bottled Cat Piss
This is the story of a
PUNK (me)
NERD (sammy)
FASHIONISTA (marni)
And their GIRLY MAN escort (Robert)
Who separately accompanied Kill Hannah on a nine-day tour. Whoever said, “What happens on tour stays on tour,” obviously didn’t realize that some things are too good to be kept a secret… This is one girl’s chance to be “Almost Famous,” so here we go.
Living a lie is not as easy as one imagined the Punk and the Nerd quickly found out. The two of them were hiding the entire trip from their parentals, even though they were completely legal. The Nerd was auditing a class, and the Punk was visiting her friends in New York City (which she would do later on in the weeks).
I was the last to be picked up, and I had to squish everything I had, essentially into one bag. Mama Bruiser did her best for this trip, and we love her for that. (I’m going to mention right here, that I really which my laptop battery would last for more than an hour… I need some Energizer right here.) First stop Pittsburgh. Lots of interesting sites on the way – If only we’d had time we totally would have visited Amish country. We did see one Amish man on the way, so I guess he counts.
Anyway, a road trip isn’t a road trip without some good music, pretty scenery and Dutch Wonderland. We had big dreams for this road trip. Partying like rock stars, finding the World's Largest Cup of Yogurt, being so smashed we wouldn't remember the trip and WAFFLE HOUSE.
The road to Pittsburgh was really windy and wonderful and we went through tunnels. After a .75$ toll, we found ourselves in HARMARVILLE, Pennsylvania. Who really names a place Harmarville? Moving on, we got our asses in gear for the first of a long line of shows. Mr. Small’s Funhouse was probably the most interesting of venues. Once a church, I couldn’t help thinking that where the bands were playing used to be a huge crucifix. And I laughed. I also felt like one of them (i.e. the scenesters at the venue), damn my two-colored hair. Rachael Barbash of Heroine Dreams was there snapping shots, so we met her briefly, she was very nice.
This is where we were introduced to The Love Arcade and The Pink Spiders. I definitely enjoyed both sounds – I can’t say they meshed very well, but I enjoyed them. The members of The Love Arcade proceeded to do their own variations of the robot while performing. I was enthralled to say the least.
Love Arcade was what could easily be described as dance rock, but would likely to be categorized as Pop-Rock in Entertainment Weekly. Snowhite, Thomas, Seth, Nathanael and Dorman light up the stage as they co-mingle with the music and each other, pulling the audience into their own little world.
The Pink Spiders, while a little too pretty for their own good, proceed to take the stage by storm with their 80s punk revival/pop-rock collaboration. As Matt Friction sings, teenage girls scream along and bassist Jon Decious punctuates with his own. Drummer Bob Ferrari keeps control on a leopard print drum kit. See them live before deciding whether or not to keep listening.
We got there late, but not late enough to miss an entire set, so we wondered where Action Reaction was (we later learn that they hit a cow, read their myspace blog for more details). The first of several surprises on tour, Kill Hannah played Kill Hannah and Cherub Rock, claiming they’d never played it outside of Chicago. It made my night, even though afterwards we proceeded to get lost in the corporate district of Pittsburgh for an hour and later I burnt my tongue on Cup of Noodles. At least I got to see the houses on the hills.
Day two brought us to Buffalo: An All-American City, New York. It was a three-and-a-half hour drive, but we made it. Broken mirrors and electrical tape made Mama Bruiser Awesome in ways you couldn’t even imagine. We were 20 minutes away from Canada, next door to a Guitar Center, across the street from You Go Girl! Handbags, and a few blocks down from a Friendly Hooters.
Taco Bells seem to be taunting us as we make our way to each hotel – and I promised myself no outside food except for New York pizza.
Slightly less obnoxious pink hair, a stained hotel room, a Blue Nun and some duct tape later, we’re ready to go to the Buffalo Icon, until Robert forgot his ticket. We completely missed the Love Arcade and half of the Pink Spiders set
Kill Hannah’s set was the same, minus Kill Hannah and Cherub Rock. They were replaced with Nerve Gas and a story about Mat’s first experience with marijuana. It happened in Buffalo, of course it was relevant.
That night, we somehow managed to be far more tipsy than we imagined for the little we drank. We had a photo session, feminized Mat Devine, watched Raven and had a battle with the toilet. We won.
On the way to Hartford, Connecticut (day three) on Interstate 90, we all noticed the really pretty scenery around us – even Sammy, who was driving at 90 mph. She screamed at us to take some pictures, which is exactly what we did. The tiny little towns were cute and I wanted to visit and say ‘hello.’ Maybe go into a Mom and Pop’s General Store.
11:56 am. Onondaga, New York brings us into contact with State Trooper Riley. 97 in a 65. Sammy’s first ticket. As she searches for her wallet, she says, “Sorry, we packed fast this morning.” Trooper Riley: “Yea, you were driving fast, too.” Just a small damper on our good timing. Moral of the story: Kill Hannah and Shiny Toy Guns make you speed.
That night we realized how little of the rock star life we were actually living. Back at the hotel by 10:30 pm, buzz worn off halfway through the show. God, this trip was such a lame idea.
Then again, we danced our asses off in the front row of Webster Underground (Hartford, CT), met some cool non-scenester girls (DeAnna, Kyra and Tanya – they come back in New York), and made friends with the Love Arcade.
This was the first night that we saw Action Reaction, because it was the first night that they were playing. It was also the first night that we got to the venue on time. A rare occasion. Little did we know that Action Reaction would later become my best friends on tour – for the time being, they were the hippie band with the incense. I introduced myself to the lead singer, who used to sing for Further Seems Forever (NOT Chris Carraba), on my search for a bathroom.
Action Reaction, a three piece out of Northern New Jersey, is comprised of Jason Gleason (former lead singer of Further Seems Forever), and Bella and Salvatore (formerly of Element 101). The touring members of the band (Dan, Josh and Shawn) do not reserve themselves at all on stage and anyone could (and will be) fooled into believing that they have been with the band from the beginning. Of the four bands on tour, Action Reaction is the most intense, despite their serene presence. It’s easy to see that they love what they do.
By this point we had also established that we very much enjoy the Love Arcade. Dancing, the robot and angel wings are a very good combination in my book. After the show, we’d hung out at their merch table, where Dorman, the drummer, proceeded to tell us the life story of the band (i.e. Christian is the brain, the rest of them are Ninja Turtles – except for Tony; he’s just there for the ride). He, Marni and I became the Strange Name Crew. Dorman will henceforth be known as Dollar Bill.
The Toothless Roadie was a creep. He kept using me as a hand rest, which makes no sense because I have no balance. Since I felt like I kept getting in his way, I went to apologize and he kissed my cheek. I remain confused.
We meet Bob IV. Possibly the coolest drummer on tour.
This was the night we also decided that Kill Hannah needs to chill the fuck out with the fog. It’s nearly impossible to get a good picture A. because the fog takes over the flash, or B. I’m moving so much the camera isn’t steady enough to take a picture without flash.
Mat Devine was cracked out. He played with my hair, Marni’s necklace, and yelled at us for speeding.
I hate Connecticut. It really creeps me out with its inland beach houses. And you know things are bad when you consider McDonald’s to be real food.
A lonely Jew in Clifton. Day four was in a tiny little Christian town called Clifton Park in Upstate New York. Funny thing was that this little town had the most insane crowd of them all… I’m going to guess that this had to do with Saosin being at the show that night.
Pre-show we found a Quizno’s. Best real food ever. Afterwards we went on an alcohol run, and I got carded, even though I wasn’t buying. Just another good use for the college ID. Went shopping, tried on some ugly shit and ended up getting some really cool old man pants. Back at the hotel, we got ready and I introduced everyone to Candy. Needless to say everyone was enamored.
(I assume most everyone does not know what Candy is. It’s simply a mixture of Coca Cola and Buttershots Butterscotch Schnapps and it is probably the most delicious drink you will ever have).
Drunk in the car. Very, very happily drunk we went into the Northern Lights (in hopes of dancing), where we missed Love Arcade, so we hid in the bathroom and drank more. Met a cool mom who we talked to for a while. Also met a former stripper and believe that we’ve found our new calling in life. (It’s big money. Who needs dignity when you’re that drunk?)
I was convinced I looked like I wanted to be a Pink Spider. I took a picture with Jonathan for that very reason. This lead to me later on noticing that I wore the same sweatshirt and scarf just about everyday. It made me feel a little bit disgusting.
I bought a Pink Spiders belt from Jeremy (their tour/merch bitch) because mine was quickly dying.
(I can’t drive drunk in a video game, I’m never driving drunk in real life.)
Mat dedicated Goodbye, Goodnight to us, and, unfortunately, I completely missed it. I talked to Jonny for a while, and he told me he didn’t want me to look at his face. I also talked to Action Reaction and Dan made me take a signed poster.
Woke up to snow on the ground and wondered how Mama Bruiser would take to the roads.
Onto New York City. Back home… sort of. My friend Danielle came along and we stayed with my friend Marika who came to the show as well. Basically missed Action Reaction and the Love Arcade due to my horrible planning skills – things worked out though so it was all good. So, after getting ready in the Fordham bathrooms, we took the D downtown, walked in a circle and made our way to the Bowery Ballroom. The venue itself was one crazy adventure – I may have gotten lost once or twice.
We watched the Pink Spiders from the balcony, having not eaten all day the show was really a bust. Sam met up with a friend and the two of them and Marni left on the search for food. I wasn’t about to leave my friends in the middle of a show, but I ended up third row in the pit for Kill Hannah. I’m pretty sure that was the influence of DeAnna. After nearly passing out, I went and found my friends again, left and made my rounds around the venue. After commenting on Matt Friction’s pants and comparing them with my own, flirting with a drunken Jonathan Delicious, randomly conversing with Mat Devine and Bob IV and meeting Dave from Havok in Hollywood we left and went on a search for food.
Like I said, we hadn’t eaten and as it was post 11 pm, all the pizza shops were closed. So we did the next best thing. We went grocery shopping and bought all the necessary supplies for pizza. And I learned why you don’t go grocery shopping when you’re hungry.
This shit looked so good.
Even the bread crumbs looked amazing.
It was the best pizza ever.
Robert stayed for the after party and ended up sleeping at Penn Station. That man is insane.
HIGH SCHOOL MUUUUUUUSICAL!!!! Getcha Head in the Game.
That’s right. The next day I went home because I’d gotten tickets to see High School Musical: The Concert that night. I’m pretty sure I was the oldest person there, besides the parents and the actors. I had a blast.
While I was “Breaking Free,” Marni, Sam and Robert hit up Sketchville (aka Asbury Park, New Jesey). Robert had gotten food poisoning, so it was just the girls at the Stone Pony. I heard interesting stories about PacMan, McDonald’s and a Banana.
The next night I drove down to Towson, MD because our plans were all sorts of screwed up. Once again, home. We stayed at my apartment, so there was no fuss this time. Somehow we still managed to get to Recher late.
Being on home turf means you know people. It also means you don’t like people. Val, Bryan, Bacon, DJ Lemz and Dustin were of the good. The 12 year old scenesters and the massively warm temperature were of the not so good.
We missed Action Reaction again. I think the next tour we go on will be an Action Reaction Mini Tour just to make up for all the shows we’d missed.
Love Arcade was fabulous and I’m pretty sure we were the only people dancing. After the show, Christian was just chilling over by the merch table. He looked really sad, so I went to talk to him. (Note to self: When going to talk to someone, make sure you have the ability to hold a conversation.)
Pink Spiders still haven’t changed their set list. They didn’t come out after the show, either. Apparently, Jonathan was sick. Poor little Southern Boy.
Recher was so hot. Sammy and I each bought two bottles of water, at least. We were that thirsty.
We also ran into a guy with a tail. It was awesome, but I’m pretty sure he was a little scared of us…
Kill Hannah was fabulous, as always. Rebel Yell and Welcome to Chicago. Then Bacon proposed to Mat or something… He also told Thomas that he looked like someone he’d had sex with a couple years back. Strange thing was that Thomas didn’t mind.
I, on the other hand, had taken to talking with Action Reaction. First was Salvatore (who, at this point we still didn’t know his name). I said something about High School Musical, and we bonded over doing musicals in high school and being tenors. Jason wanted to join in, so he did. Then Dan came along and we talked about nothing in particular, I suppose, until he started talking about girls giving him a hard time, drinking and not remembering anyone’s name. I invited him back to my apartment for some absinthe, and then he disappeared. The war begins: NOW.
Afterwards, I had my first taste of absinthe. The historically accurate was much better than the second one I tasted, but it was a very interesting feeling – drunk, but not. As Robert and I ordered pizza, Marni and Sammy disappeared. Apparently they were getting food, but my selective hearing chose not to follow that.
The next day was the first day any of us could sleep in for once. Before we could head up to Philadelphia, PA we had to drop my car back off. Mom meets the crew. And we’re off again. But first we visited Claire at work and picked up a surprise for Greg.
Of course we’re in Philadelphia the night of an Eagles game. Let it be known, that I hate the Eagles, but I wasn’t about to say a thing, for I value my life. We were probably the only people in the hotel that weren’t wearing any green.
We’d gotten ready and began the night with a spot of Andre. Being classy with cheap champagne, because that’s how we do. Afterwards, we made ourselves a couple Jager Bombs, which were awful, due to warm liquid. Afterwards, we called a taxi and had a couple bottles of Candy to go – or so we thought. Our taxi driver was possibly the coolest ever. We called him Prince Ali, and we told him we were going to call him to pick us up, and he said that he would buy us alcohol. We decorated his taxi with a heart and Patrick the starfish.
Stereotypes
Finally, we’d gotten to a show on time. I drunkenly gave Matt Friction the wrong directions to 11th Street, and afterwards some girl asked us who it was and proceeded to scream giddily. Since we couldn’t take our bottles in, we chugged our Candy and went into the Trocadero, said hello to Bella, Marni bought gloves, and we made our way to the front row.
“WE LOVE YOU, BELLA!!!” We cried out as Action Reaction played.
After they played, Sammy and I went to use the bathroom. It was possibly the greatest bathroom ever, but I was too distracted by the fact that my stomach was going to explode, just deepening my hatred for carbonated beverages.
Cherub Rock part deux, and this time I called Danielle. She was a little angry when they didn’t play it in New York. And all was right with the world.
Afterwards, I proceeded to commiserate with the Love Arcade boys on how much their band sucked. Later Thomas came over and ranted about how someone slammed a door in his face. I never thought I’d see that boy angry, but he was pissed. He swears that he didn’t give me a dirty look from stage – I think he’s lying. Just one more reason to hate them.
Then there’s Action Reaction. I see Dan and Dan sees me. I yell at him and he yells back. I told him I wasn’t being stalker-y and he tells me I left. I told him I was right there, he says he didn’t see me so he went back to the van. Sal interrupts and tells us that we need a more stable relationship, so I latch onto him. Much better. And then Dan writes on my face. I glared at him and turned my attention to Jason, who was very interested in my hat (which I’d found in my car) because he said he had the same one. Mine’s from H&M. His is from Target. He made me smell fake flowers, and I made them into a pen and signed one of their posters for them. Honestly, who needs autographs when you can give them out yourself?
Afterwards, I was just walking around the venue and Dan from Kill Hannah offers me a sticker. Instead of taking one, I offered to hand them out for him. And I did. This one guy (I think his name was Mat) wouldn’t take one though. Dan told me not to worry. That the guy was a fag anyway.
Prince Ali didn’t pick up his phone, no taxis were driving by and it was starting to rain. It looked like we were fucked, but there was a Malaysian restaurant next door that was open, so we went in and got some dinner. We also took Robert’s sushi virginity. That food was so good, damn that Holiday Inn for not having refrigerators.
The next morning I awoke to a messy pillowcase. My markings had transferred from my face to the pillowcase, it was actually really amusing. We packed up quick and made our way to Lancaster, PA. Instead of stopping at tourist attractions (since there were none), we got to the hotel, got ready and stood in the rain for three hours. This was the only night that this happened, as it was DAY NINE. Our last show. Too bad it was in the Metropolis for the Amish. The only thing that was open was a McDonald’s. Not that we knew where that was, so Marni and I went adventuring for food. No burritos, no Subway, no anything else. We ran into Jeremy on the way. But no, Subway wasn’t open, so we had to wander more. Nathanael pointed us in the direction of the McDonald’s. We got it, and walked back and ran into Dorman who asked if there was a McDonald’s that way. No, Dorman. We shit Mickey Dee’s. Would you like a milkshake?
Finally, doors are about to open, and some fourteen year olds and their Amish mother decide that they’re VIP, so they can go in before us. Well, Marni’s got her ass-kicking boots on, and the rest of us who have been waiting all day just aren’t going to take any shit. Unfortunately, they did get in before us, but they wasted their chance to get up front by talking to people.
This night was insane. Add to the normal mix another local band called Le Baron and about 10 times more dancing. It was a really good night, and we were busted by the end of the show. Christian kept watching us as we danced to the Love Arcade. They also added Passenger to the mix. Jonathan was back and screaming, which made me happy. They played a couple of new songs from their old album, which weren’t too good. Kill Hannah made the night. They dedicated Kill Hannah to us, although we were supposed to choose the song… I think the video explains it a little better.
After the show there was a bit of talking, but because Lancaster’s such a shithole, they kept trying to kick us out of the venue. And they wouldn’t let me go to the ATM downstairs and come back.
Anyway, we got the essential pictures and talked a bit. Bella promised me some gloves. Sal wrote a dot on my hand to "remember his existence." I got revenge on Dan. Bought a bunch of merch, thanks to Sammy and her wad of cash. Then we got kicked out, where we ran into Elias, who had never come out before. But of course I didn’t get to say hi, because Jason from Action Reaction pulls me aside and we start talking. It works, I guess.
Eventually we got kicked out of the stairwell, too. So we went to the back, where we waited for Greg with his surprise.
Just after he called me a drama queen.
Greg came over to us when he had a spare moment and we presented him with eight bags of Pepperidge Farm cookies. His response: “Oh, man. Mat’s going to tear you a new asshole.” Apparently Mat hates the cookies, and it’s Dan that actually eats them. You learn something new every day (Reference to the Kill Hannah Tour Journal)
Robert met up with a friend, so the two of them decided to go drinking. Us girls were starved, so it was dinner time. Unfortunately we got lost in the ghetto of Lancaster – yes, that is possible. Of course, because Lancaster is such a horrible town, everything was closed except for a 24-hour grocery store. So we bought a bunch of frozen food to heat up. But it’s just our luck that our hotel has no microwave. And the grocery store wouldn’t let us return our food. Bastards.
We settled on the EatnPark that we found just after we’d bought our frozen food. Luckily it was fantastic, and they served the best food we’d ever eaten in our lives. The fifth bit of real food we’d had in NINE days.
The next day we all went back to Baltimore. We ate our frozen food in my apartment, dropped Sammy off at hers and I went to the bus station in the middle of nowhere. New York was my destination and I stayed with my Fordham friends again and visited Dad. A comic book artist crushed my dreams of being a pure artist. Thanks. I'm back in Delaware, though.
Life on the road is far too insane. It's a little cramped. A little smelly. But it's so preferable to the real world. The only question I have is, “When can I go back?”
This is the story:
Watching: Party Monster, That's So Raven, Suite Life of Zach and Cody
Reading: Trashy magazines, hotel Bibles, Arrive magazine
Listening to: Kill Hannah, Action Reaction, Love Arcade, The Pink Spiders, The Spill Canvas, The Sounds, The Smiths, The Faint, High School Musical Soundtrack, Placebo
Eating: Pasta Bowls, McDonald's Quiznos, Cup of Noodles - Creamy Chicken, Buffalo Chicken Salad, Pasta Afredo (with Broccoli)
Drinking: Candy, Jager Bombs, Andre, water, Gatorade, Bottled Cat Piss
This is the story of a
NERD (sammy)
FASHIONISTA (marni)
And their GIRLY MAN escort (Robert)
Who separately accompanied Kill Hannah on a nine-day tour. Whoever said, “What happens on tour stays on tour,” obviously didn’t realize that some things are too good to be kept a secret… This is one girl’s chance to be “Almost Famous,” so here we go.
Living a lie is not as easy as one imagined the Punk and the Nerd quickly found out. The two of them were hiding the entire trip from their parentals, even though they were completely legal. The Nerd was auditing a class, and the Punk was visiting her friends in New York City (which she would do later on in the weeks).
I was the last to be picked up, and I had to squish everything I had, essentially into one bag. Mama Bruiser did her best for this trip, and we love her for that. (I’m going to mention right here, that I really which my laptop battery would last for more than an hour… I need some Energizer right here.) First stop Pittsburgh. Lots of interesting sites on the way – If only we’d had time we totally would have visited Amish country. We did see one Amish man on the way, so I guess he counts.
Anyway, a road trip isn’t a road trip without some good music, pretty scenery and Dutch Wonderland. We had big dreams for this road trip. Partying like rock stars, finding the World's Largest Cup of Yogurt, being so smashed we wouldn't remember the trip and WAFFLE HOUSE.
The road to Pittsburgh was really windy and wonderful and we went through tunnels. After a .75$ toll, we found ourselves in HARMARVILLE, Pennsylvania. Who really names a place Harmarville? Moving on, we got our asses in gear for the first of a long line of shows. Mr. Small’s Funhouse was probably the most interesting of venues. Once a church, I couldn’t help thinking that where the bands were playing used to be a huge crucifix. And I laughed. I also felt like one of them (i.e. the scenesters at the venue), damn my two-colored hair. Rachael Barbash of Heroine Dreams was there snapping shots, so we met her briefly, she was very nice.
This is where we were introduced to The Love Arcade and The Pink Spiders. I definitely enjoyed both sounds – I can’t say they meshed very well, but I enjoyed them. The members of The Love Arcade proceeded to do their own variations of the robot while performing. I was enthralled to say the least.
Love Arcade was what could easily be described as dance rock, but would likely to be categorized as Pop-Rock in Entertainment Weekly. Snowhite, Thomas, Seth, Nathanael and Dorman light up the stage as they co-mingle with the music and each other, pulling the audience into their own little world.
The Pink Spiders, while a little too pretty for their own good, proceed to take the stage by storm with their 80s punk revival/pop-rock collaboration. As Matt Friction sings, teenage girls scream along and bassist Jon Decious punctuates with his own. Drummer Bob Ferrari keeps control on a leopard print drum kit. See them live before deciding whether or not to keep listening.
We got there late, but not late enough to miss an entire set, so we wondered where Action Reaction was (we later learn that they hit a cow, read their myspace blog for more details). The first of several surprises on tour, Kill Hannah played Kill Hannah and Cherub Rock, claiming they’d never played it outside of Chicago. It made my night, even though afterwards we proceeded to get lost in the corporate district of Pittsburgh for an hour and later I burnt my tongue on Cup of Noodles. At least I got to see the houses on the hills.
Day two brought us to Buffalo: An All-American City, New York. It was a three-and-a-half hour drive, but we made it. Broken mirrors and electrical tape made Mama Bruiser Awesome in ways you couldn’t even imagine. We were 20 minutes away from Canada, next door to a Guitar Center, across the street from You Go Girl! Handbags, and a few blocks down from a Friendly Hooters.
Taco Bells seem to be taunting us as we make our way to each hotel – and I promised myself no outside food except for New York pizza.
Slightly less obnoxious pink hair, a stained hotel room, a Blue Nun and some duct tape later, we’re ready to go to the Buffalo Icon, until Robert forgot his ticket. We completely missed the Love Arcade and half of the Pink Spiders set
Kill Hannah’s set was the same, minus Kill Hannah and Cherub Rock. They were replaced with Nerve Gas and a story about Mat’s first experience with marijuana. It happened in Buffalo, of course it was relevant.
That night, we somehow managed to be far more tipsy than we imagined for the little we drank. We had a photo session, feminized Mat Devine, watched Raven and had a battle with the toilet. We won.
On the way to Hartford, Connecticut (day three) on Interstate 90, we all noticed the really pretty scenery around us – even Sammy, who was driving at 90 mph. She screamed at us to take some pictures, which is exactly what we did. The tiny little towns were cute and I wanted to visit and say ‘hello.’ Maybe go into a Mom and Pop’s General Store.
11:56 am. Onondaga, New York brings us into contact with State Trooper Riley. 97 in a 65. Sammy’s first ticket. As she searches for her wallet, she says, “Sorry, we packed fast this morning.” Trooper Riley: “Yea, you were driving fast, too.” Just a small damper on our good timing. Moral of the story: Kill Hannah and Shiny Toy Guns make you speed.
That night we realized how little of the rock star life we were actually living. Back at the hotel by 10:30 pm, buzz worn off halfway through the show. God, this trip was such a lame idea.
Then again, we danced our asses off in the front row of Webster Underground (Hartford, CT), met some cool non-scenester girls (DeAnna, Kyra and Tanya – they come back in New York), and made friends with the Love Arcade.
This was the first night that we saw Action Reaction, because it was the first night that they were playing. It was also the first night that we got to the venue on time. A rare occasion. Little did we know that Action Reaction would later become my best friends on tour – for the time being, they were the hippie band with the incense. I introduced myself to the lead singer, who used to sing for Further Seems Forever (NOT Chris Carraba), on my search for a bathroom.
Action Reaction, a three piece out of Northern New Jersey, is comprised of Jason Gleason (former lead singer of Further Seems Forever), and Bella and Salvatore (formerly of Element 101). The touring members of the band (Dan, Josh and Shawn) do not reserve themselves at all on stage and anyone could (and will be) fooled into believing that they have been with the band from the beginning. Of the four bands on tour, Action Reaction is the most intense, despite their serene presence. It’s easy to see that they love what they do.
By this point we had also established that we very much enjoy the Love Arcade. Dancing, the robot and angel wings are a very good combination in my book. After the show, we’d hung out at their merch table, where Dorman, the drummer, proceeded to tell us the life story of the band (i.e. Christian is the brain, the rest of them are Ninja Turtles – except for Tony; he’s just there for the ride). He, Marni and I became the Strange Name Crew. Dorman will henceforth be known as Dollar Bill.
The Toothless Roadie was a creep. He kept using me as a hand rest, which makes no sense because I have no balance. Since I felt like I kept getting in his way, I went to apologize and he kissed my cheek. I remain confused.
We meet Bob IV. Possibly the coolest drummer on tour.
This was the night we also decided that Kill Hannah needs to chill the fuck out with the fog. It’s nearly impossible to get a good picture A. because the fog takes over the flash, or B. I’m moving so much the camera isn’t steady enough to take a picture without flash.
Mat Devine was cracked out. He played with my hair, Marni’s necklace, and yelled at us for speeding.
I hate Connecticut. It really creeps me out with its inland beach houses. And you know things are bad when you consider McDonald’s to be real food.
A lonely Jew in Clifton. Day four was in a tiny little Christian town called Clifton Park in Upstate New York. Funny thing was that this little town had the most insane crowd of them all… I’m going to guess that this had to do with Saosin being at the show that night.
Pre-show we found a Quizno’s. Best real food ever. Afterwards we went on an alcohol run, and I got carded, even though I wasn’t buying. Just another good use for the college ID. Went shopping, tried on some ugly shit and ended up getting some really cool old man pants. Back at the hotel, we got ready and I introduced everyone to Candy. Needless to say everyone was enamored.
(I assume most everyone does not know what Candy is. It’s simply a mixture of Coca Cola and Buttershots Butterscotch Schnapps and it is probably the most delicious drink you will ever have).
Drunk in the car. Very, very happily drunk we went into the Northern Lights (in hopes of dancing), where we missed Love Arcade, so we hid in the bathroom and drank more. Met a cool mom who we talked to for a while. Also met a former stripper and believe that we’ve found our new calling in life. (It’s big money. Who needs dignity when you’re that drunk?)
I was convinced I looked like I wanted to be a Pink Spider. I took a picture with Jonathan for that very reason. This lead to me later on noticing that I wore the same sweatshirt and scarf just about everyday. It made me feel a little bit disgusting.
I bought a Pink Spiders belt from Jeremy (their tour/merch bitch) because mine was quickly dying.
(I can’t drive drunk in a video game, I’m never driving drunk in real life.)
Mat dedicated Goodbye, Goodnight to us, and, unfortunately, I completely missed it. I talked to Jonny for a while, and he told me he didn’t want me to look at his face. I also talked to Action Reaction and Dan made me take a signed poster.
Woke up to snow on the ground and wondered how Mama Bruiser would take to the roads.
Onto New York City. Back home… sort of. My friend Danielle came along and we stayed with my friend Marika who came to the show as well. Basically missed Action Reaction and the Love Arcade due to my horrible planning skills – things worked out though so it was all good. So, after getting ready in the Fordham bathrooms, we took the D downtown, walked in a circle and made our way to the Bowery Ballroom. The venue itself was one crazy adventure – I may have gotten lost once or twice.
We watched the Pink Spiders from the balcony, having not eaten all day the show was really a bust. Sam met up with a friend and the two of them and Marni left on the search for food. I wasn’t about to leave my friends in the middle of a show, but I ended up third row in the pit for Kill Hannah. I’m pretty sure that was the influence of DeAnna. After nearly passing out, I went and found my friends again, left and made my rounds around the venue. After commenting on Matt Friction’s pants and comparing them with my own, flirting with a drunken Jonathan Delicious, randomly conversing with Mat Devine and Bob IV and meeting Dave from Havok in Hollywood we left and went on a search for food.
Like I said, we hadn’t eaten and as it was post 11 pm, all the pizza shops were closed. So we did the next best thing. We went grocery shopping and bought all the necessary supplies for pizza. And I learned why you don’t go grocery shopping when you’re hungry.
This shit looked so good.
Even the bread crumbs looked amazing.
It was the best pizza ever.
Robert stayed for the after party and ended up sleeping at Penn Station. That man is insane.
HIGH SCHOOL MUUUUUUUSICAL!!!! Getcha Head in the Game.
That’s right. The next day I went home because I’d gotten tickets to see High School Musical: The Concert that night. I’m pretty sure I was the oldest person there, besides the parents and the actors. I had a blast.
While I was “Breaking Free,” Marni, Sam and Robert hit up Sketchville (aka Asbury Park, New Jesey). Robert had gotten food poisoning, so it was just the girls at the Stone Pony. I heard interesting stories about PacMan, McDonald’s and a Banana.
The next night I drove down to Towson, MD because our plans were all sorts of screwed up. Once again, home. We stayed at my apartment, so there was no fuss this time. Somehow we still managed to get to Recher late.
Being on home turf means you know people. It also means you don’t like people. Val, Bryan, Bacon, DJ Lemz and Dustin were of the good. The 12 year old scenesters and the massively warm temperature were of the not so good.
We missed Action Reaction again. I think the next tour we go on will be an Action Reaction Mini Tour just to make up for all the shows we’d missed.
Love Arcade was fabulous and I’m pretty sure we were the only people dancing. After the show, Christian was just chilling over by the merch table. He looked really sad, so I went to talk to him. (Note to self: When going to talk to someone, make sure you have the ability to hold a conversation.)
Pink Spiders still haven’t changed their set list. They didn’t come out after the show, either. Apparently, Jonathan was sick. Poor little Southern Boy.
Recher was so hot. Sammy and I each bought two bottles of water, at least. We were that thirsty.
We also ran into a guy with a tail. It was awesome, but I’m pretty sure he was a little scared of us…
Kill Hannah was fabulous, as always. Rebel Yell and Welcome to Chicago. Then Bacon proposed to Mat or something… He also told Thomas that he looked like someone he’d had sex with a couple years back. Strange thing was that Thomas didn’t mind.
I, on the other hand, had taken to talking with Action Reaction. First was Salvatore (who, at this point we still didn’t know his name). I said something about High School Musical, and we bonded over doing musicals in high school and being tenors. Jason wanted to join in, so he did. Then Dan came along and we talked about nothing in particular, I suppose, until he started talking about girls giving him a hard time, drinking and not remembering anyone’s name. I invited him back to my apartment for some absinthe, and then he disappeared. The war begins: NOW.
Afterwards, I had my first taste of absinthe. The historically accurate was much better than the second one I tasted, but it was a very interesting feeling – drunk, but not. As Robert and I ordered pizza, Marni and Sammy disappeared. Apparently they were getting food, but my selective hearing chose not to follow that.
The next day was the first day any of us could sleep in for once. Before we could head up to Philadelphia, PA we had to drop my car back off. Mom meets the crew. And we’re off again. But first we visited Claire at work and picked up a surprise for Greg.
Of course we’re in Philadelphia the night of an Eagles game. Let it be known, that I hate the Eagles, but I wasn’t about to say a thing, for I value my life. We were probably the only people in the hotel that weren’t wearing any green.
We’d gotten ready and began the night with a spot of Andre. Being classy with cheap champagne, because that’s how we do. Afterwards, we made ourselves a couple Jager Bombs, which were awful, due to warm liquid. Afterwards, we called a taxi and had a couple bottles of Candy to go – or so we thought. Our taxi driver was possibly the coolest ever. We called him Prince Ali, and we told him we were going to call him to pick us up, and he said that he would buy us alcohol. We decorated his taxi with a heart and Patrick the starfish.
Stereotypes
Finally, we’d gotten to a show on time. I drunkenly gave Matt Friction the wrong directions to 11th Street, and afterwards some girl asked us who it was and proceeded to scream giddily. Since we couldn’t take our bottles in, we chugged our Candy and went into the Trocadero, said hello to Bella, Marni bought gloves, and we made our way to the front row.
“WE LOVE YOU, BELLA!!!” We cried out as Action Reaction played.
After they played, Sammy and I went to use the bathroom. It was possibly the greatest bathroom ever, but I was too distracted by the fact that my stomach was going to explode, just deepening my hatred for carbonated beverages.
Cherub Rock part deux, and this time I called Danielle. She was a little angry when they didn’t play it in New York. And all was right with the world.
Afterwards, I proceeded to commiserate with the Love Arcade boys on how much their band sucked. Later Thomas came over and ranted about how someone slammed a door in his face. I never thought I’d see that boy angry, but he was pissed. He swears that he didn’t give me a dirty look from stage – I think he’s lying. Just one more reason to hate them.
Then there’s Action Reaction. I see Dan and Dan sees me. I yell at him and he yells back. I told him I wasn’t being stalker-y and he tells me I left. I told him I was right there, he says he didn’t see me so he went back to the van. Sal interrupts and tells us that we need a more stable relationship, so I latch onto him. Much better. And then Dan writes on my face. I glared at him and turned my attention to Jason, who was very interested in my hat (which I’d found in my car) because he said he had the same one. Mine’s from H&M. His is from Target. He made me smell fake flowers, and I made them into a pen and signed one of their posters for them. Honestly, who needs autographs when you can give them out yourself?
Afterwards, I was just walking around the venue and Dan from Kill Hannah offers me a sticker. Instead of taking one, I offered to hand them out for him. And I did. This one guy (I think his name was Mat) wouldn’t take one though. Dan told me not to worry. That the guy was a fag anyway.
Prince Ali didn’t pick up his phone, no taxis were driving by and it was starting to rain. It looked like we were fucked, but there was a Malaysian restaurant next door that was open, so we went in and got some dinner. We also took Robert’s sushi virginity. That food was so good, damn that Holiday Inn for not having refrigerators.
The next morning I awoke to a messy pillowcase. My markings had transferred from my face to the pillowcase, it was actually really amusing. We packed up quick and made our way to Lancaster, PA. Instead of stopping at tourist attractions (since there were none), we got to the hotel, got ready and stood in the rain for three hours. This was the only night that this happened, as it was DAY NINE. Our last show. Too bad it was in the Metropolis for the Amish. The only thing that was open was a McDonald’s. Not that we knew where that was, so Marni and I went adventuring for food. No burritos, no Subway, no anything else. We ran into Jeremy on the way. But no, Subway wasn’t open, so we had to wander more. Nathanael pointed us in the direction of the McDonald’s. We got it, and walked back and ran into Dorman who asked if there was a McDonald’s that way. No, Dorman. We shit Mickey Dee’s. Would you like a milkshake?
Finally, doors are about to open, and some fourteen year olds and their Amish mother decide that they’re VIP, so they can go in before us. Well, Marni’s got her ass-kicking boots on, and the rest of us who have been waiting all day just aren’t going to take any shit. Unfortunately, they did get in before us, but they wasted their chance to get up front by talking to people.
This night was insane. Add to the normal mix another local band called Le Baron and about 10 times more dancing. It was a really good night, and we were busted by the end of the show. Christian kept watching us as we danced to the Love Arcade. They also added Passenger to the mix. Jonathan was back and screaming, which made me happy. They played a couple of new songs from their old album, which weren’t too good. Kill Hannah made the night. They dedicated Kill Hannah to us, although we were supposed to choose the song… I think the video explains it a little better.
After the show there was a bit of talking, but because Lancaster’s such a shithole, they kept trying to kick us out of the venue. And they wouldn’t let me go to the ATM downstairs and come back.
Anyway, we got the essential pictures and talked a bit. Bella promised me some gloves. Sal wrote a dot on my hand to "remember his existence." I got revenge on Dan. Bought a bunch of merch, thanks to Sammy and her wad of cash. Then we got kicked out, where we ran into Elias, who had never come out before. But of course I didn’t get to say hi, because Jason from Action Reaction pulls me aside and we start talking. It works, I guess.
Eventually we got kicked out of the stairwell, too. So we went to the back, where we waited for Greg with his surprise.
Just after he called me a drama queen.
Greg came over to us when he had a spare moment and we presented him with eight bags of Pepperidge Farm cookies. His response: “Oh, man. Mat’s going to tear you a new asshole.” Apparently Mat hates the cookies, and it’s Dan that actually eats them. You learn something new every day (Reference to the Kill Hannah Tour Journal)
Robert met up with a friend, so the two of them decided to go drinking. Us girls were starved, so it was dinner time. Unfortunately we got lost in the ghetto of Lancaster – yes, that is possible. Of course, because Lancaster is such a horrible town, everything was closed except for a 24-hour grocery store. So we bought a bunch of frozen food to heat up. But it’s just our luck that our hotel has no microwave. And the grocery store wouldn’t let us return our food. Bastards.
We settled on the EatnPark that we found just after we’d bought our frozen food. Luckily it was fantastic, and they served the best food we’d ever eaten in our lives. The fifth bit of real food we’d had in NINE days.
The next day we all went back to Baltimore. We ate our frozen food in my apartment, dropped Sammy off at hers and I went to the bus station in the middle of nowhere. New York was my destination and I stayed with my Fordham friends again and visited Dad. A comic book artist crushed my dreams of being a pure artist. Thanks. I'm back in Delaware, though.
Life on the road is far too insane. It's a little cramped. A little smelly. But it's so preferable to the real world. The only question I have is, “When can I go back?”
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