I've upped the first few pics from the show over on my photo blog, but I haven't yet written about the show.
I got to the Fillmore at about 8 pm, which was when the doors were supposed to open. Security was already letting people in, but as I approached, the guy asked whether my camera (he's quickly clocked my camera bag for what it was) had removable a lens. It was, I told him, but the band was allowing photography at this gig. He politely but firmly turned me away, saying that unless I had a press pass, I couldn't bring it the camera.
No bother, though; after some texting and a bit of patience, both Lance and Andy were there to escort me in and clear the way with security for any further pro-style cameras. Sweet.
Either the first-billed The Peculiar Pretzelmen played early, or they were cut; either way, Tragedy had just hit the stage when I entered. The band bills themselves as a "metal tribute to the Bee Gees", and yes, indeed they were. I hadn't expected much, but these guys (and girls!) really came through with a show that was quite entertaining. They were, as I'd surmised, quite funny, with the requisite 70s white outfits and spangly flying-V guitars, but along with the humor was a serious amount of musicianship lending credence to their ballsy claim to metal. These guys brought their "A" game, and were, for me, easily the best opener I've ever seen play with the J's.
When they wrapped up, I saw the familiar face of Phillip, whom I'd met last summer when I played Andy Action's wedding bash at Pianos in NYC. He was setting up a hacked Guitar Hero, which, once Tragedy'd cleared the stage, lucky fans from the crowd were selected to compete with each other playing 2SJ songs. After a couple heats, two finalists remained, to return later in the show.
knowing i'd be taking quite few pics out in NYC this past weekend, i added a photo blog to the site. For the time being, I'm using my little sticker tag for the link:
Go ahead and click it, and don't forget to add it to your reader!
After an awesome show by DJ Hatcha last night here in Cincinnati (and big ups to Kaiten for bringing him in!), I am wiped the hell out today. No rest, though --tonight is the August edition of SCHWARZ!
Tonight's guest is Ian Roland, so between him and The Librarian (my SCHWARZ partner), we've got techno covered. I think after last night I was kind of inspired to play dubstep. We'll see. I've got hours to decide.
Tomorrow I fly to NYC, where I'll be just in time to catch Rowdy! I love Secret Agent Gel's stuff, and I don't get to see that much dubstep (last night notwithstanding) unless I play it. :)
On Sunday I'll be hitting the Fillmore East, catching the last (I think) 2 Skinnee J's show on their reunion tour. This is the real reason I'm flying out; these guys have been friends of mine for about 15 years, so seeing them again will be a blast. Plus, looks like I'll be getting a backstage pass, so I will be taking mad photos!
