It's taken me a long time to be able to write this. Everclear is a great band out of Portland, OR, and I missed their first 2 stops in Buffalo (the last one being February 13, 1996). Since that time I'd become quite a fan, and singer/songwriter Art Alexakis something of a hero to me. The man's life is a sad tale, but he rose above it and has spread his inspiration to millions of listeners. The songs he writes, and the way he sings them, are so emotional and moving. And the band itself is still a band of 'regular guys.' No rock-star attitude here. They hang around after every show to meet and talk to their fans, sign stuff, take pictures ...

So, the show itself. If I can make a public apology on behalf on the Buffalo crowd, then here it is. These people just sucked. Yes, everyone wants to be near the band, but when you break the barrier and they tell you 'We can't play 'til that's fixed, owner's rules, please move back,' then move back already! People continued to surge forward, making the rest of us, perhaps the only real fans, wait.
Making matters worse, some people actually threw stuff on stage. What possesses someone to do this?? Like someone said to me, is it like 'hey, I paid $18 to see my favorite band. let's see if I can hit them with something?'?? What's the deal here?? This only led the band to threaten to walk off 3 times, which, I would have been so upset if they had, but I also totally see where they're coming from. For the one instance, Art asked if anyone knew who threw that. Luckily, people had, and the loser was promptly escorted out.

The songs. Sigh. The energy, the emotion, the music, his voice ... I was pretty transfixed :). If you like EC on tape, wait'll you see them live! (it's a must!). Some of the songs played include (in no particular order):

So Much For The Afterglow Local God You Make Me Feel Like A Whore Santa Monica Everything To Everyone I Will Buy You A New Life My Sexual Life Heroin Girl Electra Made Me Blind

California King Amphetamine Father Of Mine El Distorto de Melodica Summerland Heartspark Dollarsign (acoustically) Strawberry (acoustically) The Twistinside (acoustically)

So, after the show, I so wanted to meet Art. That man is beautiful. Unfortunately, my friend (and ride home) wanted to leave. Much thanks to Jon for offering a ride home if I stayed, but I didn't want to inconvenience him. Turns out he got to meet Art. Sigh.
I did get to meet bassist Craig, and he was quite a doll. Said my 'Everything to Everyone'/White Lightning shirt was 'freakin' awesome' and signed it, and posed for a pic. Aw. :)
I did bring a shirt for the guys ('One shirt? What are we gonna do with one?' Craig asked), but as I didn't think I'd be able to hang around and give it to him, I entrusted it to a fellow WL member. But I have no idea if he ever got it, as she opted to never answer my e-mail ... hmmmm ...

Opening act Feeder was pretty awesome too. I'd never heard them before, but they put on a great set. Not something I was expecting. Second band Jimmie's Chicken Shack was alright too.

Going to see Everclear in Detroit on June 9th, with cool girl Sarah. Anyone in the area who wants to meet up, please get in touch. Anyone in a city where they're playing, GO SEE THEM! (and don't throw things or stage dive or rush the stage, please)

live shows