Picky and Buffy…

I had some requests to do a recap on a couple gigs I forgot. Here goes.

Picadilly, January 12th/07
Video Taped.

Well, from what I rememeber, it was a long day for me… waking up, eating Captain Crunch, drinking the milk from the bowl, pouring more Captian Crunch, pouring more milk while asking myself why I drank the milk before when I knew I was going to have another bowl? We have all been there, I know, I know…. nothing new. But today was going to be different. I was going to play a gig with my favorite band A Sheep At The Wheel. I was unable to contain my excitment as I dressed myself and had another bowl of Captain Crunch. To be honest, the rest of the day was a blur, but I ended up at the rehersal space. We had arranged to go over a few songs before arriving to the club. Sure enough by the time everyone a had arrived, we had no time to practice. But we did pack up our gear and we headed over to the club.

When we walked into the club, there was a man on stage singing and dancing to some backing tracks. After playing the Columbia and seeing people playing BINGO before we hit the stage, this “Karaoke at the Picadilly” didn’t even phase us. To our suprise, this was actually one of the opening acts. SOOO…. After everyone showed up, we all decided to sit and have a drink. Being as anti-social as we could, we all sat in a booth at the back of the club. A pitcher of beer was passed around and it felt like the “Last Supper”, and I was at the head of the table. I should have stole the cup I drank from, might be worth something. I decided to go up to the bar and get another drink and there was a really drunk guy hitting on the bartender behind the counter. I knew he was talking about me to the girl, but I focused on my drink and turned back to my mates at the booth. About 5 min later, that weird guy stumbles over to our table and instructs me not to cause any problems. Told me to calm down and not to be a “trouble maker”. This man, obviously drunk and perhaps thinking I was someone else felt the need to stumble his way out of the club and stop trafic and talk to the drivers. we found out that the man had given the bartender a $35 tip before making his way out the club. Yikes. All eyes roll…

The band “The Assasination” hits the stage and we all move forward to enjoy the band. This was a fun group. Bluesy and some good old rock. Great energy and also felt the need to remind people that The Sheep had won the online vote (the Steamroller) by 17,000 votes. pretty funny.

After their set, we hit the stage. As we are loading gear to the stage, a girl starts hitting on Christian. Although Christian was honored, he felt it necessary to mention his wife. I don’t think that mattered…. 12:30am and we start our set. Things seemed pretty fast to my recollection. As usual, I was not up to par, and the monitors were not that good. blah, blah blah… but to be honest, I didn’t think it was too bad. During the set, two girls (one who hit on Christian), got up on stage and started to dance…. well, it looked like dancing… lotz of booty shak’n! …

You know, It’s kinda funny how my stories are all about before and after the show and the actual gig is the shortest paragraph. Anyways, We finished our set and packed up our gear. 1:30am. By the time I was done putting all my shells into cases, the club was empty and the house lights were up. Everyone went their own ways, and I went and got my car and loaded my drums into the car as I do far to often. I drove myself home. At home was a Shepards Pie. I gobbled it up as I checked my email. Sleep…… Sleep…..

The End…..

The Buffalo Club, January 24th/07
Video Taped.

The buffalo club is always a fun place to play. The club can be either packed with backstreet boy wanna be’s, or empty as my soul when I drive down Seymore St. So it’s hard to determine if it’s going to be a good turn out. Upon arrival, there was a pitcher of beer waiting for me with the gang. Drink and be merry! The other band we would be playing with was the hawaiian bibles. These were some fun guys! A Groovy three piece with some catchy tunes. While they were playing, I started to set up my gear.
After their set, the sheep made their way to the stage. Since there was only the Hawaiian Bibles and us, there was no hurry on setting up. Relaxed and ready, we started our set. From the getgo, we were on fire. My monitor mix was perfect and I was grooving. More importantly, the end of “One Thing Scares Me” was perfect. Since I had screwed up the previous time with SuperNova, it was very important that I nail it this time. I can’t speak for the rest of the band, but it felt great.

Now, not many people know this, but I sit very low behind my kit…….

(Ok, Short Story: Since I was laid off form work a month ago, I have been in the rehearsal space as often as I can practicing and going over rudiments. I have been really looking at my playing and how I can progress. I have been focusing on time and style. My grip has changed a bit, and hence my setup must change as well.)

Well, my seat was a little low, and I got a MAJOR cramp in my left leg. Now, if you watch the video you can see me stand up a couple time between songs, but I soldiered on though the pain until there was no pain. I know, weird, but it worked. I pushed though and thought I played quiet well. UNTIL: We played the song “Another Game”. All was good until the first chorus. I drew a blank on how the rhythm went. God it was funny. I got “the look” again. This time followed by laugher. I got us back on track and kept it going. Thank god this was my only mistake (I think).

We ended our set and started taking down our gear. No hurry at all. Packed up our gear and I headed out to grab the car. I took a breather as I walked down the street. I passed a well dressed prostitute. I think thigh-high boots and short skirts are coming back. Atleast it was on that block. I tried to act cool as I walked past her to my Ford Tempo. Sure, it wasn’t a Lotus, but I think I could out-race Richard Gere. But why really? Who was I trying to impress for Christ’s sake!? I really examined my life as I opened a can of Fresca I had waiting for me in the front seat. I put on my iPod to some MuteMath as I drove over to the club to grab my gear. I got half way though the intro to the song as I pulled up to the club. God, I spent more time looking for a tune to listen to, then driving the half block to the club. I loaded my gear and thanked the Hawaiian Bibles for their great set. As I pulled away from the club, I saw Courtney out the corner of my eye, pounding a Dollar Pizza in his car. It was pretty funny. A long night of tunes and it closed with a Fresca and a Pizza.

When I got home, my leg was in so much pain! For the record, sleeping on it dosn’t work. The next day I hobbled around like a 90 year old, and I complained just as much. I watched the video for the show and I must say that you can learn alot from that show. Some good and some bad. We shall see…..

The End….

Well, I hope you gave enjoyed reading. I have spent the last hour writing this. One hour of my 24 for the day, dedicated to you all!

All the best everyone!

Paulie.