Over the years many,
many, many of my friends have supported me and my musical endeavors.
IDA often played after
midnight in the middle of the week and there were a group of folks who were
always willing to stay and support.
With the transition (and
drummer change) from IDA to Vida there were some additions and subtractions to
the group, but the 11:45 spot at the Cocodrie was still ours to play.
After Vida, there was a
hiatus (about 7-8 months), where I played with a band that never played a show
(with me anyway).
Pirx the Pilot came
next...there were a lot of shows (often at punk houses, so those shows were
done by nightfall) and a lot of support.
There was also a
production of "Hedwig" and other musical projects that saw a lot of
friends coming out to listen to my musical mojo.
I moved away and
relocated to the Los Angeles area. In the past 6 years, I have played in 3
bands.
Since I am in my forties
(ah-em) and don't have as many friends in the area, my support system has dwindled
to just a few people.
Last year, I was seeing
my really good friend open up for the Cult at House of Blues. A person whom I
have known for almost 25 years was there. He was either a roommate or neighbor
of a drummer for IDA.
He ALWAYS went to see us
play. Chameleon on Tuesday night? No problem. Upstairs at the DNA on a Sunday?
Handled. Some crazy art gallery holding an illegal party? Yep!
He never asked to
get in free and actually looked like he was enjoying himself.
I write that last
sentence, because I had many friends who would only come see me play IF I put
them on the list.
Anywho, we caught up and
with the help of social media (good ol' fbook), we became friends again.
My band (Stingray Barbie) was playing a
show and I can't remember if I announced it or messaged him, but he showed up!
He lives far. I mean he
lives in the general geographic area, but it is far.
For a year now he has
come to almost every show we have played.
He is also a musician and the last piece I heard was a frenetic jazzy slow dance with an electronic
hangover.
My point is that he is
the ultimate fan. Without a word he will show up to a show, stand in front, and
thank us for the rock.
When you are in a band
that doesn't always bring in a crowd on Tuesday night. It is really nice to see
a familiar face who honestly wants to be there.
