The story begins....
It was the last show of the Toad the Wet Sprocket listener appreciation tour, June 6, 1997, where I found Marcy Playground. The dreaded opening band. And I sat there trying to decide what I was going to do to kill 45 minutes until Toad came on. Then John did his cute little pigeon imitation. And I've been hooked ever since. Aside from the fact that they are three *incredibly* talented musicians, they are three of the nicest guys I've ever met. And it doesn't hurt at all that they are all incredibly cute. (miaow)
I trekked out to Hollywood the next Friday by my lonesome, only to walk into Jack's Sugar Shack to find only the people who worked there and the band there (plus Carlo). A little intimidating to say the least. Dylan and Dan *actually* remembered me. (John hadn't met me) Between talking with record company folk and other long time friends, Dylan managed to get beat in pool, Dan kicked my ass, and John and I shared baby pictures and swapped stories. I drove home early the next morning feeling incredibly giddy and like I'd found some new friends.
November 2, 1997
Early last month I stalked MP as they did their Southern California stint of shows. San Diego, Hollywood, and Los Angeles. I was there Dragging along whoever would go. (Beth and Maritza who are only slightly less obsessed than me) In San Diego Vaughn called me "the girl with the web page." And John played "Crazy Katie Nicotine and her Red Jet Air Balloon" for me. The only time they've ever played it live. *sigh* The only show I didn't record. *damn* Got me some pictures. Made a trip to the infamous Viper Room, to see MP and skip out before Everclear went on. Ha.. Waited haplessly by the shirt/cd table at the Universal City Walk show...for Chris to offer me backstage access (which never happened).. But understandably with John and Dylan sick. And those perky little faces signed cd's and t-shirts after the show, what troopers.
18 more days until they come back. ha ha ha.
November 20, 1997
I walk into Gameworks to find Dylan and John killing things in "The House of the Dead" and having way too much fun doing it. *yuck* Met up with Beth (miss recess herself) and Carlo and Alex. Got my ass kicked in that indy car game by Dan AND Steve (the god of all tour managers). The lone female coming in third. But I became pretty intimate with the wall...
They've got two new guys running around with them, Michael (the god of air hockey with the also illustrious title of *stage manager* and Patrick. Both are very nice and super swell. Vaughn has apparently gotten a *job*. EEE.
The show was *incredible* and they were well received. yay. Started off with.."Needle and the Damage Done" because Dylan's bass didn't want to work. (Can you play an electric bass acoustic?..just wondering) I don't think I've seen them look like they're having a better time. Bouncing around on the stage... The only down side was some strungoutontoomanydrugs loser pushed his way to the front of the stage and was making a fool of himself, and when he decided he was ready to go away, thought he was going to walk through me. Um, I didn't think so. :c) Stood my ground like a STRONG woman.
*ahem* They played "Crazy Katie" (because I demanded it!..thought he was going to get off stage without playing it...hmph..)and THE SHOW WAS TAPED. Could I be a happier woman? Maybe.
Beth took a mass amount of pictures. And one of us will post a "Gameworks Page"..probably a cooperative effort.
I've seen those guys...6 times, and I don't think I've ever seen them have as much fun as they did last night. Like kids in a candy story. Or should it be, boys in an overpriced state of the art arcade with an endless supply of cash...
The Opium Den
November 25, 1997
First of all, 4$ is a little excessive for a beer.
But overpriced alcohol aside, they outdid the gameworks show. All three of them looking dapper as ever. I think the correct phrase is "kicked ass." (hi chris) Dylan even sang! Ok, so it was "here..here"..but he actually used that microphone they put in front of him. The energy in that place was amazing...maybe it was just the 10 of us way too dedicated fans standing in front of the stage. I think I screeched a little too loud when John said he was going to play "Crazy Katie" because he responded with "...and I thought that @#$%#$# marshall(amp)was loud.." But I didn't have to ask..and I was excited... *looking sheepish* They did us the honor of playing "Opium" at the Opium Den. Good shit live, I tell ya.
I think they've officially hit rock start status because they did an ENCORE. To come back and grace us with "Keegan's Christmas." Made my heart melt.
Star spot of the evening: "Weird" Al Yankovic, who's girlfriend is apparently a big Marcy fan.
There should be some law about a band and they're um...helpers..all being so incredibly nice. I think I'm gonna have to buy Mike a new pack of smokes next time they're out here. Uhm..no..I didn't smoke 'em..not me..of course not...uh...
They didn't kick us out this time..not really. But 5 more minutes and they would have.
I think I talked too much last night. I do that sometimes. Even really nice rock stars (like that guys, you're ROCK STARS)..make me flustered.
Big shout out to all the dedicated die hard marcyheads (not gonna list em, because if I forget one it being late at night and all, I'll get yelled at) there last night. JOE MOCK (nana bear loves you joe) And to Mike, who ONCE AGAIN, saved the day (night?), and Pat(rick) who was working too hard, and Steve-o...manager o' budgets, conniseur of fine tour buses.
2 words, Extra Bunk. :c)
Now I will go prepare myself for a long Marcy dry spell.
