| JULY 1997 Ian McKenzie, ex-singer for Durban band Nevermore joined ex-Gringolene drummer, Andy, and guitarists, James and Alistair for a jam. There was an immediate clicking, but, due to other commitments (and geographical limitations), thoughts of forming a proper band were dismissed. FEBRUARY 1999 Ian was back in Johannesburg. While other commitments limited practices to a sporadic few, these loose jam sessions rekindled the original spark. In the absence of reliable/competent bass players, Alistair switched from guitar to bass, leaving James to handle all guitars. SEPTEMBER 1999 Conditions were right for developing the band seriously - time, proximity, commitment and Black Label beer. Rehearsals began in earnest. FEBRUARY 2000 The name Zen Arcade was agreed upon only after much deliberation. It was taken from the awesome album of the same name by Husker Du. MARCH 2000 Zen Arcade made its debut on Friday 31 March at Abelarde Sanction in Brixton, sharing the billing with Damn The Icebergs. There was no bass in the monitor onstage for the first two songs (onstage sound remained crappy throughout). However, the sound offstage was much better and the band received an excellent response. Most of the set was captured on video, which actually looks better than the real thing, although the sound is as dodgy as can be expected from a single, small microphone. MAY 2000 Friday 5 May marked Zen Arcade's second appearance at Abelarde Sanction. The band followed indie-rock band Mind and veteran punkers Black Eyed Susan. Although the audience was smallish, the vibe was excellent and the band played a confident, relaxed set, airing Take Out the Trash for the first time in public. General dancing and unruliness ensued. Overall, the response was great, making it an enjoyable gig in every respect but one - the bar ran dry. The party was carried down the road to the Roxy Rhythm Bar, where it continued well into the wee hours. Upwards and onwards ... |
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| Ian, October 1999 |
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| SET LIST STEP BACK QUEEN OF MAKE-DO LOPSIDED AFFAIR SISTER CRAZY OVER YOU TAKE OUT THE TRASH SUMMER SUN |
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| D-BASS DIARY |
| This is strictly my own version of events - mainly to compensate for future brain damage/memory loss. If you feel you have been misrepresented in any way, you're welcome to send me your version - not that it'll make much difference... ALISTAIR |