I haven’t had a chance to post until now, but I just had to comment on this remarkable show.
This was my 30th Soul Asylum show and it’s going to go down as one of my absolute favorites.
First of all, it was just a great show. Despite the oddness of the crowd, there was a great energy in the place and the band seemed to feed off it.
Second, the set list was dynamite. I absolutely love Dave’s performance of “When I Ran Off and Left Her” and it was a lot of fun to hear the impromptu “Blue Suede Shoes.” I am also still over the moon about the new songs. I had the opportunity to see them perform “Gravity” and “Into the Light” in Connecticut, so the Orlando show was my second time hearing them (and I have since heard them for a third time in Biloxi), but I still have that heady, intoxicating feeling that you get when you first fall in love. I think the songs are truly fantastic, and “Gravity” in particular is just smoking live.
Third, I got to attend the show with fellow fans and friends – Peggy, Eric, and Pat – while also getting to meet some new ones like Tod.
But what really put the show over the top was hearing them play "Stranger" -- and having Dave dedicate it to me! That song has been on my most-wanted list for so long. When I learned about the new songs and the fact that they added the Vic Chesnutt song to the set, I though the odds of hearing "Stranger" were pretty much non-existent. I figured they already had enough material to deal with… but I thought it was worth one more request, so I made a special sign. When they came out and launched into it for the encore, I nearly jumped out of my skin. It's such an extraordinary song and it sounded so, so great. It just made my night, my week, my month, my year.
As erocmann noted, Dave did come out to say hi after the show. I’ve often remarked on how gracious he is, but he was in especially good form this time. A lot of the credit goes to Peggy, who was wearing her Ferret t-shirt, which Dave got a big kick out of. He just lit up talking to her about it.
After Dave left the lobby, Pat and I headed to the Hard Rock bar on our own, but we ultimately ended up reconnecting with Dave and having drinks on the terrace with him and a few other people.
When I reflect on it now, I realize I had absolutely no business being in a music conversation with Dave Pirner and the manager of the Hard Rock Café’s memorabilia collection. It was kind of like a scene out of "High Fidelity" on steroids. But how fun it was to be part of that conversation, to contribute my opinions, and to hear insights into various bands and musicians from guys who have forgotten more about music than I’ll ever know. I’ll admit it was not my proudest moment when I inadvertently referred to the Stone Temple Pilots as the Stone Temple
Pirates.
I honestly hadn’t even realized I’d done it. Dave tapped me and was smiling as he diplomatically pointed out my error. He said something like, “I don’t know if you realize you just made a ‘typo’ but you actually came up with something better.” He insisted that I had improved upon the name. So I suggested it could be the name for the tribute band and we agreed they could sport eye patches.
I’ll just conclude by saying what a genuinely great guy he is. I am always struck by how gracious he is with fans, how thoughtful he is of all the people around him (e.g., the coordinators for the various venues, the wait staff), and how respectful he is of other musicians. He’s truly a class act and absolutely delightful to talk to.
It was also great to talk to Pete. I was a Figgs fan to begin with, so I was thrilled when I first learned that Pete was going to be filling in for Tommy. But he has really found his groove with the band and he’s such a great addition – strong musician, good stage presence, and such a nice guy. I suggested having the Figgs open for Soul Asylum at an upcoming show and both Dave and Pete seemed to be into it, so I really hope it happens – and if it does happen, I hope it's a show that I’m able to be at!!!
Truly an amazing night.