22 april 2000
preperform

(Info for tonight's show is here, in case you're interested in coming, which I know you're not)

Sinking into my pre-gig ritual, relaxing, about to make the first of many cups of licorice tea, I'm letting a soulful tension build within me, all to be released in about 6 1/2 hours when we launch into "Tight Blue Jeans" at the commencement of our fifth (not counting the Wilmington debacle) public outing.

Prior to this band, whenever I gigged, I'd always have a single drink, Johnny Walker Red on the rocks, right before we went on. I did this religiously for years, almost to the point of superstition. This band, however, plays sober. It's kind of an unspoken rule, and a good one. And it's not that a single scotch before a gig will make me less than sober, but I'd rather not be drinking before the gig anyway. It shows a disrespect for the rest of the band, methinks. So, beginning with our first gig back in December, I changed my ritual to imbibe the Johnny Walker Red immediately after we come off stage. And it tastes better that way, when I'm all hot and sweaty and adrenalized. Like I deserve it more.

It's a bad weekend to play, crammed between Good Friday and Easter, and smack dab in the middle of Passover. Everyone seems to be out of town. I can't imagine we'll have that good of a crowd tonight, although we may pick up some random walk-ins from the always-busy Melrose sidewalk. I suggested to Angel putting someone in a gorilla suit out in front of the club for an hour before we go on, beckoning people to come in and hear good music. Yes, I'm worried about the potential low turnout. It's even worse because I know this is gonna be a really good show. It's just something I feel.

Later now ... gotta hit the shower and shave and get that "boyish look" that band management wants from me. Then it's off to load the equipment, drive to the club, setup, soundcheck, change clothes, and perform. I could get used to the life of a musician. I only wish it could pay the rent.

22 april 1999: didn't write: on the way to san francisco

22 april 1998: didn't write: took a night off to have weird phone sex, if I remember correctly.

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