Sitting around the table at Pizza Inferno several people, including me, were expressing worry about the impending show at The Fillmore that night. Were the boys going to be too tired after flying in from NYC? "No, I've been told they play best when exhausted" someone said. How were ticket sales? "Around 600 tickets had been sold. There was no real no improvement over last year's sales but that's not surprising because no one wants to pay the Ticket Bastard service fees" someone else said. Finally someone said, "I just feel so sorry that the guys have to walk into The Fillmore with no decorations. No one had stepped up this year."




There was a certain doom in the air. The night before was one hell of a night for music in the area. Yonder, Five Eyed Hand, Magic Gravy, and Blue Turtle Seduction had played. Large numbers of folks were going to Lotus or Yonder in Santa Cruz. Promotion in the Bay Area for the Butter show had been pretty slim. I joked it didn't matter and that the 15 people going to the show would have fun anyway.




After Pizza Inferno we popped over to Arizona Steve's stylish pad for a few drinks and some pre-show merriment. I got to meet Scramble who would be on stage later that night. Cool!




Soon enough we found ourselves within the front 3 rows of The Fillmore with tons of friends and family around. People were all decked out with disco ball necklaces, capes and glitter. Looking behind me The Fillmore was pleasantly full and the fears of the band playing to 15 people were subsided.




Poor Man's Whiskey opening the show was a huge improvement over last year's "That One Guy".

They played with incredible energy and really got the crowd going. They have a really interesting sound and can go from Bluegrass to Metal to Electronica at whiplash speeds. A definite highlight from their set was Terrapin Station with the crowd pumping fists "Terrapin"da de da de da. They also did this electronica song with a Theremin that was amazing, funny, and had me dancing my ass off. At one point the dude playing the Theremin, dressed in Brady Bunch Striped pants, loud polyester shirt, jean jacket and Uncle Rodney Glasses was basically dry humping the Theremin to get it to play and it sounded great! To close the set they brought a bunch of the Butter Boys on stage and did a thrash metal version of Butter's 3.2. Believe it our not it worked pretty well. I thought to myself I'd see these guys anytime.




During the break between the bands I wandered around a bit. I wondered who all these people were. Lots of faces in the crowd I had never seen before. The place was nicely filled and even though it wasn't close to a sell out there were without a doubt more people then the year before. The fanbase was growing for sure. Looking up at the theatrical red curtains and purple chandeliers that hung from the rafters of The Fillmore ceiling I didn't mind no decorations adorning the stage. It didn't need it and all of a sudden I got a feeling that this was going to be one serious show.




The boys took the stage and the crowd erupted joyfully singing Swing and Sway. It was a perfect song to start off the night and I for one was throwin' up my hands and cryn' out for more....oooooo whoooo.

I was stoked to finally hear a new song, "Day Trader", outta the band mid way through the first set. It has a lot of lyrical qualities encouraging the listener to take advantage of life, but I kinda felt like I've been knocked over with the sentiment a few times before. I think my personal jury is out on whether or not I like it. Sometimes these things grow on me, and I was kinda hoping for the song I know Aaron has in his back pocket. I guess it will come when ready.




The first set really took off for me at "Banjo Rock and Roll". Eric was on fire and people in front were getting off dancing in a modified Twist. Total fun. The energy just intensified with a huge Always Be the Moon and then Bam! They floored the hardcore fanbase with Reckless Tex! 100's of phones popped out. People were text messaging like crazy. Taking pictures. High fives everywhere. People singing loudly. It was intense! After 580 shows and 8 really bad years of politics it was without a doubt time to get this cowboy the fuck outta here! I don't care why they did it. Don't wanna analyze why now? I was just thrilled to be singing every word.




Set break was a tad long but it gave everyone a chance to catch their breath. The first set was just flawless. The band looked so happy and comfortable on the stage rather then nervous and unsure as they had the year before. My early fears of doom were put to rest.....buried way more then 6 feet under.




Second set was every bit as good as the first. Maybe better. There were many highlights but it was the "I've Got a Feeling" which really proved how far this Stringless Band has come. This was out and out rock and roll. Aaron nailed the fuck outta the thing. His voice edgy, raspy, strong, hallowed over the audience with fierce intensity. He totally took it to a new level and I wanted to rush him a hot cup mint tea to sooth his vocal cords after. Whoa. And who can't help but crack themselves up over Nat singing "everybody had a wet dream" Just perfect.




Well we danced and had an amazing time through the whole show and I was never ready for it to end. Not for a minute.




After we went to Dave Sheel's house and talked about what a great weekend of music we had in the Bay Area this weekend and how blessed we all were to have each other.




After we went home and put Bundt to bed at 4:20 to get a few minutes of sleep before his flight east while Steve and I giggled and I sent incoherent emails to the list. Sorry folks.....




At 7:00 still up we drove Bundt out to SFO for his B-Day week in NY and then hit Jack in the Box on the way home.




I finally feel asleep at 11am, 26 and a half hours after I had last woke up. Sweet dreams were had for sure.

PRN: HBR I've got a feeling 4-19-08 The Fillmore
Tapers Rock