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Post by FreeRider on Oct 5, 2013 9:12:34 GMT -5
So what do you think Paul and Tommy's feelings are about the Riot Fest gigs? I was hoping that Paul's energy and creativity was sufficiently rejuvenated and inspired by the reactions that he would want to do something more. With or without Tommy.
I was thinking that while there was momentum, hell, why not get booked on SNL again? What a fitting way to come full circle, after getting banned by Lorne Michaels. And speaking of full circle, I'm curious to know if this satisfies Paul in anyway, going out like this rather than the Grant Park gig. I've always kind of felt that he wanted to re-write that ending , going out with good vibes rather than sadness.
Also, Tommy mentioned that they recorded a bunch of other stuff and they didn't know what they were going to do with it. I'm hoping that there will be a new Mats release. And I guess there will a DVD release of their gigs at Riot Fest. But is it too much to think they will do some touring behind it?
Again, there's the burden and pressure of fan expectations placed upon them and their schedules. I sense they'll do something for their hometown, but after that? Where does that leave us and them? Do they keep raising some money for Slim as well? What's next? More solo releases by Paul and Tommy? More Mats studio releases? Or does Paul disappear and gets on with his family life and Tommy goes back to gigging with GnR and that's it?
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Post by ClamsCasino on Oct 5, 2013 17:33:54 GMT -5
My gut feeling is that they're just going to go right on being the Replacements. I don't think this is an ending. Not that they won't also go on doing what they've been doing individually, of course, but it never seemed to me that the whole Riot Fest thing was meant to be an epitaph rewrite. I'd bet money that we'll see more Mats albums and tours in the future.
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BethD
Dances With Posts
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Post by BethD on Oct 5, 2013 17:47:33 GMT -5
My gut feeling is that they're just going to go right on being the Replacements. I don't think this is an ending. Not that they won't also go on doing what they've been doing individually, of course, but it never seemed to me that the whole Riot Fest thing was meant to be an epitaph rewrite. I'd bet money that we'll see more Mats albums and tours in the future. I like the way you think! I hope you are right! |
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Post by FreeRider on Oct 5, 2013 21:47:47 GMT -5
Well, Paul said before in some interview that the band never officially (ie, legally) broke up. so with that in mind, I sure hope that they continue to do their solo gigs and remain the Replacements and churn out new stuff!
Do you think that Paul feels encouraged to do more with his own career now? By that, I mean more CD releases and not a 45 release or some one-off internet download stuff like "Grand Pa Boy's Last Stand". Do you think these gigs inspire him and Tommy at all to do more together?
There hasn't been any media reports yet on how they felt and what they thought about the success of these gigs, so I'm curious to what they're thinking.
I'm really hoping that they want to do more together or solo, especially Paul.
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Post by anarkissed on Oct 6, 2013 1:14:11 GMT -5
God, I hate to be the down voice here, but my feeling is that this was more like two old friends getting together to jam over the weekend...They have a great time, they say: "We really need to do this again!", and then they never talk to each other again for another ten years...Tommy'll keep playing those stupid but lucrative gigs in Malaysia with G 'n' R, and the occasional solo album...I think Paul's done, unless it's some weird lil' off-the-cuff basement download only partially completed demo...Yeah, this was the swan song...
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Post by thematsarealive on Oct 6, 2013 9:58:28 GMT -5
What I know is they won't go on being like the Replacements would have been had they stuck around in the 90's (album, tour, album, etc). We may get more gigs - if they feel up to it. Even some new songs. The fact that they did these increases the chances of more gigs, but at the same time, I would not expect some extended club tour and other shows are not guaranteed.
But, either way, it was great they pulled out the old songbook and gave it a whorl again. Tommy said they wanted to keep it fun, and considering PW's propensity for touring in the last 10 years, I doubt he would want to hit the road. But even doing the occasional high profile gig like Riot Fest or a TV performance would be a breath of fresh air.
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Post by thepogo on Oct 6, 2013 11:44:56 GMT -5
Freerider thats funny you have this post because I was getting ready to ask the same questions. Has anyone heard anything from the Paul and Tommy camp about what they thought of the shows?
I saw the Denver show and I came away with the thought that they were done, at least for a while. The fact they came out dressed up and Pauls off the cuff no script performance (especially the end) gave me the feeling that they put it all out there on stage one last time.
No way I would expect Paul to hit the road. All the spontaneity of one off shows would be gone.
That all being said, I would definately spend the dough to go see them again. It was so refreshing to see a straight up great rock band with no agenda except to have fun and rock out.
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Post by leftofthedial09 on Oct 6, 2013 13:46:54 GMT -5
My thoughts are: the energy and commitment that went in these shows for Paul and Tommy could extend to more shows, at least a 10 date, major city US Tour in the next 6-9 months, but the likelihood of that actually happening is probably slim.
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Post by FreeRider on Oct 6, 2013 13:49:10 GMT -5
yeah, I wouldn't be surprised if Paul went back to leading a normal life. I'd still like to know what their reactions are to the crowd turn out, to meeting their peers again, the favorable press. I mean, people missed them all these years. That must have meant something to them, right? I'm just curious if this has re-energized Paul to come out of seclusion, to put more solo stuff out there or something. Or if it has solidified for him that he has no more interest in long tours than Chris Mars has to get back on seat and play drums with them again.
You know, I certainly don't expect them to go out on tour again in some sort of renaissance to recapture the fame/glory/whatever that eluded them the first go around. If they part their ways and don't do anything more, or if Paul goes back into seclusion, I'm fine with it. I'll still miss them and would love to hear any new material solo or with the Mats. If they decided to do some mini tours or something, that's just icing on the cake. I don't think I could ask anymore of them--whatever happens, happens.
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Post by dee on Oct 6, 2013 19:24:34 GMT -5
Strike while you're hot! Maybe they'll always be hot,but right now they're together and there is nothing really holding them back.
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Post by scottiem on Oct 6, 2013 21:11:28 GMT -5
The future is wide open.... and uncertain for the newest version of our beloved Mats.
I believe it all lies on Westerberg. I have little doubt that Tommy, Josh and Dave would work things out in their schedules to do more show if Paul wanted to do them.
The Riot Fest shows proved a few things. 1) The Mats are still poignant and are VERY entertaining. 2) The guys are healthy, look terrific and Paul's voice is better than ever (IMO...regardless if all songs were tuned a half step down). 3) More shows = opportunity to make more $$ and to give these great songs and the Mats live experience new life to a new age demographic.
We could only wish and hope for the works: A moderate tour maybe to coincide with a new album. Best case scenario would include a 3 month tour of American cities. Large theaters with the Mats doing full length shows... lots of room for digging deeper into the catalog (covers and solo stuff too!). This would be a win-win for all of the fans as well as a decent cash grab for the band. It would also give the band an opportunity to jell as a unit. It would be amazing how good these guys would become.... Freese is a monster drummer and Mineham is underrated and fits in more than people realize.
Now back to reality. Westerberg is probably the most reclusive and unpredictable musical artist to ever strap on a guitar. I think the guy truly has to be happy and in his mind justify more shows. Not just to be motivated by money or by the fans...he has to see real objectives and reasons to do it. it
If I was a betting man...I'd say they'll do a two or three night stand in Minneapolis in a month or so and blow the lid off the First Ave. Then, the Mats will go back into musical purgatory...possibly forever.
It would be a shame if this all didn't continue. I was lucky to have been able to attend the Toronto show. It was simply amazing. I have to still pinch myself. Yes, I was there, yes it was the Mats, yes it was all of those terrific songs, yes they sounded fantastic, yes all of those people singing along together, yes Bob, Steve and Slim were there in spirit.
The Mats live...... please let it keep rolling for a while! They are the brightest star in a dim musical galaxy in 2013.
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Post by FreeRider on Oct 6, 2013 22:02:43 GMT -5
Strike while you're hot! Maybe they'll always be hot,but right now they're together and there is nothing really holding them back. True, there's nothing to hold them back. I agree with your sentiment, but then again, what would the motivation be for Paul and Tommy? Paul has already said in the past he's not interested in fame. Would he and Tommy do it strictly for the money and the financial rewards that always eluded them? A chance for greater economic security? Maybe. But then scottiem has some good points. |
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Post by FreeRider on Oct 6, 2013 22:13:39 GMT -5
The future is wide open.... and uncertain for the newest version of our beloved Mats. I believe it all lies on Westerberg. Agree. But is this what motivates them? To reach a new and younger audience? To raise more funds for Slim's care so he doesn't have to worry about his care ever again? Agree again. It all comes down to Paul and what he's thinking/feeling. I concur with those sentiments as well and like the way you put it. There was talk about a boxed set of the Mats that Paul and Tommy were working on. When you've got a boxed set, that to me says that they're done, even if it's premature. It;s like a summary of your career, signaling that you're finished. Which they aren't because of this reunion. And I don't believe that Paul and Tommy would think of themselves as an oldies act. So there's gotta be at least a new CD of material. I guess time will tell, if it's not killing us. |
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Post by ClamsCasino on Oct 7, 2013 11:28:32 GMT -5
True, there's nothing to hold them back. I agree with your sentiment, but then again, what would the motivation be for Paul and Tommy? When asked if he was excited about the Riot Fest shows, Paul told a fan, "This is what I do." |
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Post by adamapple on Oct 7, 2013 12:51:37 GMT -5
well a few things;
1) I love not knowing. I would never thought this would have taken place & been so damned fun, spirited! They were having a blast & if this IS IT. god bless'em cause they left us wanting more, and made my year!
2) paul and tommy have been playing together since he was 11. that has continued since the mats stopped. we've seen some of it, but it takes place more than we know.
3) it is my belief that slim's stroke really brought a lot of things to the surface. I saw a bound between paul and tommy publicly that i had not seen in a long long time.
4) i wish'em all the best no matter what they do!
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Post by scottiem on Oct 7, 2013 13:35:34 GMT -5
well a few things; 1) I love not knowing. I would never thought this would have taken place & been so damned fun, spirited! They were having a blast & if this IS IT. god bless'em cause they left us wanting more, and made my year! 2) paul and tommy have been playing together since he was 11. that has continued since the mats stopped. we've seen some of it, but it takes place more than we know. 3) it is my belief that slim's stroke really brought a lot of things to the surface. I saw a bound between paul and tommy publicly that i had not seen in a long long time. 4) i wish'em all the best no matter what they do! Good post! Especially #3 |
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daveb
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Post by daveb on Oct 8, 2013 11:54:21 GMT -5
I would hope they would do it for the same reason as any artist does,because they made an album that they're proud of and they're willing to sail the high seas to go out there and play. When have The Replacements done anything that other artists have done?  |
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Post by hootenanny58 on Oct 8, 2013 19:54:12 GMT -5
My own theory?
To a man, the lads have admitted that they never made much money being Replacements. Then they held out for over 20 years while offers to reunite came regularly - bigger then better then best. Then one came up they couldn't refuse. So all those years at minimum wage, and then in three weekends - the f'n lottery.
No doubting they kicked butt at Riot Fest and it felt good for everyone involved. I think that's where they leave it. They showed everyone who was interested what they were like when they "felt like it" and that was the best last line a legend could ask for.
They could put out another record. They might even surprise like the Dolls did with their comeback - still gets loads of play on my Nano:
"There's no foundation
No final resting place
Only emptiness and
Hellish grace"
(BTW 'saw the Dolls in 2011 and so glad to have the chance given that I went through puberty to the screech of Too Much Too Soon. Oui, I'm old - but still good.)
My best guess as to what Paul and Tommy do now? Paul can write good songs in his sleep; increasingly personal themes. He does it for his own amusement these days. Tommy? It took me a few run-throughs to warm up to One Man Mutiny, but now I like it fine. The last payday for both of them means they can do it when they want because they can. (Is there a more literate songwriter than Tommy though? David Johansen maybe?)
I could be really wrong about the Mats' next chapter - and I wish I could be so wrong. They did it their way, and now the world knows that the Replacements were no urban myth. They were the real deal; among the top ten of all time at least. (Does the R'n'R HoF make sense? Now there's a question.) Numero uno in my book.
The novel's fine the way it is, unresolved plots and all. Cut it loose.
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Post by bigbak on Oct 9, 2013 8:53:13 GMT -5
Vegas, baby, Vegas - a six-week run at the Bellagio. Then, when Bruno Mars has to cancel due to a twisted ankle and a broken heart, they are pressed into service as the featured performers at the SuperBowl halftime show. Millions of people all over the world become smitten with the 'mats and a worldwide stadium tour, with Kesha and Eminem as openers, follows.
Seriously.
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Post by Stegman on Oct 9, 2013 11:59:15 GMT -5
This thread is bumming me out. A few weeks back I was much more optimistic about a full-blown reunion, but the naysayers are making some good points.
The one thing in favor of the best-case scenario is the fact that they got together to record a half-dozen songs after the Songs for Slim thing. Why do that if this was going to be a swansong or just a chance to jam with some old friends? They could have done those shows without spending time in the studio.
To me, the recording was dipping the toe in the water. The RiotFest gigs amounted to wading in a little deeper. They seemed to be having a blast, so why not continue. Westerberg already hinted that some Minny shows were likely.
Maybe it's just wishful thinking, but I'm guessing they lay low through the holidays. Then in 2014 they embark on a big city tour or do some more recording and release an album. Or perhaps both.
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