And what about Norfolk?

[Cold Fingaz]

What the hell is the deal with the switchblade? Seriously, that sounds pretty insane to me, and I think somebody mentioned that he's done this before earlier on the tour? I'm not sure I get it. I'm vaguely curious to know how the Norva' management felt about it too. And the other guys in the band that got cut up?

Glad to see the '93 band getting some love. As great as Tommy Keane is (been a fan since the 80's), that band in '93 smoked. Dave Minehan was incredible, as were Josh & Darren. Definitely had the same vibe as the Mats back then too, as it does now. Looking forward to Atlanta!

By the way, the Neighborhoods did a reunion show late last year in Rhode Island, and the amazing Mike Gent (from the Figgs) played with them a bit. Great, great band, they were. Last I knew, Minehan was doing a lot of production work with local bands up in Boston.

[kgp]

fungusyoung said:

What the hell is the deal with the switchblade? Seriously, that sounds pretty insane to me, and I think somebody mentioned that he's done this before earlier on the tour? I'm not sure I get it. I'm vaguely curious to know how the Norva' management felt about it too. And the other guys in the band that got cut up?

Thank you. I was beginning to think I was the only one who finds this whole 'knife play' act a little more than disturbing.

[Toastyinva]

Looks like all the people in the front row are the ones posting here. I was behind the girl with the star glasses in the front (my friend was the bald dude up there). I was part of the gang that got to scream 'Little Mascara' with Paul - way too cool!

I saw the 'Mats in 86 (Tim Tour) and this show very much reminded me of that time period (Paul playing from his gut, making up lyrics, playing covers, and living in the moment). I think Paul had a good time but playing with a band does allow him a bit more "artistic freedom" and he runs with it.

I didn't like the knife bit at all especially this day and age. I didn't pay to see G.G. Allin. I've seen pictures of other gigs this tour and saw where he has also cut his ear. Kinda scary.

I managed to get the harmonica Paul used (I think he used it on Sweet Virginia) and a guitar pick.

I drove in from Richmond since Paul hasn't come here in 10 years!

That was my 3rd trip to the Norva in one week. I'm tired.

[FirstAveFiend]

Toastyinva said:

Looks like all the people in the front row are the ones posting here. I was behind the girl with the star glasses in the front (my friend was the bald dude up there). I was part of the gang that got to scream 'Little Mascara' with Paul - way too cool!

I saw the 'Mats in 86 (Tim Tour) and this show very much reminded me of that time period (Paul playing from his gut, making up lyrics, playing covers, and living in the moment). I think Paul had a good time but playing with a band does allow him a bit more "artistic freedom" and he runs with it.

I didn't like the knife bit at all especially this day and age. I didn't pay to see G.G. Allin. I've seen pictures of other gigs this tour and saw where he has also cut his ear. Kinda scary.

I managed to get the harmonica Paul used (I think he used it on Sweet Virginia) and a guitar pick.

I drove in from Richmond since Paul hasn't come here in 10 years!

That was my 3rd trip to the Norva in one week. I'm tired.

Ok are we really comparing this to GG Allin? Was it that bad?

And as far as the ear goes I'm pretty sure you're referring to the SF show and that was not something intentional. He smashed his guitar and it came back at him and got his head.

If it was again a blood brothers incident I'm still having a hard time reading it compared to GG Allin.

[amahon]

Ok guys, I was able to catch at least the Jim and Paul portion of the "blood brothers" incident. I sent the video to Kathy, so its hopefully gonna be posted on here at some point so you can all see what happened..at least in part....its about 30 seconds, pitiful sound, but you will get the picture.....disturbing, funny, weird as hell, and scary all at the same time....at least thats how I saw it from up front....

Andy

[Steve]

Toastyinva said:

I managed to get the harmonica Paul used

Why did you steal Paul's harmonica?

[jlsgli]

Murray said:

Yes! It was at Towne Point Park right next to Waterside and it was FREE! It rained pretty hard at some point I remember. It was a great show though. I can't remember who was in the band but the guitar player Paul had at the time was phenomenal. He was in some other band too and can't remember what band he was in. Do you? Also, have any of you 'NorFolkers' heard of the bands 'Birds On Drugs' or 'Patio Boys'? Boy, now THERE were two interesting local bands!!!!!!!!

no but we have local band called rip dizzy , if you like pauls sound i think people would dig these guys ,very talented band!

[Kathy]

amahon said:

Ok guys, I was able to catch at least the Jim and Paul portion of the "blood brothers" incident. I sent the video to Kathy, so its hopefully gonna be posted on here at some point so you can all see what happened..at least in part....its about 30 seconds, pitiful sound, but you will get the picture.....disturbing, funny, weird as hell, and scary all at the same time....at least thats how I saw it from up front....

Andy

Here's the video

[jlsgli]

thanks andy!!!

[amahon]

nada problem guys....also have one of when he jumped into the crowd for Little Mascara.....its about 6.5mb, but can email it to people whose accounts can handle it...again, bad sound, but hell...if you were there dancin and screamin with Paul....it was definately worth it......fantastic show. Good to get to talk with others that were there!

[JCret]

here's my 2 cents about Norfolk. (pronounced, Naw-fuk)

Paul Westerberg came to town last Sunday night full of piss, whiskey,
heartache and fire and gave us nothing more than a phenomenal rock and
roll experience.

Having seen the Replacements once in 1988 and Mr. Westerberg once solo
at the same venue in 2002, I thought I was prepared for this one.
However, I am still trying to find the words.

First Off- "Drinking once again...." and goddamn, the pills had
definitely kicked in. He hit the stage like a train slamming on the
brakes- with excitement and abandon, but too much adrenaline (and
whiskey?- never found out what was in that plastic cup) whipping him
around the stage like a rag doll. I was positioned directly down front
about 6 feet off the stage with his amp facing me and the chords were
not coming out easy, but it felt like the eighties (mid) and he seemed
caught up in that incomparable rush that is being front and center in
the rock and roll spotlight- a place where he seems at once completely
at home, and yet somehow unworthy and ridiculous at the same time.
The first three songs rattled off sloppy as hell, but rocked, and what
did it really matter, it was Paul Westerberg being himself.

Then the switchblade came out.  I wasn't aware until I read some other
reviews that this wasn't a first, but it certainly seemed like a
slightly more desperate act than destroying a guitar or an amp-(though
later, Paul did fling his tobacco sunburst vintage hollowbody gibson
about 15 feet into the air in the general direction of stage left-
only to be caught by a roadie i will humbly call Flash- he was freakin
on it.) I hope there are some photos.  So blood brothers they all
became (again?) and the show continued, though at this point in a
slightly more emotional vein.

I felt like I was watching a man unravel.  This guy who has written so
many songs that have meant so much to me and so many other people, so
much so that we feel we are almost his friends- that we understand
him- something he probably finds ridiculous, that pisses him off, and
yet maybe finds the slightest bit comforting.  Here he was- slurring,
tottering, playing the fucking rock and roll god and clown.  He'd stop
playing guitar mid verse and sling his it spitefully, then close his
eyes and just let out a sigh or wail that felt as earnest as the first
time it ever came out.  Going through the motions- then realizing it,
he'd change something a little bit, even a chord or strum or lyric
("if he was from Venus, would he meet us 'in a room'" [wink wink nudge
nudge smile, oh yeah this is about having fun!!]) to bring himself
back into the now.

This concert had a little bit of everything and I'm glad of it. It
seemed really honest to me, which I think, is most important to him.
He didn't really drink anymore once he was onstage, a sip or two at
most, and seemed to sober up and get better and better as the night
went on.  When it was time for the blues, he seemed to embrace them as
an insomniac getting sleep. He solo-ed almost the entire length of
'got a mind to give up livin'- which rendered soulful moments of
brilliance- and finished out the song by tossing his guitar (to flash)
grabbing the mic stand in with both hands and falling flat backwards
onto the stage facing the drums, the last verse just moaned out of him
like a death rattle.

I can't remember exactly what was said, but it was very close to this-
At one point during songs someone yelled out "we love you, Paul" and
he sort of mumbled back, "you're in love with a dead man". Yet another
low point on the emotional swing of the show- Between the blood and
the blues and this quip- I had this feeling of watching someone in the
depths- in some point of a relentlessly painful depression.  I
honestly don't know how much of it was performance and what was real.
We all read into things, but I couldn't shake the feeling of really
seeing this man being thrown around by the inescapable highs and lows
of someone in a psychotic state.

Then he fucking rocked.' Alex Chilton'- 'Can't Hardly Wait'- Blazing
through songs that constitute some of THE best rock and roll. He
seemed happy to be playing, even if for the millionth time, some great
songs that he was proud to have written, taking requests and stopping
if he screwed up a line or two, only to restart with fire.  It was a
great show- an emotional show. Hats off to his band too for really
staying with every twist and turn. It felt really honest. A great rock
show.

Afterwards a small crowd waited outside his bus and he perched in the
doorway to accept photo-ops and sign autographs. I stood in line too.
When it was my turn, I just said "i want to shake your hand and say
thanks".  He shook looked me in the eye and with a firm shake said
"thank you".

So, that's my impression of Norfolk.  It kind of had it all.  If you
were there or you missed it, I hope I have done it an ounce of
justice.
Considering what an emotional ride it was, I hope the man is well.
I'd like to see him play again for a long time to come.

Thanks. Peace.
alright.

[amahon]

wow....now I wish i wouldnt have written anything..not a word....cause everything before the previous entry was pure dribble.....So if you REALLY want to know how the show was....only read that.

hats off to JCret....perfect. Amazing.

The one question I have now is....how much of it was show...and how much is true pain and suffering.....

[TomT]

Nice one JCret. Come around more often.

[pat]

JCret said:

I can't remember exactly what was said, but it was very close to this-
At one point during songs someone yelled out "we love you, Paul" and
he sort of mumbled back, "you're in love with a dead man". Yet another
low point on the emotional swing of the show- Between the blood and
the blues and this quip- I had this feeling of watching someone in the
depths- in some point of a relentlessly painful depression.  I
honestly don't know how much of it was performance and what was real.
We all read into things, but I couldn't shake the feeling of really
seeing this man being thrown around by the inescapable highs and lows
of someone in a psychotic state.

JCret - thanks for the post - I felt the same way after seeing NY & PHILA. You articulated it well.

[pline]

I agree JCret. Very well articulated. Thanks for putting the time and emotion into a nice post. I felt much the same about the Memphis show - I was right next to the stage - great music but also very emotional.

Now that I think about it, it may be one of the reasons I stood farther back at the Louisville show - I was able to just concentrate on the great music.

[michaelb]

Harry said:

I'm probably chiming in with common knowledge, right?....but Josh is in A Perfect Circle. Not doing badly at all......

nope.... he's on tour with sting...the broken music tour, or something like that...

michaelb

[tmcgovern]

JCret in his first post, blows everything else out of the water. What a great review. I saw shows in Memphis and NYC and came away with the same impression. The emotion -- especially on display in Memphis - was powerful, joy and desperation in the space of a single song.

I'm reminded of what Dylan said when referring to how people love Blood on the Tracks so much...to paraphrase, "how can people love something so much that came from such pain"..

Not to add fuel to the drama but Paul's "offhanded" comments about "you're in love with a dead man" and "You won't see me again" remind me of the feeling I had when I saw Nirvana Unplugged the first time it aired...

[cford]

Kathy said:

Here's the video

The sound is a little fuzzy, but I think I hear bass and obviously Jim is preoccupied.. Who's playing it?

CF

[Caroline]

JCret - great review - thanks so much for posting.

[ElegantMule]

Call me sentimental, but I preferred to see PW and Jim kiss - can't remember if it was Milwaukee or Chicago...