August 3, 2005. Seattle, Washington. The Showbox
Wed Aug 03, 2005 12:48 pm
Ode To Jon
The reality is evading us... I think - because we're on this tour and Jon is
with us and nothing seems different. Hard to grasp the fact that tonight is
Jon's last show with Eisley. It seems... not real. So, I guess we're not
facing reality. But tonight, Eisely will face it.
Come say farewell to John. Come help us bid farewell to Jon. Long live Jon.
Well, so much for ode's. We're about to bust out of this hotel, head into
the city and... I dunno, do whatever. Eat. Eat coffee. Perhaps some food,
walk around by the sound at sometime... or, the marketplace, as they
call it. Weston wants to go to the Starbucks - the first one, down there.
The show is sold out tonight..."technically", I heard. There might be some
pockets of tickets they were trying to release, but I'm not sure. Well -
gotta go. Have a great day. Tonight we're driving out towards Salt Lake...
I think. We're making it up as we go at this point based on anyone's
favorite, best, wanton desire, choice, decision... whatever.
Come see Jon's last performance tonight and shed a tear or two.
bd
Bauhaus
We're sitting in Bauhaus Books + Coffee on E. Pine in Seattle talking to
Aaron Sprinkle about coming to Tyler to record the band at some point in
the next 6 months... or sooner. Anyway. Take care yall. bd
-----------------------------------------------------
End of an Era. End of a Tour
Nobody could see the tears in Stacy's eyes as she left the stage and
walked directly back to Jon for the last hug of the last show of the last
tour...ever. The lights dimmed, but I caught a moment on video camera
Jon lumbered off stage and gave Garron a two handed high 5 in what
seemed like something of a sign... symbolic: a changing of the guard. I
caught it on film.
Tonight was emotional... though professional. Less public, very private.
Directly after the show, we all walked up the hill for a grand meal at The
Cheescake factory with Jon. We were Joined by Leif, Weezer's lighting
guy... who is fascentated by Eisley's music and wants to work with them.
I have to go now... we're back stage but loading out has already
commenced. I have to say goodbyes to some and get with the program.
More from the hotel when we get back there.
EISLEY IS GOING TO RECORD TOMORROW WITH AARON SPRINKLE!!
more later. boyd
-----------------------------------------
Expositions
There's no way to bring closure to the end of this Jon era. I'm finally
realizing that.
I expected something sadder, harder... more emotional tonight. But I
think I figured out why there wasn't this wrenching pain. Besides the
denial I've been describing, I think it's something more. Jon is still in our
lives. He's still the best friend. He's still the neighbor... in the hood. He's
still coming over for late night coffee and a movie... he's still going to
watch me grill the chicken... We're still going to hang out at our local
Starbucks.
In other words, Jon isn't leaving. So, it's not like the last day of class or
camp where you know you'll never see that person again. It's more
like... he's not working at the same company. Weird. I finally figured out
what's going on in our heads. I should be a shrink. I'm a freakin' monster
and should be treated for madreporite syndrome.
The Showbox
I don't remember how many times we've been there. I really don't. At
least, a handful of times. The hospitality girl things it's been like 5. No
way, right?
Anyway, as I drift off... the show was very good. The crowd was so cool.
The band was candid. They spoke of their love for Seattle. It was genuine
and everyone loved it. Pretty cool finale.
on HOT HOT HEAT
This tour was earmarked by stress. Nobody has a clue... not even an
inkling as to how much drama and stress there'e been behind the scene -
with changing management and losing a band member smashed between
tours, and juggling 2 new tours, having been out since February... but here's what I'm getting at:
It hasn't been the most connected, cohesive tour so far. Everyone has
seemed so busy. Aloof. Hot Hot Heat hasn't paid too much attention to
Eisley - a few words here and there. They've pretty much been into their
own world, rehearsing and writing and learning new material all afternoon
before shows. They're hard workers; very focused.
And, honest... touring has the tendency to make you knumb. Fresh bands
have tons of energy and enthusiasm. Bands that have toured non stop
have a harder time bridging gaps and forging new relationships.
Anyway, the last day of the show proved to provide that cathartic
moment that I didn't expect would come. Hugs and words and phone
numbers being exchanged and lots of regrets about not connecting
more... lots of admissions and confessions about how much stress they'd
been through and how it might have affected the outcome. Lot's of really
sincere words. Don't get me wrong... they've been nice; they've hung out
some... they totally respect that band, love the music and showed great appreciation for the both openers. I've said it before...they're super
sweet guys. But tonight, everything came together as it should have.
WE start recording with Aaron Sprinkle tomorrow. Head Against the Sky.
I'm falling asleep. G'night. bd
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