One week day approximately 3 weeks before the show, drummer Big Ross Man called me via cellular phone. I wondered at what he might be calling for, but he was quick to get to the point. He explained that their upcoming show at 602 North might have to be canceled, for guitarist Bill Knobs was unable to play due to a personal engagement. He abruptly asked me if I might be able to, and willing to, fill in on the guitar for that show. My mind raced; it relayed to my mouth to answer 'no', yet my mouth spurted out 'sure'. He explained that he had just come up with the idea and was on his way to rehersal. He had not run the idea past anyone else in the group and would get back to me. I worried that I wasn't up to the task, for as well as I know their songs from listening to them, their style is very different from that which I am used to playing. But my mouth blurted out 'yes' because I knew that deep down inside I could not pass up a chance to share the stage with the Knobs and to better myself as a musician.
I eagerly awaited Ross to call me back and he finally did (the next day I believe). He said that all in the group were in favor of the idea! I was very excited. He added however that Bill was going to do his best to get out of his engagement and make the show. He needed a few days to see what he could do. If he couldn't play, I was in. Well those 2 days passed rather slowly and when I didn't hear from Ross I started calling him incessantly. Of course he had no updates to speak of. I even corresponded via e-mail directly with Bill who also said that he needed a few days.
We played a show at Mugsy's a few days later. Dr. Z showed up to rock out with us and after the show he was congratulating me. I thanked him and he added in passing, 'oh yeah, you're in'. I sternly asked him if this was for real, because I certainly did not treat this lightly. He assured me that it was; Bill had confirmed he could not play. My mind raced. The expedition had begun.
We immediately made plans for rehersal. We worked out 4 rehersals in the 3 weeks remainging until the gig. Ross soon explained that the group was expected to play an extra long 60 minute set. We emailed back and forth for a while until we came up with a massive 21 song set:
1) Theme
2) Testy Twist
3) Sorority Shakedown
4) I'm Bored
5) Glad All Over
6) All night party action
7) Full Metal Assault
8) Gas Mask
9) Skirts Up
10 Motor City's Been shakin
11) Wild colonial boy
12) Cell Block Strut
13) Fangs
14) Heartful of Soul
15) White Riot
16) Youth culture explosion
17) Library Girl
18) Wild Days
19) Wooly Bully
20) CIA
21) HS caesar
22) Theme (reprise)
I chose the 4 covers from a list that Ross had sent me. I proabably knew 7 or 8 of the songs 90%-100% already. The main problem was the use of lead guitar in the songs. The very nature of their style entails lots of lead and solos in every song. This was a problem. For alhough I could solo for extended periods, I really only felt comfortable with the riffs and backbeats provided by Low Profile which I was accustomed to. Bill's style is based on blues scales, and while I knew the scales, their use was basically foreign to me. Bill also interjects a wild type of noise into his leads, which is very difficult (by my standards) to emulate. I didn't want to play something that was out of place, even if the band said it was OK. I then set about to fuck around and figure out Bills 'moves'. I struck gold within a day or so of playing every night and remembering things I had seen him do at live shows. Bill and I then also made plans to meet up before the 1st rehersal to sit down with each other privately so I could pick his brain. An extremely hectic schedule then ensued.
Friday -- Powerknobs live at Lyons Den
Saturday -- Meet up with Bill
Sunday -- Reherse with Low Profile, then reherse with Powerknobs
Monday -- Reherse with Powerknobs
then the following week:
Saturday -- Reherse with Low profile, then the Powerknobs
Sunday -- same thing
then the following Friday was the show.
I was a little nervous to come to their gig at Lyons Den although I had seen them live 6 times at least before and played shows with them (in Low Profile) 5 additional times. They all joked about it while I was secretly scared, and they all seemed assured that I would have no problems at all. Bill came over the next day and filled in all the holes in my musical knowledge of their material.
The next day I was racing to get Low Profile rehersal over with. To make matters worse, we were (and still are) in the midst of writing a ton of new material with Low Profile, which did well to pack my brain even tighter with more and more songs to memorize. That evening I showed up at Powerknobs practice. Bill came out just in case I didn't understand something. I think the first song we played was 'My Wild Days Have Just Begun'. The main riff was simple enough but I was only anticipating the lead break. I was so preoccupied with it that I'm suprised that I didn't bust into like 15 seconds into the song.
The solo in that song is preceded by a drum/bass solo type of section. Bill plays with a pedal made by Boss called 'Blues Driver'. For this application, its simply perfect. I had complimted Bill on it many times before. Well I had my foot poised above that thing and stomped it when the moment finally arrived. I closed my eyes and felt my body swing side to side as I turned my mind off. My hand knew the 12 notes or so in the scale and I stopped trying to think of what note to hit or bend next. I just played and somehow it came out better then I had been able to produce alone in my office, jamming along to the CD (as I had been doing every night). I impressed myself!
I'm still surprised, but that practice really went off without a hitch. I'm glad Bill was there, as there were a few parts I was unclear about or simply playing incorrectly, he was quickly available to straighten me out. It felt like a weight was lifted from my entire body.
The next day was Martin Luther King Day, I had it off of work. The rest of the band didn't, so we practiced in the evening when they all got home. Bill didn't come this time but it felt great. I was playing out of Bills entire rig (amp and effects) and Dr. Z stood a couple feet away playing the keys. It was very strange and surreal, and lots of fun. Gaynor showed up though saying that he had not slept the night before. A realitive of his wife had died, and he would have to fly out immediately and spend the next 7 days in New York, making him unavailable for next weeks practices. We immediately struck upon the idea to invite the 'other' Powerknob: Bill. Also their PA head was about to die -- I voulenteered to bring my own for the remaining practices so they could bring it in for repair. That started a cycle of transfering equipment constantly for the next couple weeks.
The next week entailed 4 rehersals in 2 days with 2 bands. Very hardcore scheudle. Bill came out both days and replaced GAynor so we didn't get completely lost in the songs without vocals. The first song we played on Saturday with him was 'Testosterone Twist'. When he broke in with his vocals, we all almost stopped playing. It was very odd to hear anyone but Gaynor, much less Bill. He did a great job though and we would have been really fucked without him.
After Sunday's practice I packed up all of Bills rig with his permission. I didn't want to play my own amp and shit at the show because I feared it would provide a way off kilter 'Low Profile-ish' sound, which I certainly didn't feel would lend itself to the Powerknobs. I also busted out my Strat with EMG Select pickups for all the rehersals and the gig itself. I never play it otherwise because its sound is way too 'clean'. Even when distorted you can hear the attack of the strings and what not way too well. But thru Bills tube amp, it sounded pretty good, and blended well with their style and sound. I feared that I would break a string at the show, because as a backup I had no choice but to bring a Jackson for backup, and I didn't want that imagery or sound at the gig whatsoever (I later found out, this wouldnt be a problem, the Strat played flawlessly).
Ross and I talked during the week about other arrangements. He was interested in getting a Hotel room for after the gig, to prevent having to drive home drunk way back to his crib deep in the city. I told him that I would not be staying there (Had to work the next day, in order to get the Friday off for the show), but that I would throw in money to stay there (speaking of which, Ross, if youre reading this....I asked you more then once in email how much you wanted and you never responded. And it was completely from my mind the day of the gig. If you want that loot, say the word!). Ross told me that he would going to come straight to the gig from work, while I had the day off...I quickly told him that I would love to check in in the early afternoon and chill all day before the show. He agreed that that was fine.
Abotu a day before the gig, Bill emailed me and Dr. Z saying that someone had to pick up an order of T-shirts from the palce in Melrose PArk. I agreed to do it since it was basically on my way from my crib to the hotel/venue. So I got those around 3 pm and made it to the hotel before 4. I proceeded to lie around and watched an excellent movie 'A River Runs Through It' (highly recommended!). I also busted out the complimentary iron and ironing board and did my best to iron my shirt (I've never ironed before!). It came out a lil better. I brought soem Moet espically for the occassion and thru it on ice.
I hadn't eaten all day so I figured I would have something delievered shortly before I left for the show. We were playing 2nd, from 1030-1130. The first band was to go on at 9 pm, so per manager Dave's instructions (I called him personally at the venue the day before the show) we were to load at at 8. I looked thru the phone book and ended up calling a place called Josephs Pizza which was located in the same city as the venue and hotel (and therefore, in my mind, should be a quick delivery) of Glendale Heights. I ordered a veal parmisian sandwich and an order of cheese fries. I ordered at 6. The venue was litereally 1/4 mile away further down North Ave., so I figured the food would arrive at 7 or so, then I could eat and change and then begin loading my equipment back into my car (due to extreme cold weather, I took all my shit up to the 3rd floor hotel room which incidentally sucked really bad!).
Well 7 rolled around. No delivery. I'll bet you can guess where this is headed. Now I'm not only running out of time, but very hungry! I called the place again around 720 and they said the driver was out and would have to arrive soon. HAving worked in a resturant, including as the delivery driver himself, I well knew that calling wouldn't do anything. Well 745 rolled around and still nothing. Extremely irate, I called again and bitched more. The guy showed up right around 750. Suprisingly, the food was hot and very good. I eat really fast normally but I got out of line here. I was rushed and starved. I had no fork for the cheese fries and was getting cheese all over mysefl like an asshole. I wolfed down the massive foot long (or so) veal sandwich. I loaded my car and bolted to the club.
By 815 I felt really stupid. Dr. Z and Gaynor were already there (my entire purpose in getting to a club to load in on time is assuming worst case scenario that The other members are extremely late and there is no band representation at all). I had plenty of time and could have waiting most likey. Ross called and said he would be late cause he got stuck at work. I sat down at the bar with the 2 Mikes and my stomach started grumbling. I got furious with myself and the damn pizza place and its driver. I quickly evacuated by intestines and colon and tried to relax. I was getting a few nerves at this point now which didn't help. I ordered a Red Bull and that quickly sparked my guts back up again. I went for a brief round 2 and prayed that I was done (I was). The first performer, Patrick Capone, was exactly as he sounded and looked when I checked out his site in advance. His set seemed to go by really fast and the sound was good (from teh band and the PA). Before I knew it he was done and it was time to set up. Quite a few people showed up including almost all of the people that promised to come. (Leo aka Bones had promised to come with a friend from work. He sent me a text message while we played (I got it after the show) saying something like his car doors were frozen (entirely possible, it was bitterly cold out)).
My brother (he brought 3 people instead of the 1 he originally promised) My girlfriend Jessica (she brouhgt an unexpected friend) Shaun and Robin from Burnside Bridge (came out of nowhere! totally unexpected!)
The crowd was large and ready to go. As was I! I had brought my wireless system but it was acting very oddly with this amp and the effects which I normally dont use. EVen with the master switch killed on the guitar itself (yes, my Strat has one) it would feedback. I got rid of it and plugged in directly (using the same cords) and everything worked! I had no time or inclination to figure out why or fix it, I just put it away. My girlfriend showed up in the nick of time with the surge protector I had forgotten to bring (I called her before the show).
We busted into the opener, the insturmental 'Theme from the Powerknobs' and my mind started racing out of control. I was becoming very confused by teh structure of the song and started panic ing. All of these thoughts and many more raced thru -- in probably 5 seconds or so. After that, it just flowed by. I can't really think of any highlights (or low lights for that matter) really. We played maybe the first 7 or 9 songs like a medley without stopping at all. I had been afraid that the vest and dress clothes would get really hot but they didnt at all! I certainly was not 100% active as normal with Low Profile, but that may have been made up for by the bright lights (of which there were many). The stage was super nice and very large with a drum riser. They have a great light setup and 2 massive smoke machines which all worked great and were used perfectly. Everything was basically perfect. During our rehersals, I had never had a mic of my own to sing backups into. Gaynor had asked me before hand if I would like one at the gig and I left it competely up to him. I didn't want to be obtrusive (which I figured would happen on its own either way, vocally) on their sound, but he gave me one anyways. As I sang some backups I quickly noticed that I was louder in the mix (and just too used to shouting more or less) so I sang less backups and got further from the mic. I do regret possibly some of my backups but I was excited and I'm used to singing. Everyone basically told me it was great (although they did notice my loudness) but I might have toned it down a bit.
At some point I saw a guy I noticed. I approached him and he ended up being a worker from a West Chicago club called the Vinyl Underground (which was also at certain points recording studio and/or record store). I confirmed that it was him and he remembered me. I had played at the Vinyl Underground while filling in for another band, Shooting Blanks! Very odd, twice he sees me and both times I'm not playing with my own band. Cool guy though I still don't know his name. He also recounted having seen Dan (drummer from Shooting Blanks) at some other club I had never heard of and forget the name of now.
With Low Profile, we play like a 10 song 30 min. set and I'm exuasted and soaked in sweat. For this I played a 21 song 60 minute set and was wearing a huge get up (as opposed to my normally regular shorts and tshirt) and under a ton of lights and I hardly sweat at all. Very interesting.
The 3rd band, I don't remember their name. I was told once at the gig. We didn't know it advance as we did for opener Patrick Capone. The reminded me of the attitude you approach song writing with when you first start. That is to say, to be extremely massive in scope. Trying to be super complex and have all these insturments soloing...their drummer espically was good but was just overplaying. They were all overplaying their insturments. They looked extremely young, I'd guess from like 15-18. Later Dr. Z approached me and wanted to pay me of their total payday for my work. I refused it maybe 7 times then finally took only $20 of the total. I hadn't wanted it, but it would come in handy!
After the gig I just drank a few 7 ups and eventually had one vodka redbull. I took off for the hotel as soon as the 3rd band finished. I ran back with Rob following me in his own car and changed back into my Prada velour I had been wearing before I changed previous to the gig in the hotel room. Suddenly I realized that I had lost my camera! I had brought it to the club in teh duffle bag with all my cables and whatnot. I hadnt used it since Rob brought his and was taking pics. After our set, I had gone into the bag for something else and it wasnt there. I accounted it to being left at the hotel. Well now that we were back at the hotel, it was neither place. I got scared and mad and tryed to figure it out. Rob tried to help and I quickly decided that I didn't care. I wasn't going to dwell on it and let it ruin the night, as I had looked forward to partying afterwards in teh room all along. I decided that someone must have actually had the gall to go into my bag after the show and taken it! Ross and Andrew then showed up and Ross said that he had seen it on the drum riser! Then I realized in my pre set panic I had taken it out to get the wires and whatnot out and left it on the stage! I wondered if the 3rd band of some other unsavory (though I would have stolen it, I maintained all along) had taken it for themselves. The club was now closed, but I called 411 and got their number, and then called. I asked to speak to DAve, the guy I had talked with before the show (and introduced myself to at the venue). I asked him and he immediately said that he had it. HE said that although they were closed, he would be there for another hour and that I could call him when I was outside and he would bring it out.
First I popped open a bottle of Moet (1 of 2 I had bought before the show for this occassion specifically, $60 worth total) I had iced before hand and fired the cork across the room. We all had a toast and drank some. Then I raced back. I decided that this guy deserved a reward. I offered him the $20 Dr. Z had paid me earlier for his good deed and he only refused once, then took it. I was so happy to have it back, and when Andrew let me in when I returned I immediately snapped a pic.
I went back to the hotel and Rob left soon. I stayed their with Ross, his girlfriend and Andrew for a while. We listened to all types of obscure music on his I-pod and drank another bottle of champagne. Ross and Andrew hadnt eaten all day but went and bought 12 beers for a ridiciolous amount from room service. I wasn't very drunk if at all but they were all pretty smashed, having drank at the club all night as well. I cruised home around 5 am and stopped at the 24 hour arbys by my house on the way. I ate and finally crashed and slept in the next day until the minute I had to be at work.
It was quite an oddsey and Id like to thank the individual Powerknobs, espcially Bill, for letting me take this on. It seems as though everyone was pleased with the outcome and I know I was. Our performace was certainly well prepared and executed perfectly, and every other aspect of the show and the venue were basically perfect as well. Hell, indlucing the beginning of my day (lounging in a hotel room), the whole 24 hour period was pretty damn good. Thanks guys!!
--satan165