Opening gigs rule, most of the time.
A long time ago, I used to play out a lot. I am ready to play out again, although different music. It still helps to have these experiences, even if they just make me happy.
Warrant (2000?)
Warrant was Vegas, around the year 2000. There was a state fair or some event going on for weeks they were playing. I worked the kitchen at a local club. In Vegas, clubs are local, or for the tourists. At least then it was that way. Could be all different now. The place used to change rapidly so I wouldn’t be surprised. Anyway, I was working the kitchen and they called me “Kitchen Kelly, he really cooks!” I’d play an acoustic set and cook every night.
Until one night this band walked in….
One night, Jayne Lane from Warrant and the rest of the band walked in. They borrowed my ovation acoustic, played “Cherry Pie” on it. Then they came back to the joint every night for a week, maybe more. Was fun to bullshit with them. I was a kid, pretty much. But they were nice to me. They also drank a lot. But I didn’t witness shenanigans. They were fairly mellow compared to what I was expecting.
Cracker (1996?)
Cracker was San Antonio, Texas. We had plastered the whole strip with flyers for the show. When we were loading in the venue that Friday, we noticed all of our flyers had been covered by Tori Amos flyers. As if they had been directed to look for our flyer on a pole, and put theirs directly on top. Every pole. We made 6 dollars. But it was fun and Cracker was amazing. Cracker still makes good music. A nice band and great musicians.
Bowling For Soup (1994?)
I went to high school with a few of these guys. They moved to Denton and got signed. I remember celebrating for them. Before that, I opened for them here in town. I was in a cover band called “The Butcher Boys.” Our schtick was to get cover gigs and butcher the hell out of the songs however we wanted. Best of both worlds. We were in our first jam, a funk rendition of “Longview” from Greenday, when the drummer grabbed one of his drum mics and started yelling at me through the PA system about being a fat ass and a weird kid. He was escorted out. Show over.
About Jaret and Burney.
BFS was fronted by a dude named Jaret Reddick. He spent a lot of time with me that evening even though his band had a show. Burney was nice to me too. Burney and Jaret were a little older so it felt cool they were so nice. He told me I didn’t need old drunks, I needed good musicians. He really helped me in a tight mental spot. Gave me advice I still remember to this day. If you ever hear a BFS song, keep in mind, those are totally nice dudes.
About meeting other musicians,
I enjoy the company of folks who make music, have for a long time. I don’t even remember playing my set usually, just remember handshakes and good vibes. It is awesome if you keep that in mind for how you come off to other musicians. You might be making impressions, just not on who you’re singing at. It’s helpful to be open, nice, and warm to other bands. They might call you someday.
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