Would it surprise many of you to learn that I've grown very bored writing and posting our road stories? I'll bet not, considering that my last post was an exhaustive essay on modern outhouses. In fact, I was just discussing this blog last weekend with one of my great old friends, Bill Rexroad, at the Santa Rosa Tick Festival. I told him that, anymore, the story is pretty much always the same: We check out of our motel in the morning, we drive all day, we arrive at the gig on time (usually), we wait around, we play a great show (usually), the audience likes it a lot (usually), and then we go check into a motel, rinse and repeat. The exciting days of trying to resuscitate The Chief each day are over and I just don't think I have much to write about that would be of interest to anyone anymore.
I was a little surprised when Mr. Rexroad admonished me for my poor attitude toward the blog. He said that people really enjoy reading about what we do, where we are etc. So, out of my sincere respect for Bill AND since I'm home for a few weeks, I'd like to ask you folks who are reading this, what do you want to know? What can I tell you that you don't already know? Is there a story, particularly, that you want to read? Is there anything that I've written about that you'd like more information on?
I'll pay attention to your posts and try to respond accordingly. Thanks for reading.
Ok, cool. I'll get on some of these questions as soon as I get done with my stinking taxes (I had to file an 2005 extension...). By the way, I'm not crying about having to write blogs, I actually love writing them. I just felt like I was running out of stuff to say. So keep the questions coming and I will try to answer to the best of my ability (or lie, whichever I think makes a better story).
ReplyDeleteThe blog is a good thing. Accounts of the strange and weird things that you are bound to see when traveling, especially to music venues, are always of interest. Perhaps a more outward focused approach would keep it interesting for all. I agree that there is only so much to say about driving down the road and crashing in a motel.
ReplyDeleteI DEMAND there be daily posts... or maybe weekly posts.... or at least monthly posts... no, wait, HOURLY posts!
ReplyDeleteAnd I DEMAND that I may or may not be Vroomfondel. Sorry, had to get that reference in there.
Anyway, I'm kidding. I think we groopers do a pretty good job of keeping ourselves entertained between posts, so the rate of your posting is no big.
And, when both of you (or have more than two of you posted on here?) post, it is always a good read... so I haven't noticed any lowering-of-quality.
Now, as far as "woke up, drove to new town, did concert, blahdy blahdy blah", well, it's just become too rote for you, hasn't it? My advice: go to a pet store and buy three of their craziest cats, and three energetic mice. While the driver is distracted by... oh, I don't know... driving, perhaps, set the three mice loose on the front passenger floorboard, and the three cats loose somewhere in the back of the vehicle. I don't know if hilarity will ensue, but I'll bet the surviving members will have something to post!
Okay, enough with my being stupid. I enjoy hearing how the crowd reacts to your shows, and I love hearing about people you meet and conversations you have. Despite my rep for being high-maintenance, I don't require anything too fancy.
Also, I like the odd topic thrown in on occasion (you know, seedy motels, the scent of a famous person, etc.).
By now you have likely received enough advice to cure you of asking for it in the future.
ReplyDeleteI realized that my first answer about outward directions could be interpreted as suggesting that we've heard enough about you guys. I assure you all that your friends are always interested in where you are and what you are doing, and the information doesn't have to come in the form of skillfully composed and deathless prose. Just wanted to make that clear.
I might be bringing as many as TEN Wilders Newbies to this thing on Friday! I'm looking forward to it VERY much. And several people have been excited byt he mention of Split Lip, but I'm clueless... judging by their reaction, I figure I'll be having a good time.
ReplyDeleteTwo of the ten are two young girls (Madeline and Olivia if you decide to search my website for them), both under 5 years old, who go into fits of wild and crazy dancing every time I play the "Spring A Leak" CD while I'm babysitting them. Hopefully they can get close to the stage so the band can appreciate their appreciation.
I should go to bed now. I should finish cleaning my house now. I should start typing the merge letter for parents of this year's students now. Guess which one is going to win?
I hope to see many of you in a couple of days.
BroPhil,
ReplyDeleteI think you do a great job writing. Everything you write is very entertaining and exciting. I agree that you writing what you do, keeps everyone who can't be there with you in person, helps them be there in spirit. I check the blog almost everyday for new writings and comments. I wish I was able to travel to all of your gigs but having the blog to read sure helps stay a part of the Wilders. Betse, your writing is great also!! Keep writing and keep in mind that you are a big part of alot of people's lives. Everytime you perform, you touch a new life and make someone else feel great and even if it is just for a moment or for the full hour, the people that listen to you enjoy every song you do and forget about the problems that they have. You guys are truly an inspiration to alot of people. I for one love to listen to your music and enjoy it more when I can see you in person.
You are a great writer Phil, keep it up!! It is a complete joy to come to the blog and read what you have to say!!
Good to hear old stories of the road through new experiences, so that the old isn't old, or becomes new or was new and gets old because you wrote it down, which might happen for you, but not for us, you know what I mean? Well, we just like stories about anything. Stories on drinking. Stories on the people you meet and what you guys did. Life changing experiences. Sun spots. Good to have met you and Kim! Take care. Be well and happy.
ReplyDeleteit was fun to watch all the old folks try to politely get the hell out of there when split lip started playing. I could just hear them muttering, "Bluegrass? Ain't no bluegrass, that's gaw-dang rock and roll !!!"
ReplyDeleteanyway, it was a great show. possibly the best time i've ever had in Olathe.
Hey LVJ .. I completely understand, and no disrespect was intended. I'm 40 myself, so I'm definitely one of Split Lip's "older" fans.
ReplyDeleteI just thought it was funny to watch the reaction. We thought it was kind of weird for Split Lip to be doing a 'family' show .. and were wondering if the folks in charge of the Olathe Summer Concert Series knew what they were getting themselves into.
I love the Wilders and Split Lip Rayfield equally. I have been following both bands pretty much since their beginnings, and was just thrilled at the chance to get to see them play a show together.
Sure wish Split Lip could get a main stage gig at Winfield. They have the talent, but unfortunately sing way too many songs about drugs and whiskey, etc. ... Oh well .. you can't have everything, where would you put it?
peace,
bc