Pricklefest 2022 in Urbana

The show was good.  The last band wasn't exactly my taste.  Took us a while to find pancakes, but we did (Denny's!).  Bike taillights went out on the way home, so I stayed in Gilman till morning.  Tested positive for COVID two days later, as did Tony and Robert.

Faith No More, Voivod, Soundgarden at Mabel's

Did i go to the show by myself?

I remember loving Faith No More.  I don't remember much about Voivod.  And the only thing i remember about Soundgarden is falling asleep standing up.

Years later, i found out Tiny was at this show.  Alas, i would not meet him for another decade or more.

Culture, The Spores at Mabel's

Well i sure don't remember this concert at all.  But here's the ticket stub proving i was there:

What's funny is, i distinctly remember buying my first Culture CD.  It was in downtown Evanston the summer i was parking cars (1992?) at the suggestion of the guy who worked at the CD store (i'd have called it a 'record store', but they only sold CDs).  I do not recall knowing Culture at the time.  Did i even remember this concert then?...

Flaming Lips at Trito's Uptown

The internet tells me this was at Trito's, but I would have sworn it was Mabels.  Still the most sense-overwhelming show I've ever seen.  Loud.  Lights.  Smoke.  You name it, they brought it.  And turned it up to 11.

REM, NRBQ at Assembly Hall

If memory serves (and it sometimes does), Lionel scored "good tickets" last minute for all of us for cheap. I was dubious, but went in on them. The seats were actually pretty close. And right behind a pole.

Were other roommates here? Probably. I can't really remember anyone there besides Michael Stipe and the pole.

Smashing Pumpkins at Trito's Uptown

All i remember about this show is that it was kinda boring.  But i got in for free, so there's that.

7 Seconds, Poster Children, bad flannel at Mabel's

I think i was at this show...  I know i saw 7 Seconds at Mabel's with Johno, and this is the only time i can find they played there, so...

I'm pretty sure that 99 Red Balloons was the only song i recognized.

Speaking of 7 Seconds and Johno, some time after this (maybe right after, maybe a couple of months later), Johno and i drove up to see them in my '78 rabbit (which, while old, wasn't nearly as old at the time as it sounds now).  The show was at Bowen Park up in Waukegan.  One of Johno's favorite bands playing in one of his favorite parks - the stage was set for an epic show.  Unfortunately, the car broke down (can't remember what exactly, but it certainly didn't go) in a toll plaza on the way up.  We called my mom somehow (cell phones were still only on Star Trek at this point) and she sent a tow truck.  Alas, she sent it to the wrong toll plaza, so it didn't come for hours.  We missed the show, but had the longest, strangest conversation while stuck in the car.  I don't remember many of the specifics, but i know we did touch on semis driving sideways down the highway and phlegmsicles.  And was this the genesis of the word 'flabbergasket'?  If so, we certainly owe the tow truck mixup a huge debt.

The rabbit would never be driven by me again (and probably no one else).  The repairs required cost way more than it was worth, so my mom donated it to the Zion high school auto department.  At least we all thought she did.  Months later, i got a notice that it had been abandoned near the high school...

Jane's Addiction at Mabel's

This show was amazing.  I remember they closed with Chip Away played on pickle buckets.  When Johno and i left the show, we were literally steaming because of how hot and sweaty we were (and it was cold out).  I think we went to a party afterwards.

Volcano Suns, Poster Children at Trito's Uptown

I remember being at this show, but honestly don't remember much about it.  I'm not even sure who i went with.  Johno? Gumby?  Both seem likely due to the time period and venue, but i really don't recall.

The only thing that sticks in my head after all these years is the drummer's hair waving crazily about.  Which is odd, since in every picture the internet turned up the drummer has short hair.  Oh well.

They Might Be Giants at Mabel's

The second time seeing They Might be Giants at Mabels.  The second time being flogged by Frank's hair.  You'd think i'd find a better place to stand.

fIREHOSE, Screaming Trees, Poster Children at Mabel's

I hadn't heard any of these bands at the time.  Well, i don't remember Poster Children playing the show, but maybe i had heard of them (?).  My boss, Mike Lit, highly recommended the show, and we went together.  Can't say i remember much about the show, except liking it.

My brain seems to be conflating this show with this one.

They Might Be Giants at Mabel's

They Might be Giants are great.  Standing behind Tripping Frank and his wildly swinging long hair, not so much.

Judging by the date, i went to this show with a bunch of new friends.  Could this be the first show i went to with Johno?  i think it might be...

American Music Club, Lonely Trailer at Trito's Uptown

Another show i remember little about.  Definitely went with Mike Lit, as he was a fan of AMC.

I thought this show was at Mabel's, but this flyer says otherwise.  Huh - my brain seems to be conflating this show with this one.

U2 at Assembly Hall, Champaign

We sat dead center in the very last row ... I could reach back at touch the domed ceiling.  Turns out that johno was sitting just a few seats over, but this was before I knew him.

Jello Biafra at Foellinger Auditorium

This was 'just' a speaking engagement.  He had some good things to say, and wasn't nearly as eye-rolling as it could have been.  I wonder if I would have the same reaction now?

Before the show, Lisa and I were cutting through the Union, and we passed a guy walking the other way.  He was fairly loudly 'holding court' with a couple of toadies in tow.  After passing, I said something to the effect of calling him a loud-mouthed schnook to Lisa.  The schnook was on the other foot when we got to the speaking engagement and realized that guy was Mr. Biafra himself.


Note:  This show did NOT take place on January 1st, 1970.  It was probably a lot closer to sometime in 1990.  But I cannot find the actual date, so this is the place-holder.  If memory serves, in January 1970 I was busy moving to the house I would grow up in.  And also getting ready to turn 1 in March of that year...