Walsby had an interesting post on facebook- I'm curious about the specifics.. he should do a book full of 'Melvins vs. Promoter'-stories.
QuoteThere is a treasure chest full of great stories involving the Melvins and a few dipshit promoters and venues, all of which revolve around the band more or less standing up for themselves and gladly walking when push came to shove. There have certainly been more than one occasion where the band was told that they would never work in some town EVER AGAIN (just like Hollywood!) only to be welcomed back gladly after some idiot promoter got canned or some "rock club" went bankrupt by a cooler more fair person/club. It is one of the reasons I admire them. They are the underdogs sticking up for the underdogs. I think people can sense that.
i would love to hear some stories that pertain to this
Quote from: laughingwlucifer65 on August 25, 2013, 08:14:46 PM
i would love to hear some stories that pertain to this
I second that..
I think there's a story in why Melvins haven't played Buffalo since '09. Last time was that off night from the Down tour at Town Ballroom. Night before they were with Down in Rochester which was well attended. A lot of people left during Down's set(myself included). I couldn't wait to see Melvins again next night. The Buffalo show was Melvins(2 sets), with Weedeater opening and was pretty poorly attended. Previous two times in Buffalo - '06 & '08 were good turnouts. From what I understand, local promoter was also a member of some local generic stoner-rock band who wanted to open. When they were told no locals, they decided to barely promote the show. Faggots.
There were literally like 8 people watching Weedeater's set, and maybe 50-100 tops by the time Melvins hit stage. Still one of the best shows I saw them play. Seriously, nobody even knew Weedeater were on. 6 months later Weedeater plays to a packed house at a smaller club, and that show was hyped up months in advance. That promoter has since folded, so hopefully the Melvins come through and get a better deal next time. If not, I'll gladly keep driving to Cleveland, Syracuse, or Rochester.
Weedeater is a good band for sure! Saw them With Gates of slumber a few years back in Toronto!
awesome!
I definetly want to hear these Melvins Vs. promoter stories, Hell, most education I have ever gotten on the *REAL* music Industry!
Melvins stories and Interviews are my main staple because they are not inflated or biased, just the damn Truth, and sometimes Its definetly stranger than Fiction.
Back in 2004 they were supposed to play at the Rave in Milwaukee but they had a similar situation where there were some local bands that were going to play beforehand, I'm not sure if they had to pay to play (the Rave is known to do that) or if the local bands were just not going to get paid. Anyways, one of those bands Droids Attack somehow got a hold of the Melvins "road manager" (whoever the heck that is) and asked some questions which caused the Melvins to call the Rave and cancel the show because they didn't want to have other openers and/or screw over local bands. Luckily I was able to go to the show the next day in Chicago, but it wasn't until last year that they started playing Milwaukee again, at a different, better venue.
this thread is a great idea!
Quote from: Chief Ten Beers on August 26, 2013, 04:06:42 PM
I think there's a story in why Melvins haven't played Buffalo since '09. Last time was that off night from the Down tour at Town Ballroom. Night before they were with Down in Rochester which was well attended. A lot of people left during Down's set(myself included). I couldn't wait to see Melvins again next night. The Buffalo show was Melvins(2 sets), with Weedeater opening and was pretty poorly attended. Previous two times in Buffalo - '06 & '08 were good turnouts. From what I understand, local promoter was also a member of some local generic stoner-rock band who wanted to open. When they were told no locals, they decided to barely promote the show. Faggots.
There were literally like 8 people watching Weedeater's set, and maybe 50-100 tops by the time Melvins hit stage. Still one of the best shows I saw them play. Seriously, nobody even knew Weedeater were on. 6 months later Weedeater plays to a packed house at a smaller club, and that show was hyped up months in advance. That promoter has since folded, so hopefully the Melvins come through and get a better deal next time. If not, I'll gladly keep driving to Cleveland, Syracuse, or Rochester.
That Town Ballroom show was one of my favorites, just about a perfect setlist and Weedeater were a nice surprise. I'd prefer they keep coming back to Westcott in Syracuse, that seems like a great venue for them.
Quote from: Chief Ten Beers on August 26, 2013, 04:06:42 PM
I think there's a story in why Melvins haven't played Buffalo since '09. Last time was that off night from the Down tour at Town Ballroom. Night before they were with Down in Rochester which was well attended. A lot of people left during Down's set(myself included). I couldn't wait to see Melvins again next night. The Buffalo show was Melvins(2 sets), with Weedeater opening and was pretty poorly attended. Previous two times in Buffalo - '06 & '08 were good turnouts. From what I understand, local promoter was also a member of some local generic stoner-rock band who wanted to open. When they were told no locals, they decided to barely promote the show. Faggots.
There were literally like 8 people watching Weedeater's set, and maybe 50-100 tops by the time Melvins hit stage. Still one of the best shows I saw them play. Seriously, nobody even knew Weedeater were on. 6 months later Weedeater plays to a packed house at a smaller club, and that show was hyped up months in advance. That promoter has since folded, so hopefully the Melvins come through and get a better deal next time. If not, I'll gladly keep driving to Cleveland, Syracuse, or Rochester.
I hope they start playing Buffalo again, since they never come to Ontario , Buffalo is pretty close for me.
Quote from: (PAUL) on August 26, 2013, 05:34:05 PM
Melvins "road manager" (whoever the heck that is)
prolly timothy moss in those days.
Quote from: badhatharry on August 26, 2013, 06:40:07 PM
Quote from: Chief Ten Beers on August 26, 2013, 04:06:42 PM
I think there's a story in why Melvins haven't played Buffalo since '09. Last time was that off night from the Down tour at Town Ballroom. Night before they were with Down in Rochester which was well attended. A lot of people left during Down's set(myself included). I couldn't wait to see Melvins again next night. The Buffalo show was Melvins(2 sets), with Weedeater opening and was pretty poorly attended. Previous two times in Buffalo - '06 & '08 were good turnouts. From what I understand, local promoter was also a member of some local generic stoner-rock band who wanted to open. When they were told no locals, they decided to barely promote the show. Faggots.
There were literally like 8 people watching Weedeater's set, and maybe 50-100 tops by the time Melvins hit stage. Still one of the best shows I saw them play. Seriously, nobody even knew Weedeater were on. 6 months later Weedeater plays to a packed house at a smaller club, and that show was hyped up months in advance. That promoter has since folded, so hopefully the Melvins come through and get a better deal next time. If not, I'll gladly keep driving to Cleveland, Syracuse, or Rochester.
That Town Ballroom show was one of my favorites, just about a perfect setlist and Weedeater were a nice surprise. I'd prefer they keep coming back to Westcott in Syracuse, that seems like a great venue for them.
I was very happy to see the Melvins play the Westcott. Parking in the area sucks but otherwise went well.
Also, anyone know why the Melvins never have a local opener?
Quote from: fraxs on September 01, 2013, 08:54:30 PM
Also, anyone know why the Melvins never have a local opener?
just guessing, but they probably don't want to run the risk of having a crappy band play before them.
or perhaps a really popular favorite local that might show them up!
Lots of big of Hardcover books full of Melvins stories! That would be something I would Love as much as any of their albums.
Buzz and Dale should write a book full of awesome Stories and stuff.
You could always try dragging some out of hank 3.
Quote from: anaconda on September 01, 2013, 08:58:15 PM
or perhaps a really popular favorite local that might show them up!
Probably more likely than the previous response.
I know Green Day have said they hand pick bands to support them they think they can blow off the stage every night, hence the lame bands that open for them on their Australian tours (Simple Plan, Jimmy Eat World, My Chemical Romance, Jet etc).
They do this so that they have less bullshit to deal with and have complete control over the night. They can get to the club, set everything up, soundcheck, leave everything set up and nothing will be disturbed. It also seems that often times the opener is somehow part of the crew or even the Melvins themselves. For instance, Porn consisted of Dale and Tim Moss. Tim Moss also worked as their tour manager. Big Business has Coady, Jared and Scott. Scott works for the Melvins as roadie / tech. Unsane had Dale on drums and Dave on bass. Dave works as their soundman. Honky had Dale, Pinkus and Bobby. Pinkus played in Melvins and Bobby worked as stage tech. Totimoshi has Tony who works as a tech.
Outside of this, I think they would only take bands out with them that they really really really dig such as Tweak Bird. Not sure if they use local openers in Europe?
Less people to split pay with, more people with multiple jobs and you have complete control over the "traveling show".
And buzz is the control freak.
If you guys like watching shitty local bands there are 364 other nights a year to do so.
when i go to see a Melvins show i don't care about other bands
I think the only people that are bummed out that Melvins do not use "local bands" are "local bands".
Quote from: black stallion on September 02, 2013, 04:07:20 PM
when i go to see a Melvins show i don't care about other bands
i often look forward to seeing what bands are opening for the main acts. How many folks never heard of tweak bird before the tour? Of course main acts have no obligation to giving lesser acts a chance to increase their fanbases. The shitty ones at least! :P
Quote from: sadcorps on September 02, 2013, 04:52:34 PM
I think the only people that are bummed out that Melvins do not use "local bands" are "local bands".
Exactly. I love the way the Melvins manage their tours. I think some of those extensive Black Flag tours and how they were run had an influence on how Melvins do things, like say the 84 tour with Meat Puppets & Saint Vitus opening all shows.
I can handle one opening band, but for instance I'm gonna see D.O.A. on this farewell run in a few weeks, and the part of it that sucks is there's 3 local openers and the first one is on at 9. So basically I gotta be out on a Tues night til 1AM just to see D.O.A. do their final run. It's bullshit, but I'll deal with it.
some joker edited my post! it said a really popular local favorite
might stack the crowd with all their friends in their favor
but anyways, sons of otis might be a good fit, or even fucked up who they
did the split with. i guess swapping over with the double drumsets would be
a bitch though.
Went to see the Pretenders in 1987 because Iggy Pop was the opener. Left right after Iggy's set so as not to tarnish my memory of having seen the original Pretenders 2 nights in a row in 1981. There are other times where I have left after the warm-up band but right now I can't think of who it was. Definitely would have left after Melvins set when they toured with Down.
RUSH would be a good local opener! :lol:
Quote from: Grayfro on September 02, 2013, 06:07:55 PM
Went to see the Pretenders in 1987 because Iggy Pop was the opener. Left right after Iggy's set so as not to tarnish my memory of having seen the original Pretenders 2 nights in a row in 1981. There are other times where I have left after the warm-up band but right now I can't think of who it was. Definitely would have left after Melvins set when they toured with Down.
didn't stay for helmet on that tour(saw 'em both the night before in Memphis) and didn't stay for l7 either.
OK, I looked thru ticket stubs and here are the other shows where I left early: Lollapalooza '93 after seeing Tool(side stage) & Dinosaur Jr. there was no way I was staying for Primus or Alice In Chains. 1999 Blue Öyster Cult & Styx-BÖC and gone! Chesterfield Kings open for The Cramps, the Kings blew my shit away-no Cramps.
a tour with Altamont as opening band would be a dream
Oh I forgot, I left halfway through white zombie.
Quote from: Grayfro on September 02, 2013, 07:40:17 PMhe Kings blew my shit away-no Cramps.
how did you NOT stay for the cramps?? :shock:
Quote from: black stallion on September 03, 2013, 01:16:48 AM
a tour with Altamont as opening band would be a dream
Didn't Altamont open for the Melvins during the POTRE/Jelvins tour?
Quote from: deatheats on September 18, 2013, 03:28:21 PM
Quote from: black stallion on September 03, 2013, 01:16:48 AM
a tour with Altamont as opening band would be a dream
Didn't Altamont open for the Melvins during the POTRE/Jelvins tour?
I know I saw them open for them. I think it was during ASA tour?
Quote from: (the) rictus on September 18, 2013, 03:36:25 PM
I know I saw them open for them. I think it was during ASA tour?
Yes.
That's funny...I'm pretty sure I saw Altamont open prior to Big Biz joining the lineup.
My mind just might be playing tricks on me.
Dale wore the Elvis suit, and I think there was a banana involved, if memory serves.
They were touring for The Monkee's Uncle. I think I bought the album at the show.
Walking out before seeing The Cramps is sacrilege! Lux was
one of the best ever front men that ever existed! For shame Gray!
Quote from: (the) rictus on September 18, 2013, 05:12:40 PM
Dale wore the Elvis suit, and I think there was a banana involved, if memory serves.
They were touring for The Monkee's Uncle. I think I bought the album at the show.
Dale did indeed wear the Elvis suit, but that was during PORN. My poster says Altamont were supposed to perform but they did not the two nights I went on that tour.
Having checked a couple of concert posters after I got home I can confirm Altamont did indeed open during the POTRE/Jelvins tour in 2005.
Quote from: (PAUL) on September 18, 2013, 06:56:59 PM
Quote from: (the) rictus on September 18, 2013, 05:12:40 PM
Dale wore the Elvis suit, and I think there was a banana involved, if memory serves.
They were touring for The Monkee's Uncle. I think I bought the album at the show.
Dale did indeed wear the Elvis suit, but that was during PORN. My poster says Altamont were supposed to perform but they did not the two nights I went on that tour.
My memory doesn't serve after all I guess. You're right. I did buy that album at the show though.
Quote from: andy the angry bald man on September 18, 2013, 03:05:49 PM
Quote from: Grayfro on September 02, 2013, 07:40:17 PMhe Kings blew my shit away-no Cramps.
how did you NOT stay for the cramps?? :shock:
Quote from: anaconda on September 18, 2013, 05:49:32 PM
Walking out before seeing The Cramps is sacrilege! Lux was
one of the best ever front men that ever existed! For shame Gray!
I was thinking the same thing when I read it!... I would chop off a small finger to go back and see the Cramps!
Legends even amongst legends!.. One of those bands that I Know I will NEVER stop listening to regularly.
The cramps were unbelievable live. Great band.