Linda won "space available" tickets for this show. This was the 2nd time one of us got lucky. We learned a good lesson from the first time. They pass out numbers at 5pm for admittance. Last time, I got there at 4:40pm and was number 147 in line. We had to sweat it out as to whether we would make it in for the taping. So, this time, I got there at 2:45pm and was number 1 in line! It was nice to know we would be getting in for sure and that we might even get seats, which we did!
This was a great show. The Band of Heathens played almost 2 hours and it was a big, rocking show! They were fired up. Heck, they were even cleaned up! And they clean up pretty well! Who would have ever guessed?!
They have a new record coming out in September and this show will air in November so they played a lot of new stuff. It was great to hear. They also played much from their self-titled debut album.
When I saw them a few weeks ago at Unplugged I talked about how great their 3 part harmonies are. At this taping they had some incendiary guitar jams among the 3 front guys. It was tremendous.
Their story is pretty interesting. They were 3 solo performers who were all booked at a club here in town (Momo's), doing separate shows. They started collaborating and eventually they formed this band. I hope they can all keep their egos in check because this band is so good. Along with the 3 lead players, the band includes a keyboardist and drummer.
It was great to hear them talk about how excited they were to play this show. To be a band from Austin, it just doesn't get any better than playing this show. They mentioned having these guitar techs (provided by the show) handing them tuned guitars for each song, loving it. How unusual that #1, they had a set list and #2, having to stick to it due to the filming of the show. Usually, they don't have a set list.
When 1 of the guys went over to play the grand piano they talked about some of the people who have played that piano: Fats Domino, Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis and Allen Toussaint. Pretty mind blowing.
So, we have gotten to see 3 shows this summer after 3 years of never getting in. We know our luck is going to run out soon, if it hasn't already. That's ok. We are thrilled we got to go even 1 time and while it is still in it's original home. Next year it moves to a new location.
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3 comments:
Hi Deb - Found your blog via a link from the ACL blog and I just wanted to offer a couple of corrections on the Heathens' ACL taping.
First, the keyboard player who joined the band for the ACL isn't a permanent member of the band (sadly because he's fantastic). His name is Trevor Nealon and he normally plays with a band called Wisebird (http://www.myspace.com/wisebird). He's a good friend of Gordy's and did some killer playing on the new album.
Second, the guitar techs that Ed mentioned during the show weren't actually provided by ACL. How do I know you ask? Well, I was one of them. My friend Randy and I are good friends with the band and we volunteered to help them out by functioning as their guitar techs.
From what I understand, if we hadn't been there, the ACL folks would have helped out where they could have but since they weren't as familiar with the songs, etc. it would have been harder for them. That said, all the ACL crew members were fantastic - professional, accommodating and several even took the time to come over and say how much they appreciated us being there.
Anyway, I'm really glad you enjoyed the show. It was a once in a lifetime experience for me and since it's clear you love live music and took the time to write about the performance, I thought I'd pull the curtain back just a little bit.
G,
I am so glad you posted.
I had wondered about the keyboard player as I didn't remember seeing him before.
As for you techs, I assumed they provided since the band talked about how weird it was to have them. Good to know how it really happened.
A very cool once in a lifetime experience for you - how neat!
Thanks for opening that curtain.
Deb
Deb,
Thanks for the posts. I wanted to find out who Trevor Nealon was and what is connection to The Band of Heathens was and your blog is the place to found out. Much obliged.
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