______________________________________________________________________________ / // The\kyway \\ / skyway@novia.net Issue #41 September 13th, 1996 ______________________________________________________________________________ (c) 1996 Bastards of Young (BOY/BetaOmegaYamma) Productions list manager: Matthew Tomich (matt@novia.net) technical consultant and thanks to: Bob Fulkerson of Novia Networking ______________________________________________________________________________ SKYWAY SUBSCRIPTION/LISTSERVER INFORMATION To subscribe to the //Skyway\\: subscribe skyway To unsubscribe from the //Skyway\\: unsubscribe skyway THE //SKYWAY\\ WEB PAGE Check here for back issues, lyrics, discography, and other files. http://www.novia.net/~matt/sky/skyway.html ______________________________________________________________________________ Send submissions to: skyway@novia.net ______________________________________________________________________________ ISSUE O' WESTERBERG CONCERT REVIEWS (if you don't wanna hear about it, delete this now) Here they are...all the Westerberg reviews that people have mailed in since Skyway issue #39. This is by no means a complete review of the Westerberg reviews that are available on the Internet, however...I missed gosh knows how many this summer on alt.music.replacements while I was at camp, and Kathy in Cambridge has a very complete and well done web page that you definitely must check out at http://members.aol.com/paulspage/main.htm. Sorry this baby got delayed by the hurricane. I was one of the lucky ones and got power back on Monday. Thanks to Duncan DeGraffenreid for forwarding a couple off of alt.music.replacements! ...and you can now check out the Skyway web page at http://www.novia.net/~matt/sky/matschords.html for Chris from Connecticut's chords to "First Glimmer" and "Stain Your Blood"! Thanks Chris! Quick poll: would people mind if I deleted the digitized album covers from the web page in lieu of putting up more Replacements photos? Or would someone like to sponsor some permanent disk space for a Replacements photo archive? Take care and don't eat anything blue. -- M@ ______________________________________________________________________________ HEY YOU! DID YOU TAPE ANY OF WESTERBERG'S SHOWS ON THIS TOUR? If so, please drop a line to Bill Ruef at 'bruef@mail.tds.net' and let him know the date, city/venue, and running time so that he can add it to the FAQ's list of recorded shows! ______________________________________________________________________________ JUNE 19: THE RANCH BOWL - OMAHA, NEBRASKA Date: Thu, 04 Jul 1996 07:15:16 +0000 From: anonymous Subject: Omahapaul Did you know or care that Jim Ellison of Material Issue took his life June 20th? At one time I was a big fan of all their Cheap Trick pop stuff. Well, still am. The end seems like a very good place to start. I just returned Thursday morning from Omaha where I saw the opening date of the Eventually tour. You are probably thinking, "How did she get to Omaha from Dallas?" Well my safe career has afforded me many fine travel opportunities. While not a waitress in the sky, I do work for an airline. Basically I'm a trouble shooter. I'm sort of a liasion between the agency and the airline. But who cares about that? After finding out through this thing, that Dallas, or anywhere nearby for that matter, wasn't listed, I decided to take matters in to my own hands and make my way to a show somewhere else. I got Wednesday off, and hopped on the first plane bound for Omaha. I've met Matt the Skyway Man before, live and in person at a couple Paul shows 3 years ago. He told me about the Skyway. It wasn't until 3 yrs later that I actually got to read it. Not quite to my surprise, I found myself within its pages. Quite strange actually. My first day on the net, and I start reading about myself. I write to Matt to tell him I've finally arrived. I tell him I'm going to Omaha. He gives me the scoop on the hotels, and I'm off to the races again. I first met Matt in Omaha on the 14 Songs tour, (the first tour date for that record too). Matt suggests the Holiday Inn. It's where the guys usually stay. I say hey, I wouldn't mind running into Paul at the ice machine, and make a reservation. It was also supposed to be the closest hotel to the Ranch Bowl venue. It wasn't. No one there but me and a huge convention of Senior Citizens. Oh well right? I caught an interview on the radio. Just my luck. He sounded happy and relaxed. He tolerated the stupid jock very well. Turns out, that his guitarist is none other than Tommy Keene. He has Prince's old drummer, and some other guy I'm not altogether familiar with. He's on bass and piano. The piano part is great since, I've never seen the Mats w/one or Paul either for that matter. So stupid interview over, and 3 to 4 o'clock at hand, I decide to head down to soundcheck. (Bet you are thinking right now, that I'm downright obsessive. When it comes to the Mats/Paul,y ou're damn right. I've flown to see other bands, but I don't usually attempt to make soundcheck or contact. This is different.) I get to the place, and I go in to buy a ticket to find they are sold out. The lady behind the counter tells me to come back at 8 cause usually there are more to be had at the door. Panic strikes, but I stay calm. I catch a young rowdie milling in and out of the band area which is behind some doors. They were checking the drums at the time. I follow him in, like I own the place or something, and take a seat off to the side, away from the crew. It's apparent they are working. Don't want to be a bothersome girl. Sucks being a girl sometimes...that's again another story, for another time. Catch a glimpse of Paul out of the side of my eye. Looks very spiffy in purple jeans, button down shirt, sport jacket, and never optional sunglasses. He appears to be very attentive to whats going on, so I do not go over and be stupid girl with him. I'm the only fan there, and the only girl. I stick out. I watch as they check everything. Finally, they are all up there and they begin soundcheck. Heres what I heard (fantastic): Ain't Got Me (sounded different with guys singing back up) Valentine Angels Walk Silver Naked Ladies Mama Daddy Did John I'm Only Dancing (woe pretty amazing) Once Around the Weekend (a speedier version) He got done, and walked by. He remembered me from last time. He said "Hey how are you doing?" and waved me over. I must've had a shocked look on my face cause he said "Yes I remember you" He was very nice. I told him the show was sold out, he offered me in, but then didn't follow through. I didn't follow up either. There was some other banter, but we talked a little bit about the last tour and some about this one. He asked if I was 'joining the tour' I said no, can't etc. Then he had to go suddenly. Satisfied with the idea that if I didn't get to see the show, I saw something and it was something no one else saw. I went back to the hotel to eat dinner, shower etc. Made my way back to the club hoping to get a ticket. It was 7:40 p.m. and there was already a huge line of people lined up to get any remaining tickets. I was doomed. I stood in line for 2 and 1/2 hours with a guy I met, scheming on the logistics of getting in the door. After many different plans and scams, I tell the guy (Bill) that I will go outside to find a scalper, and he can stay and wait in line. We decided whoever gets tickets first comes back and gets the other one. The maximum agreed upon price for tickets was $20. Off I go. I'm hanging outside and meet this guy who is from San Juan. He tells me he just started listening to the Replacements six months ago. The guy is in Omaha for summer session of med school. He too was looking for a way in. I look at this guy in complete amazement and tell him to stop listening now or he will never graduate. A few minutes later, I hear whispers of tickets. Scalper man had 2 tickets, 20 bucks a piece. I grabbed them and bid the other guy farewell and good luck. Bill and I finally got in. The show was great. We found a place where we could actually see. It was about half way back. The show was all ages, and it was body-to-body. The band came out, and with the exception of the drummer, a very very large man, the band was decked out in suits and ties. Paul wearing the one on the front cover of the record. They opened with Somebody, and after that I believe it was Valentine. There were lots of surprises in the set list. I can't reel off all the songs but I will remember the true gems. I couldn't believe he played Left of the Dial, Little Mascara, Black Eyed Susan, If Only You Were Lonely, Achin to Be, Alex Chilton, Silver Naked Ladies, Ain't Got Me, Mama Daddy Did, These are the Days, Stain Yer Blood, Century, Love Untold, Once Around the Weekend, Kiss Me on the Bus, Merry Go Round and the same cover as last time...Daydream Believer. At least I can say I saw him do John I'm Only Dancing. Look for this one in a later show. The whole audience sang along for most of the show. They did one encore. The crowd tried to bring him out for a 3rd time, but the lights went up. After the show, I bid farewell to Bill. I ran into the med student again, who said some beautiful blonde came off the bus and got him in somehow. I was happy for him. Oh random note, Paul's voice sounded better than I've ever heard it sound. He is indeed still smoking, but I'd heard he had quit per doctors orders. Maybe he has just cut back. Also while I was watching soundcheck, one of the sound guys paid me the most ironic compliment of my life. He asked me if I was in the band. The reason why it made me happy is because whether playing in my own band, or working for an airline, there are two things people assume when you are a girl at a band thing. They assume that you are 'with' the band. If they go on beyond that little thought and actually think you are in the band, they ask if you're a singer. Now let me ask you, does that ever happen to a guy? No. The question pose to a guy would be, "What do you play?" A pet peeve. Just like working for an airline. People always ask if I'm a flight attendant, to which I respond, "no, I'm a pilot". It's just a joke. It throws people off. Back to our show. After the show Paul signed autographs in the stairwell of his bus. There was a really long line of people waiting to say hello. I waited like a fan. I hate being a fan. I didn't ask him to sign anything, but I said I might catch him somewhere else on the road sometime. That was that. The pay phone didn't work at the Ranch, so I walked back to the hotel. Got a few hours sleep and caught the first flight back to Dallas, and went to work. Going to work, and then it's off to L.A. for some sun, surf and probably some blues. Hope that camp is still cool. Date: Sat, 6 Jul 1996 17:31:02 -0500 (CDT) From: Scott Hudson Alumni Once I found out that Paul Westerberg was once again opening his American tour in Omaha, there was no doubt I had to be there. However, the slack person that I am put off buying tickets until I attempted to buy them a couple of days before the show. When I finally did attempt to pick up a couple, the local Ticketmaster was selling tickets for Alan Jackson and the line was out the door. Suddenly I was worried, but when I came back four hours later I was the proud owner of two tickets to the first Paul Westerberg concert of the 1996 tour. Later that night I became even more pumped at the news that Tommy Keene was selected as his guitarist after weeks of auditions. I had heard rumors of a variety of people, including almost everyone who lived in Minneapolis, but I would have never dreamed of Tommy pairing up with Paul. After all, just a couple of months ago he released a great album on his own. In case you're not aware of Keene, hes a gifted singer/songwriter who actually influenced Westerberg with his pure pop songwriting. "Places That Are Gone" is his signature tune, but sadly hes never attained the stature that he deserves. Also signed for this tour was Michael Bland, the rolly-polly Minneapolis drummer who is best known for his work with That Artist Formerly Known as Prince, and Minneapolis bassist Ken Chastain. Before we talk about the show, it should be noted that the Ranch Bowl is a strange place to see a show. It's a bowling alley that has volleyball courts outside and three bars inside, including one live music club. This place is relatively small, but they can cram up to 1000 people in it. Air conditioning is virtually nonexistent, so any show is like working in a Kathie Lee Gifford sweatshop. One other weird thing about the place. Most shows are all-ages, with the drinkers relegated to the side of the place. When you have somebody like Paul (or Bob Mould who I saw there three years ago) you always end up with too many people crowded into a section where you can't see, it's too loud because of one gigantic stack of monitors pointed right at the bar, and you can't get a drink anyway because its so crowded. Knowing that's how the Ranch Bowl worked, we decided to stay (semi)-sober through the show. We set up in the middle of the all-ages area, directly in line with Paul's microphone. At 10:15 he and his band hit the stage dressed in his sophisticated city clothes, as Jethro Bodine would call this collection of colors. Here's the set list, along with a few comments: Waiting For Somebody - Same song he opened his first tour with. Not too much difference in delivery, although its still a great call to arms. World Class Fad - Better, tighter than 93. Valentine - The first surprise of the night. This Please To Meet Me fave has been rarely played live in the last few years. In this incarnation, Westerberg slows down the tempo a tad, making it seem a bit...well, jazzier. These Are the Days - Keene shines with his best Roger McGuinn impression. Kiss Me On the Bus - Another rarity. Although its possibly the Replacements best known song, Paul has usually shied away from performing it live. Tonight, he stripped most of the crunch out of the song, but the pure pop melody still made it satisfying. You Aint Got Me - Despite corny lyrics about call waiting, its one of the nicer pop songs on Eventually. On this night, it started out strong until Westerberg's microphone gave out. Because of this, Westerberg spent most of the song jumping from microphone to microphone before a replacement could be found. Century - Ballroom Blitz riff is obvious on this Eventually throwaway. The highlight is a slowed-down refrain near the end of the tune. They're Blind - Another rarity. Once again, Keenes lead flourishes are the highlight of this so-so ballad. If it had been played a little more lazily, it would be a candidate for a hair band to cover. Keenes touches kept it from approaching schmaltzy. Achin to Be Mama Daddy Did - I'm still not a fan of this song, although it had a bit more energy than on the album. Black Eyed Susan - Certainly a surprise. Wasn't this one of the songs that Paul couldnt reproduce live because he couldn't remember the guitar riff? If Only You Were Lonely - Almost ruined at the beginning. After some fiddling with an acoustic guitar, Westerberg joked to offstage roadie that he was fired. Possibly one of the best sing-along drinking songs ever written, and Westerberg smiled at the crowd each time he mastered the little riff that ends each verse. Merry Go Round Angels Walk Love Untold - The hit single. While the album version is a tad overproduced, Westerberg and Co. added more punch to this tune onstage. Stain Yer Blood - A sadly overlooked power popper. Color Me Impressed - Easily the highlight of the show. One of Westerberg's should-have-been hits, one of his first songs that combined pop melodies with full-tilt rock and roll. Little Mascara/Alex Chilton/Left of the Dial - Obviously the show was winding down, which was a tad depressing, but what a trio of classics! Encore: Swingin Party Once Around the Weekend - Another tune thats way more impressive live. Daydream Believer - A strange way to end the show. Personally, I felt that the Monkees cover was an excellent surprise in 93. While on this night it still had its charm, I could have lived without it, especially considering that it was the last song of the set. It was definitely anti-climatic, especially when they abruptly ended it with a couple of weird chords where the final refrain should have been. The crowd screamed for more, but after 10 minutes the lights came on. Despite this finale, the show was simply excellent, although it was kind of evident that they probably didn't have enough time to rehearse. Bland was virtually hidden by his high drum set, but he delivered a solid yet unflashy beat. It's clear that he's enjoying playing something a bit less scripted than what he's used to with Prince. Keene's contributions especially shined on the slower songs, where he added stunning flourishes that his former guitarist would have never thought of. Still, I kept hoping for a song or two from his extensive songbook. Despite what you think of Westerberg's latest album, he has always been one of the more entertaining live performers you could possibly see. Sobriety may have cost him some of the spontaneity that made the Replacements a legend, but very few combine racuous rock and roll with pop sensibilities like Paul Westerberg can with his "six string buddy". Date: Thu, 20 Jun 1996 16:20:21 -0500 From: capstone@ic.mankato.mn.us (capstone press) The Omaha show was great. Tommy Keene was the guitarist, which I believe was a taste of heaven. The Ranch Bowl was oversold and crowded as hell (as usual). The only cover was the only disapointment - DAYDREAM BELIEVER. Not a disapointment because it sucked - in fact, it didn't suck at all - but a disapointment because it's the cover he played last year, plus a couple. XOXOXO M. Elvis Date: Thu, 20 Jun 1996 13:04:38 -0500 From: Bevan Subject: Paul's Omaha Show Figured I'd write since it's Skywayer's responsibility that I'm able to do so. I saw Paul's first show last night at your home-town club the RANCH BOWL, with the volleyball tournament and all. Whether this information is interesting to you or not I can't be sure, but I needed to tell someone, being as how I went to the show alone. Here were the songs in no particular order: waiting for somebody world class fad valentine kiss me on the bus once around the weekend century merry go round if only you were lonely (paul solitarily acousticized) these are the days angels walk achin' to be they're blind color me impressed left of the dial swinging party little mascara mamadaddydid love untold daydream believer stain yr blood alex chilton black-eyed susan ain't got me bevan brown (lawrence,ks) ______________________________________________________________________________ JUNE 20: THE UNION BAR - IOWA CITY, IOWA ("The Biggest Goddamn Bar in the Big Ten!") From: bruef@mail.tds.net Date: Tue, 9 Jul 96 06:37:55 PDT It's 9:45 Friday morning. I just got home and I'm running on about 4 hours sleep. So excuse me if I start to wander. But I the first thing I did was sit down to write up YOUR official and personal first-run PW show report from last night's 6/20/96 Iowa City show. Themadore was really good. Kinda reminded me of The Jayhawks only louder and harder (courtesy of Josh "Beat the living shit out of my drum kit" Freese). Couple pre-show events: My friend Phil and I got into IC about 5:15. First thing we did was swing by the club just to make sure we could find it and to see if anything was going on. When we found it, I put my ear against the door, and I could hear them sound checking on "Nevermind". After that we were stoked. We walked around a little and then passed by the club to see if we could hear or see anything else. Soundcheck was over so we started to walk down the street and all of a sudden Josh walks right past us. I know that's not really a big deal, but being from the boonies, we love these little "brushes w/ fame". Just kinda makes the whole thing more...I don't know...surreal. So, onto the show (finally). Paulie came out looking just like the promo shots - suit & tie, reddish shaded glasses, same hair. He also made Keene & the bass player wear suit coats. He seemed to be in a great mood - smiling a lot - doing little "swami" bows. Interesting Point #1: They all seemed to be the most spirited and enthused on the new stuff. I suppose that's to be expected from PW, but you'd kinda expect the rest of the band to be more stoked about the other stuff (or at least equally stoked about everything). Case in point: they opened w/Waiting For Somebody which was pretty intense, but they followed that with World Class Fad & Valentine - both rocking songs, but they played them in a literally subdued fashion. Kind of worried me that the whole show would be kinda lame. But then, they did the most rocking version of Once Around the Weekend you can imagine. Much faster and harder then the album version. After that they generally evened it out intensity-wise. Lots of funny comments throughout the show. During Century, at one point the bassist was singing harmony w/Paul, and someone was a bit off. All of sudden Paul stops singing and yells "Who sucks, me or you?". After Ain't Got Me, Paul made a comment about "Is it safe to assume your all out of school now?" (Iowa City's a college town). Someone in the audience yells "Fuck School" to which Paul replies "Yeah, well fuck you". Interesting Point #2: (I may skip around in this stuff as I remember them). I'm not sure if this happened a much in the past (not that I know of), but during the show on 2 separate occasions, Paul had bras thrown at him. The second time it got caught in the tuning pegs of his acoustic guitar and he spent the rest of the song cracking up the audience by trying to flip it off (and just tangling it up worse!), without missing a note or word. After the song he said, "Michael Bland's never been to Iowa before and this is the example you set". Interesting and pleasant song choices he hasn't done in a long time, if ever: Valentine, Kiss Me On The Bus, They're Blind (one of my all time faves!), John I'm Only Dancing (David Bowie song) ,Black Eyed Susan (!) (The "Bra Song"), Stain Your Blood, Daydream Believer (I thought he'd pick all new covers for this tour), Valentine Overall I'd say this band is tighter then the '93 version, but not as spirited. I think I prefer the '93 band somewhat. (Slightly) Interesting Point #3: For some reason they didn't have any lights on Michael Bland (drums) all night. I never saw him except when he entered and left the stage (and after the show when he went out into the audience to mingle and my buddy Phil shook his hand.) (Slightly) Intersting Point #4: No pre-Tim material (I suppose that could be expected.) Only 2 songs from 14 Songs. So, below is the entire setlist. Enjoy. Love & Kisses, Bill Waiting For Somebody World Class Fad Valentine Once Around the Weekend These Are The Days Kiss Me On The Bus Ain't Got Me Century They're Blind Achin' To Be John, I'm Only Dancing Mamadaddydid Black Eyed Susan Merry-Go-Round Angels Walk Love Untold Stain Yer Blood Can't Hardly Wait Alex Chilton Encore: Swinging Party Daydream Believer Valentine From: tschwant@students.wisc.edu Newsgroups: alt.music.replacements Subject: Iowa City Show June 20 Date: Fri, 21 Jun 1996 19:25:28 -0700 I saw the second show last night in Iowa City at the Union Bar. The band was, dare I say it, very professional and great technically. That can be good or bad, but last night it was mostly good. The show moved along quickly with not much comment between songs. One telling Westerberg quote after a new song: "That'll be your favorite song in ten years." [Ain't Got Me] Some of the songs I didn't quite like on the new album rocked live as I many people probably expected. Travis From: bruef@mail.tds.net Date: Tue, 9 Jul 96 06:37:55 PDT Hey Matt and other fellow Skywegians, It's 9:45 Friday morning. I just got home and I'm running on about 4 hours sleep. So excuse me if I start to wander. But I the first thing I did was sit down to write up YOUR official and personal first-run PW show report from last night's 6/20/96 Iowa City show. Okay, first a quickie Thermadore report just to prolong your agony and to get it out of the way. Themadore was really good. Kinda reminded me of The Jayhawks only louder and harder (courtesy of Josh "Beat the living shit out of my drum kit" Freese). Couple pre-show events: My friend Phil and I got into IC about 5:15. First thing we did was swing by the club just to make sure we could find it and to see if anything was going on. When we found it, I put my ear against the door, and I could hear them sound checking on "Nevermind". After that we were stoked. We walked around a little and then passed by the club to see if we could hear or see anything else. Soundcheck was over so we started to walk down the street and all of a sudden Josh walks right past us. I know that's not really a big deal, but being from the boonies, we love these little "brushes w/ fame". Just kinda makes the whole thing more...I don't know...surreal. So, onto the show (finally). Paulie came out looking just like the promo shots - suit & tie, reddish shaded glasses, same hair. He also made Keene & the bass player wear suit coats. He seemed to be in a great mood - smiling a lot - doing little "swami" bows. Interesting Point #1: They all seemed to be the most spirited and enthused on the new stuff. I suppose that's to be expected from PW, but you'd kinda expect the rest of the band to be more stoked about the other stuff (or at least equally stoked about everything). Case in point: they opened w/Waiting For Somebody which was pretty intense, but they followed that with World Class Fad & Valentine - both rocking songs, but they played them in a literally subdued fashion. Kind of worried me that the whole show would be kinda lame. But then, they did the most rocking version of Once Around the Weekend you can imagine. Much faster and harder then the album version. After that they generally evened it out intensity-wise. Lots of funny comments throughout the show. During Century, at one point the bassist was singing harmony w/Paul, and someone was a bit off. All of sudden Paul stops singing and yells "Who sucks, me or you?". After Ain't Got Me, Paul made a comment about "Is it safe to assume your all out of school now?" (Iowa City's a college town). Someone in the audience yells "Fuck School" to which Paul replies "Yeah, well fuck you". Interesting Point #2: (I may skip around in this stuff as I remember them). I'm not sure if this happened a much in the past (not that I know of), but during the show on 2 separate occasions, Paul had bras thrown at him. The second time it got caught in the tuning pegs of his acoustic guitar and he spent the rest of the song cracking up the audience by trying to flip it off (and just tangling it up worse!), without missing a note or word. After the song he said, "Michael Bland's never been to Iowa before and this is the example you set". Interesting and pleasant song choices he hasn't done in a long time, if ever: Valentine, Kiss Me On The Bus, They're Blind (one of my all time faves!), John I'm Only Dancing (David Bowie song) ,Black Eyed Susan (!) (The "Bra Song"), Stain Your Blood, Daydream Believer (I thought he'd pick all new covers for this tour), Valentine Overall I'd say this band is tighter then the '93 version, but not as spirited. I think I prefer the '93 band somewhat. (Slightly) Interesting Point #3: For some reason they didn't have any lights on Michael Bland (drums) all night. I never saw him except when he entered and left the stage (and after the show when he went out into the audience to mingle and my buddy Phil shook his hand.) (Slightly) Intersting Point #4: No pre-Tim material (I suppose that could be expected.) Only 2 songs from 14 Songs. So, below is the entire setlist. Enjoy. Love & Kisses, Bill Waiting For Somebody World Class Fad Valentine Once Around the Weekend These Are The Days Kiss Me On The Bus Ain't Got Me Century They're Blind Achin' To Be John, I'm Only Dancing Mamadaddydid Black Eyed Susan Merry-Go-Round Angels Walk Love Untold Stain Yer Blood Can't Hardly Wait Alex Chilton Encore: Swinging Party Daydream Believer Valentine From: tschwant@students.wisc.edu Newsgroups: alt.music.replacements Subject: Iowa City Show June 20 Date: Fri, 21 Jun 1996 19:25:28 -0700 Hi! Just thought I'd write to let whoever's interested in Westerberg's current tour. I saw the second show last night in Iowa City at the Union Bar. I'll try not to spoil any surprises... The band was, dare I say it, very professional and great technically. That can be good or bad, but last night it was mostly good. The show moved along quickly with not much comment between songs. One telling Westerberg quote after a new song: "That'll be your favorite song in ten years." [Ain't Got Me] Some of the songs I didn't quite like on the new album rocked live as I many people probably expected. Travis ______________________________________________________________________________ JUNE 22: THE BLUE NOTE - COLUMBIA, MO Date: Tue, 9 Jul 1996 13:58:52 -0500 From: Jason Clampet I saw Paul Westerburg at the Blue Note in Columbia, Missouri two weeks ago. I ran into a gal at Whizz records who was asking people if they knew a Matt Tomich. I said "no" and ran away. The show was swell. ______________________________________________________________________________ JUNE 24: MISSISSIPPI NIGHTS - ST. LOUIS, MO Date: Fri, 28 Jun 1996 17:47:59 -0600 (CST) From: "F.David Lucash" Here is a report of the St. Louis show. Unfortunately, it was not as good as the Columbia MO show: Paul did not play as long, probably because he had to be in Nashville the next day. He had pretty much the same set list; opened up again with 'Waiting For Somebody' one of my all time favorites. 'Swingin Party' was beautiful and I could barely hear Paul over the audience. Only one encore in St. Louis, the Monkee's song 'Daydream Believer'. Thermadore again talked too much in between songs, the singer is so goofy yet he thinks he is Mr. Entertainment. Their drummer is very good though; I can see why Paul had him play on Eventually. ______________________________________________________________________________ JUNE 28: THE ROXY - ATLANTA, GA From: Hootenany3@aol.com Date: Mon, 8 Jul 1996 00:40:52 -0400 The song list was pretty much the same as I have been reading in the SKYWAY #39 edition. But I figure with the very much GUEST musicians were not ones to take a stab at the spur of the moment tunes of the Mats past. For this show, myself and an 18 yr old friend drove 8 1/2 hours on the day of the show to see Paul. Getting to Atlanta about 5 pm or so, we just happen to park right next to the tour bus. We wandered out of the car, myself about to vomit because I just KNEW Paul was close by. Sure enough, we walked about 100 feet to the back loading dock of the ROXY and heard Paul et al. jamming through MERRY GO ROUND for a sound check. Nearly blown away, I tried to sneak up to the loading dock door to just set my ear against and appreciate what I was hearing. Enjoyed for a while before threats of arrest came screaming from a ballerina someone gave a security shirt to. Avoid getting arrested, I walked up to the front to try to get in ... legally. No go, but a guy nearly let me in because he thought I was PART of the band and needed to get in for the sound check. I'm too honest. Paul snuck into a limo (I heard) and left for a long time. So me and my friend went to a local/old record store we saw in the area. Fiddling around I found a Replacements vinyl of Please To Meet Me -- now I already have TIM on vinyl (and CD) which I got for my 11th birthday. So I am not a college student who decided to like Paul after watching Singles (I've never seen the movie) and loving Dyslexic Heart (no offense for those reading who are). I quickly gave my $4.50 to the man he said have a nice day probably not even knowing Paul was to play @ 1/2 mile down the road later that evening. Here's the show....I was right in front of the entire thing. I got there when the doors opened and could not wait. Thermadore was tough to get through but good things come to those who wait. Finally Paul came on in a full tux. I saw him in '93 in Tampa and he wore a workman's shirt. Hmm...I guess hitting your mid 30's does something. Greg mention in his review how the amp went out for Paul's guitarist for a few songs. It was funny when Paul got down on his knees thanking him for finally returning (most of us know how Paul just "fills in" with his guitar playing live - with an amp out, he did EVERYTHING -- quite well I might add). It just shows the F-U-N Paul seemed to be having. Anyway the smiles, the pounding through songs, the lack of cigarettes and cigarillos, the water he only drank, the new tunes, the new life pumped into the settled ones, gave those who were there and could appreciate it the most fantastic set of emotions imaginable. The postive emotions set off were those held captive for the past few years when I last SAW Paul. It still sparks emotion to listen to songs where the Mats/Paul felt almost taken in by the world around them (Goddamn Job/Treatment Bound/Bastards) and then him protruding the feeling like taking on the world after a show in 1996. It's too diffucult to explain yet those who can get the jist of what I am writing of can knod their heads in the "I know what you mean" fashion. After the show, we went back to the car (next to the tour bus) and grabbed my camera and the record with a marker. Sure enough Paul popped out of the bus and headed for the awaiting limo. He was very cool and pleasant to all who asked for an autograph or to the many young women who requested kisses. After such an energetic show, he was not in a rush. I caught his attention before he reached the limo, got to shake his hand and he sign my album. He also gave out this "ohhh" when he saw it (almost to say 'wow its been a long time since I have seen one of these'). I am still on cloud nine and its been over a week. For those who feel Paul is on the way out...I am almost feel sorry if you do not catch on to the greatness this man is setting out in our time (new record etc.). Paul is too humble, way too humble to accept what he has done to many young people for almost two decades. The least we as fans can do is to give him the credit and respect he has (maybe) unintentionally earned. I'm real proud if that means anything. Thank you for those who have read this -- this submission has been made to share with other Paul/Mats fans the pure joy that I have experienced. I ackowledge that things intended to say never get said and often wrong meaning can be discretely read through written text. I welcome you email me with any comments. In Paul we trust. Tom (Hootenany3@aol.com) ______________________________________________________________________________ JUNE 30: BOGART'S - CINCINATTI, OH Date: Mon, 08 Jul 1996 23:54:05 -0400 From: Jeff Hoffman Yes I am from Cincinnati and the show was great. My brother drove in from Pittsburgh to see the show with me. Needless to say...we were pumped up for this one! Bogart's is quite frankly my favorite place to see live bands. It is an old hollowed out movie house with great acoustics and offers the opportunity to get very close to the stage...that was before they put up a damn wall about five feet from the front of the stage. Paul took the stage and looked down at the wide open pit in front of him and said, "Oh yeah...I remember that thing...how fucking stupid." The frontman for Thermadore, the opening band, made the comment, "How are you guys supposed to touch Paul with that thing there...that's fucked up." Paul jumped down in the thing just as he did during the encore of the Mats farewell tour with Tommy Stinson and did their encore there) and did his first number. Anyway, while I was at Sudsy Malone's across the street before the show (this was about 6:00pm) and the only other people in the place were a few Univerity of Cincinnati students doing laundry in the back and some couple stuffing their life savings into the jukebox playing god damned Janet Jackson, MC Hammer and Lakeside over and over and over and over and over. I look over at the door and someone comes in wearing a blue t-shirt and plaid shorts who looked a hell of a lot like Tommy Keene with shorter hair than I remember seeing, at least from the TK vinyl and CD's. I stare at this guy as he brings in his laundry and goes to the back corner. He catches my glance at him and he quickly looks away. Like a dolt I continue to stare at the poor guy from across the place (he probably thought I was gay at this point), but he just minded his own business. I thought to myself, that couldn't be Tommy Keene. What the hell would he be doing in Sudsy's doing his fucking laundry for anyway? Hell, he probably has a soundcheck to deal with....etc. To make a long story short....yeah...it was Tommy Keene doing his damn laundry after all....and I laughed my ass off when he took the stage (the other half of me wanted to kick myself in the ass for not getting the balls up to ask him for an autograph. But then again...what the hell would he have autographed for me....his dirty underwear?) Thermadore wasn't bad. The frontman made some reference to what a swell guy Paul Westerberg was and how honored he was to be on the tour. But he knew that everyone there wanted to see Paul. Paul took the stage with his "Paid Companions" all decked out in suits with the exception of Michael Bland who looked like the "Funky High Priest of The Shriners" with his gold fez on. He proceeded to do a real fan's show with old stuff and new stuff and he even did "Color Me Impressed" with a slightly funky edge to it. I guess just to say that it was a really great show and the band was really tight. He did only one encore (Alex Chilton). At one point he said, "Tommy Keene is going to play for you now"....but for some reason he didn't. I don't know if it was because Tommy didn't want to steal his thunder or if he was chicken...who knows? They were all a sweaty mess at the end and probably ruined some nice suits. Probably the biggest thing I noticed was how in control of the situation he was....not that he wasn't obviously in charge with the Mats, but there wasn't that air of "I'd rather be out back on the bus drinking" attitude that was pretty much standard fare with the Mats. This was a guy who was noticeably a "changed man" and appeared to really have his shit together and was having a blast up there. You have got to admire the guy. Michael Bland was also one damn good drummer. Prince is a doof for letting that guy get away. I honestly don't know what to make of it. I'm a 35 year old guy. I'm married with 2 kids (soon to be 3 in September) and since those guys released "Let It Be" back in '84, I've been hooked. I think that although I may not seem like it to most people, I'm a bit of a loner and a screwed up soul at heart (hell, maybe I do seem like it to most people), and their whole attitide of "fuck the world...we're gonna do this whole music business thing OUR way" really hit home with me. I own a ton of music, but I prize the Mats vinyl and CD's the most. Does any of this make sense? I guess it really doesn't have to...now does it? Jeff Hoffman Cincinnati, Ohio Date: Tue, 9 Jul 1996 14:53:34 -0400 From: hlc2@psu.edu (Heather L. Chakiris) Subject: Tommy Talks & Paulie Does Bogart's Hi, Matt! It's been a while. I caught Paul's show at Bogart's in Cincinnati on June 30th. The following is just my opinion, so take it for what it's worth. I don't know what's up with the suit and tie and sunglasses thing, nor do I get the Frank Sinatra-esque grand entrance that we got. What, is he channeling Dean Martin? Has The Divine Miss L. been telling him that to make it in the business you have to start dressing like a businessman? Anyway, I preferred the set lists from the various 14 Songs gigs I caught, but here's what he did at Bogarts (in no particular order): Waiting for Somebody; Color Me Impressed (lounge version); I Will Dare; On the Bus; Swingin' Party; Little Mascara; Left of the Dial; Alex Chilton (last song of the night); The Ledge; Valentine; Skyway; Can't Hardly Wait; They're Blind (why?); Achin' to Be; Merry Go Round (Paul's intro a'la Mick Jagger: "Here's another song from Don't Tell a Soul."); World Class Fad; Black-Eyed Susan; These Are the Days; Century; Love Untold; Ain't Got Me; MamaDaddyDid; Once Around the Weekend; Angels Walk; John, I'm Only Dancing; Daydream Believer The crowd was excellent and Paul's band rocks. It was great to see Tommy Keene again. Paul did "Century" from down on the floor between the stage and the barricade. Not much chit-chat, though he did ask for requests (and didn't play any) -- and why isn't he selling shirts? In other news, does anybody out there like the new Whiskeytown? Heather ______________________________________________________________________________ JULY 1: NEWPORT MUSIC HALL - COLUMBUS, OH Date: Thu, 8 Aug 1996 07:47:47 +0100 From: loraaw@gwis.com (lora) Subject: some show notes I hadn't really wanted to meet Paul in Columbus. I was afraid meeting him would demystify him to me, that I may be disappointed, or, worse of all, that I'd make an ass out of myself. But after standing in front of him while he belted out the songs that have been a soundtrack for my life, I changed my mind. I HAD to meet him. And I was glad I did. He was intelligent, friendly, gracious and personable. Meeting him fueled my Paul obsession more. I also met some great folks - Jon from Bowling Green and Bard from Indiana joined me and my (now converted to the Paul way) friend Tina for an unbelievable celebration of Paul. Maybe one of our group even found love at the Paul show? Ah, but that's not my story to tell ... I think everyone thought I was a bit crazy driving 400 miles to DC for a show, but it was worth it as I joined up with a good-size group of locals plus other folks who had traveled (but no one as far as myself). "OHIO?" everyone said like it was a foreign country. It was great to meet the faces with the names at Lori's pre-show party. I especially enjoyed trying to explain Tommy K's appeal to females to Ron from NYC (who I can thank for talking me into making the journey). Some quicky musical references. Loved "Swinging Party" more every show. Thought "They're Blind" was great; a surprise since I don't usually like this song on the CD. Of the three shows thought Columbus was by far the best (longest, most songs, Paul was fresher), and Philly had the most surprise. Enjoyed the slow version of "Stain Yer Blood," also lots of mixing up lyrics in Philly, etc. Really liked Paul's red shoes that night too. Anyway, it was great. Hope to party with y'all again. ______________________________________________________________________________ JULY 2: CABARET METRO - CHICAGO, IL JULY 4: TASTE OF CHICAGO - GRANT'S PARK - CHICAGO, IL Date: Fri, 5 Jul 1996 14:44:00 -0500 (CDT) From: Keith Cook The Grant Park show was quite good. Westerberg still gives me the shivers seeing him play live. For a second, I though perhaps I was the only one there thinking the same, as Grant Park shows are often peopled by those who go because it is free; however, it was obvious that everyone was really into him. It was amusing to see 40 year old women dancing around and really digging it. The songs were crisp, had lots of energy and playfulness, and Paul's stage presence was at a high. He was delivering plenty of his wry wit. In sum, he blew both Wilco and del Amitri off the stage (I believe that was his intent). He was the middle band which made it tough for del Amitri, but Paul's efforts had everyone up and ready for more, so they did ok. Paul also did an encore, which is unusual for the middle band. In all honesty, I think I enjoy Paul's albums less since he stopped drinking, but I enjoy the concerts more. Sober Paul is a much better performer on average. I've seen a few great Replacements shows, but both solo outings have really packed a punch. Besides, he's got Prince's old drummer now which amuses me. Quote from the show: "can you hear us from there? ...cause I can sure smell us from here!" Keith Date: Sun, 14 Jul 1996 19:38:57 -0500 (CDT) From: kljohnson1@macalstr.edu What a July 4th weekend for Chicago! Paul was in town for 2 shows, one at the Metro and one at the Taste. (Hey, did anyone get an audio copy of the show at the Taste? If so, please contact me at kljohnson1@macalstr.edu I can send you a tape and postage if you have it, and if you want we can trade for something. I have pictures from the Taste show and some assorted bootlegs) Anyway, like many of you I have subscribed to Skyway for awhile now, I guess it's been about 3 years, but I have yet to introduce myself. My name is Kathy and I live outside of Chicago, and I go to school at Macalester College in St. Paul. I have yet to catch Paul in his hometown, it's always been Chicago. I've seen the 'Mats in February of '91 at the Aragon (anybody have a tape of this one?), July '91 at the Taste, August '93 I saw Paul at the Metro, and at the last 2 Chicago shows. I had the chance to meet the 'Mats at an autograph signing before the Aragon show in '91, but I kind of cringe with embarassment at the memory. Not that I made an outright idiot of myself or anything, but when I was finally face to face with them I was utterly speechless. I could not think of a word to say, just kinda stared and handed them my PTMM tape cover to sign. My friend who was with me hadn't brought anything along for them to sign, so she pulled out a dollar bill and gave it to Paul to sign. He took it, pretended to put it in his pocket, and said, "This for me? Thanks!" Man, I just remember being so envious that my friend got one of those famous wisecracks out of Paul. I asked Paul to pose for a picture with my friend and I, and that was about it. I think it would have been a much more memorable meeting if I had actually been able to speak, but hey, I think that kind of thing happens to a lot of people, even if they do say something they wish they would have said something else! Anyway, let me give my brief reviews of the Chicago shows. I have a feeling a lot of people went to these so I don't want to repeat what others say...at the Metro show I was in about the 2nd or 3rd row. Standing right near me was a man that Paul pointed out as "the oldest friend I've got". It turned out the guy had been friends with Paul since kindergarden. He was fun to take a glance at every now and then, because he would stand there and just crack up as he watched Paul on stage, for no apparent reason it seemed since it's not like Paul was doing anything out of the ordinary up there. The show was basically the same songs that other people have mentioned, the only one I didn't expect was "They're Blind", and it sounded pretty cool live I thought. Early in the show Paul asked for requests and a bunch of people yelled out "First Glimmer". Paul just looked at them and said "F*** you". I wonder if he was just being smart or he really doesn't like to do that song. Paul and the band, if I sensed it correctly didn't seem quite in sync with each other for the first half; at one point Paul looked over at Tommy Keene and said, "I wish you would sing!" and Tommy obediently complied. A couple of times he said to his bassist, "Where's that riff?", and they started "Black Eyed Susan" three times because it didn't sound right, according to Paul. In the middle Paul did one 'Mats song with his back to the audience and the following two behind a speaker so no one really could see him. After he came out of his little hiding place he seemed refreshed, happier, and never critiqued the band again. Paul's good mood continued at the show on the 4th, and the band sounded tight, the show was excellent in my opinion. He concentrated more on his solo stuff this time, in comparison to the Metro where he did more 'Mats material than solo. Later, Kathy Date: Wed, 17 Jul 96 10:05:58 CDT From: proud@comm.mot.com (Matthew Proud) I happened to see Paul (well maybe not see, but at least hear) play at the Taste of Chicago on July 4. I had anticipated going to see this show ever since it was announced, and even had by brother-in-law call one of his fraternity brothers who is an assistant to Mayor Daly to see if he could score some tickets to the seating area in front of the Petrillo Music Shell - I wanted to get as close to Paul as possible. Anyways, my bro-in-law's friend said that there would be 2 tickets for me, reserved in his name, at will-call behind the Petrillo Music Shell. I was finally a VIP. Well... I get to the will-call area on the day of the show, walking like a kingpin, and strut up to the attendant to pick up my tickets. I rattle of my bro-in-law's friends name, and.... his name is no where to be find on the list. After combing through the list with a magnifying glass, I realized that I was no longer a VIP, and had to sit with the other 100,000 people in the grass area. During Paul's encore, my girlfriend and myself decided to go to the area where we thought Paul would be exiting after the show (I think the tour bus and limousine gave it away). I remember reading that Paul needed to play the second bill, because he needed to catch a flight to Baltimore for the premiere episode of some show. So, we waited by the exit area, and about 20 minutes after the show, the man finally exited. He came up to all of the people standing by the fence and shook a few hands, including my own. Some girl next to me asked Paul if he had any guitar picks and he reached in his pocket and passed a few out. My girlfriend ended up with one, so it is now framed and hanging on my wall. As I was waiting for Paul to exit, I recognized a local DJ from the host station (Bobby Skafish from WXRT) and asked him what the crowd and atmosphere of the show was like (in the front and backstage). He didn't comment on this show, but he did comment on the show in which Paul had played a few nights earlier at the Metro. He felt that when Paul was playing Replacements tunes, the crowd was really into the show. But, when Paul played tunes from the new album, the crowd almost seemed disinterested. matt proud From: MZipko@nhbpr.com (Mike Zipko) Date: Wed, 11 Sep 1996 16:48:49 -0500 My brother and another friend decided to head to Chicago for the 4th of July weekend to get out the Twin Cities. The only thing we had planned was a trip to Wrigley to see the Cubs, rescuing us from the land of indoor baseball. The biggest attraction in Chicago on the 4th is the Taste of Chicago. It's a ten-day festival of food and music. They light off their big fireworks display on July 3rd, letting people head to the suburbs to see fireworks on the 4th. We were saw the fireworks on the 3rd and were extremely impressed. The next day we made our way to Grant Park (a place known for great food and great protests) to eat, drink and have a good time. The best surprise of the entire trip was getting to Grant Park just as PW was hitting the stage for a free concert. The greatest irony was the Grant Park stage was the site of their last show - on July 4 of all days. The show was much shorter than PW's recent gig in MPLS but pumped more energy into the crowd. PW and band were all wearing suits in the hot sun and sweating as much as the crowd was. Walking around the corner of a massively crowded event full of some of the strangest people you have ever seen and hearing the openning riff from a Mats song is a great surprise. PW was the 2nd band on the stage headlined by Del Amitri - go figure. After the very impressive show we went out to hit the used music stores and found an import-bootleg of the last Grant Park show. It made the trip memorable and a number of friends in Mpls extremely jealous. I love this newsletter. There are only a few bands that connect with me enough to spend as much time as I am writing this e-mail. The Mats are one, another local band here - the Gear Daddies are another. It's reassuring to know there are others who felt the same connection with easily some of the most influential American rock music. Thanks again for the newsletter. It's greatly appreciated. M.Zipko mzipko@nhbpr.com ______________________________________________________________________________ JUL 21: MODJESKA THEATER - MILWAUKEE, WI Date: Mon, 22 Jul 1996 11:54:37 -0700 From: Spehert Last night, Paul & Co. made the trip down I-94 to Milwaukee to play a rip- roaring show at Milwaukee's old Modjeska Theatre. The opening act, Patty Rothberg was okay. I'm not a big Patty Rothberg fan, but they did all right. Still, when you're waiting to see Sir Paul, I don't think it matters who opens! Paul was great, and so was his band. Tommy Keene just rocked. His bass player was pretty good, as well. He had a new drummer, can't remember his name, but Paul made the comment that is was the guy's first night playing with them. He did a great job, though. The crowd was into his new stuff, but when he dipped into the 'Mats catalog, it got everyone going. It turned into one big sing-a-long, which was really cool. All in all it was a typical Westerberg set, but it had a few suprises. I thought it was cool that he did 'If Only You Were Lonely', all though Paul screwed it up! He started with the last line, and had to have the crowd provide him with the proper first line! Then someone asked him to play Customer, but he didn't play it because "you all were in kindergarten when I was playing that song", but he did Skyway instead so it was cool! Chris Date: Mon, 22 Jul 1996 14:07:01 -0700 (PDT) From: Michael Smith I just returned from seeing Paul at the Modjeska theatre in Milwaukee so here's the set list and a little info for y'all. If I had to sum up the show in one word it would be loose (despite the suit look for the band). The band was joking and laughing with each other especially after Paul's frequent memory lapses with the lyrics. After 10 seconds of "These Are the Days" Paul stopped the band, declaring, "that fucking sucked" before giving it another go. After the first song Paul introduced the drummer saying it was his first show with the band. That seemed apparent since the bass player was frequently helping him out with the tunes. All things considered I think he did a hell of a job. During the last song Paul jumped on his drum riser and knocked over most of his drum kit, reducing him to a snare and a cymbal. Maybe it was some sort of initiation!? Musically, the show was heavy on Replacements material with only two songs from "14 Songs". A few personal highlights I Will Dare, Black Eyed Susan, These Are the Days, and a solo Paul doing "If Only You Were Lonely" which I don't believe was on the set list since he seemed to "wing it" after talking with an audience member. Paul seemed to be having the time of his life - and so did we. From: bruef@mail.tds.net Date: Mon, 22 Jul 96 23:22:15 PDT Caught the first show of the second leg of Paul's tour last night at the Modjeska theater in Milwaukee. Here's a run down of the show: The band actually came on relatively on-time this time and we arrived just in time for the first song. The band came out looking pretty much the same as every other show except for the new drummer - Brian Mcleod - once of Wire Train and John Hiatt's band. Also, the bass player had bleached his hair about the same blonde as Beavis and he looked like he's lost a bit of weight since the Iowa City show I saw in June. He kinda reminds me of "Chet", the sadistic older brother in "Weird Science". Anyhow, the show was much sloppier and more "Mats-like" then the one in June. The new drummer (Brian Mcleod) was good but still obviously trying to get the hang of the set. A couple of minor screw-ups and false starts, but overall, I'd dare say I liked him slightly more then Michael Bland. He screwed up the intro to "...Weekend" and Paul stopped and told the audience, "Um, it's Brian's first night on drums". Then he (Paul) proceeded to screw up a lot of lyrics when they re-started it. Interesting lyric shift in "Weekend": "I've gotta sweep this whore again". Later, at one point between songs, Paul said, "Alright I refuse to play another song until I get a glass" (for the bottled water he'd been swigging). He then walked up to the front of the stage and proceeded to make a ring w/his left hand as if he were holding a glass, and started pouring the water into the "glass" and motioning as if he were taking drinks from it. This went on for a good full minute or so, so I got the impression he wasn't just joking and was really pissed. At another point, somebody in the audience yelled for a request (I couldn't hear what) to which Paul replied "Alright, I'll do it in a minute...as soon as rehearsal's over". It was really hard to read whether he was in a good mood or not. A few times he truly looked like he was already sick of the band or the tour (and this was only the first show of the second leg!). During the first chorus of "Century", the vocals were way off just like when they did it in Iowa City. But this time he really seemed annoyed and made faces as if to say, "OK guys, it was amusing before, but I think after a dozen or two shows you'd learn the fucking harmony". He then proceeded to screw up the lyrics really badly later in the same song. They did add a couple really cool new twists to Century though. First, at one instrumental point in the song, Paul sang a bit I think was from a U2 song and it really added to the tune. Then, near the end, they broke down into a completely different feel/rhythm/tempo that was kind of similar to the old song, "Spirit In The Sky". After a bit of this, they jumped back into the last few measures of Century and finished it. Very cool. Another note on the new drummer: "They're Blind" sounded much better than with Michael Bland. This is a song that really can't cut it live if the band tries to copy the album version (unless they bring along an orchestra and some extra backing vocalists). But Brian changed the beat just enough to make it work. This is a fave of mine, and I found it a bit disappointing the first time round, so it was really nice to hear it this way. Later, someone yelled for Androgynous. Paul looked up at the ceiling as if he were considering the plausibility of doing it. He then ambled over to Tommy's piano and played about 2 measures of the intro and stopped. The crowd of course went nuts. A few songs after that, the band left Paul alone on the stage. He started the intro to "If Only You Were Lonely". He began to sing, "I woke up this morning and I was tired as hell..." then he stopped and said, "Is that the last line?....Thank you very much!" and started to walk away laughing. Then he asked the crowd what the first line was. Half the audience is yelling "I walked out of work!" at the top of they're lungs, and the other half looking around thinking "what the hell song is that? That's not on any Mats albums?". After Paul leaned down and got the line from someone he went back to the mic and said, "well what do you expect from someone who hasn't had a job in four years!" (four? try sixteen, Paul.) Then he proceeded with an inspired version of the song. They did "Stain yer Blood" later and didn't get much of a reaction from the audience (we may see this one dropped soon if that happens a lot). He then threatened that he'd "play the fucker again!". I think my favorite moment in the concert came near the end when a couple assholes decided the show had gone to long with people enjoying it so they started body-surfing. One of them was eventually passed onto the stage and stood up and looked at Paul w/this big grin and held his hand out for Paul to shake or give him five. Paul had this knowing grin on his face. He walked up to the bozo as if he were going to comply, but at the last moment turned around and bent over slightly, sticking his butt out at the guy to let him know what he could do to celebrate his imagined 15 minutes. As I mentioned, musically, the show was quite a bit sloppier then the first leg of the tour. Besides the lack of practice w/ the new drummer and Paul's memory lapses, Tommy Keene, who seemed to be infallible the first time round, even managed a few chokes. This may sound like I'm being hard on the band, but in all honesty, I enjoyed it somewhat more. The group seemed more alive and human. If they just tighten up enough to get rid of some of the really glaring screw-ups that take away from the show, I think they'll sound great and be a lot of fun. I'll put the setlist below for anyone who wants to know the details. After the show, we hung around behind the theater in hopes of getting some autographs, etc. (I brought my five year old son Adam's Mats T-shirt in hopes of getting it signed for him. Of course Adam wouldn't be allowed to wear it ever again). But one of the crew told us Paul hauled ass out the door as soon as the show was over and took off. I did overhear the bass player telling someone about where they're going. I didn't catch it all but it sounded like after the shows on the east coast they'd work they're way back toward the midwest and possibly end up in Chicago. (Sorry kids, didn't hear anything about shows on the left side of the country - but I'm sure they're coming - EVENTUALLY) Anyway, here's the setlist. Pretty much a continuation of the first leg w/ a few minor variations: Waiting For Somebody World Class Fad Valentine Once Around The Weekend These Are The Days Kiss Me On The Bus I Will Dare Ain't Got Me Century They're Blind Achin' To Be (snippet of Androgynous) Mamadaddydid Black Eyed Susan If Only You Were Lonely Skyway] Waitress In The Sky Merry Go Round Angels Walk Love Untold Stain Yer Blood Can't Hardly Wait Alex Chilton (Encore) Swinging Party John, I'm Only Dancing Daydream Believer Oh yeah. I almost forgot. Near the end of Daydream Believer, Paul walked back to Brian's drum riser and proceeded to pull over everything except his snare, high hat, and one crash. Brian had to finish the song on these three pieces. Great way to finish the show! From: Briber8@aol.com Date: Wed, 24 Jul 1996 18:50:47 -0400 Subject: Local skywayer makes good! Hey Matt, I had a once in a lifetime experience at Paul's show in Milwaukee, July 21st! Besides the excellent show, I had the fortune of getting to give my idol the words to start "If Only You Were Lonely"! The show was incredible, Paul was in a ridiculously good mood. He was smiling, laughing, joking, and just damn happy. In other words, unlike any other show I have seen live or on video. Paul sang and played exceptionally, the bass player was damn good, Tommy Keene seemed a little cautious a lot of the time (kinda looking to Paul for approval, which was odd), and the new drummer was OK - evidently this was his first date on the tour. The bass player often briefed him of the beats for the songs before he would start. He did well under the circumstances, but Paul ripped the hell out of his drum set during the encore and left him playing only the snare and high-hat! But, the big deal for me came when Paul started playing "If Only You Were Lonely". Paul started singing the final verse in place of the first, he stopped and laughed and looked for help. I was at front and center of the stage with my fiance' and some new friends, and yelled the first two lines to him. He couldn't hear since the mike was set about 8 feet from the edge of the stage, but he smiled and nodded to me to give him the words again. Still no good, so he walks from behind the mike to the edge of the stage, leans over to my face and I get to tell him right into his goddamn ear! With a big ass smile on his face he thanks me and goes back to the mike, starts the song, gets the first two lines right and screws up most of the rest!!! It was pretty much the best thing that has ever happened to me, although a very brief moment! My fiance' is super happy for me, but thinks I am putting a little to much importance on it as a defining moment in my life. What's up with her? We waited with some of the faithful after the show to hopefully get to thank Paul for being Paul, but according to the bass player, he had his girl in town and they took off immediately after the show. We did talk to the bass player for a while and he was a very nice gent and fun to talk to! He did say Paul is consistently staying after the shows and meeting with the fans, so there is hope for all of us yet! Also, I got to meet another Skywayer! We only talked for a few minutes but it was cool! Thanks for Skyway Matt! Good day, Bob ______________________________________________________________________________ JULY 25: THE OPERA HOUSE - TORONTO, ON From: cristin9@aol.com (Cristin9) Newsgroups: alt.music.replacements Subject: Paul in Torono Review: 7/25 Date: 27 Jul 1996 15:05:21 -0400 Forwarded review of Paul's show in Toronto, July 25th (from ProMitra, who only has email access): ****** Last night (July 25, 1996) Westerberg was in Toronto playing at the Opera House. He pulled off a great show, playing his "hits" from yesteryear and most of the songs from his latest CD. He's sporting the suit-and-tie image as of late, which I find really odd since his music does not fit that image. Maybe that's his little mind game he's playing with his audience; rock 'n' roll goes elite?? I hope not. Or maybe he's counterbalancing his previous image when he was with the Mats. Anyway, whatever is cool with Paul will certainly be cool with the fans. The band was great, but it amazed me in witnessing the bass player breaking a string only after the second song. Being a bass player myself, it takes a lot to break one. What puzzles me more was that he broke it while playing with a pick! The lead guitarist played the solos almost precisely to the records, both PW and 'Mats. The drummer shockingly resembles Chris Mars and plays in similar fashion. He was the only one not wearing any formal wear. If the boss is doing it, I think the employees should as well. Here are the songs that made the evening great (out of order): Waiting for Somebody World Class Fad Valentine I Will Dare Alex Chilton Century These are the Days Angels Walk Love Untold Stain Yer Blood Merry Go Round Aching To Be They're Blind Black-eyed Susan Silver Naked Ladies Waitress in the Sky Swinging Party MommaDaddydid Ain't Got Me Hide 'n' Seeking Once Around the Weekend Can't Hardly Wait Daydream Believer Never Mind ..plus one song I never heard before. [If Only You Were Lonely? -M@] I had wished he'd play 'Answering Machine' or 'Within Your Reach' as a final song, just him with his electric guitar. It would have definitely made the night complete. Good show, good venue, good crowd....excellent night. Thanks Paul. ______________________________________________________________________________ JULY 26: SARATOGA WINNERS - ALBANY, NY Date: Sun, 28 Jul 1996 20:53:18 -0400 (EDT) From: shu The Westerberg show on July 26 at "Saratoga Winners" in Albany NY was incredible. Paul played songs spanning his entire career. His band was excellent. He played about 5 different guitars throughout the show. (Les Paul, Rickenbacker, Jaguar, etc). Possibly my favorite part of the show was midway through when he played an acoustic set complete with a sing-along of "Skyway". After the gig Paul hung out on the steps of his van and met people, including myself, for about an hour. He was cool, witty, and really just a nice guy. It was definitely a great night. Bob Smith Glens Falls NY shu@global2000.net ______________________________________________________________________________ JULY 29: THE PARADISE - BOSTON, MA Date: Thu, 1 Aug 1996 22:09:36 -0500 (CDT) From: Matthew Tomich There was one concert that I wanted to catch this summer and it sure as hell wasn't Lollapalooza. I was afraid that I was going to miss Paul on tour while I was up at camp in Vermont this summer but thanks to several Skyway members and some flexible camp scheduling, I was able to make it down to Boston to catch our hero on Monday, July 29th at The Paradise (the joint that's name dropped on that Best Buy commercial.) It was the second time that I'd ever been in Boston (each time being a memorable experience of the positive sort, if for no other reason than somebody else offered to drive.) Especially originating from the Midwest, Boston struck me as being exotic in a blue-blooded East Coast way. I loved the city and found every person there informed and interesting, yet I did notice a couple peculiar traits about the region: 1. When people say that they live in Boston, it really means that they probably live NEAR Boston. Instead, they live in some connected city with a posh Olde English sounding name. (The more letters, the higher the rent; double that figure if there's a corresponding city in England and/or there's an Ivy League university within two miles.) 2. "Car" has an h in it. 3. Driving lanes are completely arbitrary, if existent at all. 4. Tailgating is not considered to occur until actual bumper-to-bumper contact is made. 5. It is not improper driving technique to make a right hand turn from the left lane (or vice-versa). 6. Bike paths that are connected to roads may or may not be marked as such, even if they look like roads and are in better condition. 7. Nobody is over 37. (I think they ship you to New Hampshire once you hit 38 or something.) 8. Any concern voiced about crime or your personal safety is pointedly answered, "Wadda think this is, New York?!!" 9. Any concern voiced about civic corruption is pointedly answered, "Wadda think this is, D.C.?!!" 10. Any concept of geography rapidly falters in regards to anything west of the Appalachians or south of Virginia. I got the chance to meet up with MANY Skyway folk, including Elaine Pan from Canada (eh!), Mark Timmins (you gotta hear his band's version of "Here Comes a Regular" and "Skyway"), Kathy (the insaitable fan), Mutsuko and her sister (yup, all the way from Japan and England respectively), Steve (with the most vintage 'Mats shirt I'd ever seen), Jason (who rolls his own dammit), Connie the effervesacent, and so many others (so many people at once, it's all a blur now) at T's Pub before the show. It's it's own thing meeting people that you 'know' but wouldn't recognize on the street. There's a sort of a confusingly imbalanced rapport; you know what their favorite Replacements song is and maybe their life story, but you wouldn't know if they walked in the door at the bar. But all in all, it was great fun seeing faces behind the names after so many years. And of course, there was the show. As soon as Paul himself walked out on stage, there's that rush on seeing in real live person the soul that has blown out your eardrums during all those days in the dorm, all those drives and commutes, and all those times inbetween. It'd been three long years, a longer time than the absence between the end of the Replacements and "14 Songs". And even with the suit and the rose-colored glasses, he looked great. He opened up with "Waiting For Somebody" and played with consistent energy and sparse comment for what must've been an hour and a half. (I didn't bother checking my watch, much less taking my eyes off the stage, for the entire show.) Other songs (by album): Let It Be: "I Will Dare" Tim: "Swinging Party", "Waitress in the Sky", "Kiss Me On the Bus", "Left of the Dial" Pleased to Meet Me: "I.O.U.", "Alex Chilton", "Never Mind", "Skyway", "Can't Hardly Wait", "Valentine" Don't Tell a Soul: "They're Blind, "Achin' to Be" All Shook Down: "Merry Go Round" 14 Songs: "World Class Fad", "Even Here We Are" Eventually: "These Are The Days", "Century", "Love Untold", "Mammadaddydid", "Once Around the Weekend", "Angel's Walk", "Ain't Got Me" Friends soundtrack: "Stain Your Blood" misc/covers: "If Only You Were Only", "Daydream Believer" (As Kathy keenly pointed out, he played more songs from 'Pleased to Meet Me' [or 'Tim'] than '14 Songs'.) As for his "Paid Companions" (an apt term), I thought they were the most professional people that I could ever imagine (okay, beyond my imagination) of Paul ever working with. Tommy Keene looked particularly GQ in the suit and played flawlessly with restraint. The bass player (some big Nordic lookin' guy, wouldn't doubt he was a native Minnesotan) was completely with the tight rhythm section of Mr. Bland, who recently must've been lured back to the fold and beat the most solid beat you could have ever imagined behind a guy that used to have Chris "Top of the Slops" Mars (and don't think that an insult) as his metronome. I confess that Paul's last group of compatriots were more to my favor with more roar and looseness at my 23; these more restrained, refined, and professional pals obviously are more in synch with where Paul is now at 37. But believe me, they still sound GOOD. But I had a hard time imagining them sitting down to listen to "Left of the Dial" to figure it out without raising an eyebrow. I got a second to talk to the bass player afterwards and he remarked that Paul "sounds great once he gets it all together, huh?" I said that I thought he sounded just as great ten years ago. And then some guy (his accent and attitude are unreproducable in this medium) came busting up to him and said, "Great show, but who the fuck was so goddamn outta tune on 'Waitress in the Sky'?" I turned to Elaine Pan (who could hardly contain her snicker in must've been confirming the Canadian view of American behavior as painfully brash) and laughed at this obnoxious nut who was talking about a guy who would've been lucky to have been IN tune only five years ago. Paul seemed to be having a ball, especially when the crowd was almost as loud as the band during the emotional sing alongs of "Skyway" (the loudest sing along I've ever heard per-person) and "Can't Hardly Wait". Everybody at the show cheered louder than hell inbetween the songs and the band obviously was feeding off the enthusiasm. I can't imagine that any artist could've resisted a second encore from the thunder that emitted from the crowd after he left the stage; however, it appears that he's adamant about only a sole encore on this tour and was already in the bus when the crowd was still yelling and cheering in the face of the roadies tearing down the stage ten minutes later. I wasn't expecting it to happen, but I guess I got to meet Paul Westerberg, as did anybody else who had the patience to wait in line at the entrance of the tour bus. (Juliana Hatfield didn't have to wait in line tho'!) Paul sat on the steps of the entrance of the bus with a bouncer between him and the line of conversing fans. (All this while Bland was animatedly talking to the crowd out the side window and Tommy Keene, who had rapidly dispatched the suit, was milling about in front of the venue.) I have to thank Shannon Armitage who just a week earlier had already filled in Paul about the Skyway and that there was this Matt character who ran it who was going to be in Boston and was dying to finally hear "Answering Machine". I guess he even wrote down "Matt - Answering Machine - Boston" on a piece of paper. It didn't get played, but it didn't matter. The thought was enough. Maybe it's self-indulgent to put it here (but why start apologizin' now), but here's the extent of my second conversation with Paul (and the first during which I was intelligible and was possibly coherent): "Hi...uh...hey, my name's Matt and I'm a Midwesterner like yourself, from Omaha, Nebraska..." "Oh hey! So what brings you up here?" "Uh, I'm a camp counselor in Vermont [he snickers] ... I don't know what to tell you that haven't heard a million times before except that I run this little thing on the computer called the Skyway..." "Oh yeah, I was told about that! It was a girl...you know, I tried to play Answering Machine, I brought the guitar and practiced it in the hotel room but I couldn't remember the third verse and it sounded like shit. I really tried..." "Man, no problem. It's the thought that counts. Uh, hey, want a Menthos?" "Yeah, sure..." "Hey, can I get a picture with yah?" "Yeah, sure..." [Elaine Pan snaps a picture of Paul and I.] At this point I felt like I was holding up the line and I had a million things to say but I couldn't imagine what. "Hey, it's really nice to see that you're finally...so...happy. It really means alot to see that. Uh, take care." "Take care, Matt." And I was walking away, Paul called out, "Thanks for doing that!" There it was. Ordination and thanks for the Skyway from Paul himself. I met the closest thing I had to a 'hero' and I gave him a Menthos. I couldn't help walking away with a feeling of an adrenaline rush but also with the feeling that I'd forgotten to say something. Hopefully I'll figure it out and he'll come to Raleigh in the fall and he won't be sick of meeting people by then. I'll have a letter for him next time. What's missing from this dialogue is the feeling of comfort that he now exudes. He seemed more comfortable casually talking to people than I've ever seen anybody. He was SINCERE. Peebrane was right, the coolest guy I ever have smelled. But I'm sure everybody who went has their own story to tell. BIG TIME THANKS to Chuck from L.A. for making sure I got there, Mark Timmins for the navigation/ride in/wry commentary, Kathy for the ride out and explanation of Bostonian vehicular theory, Jason for the place to crash and warm hospitality...and to EVERYBODY who came and meet up at T's Pub beforehand! It was great to meet everybody. Smirks, M@ ______________________________________________________________________________ JULY 31/AUGUST 1: IRVING PLAZA - NEW YORK, NY Date: Thu, 01 Aug 1996 03:49:27 -0400 From: Taxi Driver Newsgroups: alt.music.replacements Subject: Paul in NYC All I can say is if last night's show was pretty good, tonight's show was phenomenal. He played most of the songs from the previous night and added "John I'm Only Dancing", "Sadly Beautiful", "Silver Naked Ladies", and an incredible version of "Left of the Dial" which after finishing went ape-shit (stinsonism) and smashed up his guitar Townshend Style. This was one of the best shows I've ever seen. He played a couple of others he didn't play last night but I can't think straight right now. I'll think of them and put them up tommorow. On a scale of 1-10 yesterdays show was a 7; tonight's was definitely a 10. Patrick From: salc@con2.com (Sal_c) Newsgroups: alt.music.replacements Subject: FIRST NIGHT IN NYC - A POSTMORTEM Date: Wed, 31 Jul 1996 23:38:45 GMT Paul made a big show of tearing up the set list after the first song last night, but from what I've read the show was virtually identical to all the shows so far. Everything about the evening from the song choices, to the band, down to the natty stage threads seemed to serve one purpose; to officially cannonize PW as the greatest rock'n'roll songwriter of the past 20 years. The problem was that he was preaching to the converted (and who're you gonna nominate? Cobain??!). He would have been better suited if he loosened the reigns just a little bit. I could almost see him in rehearsals telling Tommy Keene to turn down his pre-amp (distortion) and marveling at Michael Bland's Human Metronome playing. Not surprisingly (giving the atmosphere) the best songs of the evening were the quiter ones; "Mammadaddydid", "Swinging Party", "They're Blind", "Black-eyed Susan". And without a doubt the man was in a better mood on stage than I have ever seen previous, even forcing a big, goofy grin on his puss at the end of "If Only You Were Lonely". But only on a handful of occasions did the band kick in with any real drive; maybe "Ain't Got Me", "Little Mascara" and "Nevermind" (the show closer - the audience was given a choice between "Galveston", the old Jimmy Webb chestnut, and "something off PTMM." Guess what they went for). I really missed Josh Freese (sp?), the 20-year old lunatic drummer who kept every song on the verge of exploding on the first solo tour. I'm curious to hear what anyone else who attended thought. Please feel free to respond. And if anyone has a tape of them doing "Galveston", let me know. I just might have something to trade.... Sal C. PS - By the way, The Gigolo Aunts from MA were the last minute fill-in openers and they were fantastic. Great songs in a more traditional, 60's pop-psychedlia vein (think Velvet Crush without the Gram Parsons fixation). Check 'em out if given the chance. Newsgroups: alt.music.replacements From: bpartsch@carroll.com (Bill Partsch) Subject: Paul at Irving Plaza, NYC, 7/30 Date: Wed, 31 Jul 1996 06:11:28 GMT Listen my children, and you shall hear, Of the midnight ride of Paul Westerberg... (OK, it doesn't rhyme, but it's clever, especially at 1:10 when I have a headache and I'm tired and *starving*.) Just saw Paul at Irving Plaza in NYC. As Kathy noted in her Boston wrap-up, Michael Bland is indeed still with the band, at least he was for this gig, and presumably for the 7/31 gig as well. The show was rockin', of course. I myself only saw the Replacements in a proper setting once, at the converted bingo parlor in Allentown, Pa. The other two times were in arenas, and that, to me, just ain't right. So this is really the second time I've had the chance to hear these songs properly. It helped that I was with a couple people who were also into it, as opposed to being all alone in Allentown. (Shades of Billy Joel?) A lot of what's been reported here previously happened tonight: the crowd sang along with the Mats songs, the Eventually songs were better live than on record, the band (Tommy, Michael and bass player Ken Chastain) were universally excellent, and the set list went pretty much according to Hoyle. No huge departures from previous gigs, but I did notice a couple random oddities. For one, the show was being videotaped/filmed on some rather impressive looking cameras, the ones with the elliptical tops that look like they're actually holding film (as opposed to tape). I thought, wow, I'd like to see this when it's done, and...what the hell is it being filmed for, Paul Westerberg: Rattle and Hum? If any of you cognoscenti have any inside poop on this, I'd like to know. On a more minor scale, Paul introduced one song as "Once Around My Waistline" (cool it, ladies). And in "Kiss Me on The Bus," instead of "Hurry, hurry, here comes my stop," he sang "Surrey, surrey, with the fringe on top." Following the now-obligatory three encores, my friends (both women) and I headed to the upper level of Irving Plaza, for that is where the dressing room is. One of my compatriots is a first-rate schmoozer, and she worked all the angles on the security staff there. While we waited for Paul to emerge from the dressing room, Tommy, Ken and Michael came out in turn. Having come to the show straight from work, I had my briefcase, which, you'll be comforted to know, is mainly a vessel for my CD's and CD Walkman. I decided to take the plunge and have the entire band sign my Eventually CD insert. Tommy was first. I told him I owned a copy of his album "Based On Happy Times," which is true. He said I should hang onto it if it's the CD. (It's the LP, alas.) I said it must be tough to try to nail the parts of three different guitar players, as he did during the show, playing leads originally authored by Bob, Slim and Paul. He said yes, either to shut me up or because he concurred with my blistering observation. Of the four band members, he was the only one who actually addressed his autograph to me personally. I got Michael to sign it next. He seems like he'd be a helluva lot of fun to hang with. Just a genuinely effervescent guy, which is good in a drummer. Correct me, but did he not drum in the New Power Generation? I flagged down Ken when he passed me, and I found out he is not related to Paul Chastain of Velvet Crush, and he may be tired of fielding that question. He was very receptive to chitchat, though, and he wrote "Bass & Shit" under his autograph. Well, with three signatures on the insert, all I had to do was get Paul to sign it. This, however, entailed meeting Paul, which I have never done. But as I said, one of my companions played all the angles and managed to get us into the dressing room. Paul was just sitting quietly in a chair with his Cigarillo down to its last inch and a half or so. I shook the man's hand, and got him to sign the insert. (I'll never wash that insert again!) I didn't want to bogart the man's attention, but when I spotted an opening, I asked him if there were a chance he might play "Sadly Beautiful" when I saw him in Philly. He said maybe. He said it's a difficult song to do live. "One heckle, and it's dead," he said. I told him it was nice to hear "Swingin Party," as that is truly my fave Mats song. He said, "It really stands up; it stands the test of time." One humorous exchange: I told Paul the Replacements made me cry once. He said, "They made me cry lots of times." Once the three of us introduced ourselves, Paul said, "Do you want a drink?" We selected our individual preferences from a selection of Coke products, 7-Up, Canada Dry, Snapple and Yoo-Hoo. (I selected a Coke.) It was a pretty decent spread: lots of fresh fruit, salty snack foods, more fresh fruit, M&M's and such. I enjoyed two (count 'em, two) tortilla chips. (That was dinner for me, b'lieve it or not, and as such, they were especially yummy.) In all, I found him to be quite gracious. As we left, Paul was heading out to meet and greet the folks still hanging out in the club and then, presumably, to the folks hanging out at the back door. If you made it this far, then I thank you. Well, I hope this has been entertaining, or at least more fun than a poke in the gut with a paring knife. --Bill From: HOOTNYC@aol.com Date: Sat, 3 Aug 1996 11:38:45 -0400 Caught PW's show Wednesday at Irving Plaza here in NYC. He was in rare form, something must have inspired him. Perhaps it was Tommy coming to town the next night. His energy level was as high as I'd ever seen it, he just kept cranking the songs out. He was so wound up that after he ended with Left of the Dial (before the encore), he whipped off his guitar and smashed it on the stage. I had never seen him do anything like that. That's it for now. Later From: kramer@bc.cybernex.net (Jeff Kramer) Newsgroups: alt.music.replacements Subject: Paul in NYC 7/31 & Perfect in Hoboken Date: Thu, 01 Aug 1996 02:42:09 -0400 I just saw PW at Irving Plaza on 7/31. An incredible show featuring "Sadly Beautiful" and Bowie's "John, I'm Only Dancing". Paul messed up the opening words to "Skyway" but the crowd filled them in for him. He laughed and said thanks for the help. Overall, he seemed to be in a great mood. The cameras were there again and he asked the crowd to act like they really liked "Ain't Got Me" Was this possibly a video shoot? Show highlight - "Left of the Dial" complete with a guitar smashing performance by Paul at the end. Overall a tight show and the band sounds great. Perfect in Hoboken - A great show. If you have a chance to see them - do it. The only thing I felt bad about is when the opening singer yelled at my friends and I to be quiet in the bar. But what the hell - it's a bar! Also try to see opening band Enormous. They got all the moves. I spoke to Tommy after the show while he was selling T-shirts and CD's. I asked him about a possible solo album and he said "Yeah, I'm working on it. It'll be out early next year." But then he signed my CD "Tonite - I lie, Tommy." So I don't think the solo thing is going to happen. But who cares, Perfect is a great band. Pick up their EP or don't if you don't feel like it. ______________________________________________________________________________ AUGUST 2: 9:30 CLUB - WASHINGTON, DC From: Duncan deGraffenreid Date: Sat, 3 Aug 96 17:46:57 EDT Wow! Whotta show! This isn't what we expected! The set list: Waiting For Somebody, World Class Fad, Valentine, Once Around The Weekend (rocking version), These Are The Days, Red Red Wine, Someone Take The Wheel, First Glimmer, Ain't Got Me, Bastards Of Young, Seein' Her, I'll Be You, I'm In Trouble, Buck Hill, MammaDaddyDid, Gary's Got A Boner, Talent Show, Angel's Walk, Love Untold, Runaway Wind, A Boy Named Sue, Places That Are Gone and Landscape (Tommy Keene break), Green Acres, Junior's Got A Gun, Nowhere Is My Home, Learn How To Fail, Born In The USA, Rattlesnake, Favorite Thing, Stain Yer Blood, Alex Chilton, Answering Machine, Go, Like You, and finishing with an encore of I Will Follow, RnR Ghost, Takin A Ride/Careless, I Only Wanna Be With You, My Way, and Unsatisfied/America The Beautiful! The band was very tight until they started taking requests, and Tommy started noodling old Razz riffs in breaks, and Michael kept eggin' Paul to do D.M.S.R. [sic. -M@] From: DROIDWH4@aol.com Date: Wed, 28 Aug 1996 07:58:06 -0400 Subject: Washington Post Concert Review This is what the Washington Post had to say about Paul's August 2nd concert here in the District. It was a terrific show. A bunch of us Skywegians met before the concert, had a few brews, piled into two taxis, and headed to the 9:30 show. Duncan wrote down the set list - hopefully it will appear in the next Skyway. Gawd, I'd love to have a tape (or even better, CD) of this show. ************************************** Paul Westerberg by Mark Jenkins - The Washington Post Many rockers who've made a few solo albums after a long career with a band use their concerts to flog their newer material. Not Paul Westerberg, whose show Friday at the 9:30 Club was devoted mostly to songs he wrote during the decade he fronted The Replacements. Indeed, the singer-guitarist may have relied a little too much on his back catalogue, although the capacity crowd didn't seem to mind. Dressed in a tuxedo and flanked by musicians (including local hero Tommy Keene on guitar) in suits and ties, Westerberg both looked and sounded sharp. With Keene even stepping up to share a microphone with Westerberg at one point, the stage business was Beatlesque on such lively pop-rock songs as "Century" and "You Ain't Got Me," both from the singer's recent album, "Eventually." He also performed such Replacement classics as "Alex Chilton" and "Kiss Me On The Bus," as well as many songs that can safely be characterized as lesser. As the set sprawled past the 90-minute mark, dusting off such oldies as the bratty "Waitress In The Sky" seemed more a sign of self-indulgence than generosity. ************************************** Well there you go folks - for those of you who have not seen this show, if the thought of Paul (dressed in a tux) with a kick-ass band doing a set consisting of 75% Replacement songs makes you salivate like Pavlov's dog - GO. If anyone hears of a tape of this show, please let us know. Thanks. "..come on I'll help you burn them to the ground" Andy Smythe From: "Richard M. Skinner" Date: Sun, 4 Aug 96 16:01:13 EDT I saw Paul at the 9:30 Club in DC on 8/2, and he put on a great show. Looking sharp in a tuxedo (he took off the jacket after the 3rd song), Paul played almost 30 songs and performed for close to two hours. The club was packed with a few hundred patrons, about half of whom were singing along at any given time. Tommy Keene, being a DC native, got an enthusiastic reception from the hometown crowd. Midway through the concert, Paul played an acoustic set that included "Skyway," "Waitress in the Sky," "Black Eyed Susan," and "MamaDaddyDid." He closed the main set with terrific versions of "Alex Chilton" and "Left of the Dial." After the crowd hooted and hollered for about five minutes, Paul came back out and joked that after a "childish" exercise like that, he was going to play an "adult, serious" song. He then launched into "Swingin' Party." He finished the encore on a more upbeat note with "Nevermind" and "I.O.U." A particular highlight of the show occurred after a thrilling rendition of "I Will Dare" when Paul told Tommy that, in all the years since that song was recorded, he was the first one to get it right. Paul broke one of his guitar strings halfway through the show, but carried on. In focusing so much on his newer material, Paul seemed to be arguing that he is still a viable artist; that he is no oldies act for '80s nostalgists. He succeeded. Much of his "Eventually" material sounded better live than on the album. "Once Around the Weekend," which sounded a little too mellow on disc, became a great rocker on stage. This got me thinking. Paul's solo albums have generally featured good songs too often smothered in overproduction. (You argue that this was true for "All Shook Down" and "Don't Tell A Soul" as well). I think that Paul's next project should be a live album with all new material. This would capture his onstage energy, and keep him from drenching his songs with studio tricks. He could get together a three or four-piece band -- hopefully, with Tommy Keene on guitar (maybe even with that *other* Tommy on bass) -- and do a show in some theater in Minneapolis. I think this would turn out great. A little bit about myself. I am a 25-year-old graduate student in political science at the University of Virginia. I grew up in Westchester County, NY and attended Hamilton College. My musical taste in high school and college ranged from the appalling to the mundane (I actually once bought an Edie Brickell album). Like most of my friends, I listened to classic rock (and there my taste wasn't too terrible -- Beatles, Stones, Who). I paid little attention to the alternative scene -- I thought of it as mostly consisting of noisy, pretentious stuff like Sonic Youth. I did hear "I'll Be You" back in '89, but thought of it as nothing more than an OK song by a band of which I had never heard. I moved to DC right after I graduated from college in '92. One day, while listening to alterna-powerhouse WHFS, I heard "Alex Chilton." Before it was over, I was singing along ("I'm in love with that song"). By the third or fourth time that I had heard it, I knew that I *really* was in love with that song. I knew hardly anything about the Replacements, but I was certain that they were going to be the band for me. I bought "Pleased To Meet Me." I couldn't believe my ears. Here was a whole album full of songs as good (well, almost) as "Alex Chilton": "Can't Hardly Wait," "Valentine," "I Don't Know," "Nevermind," "I.O.U." I knew that I really was in love. My friends could listen to Pink Floyd, or the Grateful Dead, or the Eagles, or Jimmy Buffett, or whatever. I was a Replacements fan now! When in NYC during Christmas '94 (I was at UVA by then), I picked up "Tim" and "14 Songs." I listened to "Tim" on my walkman on my way back home on the commuter train. I listened to it again walking back home from the RR station -- I was so thrilled that I started skipping. Fortunately, it was dark so no one could see. Here was another album just as good as "Pleased to Meet Me." The only dark note was my regret that I hadn't known about the 'Mats when I was a teenager. I now own seven Westerberg/Replacements albums: "Let It Be," "Tim," "Pleased To Meet Me," "Don't Tell A Soul," "All Shook Down," "14 Songs," and "Eventually." PTMM is my favorite album, except when I like "Tim" better. My favorite thing about these albums is Westerberg's songwriting. I didn't know anything about the Replacements "legend" until long after I got into them. In the end, I really don't care how drunk they were at some gig in '83 or what crazy thing they did in '87 (although they make for great stories). It's the songs that matter to me. I could give you a list of my favorites, except that they would be pretty much the same as everyone elses. I will note, however, that my sister refers to "Kiss Me On The Bus" as "the song that Richard sings." In addition, a friend who endlessly makes fun of my musical taste (he likes jazz) adores "Waitress in the Sky." Other acts that I like include Matthew Sweet, Magnapop (saw them last month), Garbage, Elastica, Ramones, Buzzcocks, and Bob Mould/Sugar/Husker Du. I also like rockabilly and '60s soul. Richard Skinner ______________________________________________________________________________ AUGUST 3: PHILADELPHIA, PA Subject: Paul in Philadelphia Date: Sun, 04 Aug 96 09:50:38 -0500 From: downward Paul was perfect and professional in Philly. Too many "P" words? Well that sums it up. The sound was excellent and I can't believe how tight the band was, the set list didn't vary much...but he did throw in "The Ledge" which I did not see on other song lists. He also improvised and changed Once Around The Weekend, Century, Stain Your Blood. He was quite the tease between songs tempting us with licks from "Hide and Seekin", and throwing in different lines in songs. I wonder if he keeps the set pretty much the same because of all the different guitars he uses...I counted 6 different guitars. I have always considered Paul to be sort of underground and not "famous", but that might be changing with a packed house last night. I did not think he had that many fans, no disrespect...he is one of the best songwriters around...but hasn't had good luck promoting of his records. Paul was really cool after the show. He sat on the step of his tour bus and signed autographs and answered questions. When I met him I asked him "try not to take so long with the next release" and he jokingly replied "Ok, well throw together some piece of shit and put it out real quick!" and laughed!!!! Well...gotta go listen to some more Westerberg. \\\\\Jim Musto/////// "EVERYONE DIES, BUT NOT EVERYONE LIVES" -- WILLIAM WALLACE 1246 AD Date: Mon, 5 Aug 96 11:41:52 -0500 From: egatz@slingshot.com (Ron Egatz) I've seen five Paul shows in a week: Albany (Saratoga Winners), both NYC shows (Irving Plaza), Washington (9:30 Club), and Philly (Electric Factory, or whatever they call that aircraft hanger). I must tell the other Skywayers the Washington show was the best. Paul seems to have added "I.O.U." to the set list, but you never know if it'll remain. Along with the reinvention of the mature Paul Westerberg, old songs with a lot of negative energy have been dropped. This includes "Hold my Life," "Answering Machine," and of course, "Unsatisfied." On the rare occassion, he'll play "Color Me Impressed," and each night during the acoustic set he alternated between "If Only You Were Lonely" and "Sadly Beautiful". The DC show featured both songs, I think, but after five shows and a lot of driving, things get hazy, ya know? Because it only appeared on the Friends soundtrack, the tune which got the least audience participation was "Stain Yer Blood". In Philly Paul played an amazing version of it where he sang in full voice but with muted chords and the band playing very quietly. Very soulful. A standout of the show. It was almost like that live Heartbreakers version of "The Waiting," and everyone kept expecting the band to come in full force during the next chorus or the bridge, but it never happened. Really a nice moment which deserves to be on a live recording, if we ever get one. There's conflicting opinion about the Irving Plaza shows. Some feel the first gig where he smashed his guitar against the stage and drum riser was a better show, and others feel the second show was tighter. Both shows were videotaped (I also saw film cameras), but no one I spoke to seems to know if this will be made public. For the musicians out there, Paul played those new custom guitars which kinda look like Jazzmasters. Rosewood fretboard, of course. These were employed on most of the fast tunes, especially the distorted ones. He played a nice blonde Les Paul in open tuning for "Merry Go Round" and "Angels Walk", and a Rickenbacker solidbody electric twelve string for stuff like "Love Untold." His acoustic looked like a black Gibson J-200. Capos were often employed on the first and third frets. Tommy Keene played a black Les Paul Standard for almost every song, switching to a Strat for just a few numbers. For some twisted reason, Rolling Rock still seems to be the Skywayer beer of choice, especially when the beer supply duties are left to the gracious Lori Dolqueist, Esq. Not only do I recommend going to Westerberg shows with her, but as an added bonus, if you get arrested, she could help you get reduced bail. Just don't go for car rides with her. Sean Fitzgerald gets special commendation for being the most faithful Amtrak customer, plus an excellent navigator when he rides in cars. His repeated screams eventually got Paul to play "Color Me Impressed." Corey Schade is the funniest Skywayer I met, especially during the opening acts. Corey holds some kind of sleep deprivation record because of his early A.M. job. He's also good at decking fans who get too out of hand. Did anyone else see that punch at Irving Plaza? Sue Park is the keeper of the best Mats boots. Look her up. Thanks Sue! John Anderson's The Man for guest lists and picking up tickets in other cities for The Skyway faithful. Thanks John, and sorry I missed you at the end of every gig. Laura White holds the record for distances driven to make it to Westerberg shows. She's also the most friendly and can drink yards like nobody's business. If anyone wants to ask any specific questions send 'em in. Sorry I couldn't be more specific, but I've gotta earn a living, especially after spending a week doing this kinda stuff. It's a love untold, Ron ______________________________________________________________________________ AUGUST 6: PONTIAC, MI From: KENT_GRAHAM@yr.com Date: Wed, 7 Aug 1996 08:56:17 -0400 Subject: Pontiac, MI Show Matt and the Skyway Gang: I'm an old fart (tho' not as old as Westerberg!) so I've seen Mats' shows dating back to the early '80s. That said, here's my observations on Westerberg's recent Pontiac, Michigan show. He was happier on stage than I've ever seen him. He seemed bouncy, carefree...like he was having lots of fun. Unlike past shows, he stuck to all the lyrics as he recorded them. No word swapping, like "uncircumcised" for "unsatisfied" or "the clothes I tear" for "the clothes I wear," as I've seen him do in the past. Plus, he played every song in its entirety. I don't think I ever saw a Mats' show where he/they managed that. The crowd was old -- 30 plus I'd say. And well-dressed. Looked like a bunch of college-grad suburbanite types. I guess we've all grown up with Westerberg... The band was VERY tight. It was the best I've ever heard Mats' songs sound live in concert. Unfortunately, I don't like hearing Mats' songs sounding tight. To me, they're meant to be rough and somewhat sloppy. What's more, I couldn't help but get depressed watching the band play "I Will Dare" and not seeing Tommy on bass with his big ol' grin. It's just not the same anymore. And to me, it's not any good anymore. Call me a hopeless sap who's stuck in the past, but this was probably the last time I'll see Westerberg live. When you've seen the way the Mats' used to be -- one of the truly great live bands -- it's hard to watch the way Paul is now. One highlight: in the middle the show, Westerberg ditched the band and played "If Only You Were Lonely" because he "promised it to someone last time I was here." Everybody in the audience sang along. It brought back old memories... ______________________________________________________________________________ SEPTEMBER 6: THE STATE, MINNEAPOLIS, MN From: John M Wolf Newsgroups: alt.music.replacements Subject: Paul in Mpls. Date: Sun, 08 Sep 1996 07:42:47 -0500 Saw the PW show at the State Sept. 6th..here's the set list- Waiting For Somebody World Class Fad Valentine Once Around The Weekend These Are The Days Kiss Me On The Bus I Will Dare Stain Yer Blood Ain't Got Me Century They're Blind Achin' To Be I'm Only Dancing (?) MamaDaddy Did Black-Eyed Susan If Only Was Lonely Skyway Waitress In The Sky Mery Go Round Love Untold Talent Show Can't Hardly Wait Left Of The Dial Alex Chilton encore: Swinging Party Nevermind I.O.U. Great show! Some highlights: After I Will Dare, Paul exclaimed his new guitar player was the first he had in 12 years who could play the solo. Kind of harsh considering I saw Slim in the lobby before the show. I Will Dare got the crowd to its feet, then before going into Stain Your Blood, Paul said "Here's one to put you back in your seats". In the middle of Skyway, in response to the balcony clapping severely out of time, Paul said "Sounds like playing with Chris". Paul announced Ain't Got Me as "our new single on whatever record label will have us next week." The band sounded great, Paul sounded great. Only thing missing was a second show....oh well. Wolfdog ________________________________________________________________________________ fin. (generic signature file below this line) --==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==-- Matthew Tomich The //Skyway\\: The Replacements Mailing List address normally goes here ---------------------------------------------- 'no lugar es mi casa' To subscribe, send "subscribe skyway" in the body of a letter to "majordomo@novia.net" --==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==--==-- "So I don't get it...why did he kick over the drummer?" - 15 year-old Thoreau-in-Vermont camper Jake Rabinbach commenting on the video for 'World Class Fad'