With the forecast pointing to several inches of snow, this year’s Black Friday was looking to be Hell for driving, but who cares? After 18 years, I was going to see Pigface again! Judy arrived at the house just after noon, and we left shortly after, as we wanted to beat the snow as much as possible. When I looked at the weather on Thursday it appeared that the snow may begin mid-afternoon, so we were pleasantly surprised when the snow ended up holding off until late evening. That did also mean that we arrived a couple of hours before the show and had some extra time to kill.
Just a few blocks from the Cabooze is a pizza place called Pizza Luce, which we frequent when going to the venue. With excellent meatballs, specialty pizza, and a decent variety of taps, it’s a nice place to chill out before a show. We had some food and a couple of drinks and then decided to move on for drinks elsewhere. Attached to the Cabooze is a bar called The Joint. Though we had been to the Cabooze several times, we never went into the bar, we always just went straight into the venue for the show and if we wanted drinks we would get them from the bar there. Since the doors weren’t open yet and we had some time to kill, we decided to try it out. I don’t really know why I was surprised; I can’t say I knew what to expect anyway, but it was not the type of place I would expect to see in the City. The bar was just like a small-town bar and grill I would see back home; they were having a meat raffle, for crying out loud! Dark beer lovers be advised: there are no Stouts or Porters served at The Joint; as the bartender put it “the darkest thing you are going to get is New Castle”. Even though I settled on a mixed drink, there were really good happy hour prices, so I was not bothered.
We made our way into the venue and found out that night they had an “anything goes” camera policy, which is uncommon with shows at the Cabooze (and most venues, for that matter). The camera policy normally does not allow anything with removable lenses without prior approval from the band. Brian grabbed two cameras from the car! We went over early enough to get a spot on the barrier, so he was very pleased, to say the least.
depotek
The opening band was depotek, a local industrial rock band from Minneapolis. Previously a three piece, it was a treat to experience the band with a new keyboard player added to the mix.
Gaelynn Lea
Their set was followed up by a beautiful violin performance by Gaelynn Lea. She has a very unique voice, which, along with the alternative and Celtic elements, made her music very appealing. I had a “fan girl” moment during the performance, as I was elated to find that I was enjoying it next to Randy Blythe (vocalist for Lamb of God, performing with Pigface that night). But, of course, I was too shy to say anything; an all too common theme. Judy attempted to catch a photo of it, with little success, unfortunately.
Pigface
Though I fail when it comes to talking to musicians I like, they certainly do not fail in putting on an amazing production. The lineup this year was enormous! Along with founding member Martin Atkins (PiL, Killing Joke), this tour’s assemblage featured:
- Mary Byker (PWEI, Gaye Bykers On Acid)
- Bradley Bills (Chant)
- Greta Brinkman (Moby, Druglord)
- Bobdog Catlin (Evil Mothers)
- En Esch (KMFDM)
- Dirk Flanigan (77 Luscious Babes)
- Orville Kline (Porn and Chicken)
- Charles Levi (My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult)
- Curse Mackey (Evil Mothers)
- Lesley Rankine (Silverfish, Ruby)
Also, at this particular show, the group was joined by Randy Blythe (Lamb of God) and Danny Carey (Tool). The broad diversity of background and talent made a compelling dynamic that made it hard to look away. Rounding out the night, rolls upon rolls of toilet paper were being blown across the stage onto the crowd. Martin brought a floor tom out to the crowd for participation. I felt honored to be given a stick and offered the chance lend my skills to “Suck”.
We have been to many, many shows throughout the years, and Brian said that this was one of the best shows he’s ever been to. That sentiment certainly goes a long way.
Concert Goer Tip: If drinking at the Cabooze, get your drinks at The Joint and go back into the venue from the common smoking deck; you will definitely save some cash.