Vanessa Page (23), Annapolis, Maryland, went to a show in DC... She also tells us about a car accident.She sent me a great picture to go with the first story. Check it out!
I was at last Friday's (May 29, 1998) show in DC (I've been a fan since '89, but never actually got around to seeing them live--I've blown several chances :( ) and I must say . . . I used to work at a radio station, so I've seen hundreds of shows, and this show was the best I've EVER seen! Wow! The Connells are the only band that record *and* play live well. Such a rarity.
Anyway, I got there real early and as we were getting beer, I saw Doug walk out and talk to this bald dude. I was pretty sure it was Doug, but to confirm, I asked the bouncer. He didn't know, but we started talking about body piercing (if you were at the show, you'd know the bouncer I'm talking about!) and Doug walked right by me to the backstage. D'oh! Missed my chance to say "hello" or "duh, I'm a big fan." Shit. But later, during Dull Brown and Gray, I made eye contact with Doug for about a nanosecond, I smiled back, and he started imitating my spastic dancing. I guess that makes up for it!
Mother May I opened--they played the HFS-tival 3 years ago, they're a great local band.
I was right in front of Mike as they were playing (he sweat on me--oooh) and they all looked like they were having a great time. They played songs off the new album to start, I think most of the people in the crowd hadn't heard the new album yet. They also played a lot of songs of F&G. Nothing from BH until later in the show. Yeah, the audience went bonkers when George played "Motel." People were jumping up and down around me, I was just trying not to get trampled (when you weigh 100 lbs, being stepped on and injured at shows is Routine). My favorite moment--during "Hey Wow" the audience sang the "hey wow" part. Though I was kind of disappointed that they didn't do any covers. I was looking forward to maybe hearing the Winn-Dixie theme! I took pictures from the balcony, I hope they turn out.
This is my only other Connells story: last November, I was driving along a rural road (I live in the sticks) late at night, listening to Ring . . . I was looking in my rearview mirror kind of humming along to "Running Mary" . . . and the next thing I know, it's me, a very wrecked car, and several dead deer laying all over the street (sorry!). And the stereo is going "tell me how much do I forgive, when you laid it out on me . . . but I'm alright . . . ." (sorry if I botched the words.) I was okay, but my car was mangled (it was brand new, I was so pissed!). As it turned out, I hit a, uh, herd of deer crossing the street. I don't remember the actual impact, but now, whenever I hear "Running Mary" or any mandolins, I have bizarre flashbacks about the accident.
Read Randy's story about the Connells and falling in love...
Or go back!
