Condofire

Entries from September 2007

Anton Newcombe: Brian Jonestown Massacre in Vancouver

September 9, 2007 · 8 Comments

Last night Dave and I went to go see Brian Jonestown Massacre at the Commodore. We’re both big fans of Anton’s music and so we were pretty excited at seeing him live for the first time. It took a while for the band to play their set and as time went on the crowd pressed closer and closer around us.

We were close to the stage and had to fight back a few aggressive people who I guess thought they could muscle their way in. Two of them pushed their way through at separate times saying, “Hey, man you mind if I get in there? I want to take some pictures. This is probably the last time I’m going to see Anton live again. I’ll move out quick.” “Yeah, sure go right ahead.” “Hey, Anton’s not in a good mood tonight.” he said with a half smile. “I don’t want to be in throwing range. I was backstage and he didn’t recognize me but I got him to take his medicine. You know his medicine, heh? We’re friends.” Yeah, friends. Right. He said that with the smugness of someone who sees himself close to the flame but is mainly there to witness the spectacle of public self-destruction.

So it was in anticipation that we waited for the band to take the stage. I guess anything can happen with Anton.

But lucky for us they did take the stage. And lucky for us they did play. Was it a completely pleasant experience? No. Anton, it turns out wasn’t in a good state of mind, so he terrorized his band and was nasty and a bit hostile to the audience but he was prepared to play his heart out because that’s his zone. And he did just that until some fucking asshole threw a broken beer bottle at him. That person was there for the spectacle and not for Anton’s music.

Anton’s first album is called Thank God For Mental Illness. Maybe because his dad killed himself or maybe because Anton himself suffers from mental illness. I’m not sure. But it was with a real mixture of sadness and joy that I watched him. He’s a trainwreck of a person with an amazing amount of talent. His heart and soul go into his music and no matter what you say, it’s still amazing to witness that kind of raw talent. I hope Anton’s life doesn’t get so hard that he doesn’t stick around to continue creating great music.

Categories: Where's my gonch & other stuff
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The love for your pet…. priceless

September 7, 2007 · 1 Comment

Dave: So I’ve learn ed a few things over the last little while; there are people who unconditionally love animals and then there are the other people.

I remember when I bought my VW Jetta VR6 a few years ago (now sold), it was a pretty hot little car. Everyone was very supportive and congratulated me on such a nice purchase; “Great car, way to go, nice job”.
Now we jump ahead to this last month when some of these same people found that the cost of all Reuben’s surgeries, was roughly the same as the car. All I saw was raised eyebrows, wide eyes and large inhales of breath… and even a couple of head shakes.

So let me think this through; a large hunk of air polluting metal or, an animal that brings our family unimaginable amounts of joy every day… hmmmmm.

Another dog was in the cage next to Reuben at the hospital. He had had the same emergency as Reub and his intestines had failed to hold after the second surgery. The owners decided that they didn’t want to go for a third surgery, even though their dog was only five and if the operation was successful, he would have been 100%. We couldn’t figure it out… we thought the money must have been an issue, until we saw them drive away in their Lexus.

I think you do what you have to do, you make it work. After four surgeries Reuben is doing fantastic. He’s making us laugh again… he’s family.

Our family member, or a fancy car?…. I know what gives us more joy.

Categories: Where's my gonch & other stuff