[Rioja]

JRAM said:

Originally Posted by Jram

I live in Glasgow, Scotland, so will have to make do with the two (admittedly outstanding) Roundhouse gigs in London - which I was at.

Ok well now I don't feel as bad for you. Here I was, thinking you hadn't seen them in years, and you just saw them twice! (Still a bit of a bummer, I'm sure, but you'll survive.) One of my goals is to see them at least once in their native land like you've done, though if we're going to get really technical, that would mean once in Worcester (for Karl) and once in Ammanford (for Rick). (Though I have no idea if those places actually have music venues.)

Originally Posted by Jram

This is a somewhat impromptu trip to see one of my favourite bands, and I did have a wee look to see who else was playing (GNR, Iron Maiden, both sold out) but didn't even realise Underworld had announced any US shows.
So now it's also a trip to miss one of my favourite bands too.

So I take it you're an Axl Rose fan? If so, sounds like he's going to be taking Brian Johnson's place in AC/DC. (No offense, but I don't see how anyone could take Brian's place. Not even if they resurrected Bon Scott. (But I'm sure that's tantamount to sacrilege to those Down Under.)) So when they inevitably tour the world again, you'll be able to see Rose sing some tunes that are better (on average) than most GNR songs. (Again, no offense, but I just think AC/DC is a better band. (And by his own admission in an interview I heard once, Richard Smith would apparently agree.))

And Maiden's English (as you undoubtedly know already), so you're sure to see Bruce again.

Originally Posted by Jram

As for your Ministry experience (if you like them I imagine you'd also like Combichrist?), I think I saw them here on that same tour. It was definitely around 2003. They're playing here again this August, presumably as part of a new world tour.

Yeah you know I think Combichrist is ok. Admittedly, I've only heard the stuff off of Everybody Hates You, which I've played frequently at some DJ gigs here in the States. (I had to: the owner of the place is a big fan.) But I think they're a little too obvious in their animosity sometimes and their use of the female Mac-voice is a bit... trite. And the rhythm programming is not quite as inventive as I'd like.

Ministry's a bit different in that Al Jourgensen has such a profound history of making music. In fact, it's hard to believe (at least for me) that he's now been doing it just as long without his former music partner (Paul Barker) as he had with him. And he's all over the place, musically: mandolins, harmonicas, pedal steels, sax, violin, etc. That, in addition to his industrial virtuosity with a trusty Les Paul and limitless electronic gadgetry. And he's just been around so long: he's our generation's Keith Richards. God knows "Uncle Al" should be all rights have died years ago with the things he's done.

Originally Posted by Jram

I can also match the complete-missing-of-a-band-you-badly-wanted-to-see, having once arrived in a venue just as Twisted Sister shouted "Good night!".

Twisted Sister? You're an odd one, you are. (It's a compliment; I regard myself the same.) Tell me, what do TS and Underworld have in common? (I'm asking you sincerely, here. Not joking or making fun.) Or do you appreciate the fact that to you they don't have anything in common, either?

With musical taste as disparate as yours, I don't think I'm going out on too much of a limb if I speculate you're a considerable Aphex Twin fan. (If so, same here. Definitely another very talented Richard.)


ULTRADAVE said:

Originally Posted by ultradave

Guns N Posers I doubt you offended many if any here.

Actually, I think you may have offended Jram.

Originally Posted by ultradave

Glad to have another veteran RTSR dirt here.

Thank you! I believe I remember you from back in the day, though I know you probably can’t say the same for me. I actually don’t think I was all that active, but yeah my claim to fame is that I’m on that Power On compilation as “Lifedownstairs”. There was also someone I think in the UK who got to have their own radio show for a night (this was back in February 2003 – don’t ask me how I remember) and, being an RTSR Dirt, it was of course very UW-inspired. Stuff from “Bootleg Babies” was definitely played and also a few tracks from that Power On compilation. I think that remains the only time I’ve ever been played live on-air.

Originally Posted by ultradave

I had a chance to meet R & K briefly back in 2010 at the 4th & B show in San Diego. That was an amazing night. Before the show, I was sitting at a pizza joint with a friend of mine and they just happened to be strolling back to the venue from who knows where. The excited kid in me jumped up and ran out to catch up to them, unfortunately I was totally out of breath and combine that with nervousness... I'm sure they thought I was crazy. But they were polite and we shook hands. I hope to someday have the chance to thank them proper for their art which I do very much appreciate.

I was at that show! (Of course I was, being a San Diego Dirt.) But I think what you may have perceived as a wrong impression of you was likely just Karl feeling broken. I hear he was pretty ill (the bad kind) that night with what I think was a stomach flu. (Something he ate, I believe, though of course I don’t want to unfairly disparage local eateries.)

Regardless, you to me are one lucky gent, as I’m under the impression that such chance encounters of the wonder-duo are few and far between. I’m still wondering how early I should get in line for this show.