Gig Report: Part The Second

So, I was less than thrilled with my performance at Pub 46 on Thursday. I know I did "just fine," but that shit don't cut it with me. A friend of mine commented; "Fuck it. Who cares? It's just another stupid cover gig." A valid sentiment, but I take my playing (somewhat) seriously. I've dedicated my life to being a musician. I've lost friends, girlfriends, jobs, money, time, sanity, etc. to my chosen profession/career, and I want it to be justified. I was determined to kick seven kinds of ass at my next Pushed gig.

The gig was at The Junkyard in Rochelle Park. I had never been there before, and didn't know what to expect. It's a bar above a Texas rib joint, right off The Parkway.

I had planned on rehearsing the Pushed set list after work on Friday night. That didn't happen. I ended up going out drinking with Dennis at Dingo's Den in Clifton.

"Drinking with Dennis?"

"How odd!"

Fuck off.

We actually bumped into one of the bartenders from Pub 46 at Dingo's. I believe her name is Jeanette. She complimented me on my performance the previous night. I remarked that I wasn't sure Pushed shared her enthusiasm. Jeanette then told me that the band had mentioned to her that they thought I "kicked ass," and they were actually afraid that I wouldn't want to play more shows with them! My confidence restored, I set my sights on The Junkyard gig.

I spent an hour or two Saturday evening rehearsing the handful of songs I had pooched at The Pub, revising my "cheat sheets," and learning some of the back-up vocals.

The stage was set. The Junkyard was packed. I slugged back a double shot of Jack Daniels (they didn't have Wild Turkey) and mounted (heh) the stage. I then proceeded to kick eleven kinds of ass!

My little bit of homework had paid off. I nailed 90% of the material, and the stuff I didn't nail, I faked with elan. I helped that the stage was three times bigger than the one at Pub 46, giving me room to breathe. The crowd was great, very enthusiastic.

I even surprised the band a few times by adding a third harmony on some songs (the lead guitarist, Corey, sings the main back-up parts).

The only strange moment was when the band performed "Sober" by Tool. Frank (the lead singer) had asked me to sing it at our one (and only) rehearsal, since he had heard me sing it before. He told me I was going to sing it at The Pub, but we were short on time, so we skipped it. No biggie. It was on the set list for The Junkyard, and I was actually looking forward to singing it. I'll admit it, I enjoy the spotlight from time to time. I am, after all, El Infarto! [Big Side Note: Frank actually introduced me to the crowd both nights as "The bassist for Quick Kill Formula, Shawn Hendricks, also known as EL INFARTO!" Weird.]

When it came time to play "Sober," Frank told me he was going to sing it, since some cute girl had requested Tool. I'm not exactly sure why that meant he had to sing it, but, whatever. "Hired gun," and all that. It's not my place to question these things.

In the second chorus of the song, the vocal goes up an octave. Frank did not. I decided (in my "infinite wisdom") to provide the higher part. This was, in fact, a breach of etiquette. It's not polite to upstage the frontman. Fuck it. At first, Frank seemed put off by my sudden eagerness to sing lead. The thing is, it sounded really good with him singing the low octave and me hitting the high notes. Half way through the chorus, he shot me a grin. I responded in kind.

Overall, the gig turned out great. We had a blast, the crowd was nuts, I feel more confident with the material, and I made some cash. Life is good.

Pushed is playing this Thursday and Saturday at Pub 46. Next week, "we're" at Pub 46 on Thursday. Friday and Saturday Pushed will be at The Tropical Pub in er, ah, Belmar, which is fucking excellent, since Todd (from Q.K.F.) has a shore house down the block from there. The forecast calls for insanity...