mr. blackandwhite

This past Tuesday I drove up to Burlington VT to see Social Distortion at Higher Ground and had a truly awesometastic time.

I left work around 4 PM to start the trek across N.H. and VT, up I-93 then across I-89. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and although the drive was long, 3 1/2 hours, I didn't really mind it because the drive through the mountains was so scenic and beautiful. I had a couple episodes of No Agenda saved up on the iPod and an iced coffee at my side. The drive went by nice and easy and I got to the club at 7:30. Perfect timing.

I didn't see much of Burlington but the area the club is located in felt like pure suburbia. It felt a little weird because there's this rock club surrounded by Quiznos and Burger King and gas stations and, thankfully Dunkins. (I was grateful for the Dunkins.)

I can't say enough how nice Higher Ground is. It is extremely clean, the staff was super nice and they even had a big jug of water with a stack of cups next to it set out on the side of the bar so you could get as much water as you needed without having to bug the bartenders. What a concept! Having received more scowls and nasty looks than I care to remember for asking for water from bartenders, I really appreciated this. Every bar should do this. Kudos to Higher Ground.

The show opened with The Strangers who were a good straight-forward rock/punk band. The singer sounded like Johnny Rotten and the band sounded like The Clash. Nice mix. The second band was an all female band called Civet. They were more thrashy in the vein of The Misfits on Earth A.D, except all hotties.

All in all, the opening acts were good. I hung around the back of the club during their sets. When Civet finished I moved up to the front. This was the smallest venue that I have seen Social D play so it was a perfect chance to examine and observe the amps, mics, pedals and assorted gear that the band uses (I am a gear queer). I hung out near the front, wished I was taller and listened to the nice mix of country and rockabilly the sound-guy was playing as we waited. 

Usually Social D plays in larger clubs / theaters so it was really cool to see them in a small to mid-sized place like this. I had a good spot. Just to the left of center. I could see Brent, Atom and Mike perfectly. I had to stretch to see Jonny but what are you gonna do. Again, I wish I were taller.

Finally Social D came on and it was time to get squished. When you stand near the barricade, that's what you get. I didn't mind, for the most part. I usually stand there with my arms down, clasped in front of me and just kind of ride the wave. If somebody leaned on me a little too much I lifted my arms and stuck my elbows out. A pointy elbow in the back or ribs usually makes someone lean somewhere else..

Here's the set as I remember and not in exact order:

The Creeps
Another State Of Mind
Mommy's Lil Monster
Sick Boys
Don't Drag Me Down
Ring of Fire
That's Alright
Highway 101

- tech / guitar problem. Mike kills time telling his joke about the kid who catches his parents having sex. ha-

Nickels and Dimes
Can't Take It With You (new song)
Bakersfield (new song)
Reach For The Sky
Bad Luck
Sometimes I Do
Ball and Chain

-encore
Still Alive (new song)
Prison Bound
Alone and Forsaken (reworked Hank Williams cover)
Story of My Life

I can only describe the show as totally awesome. After the show, since I was still cooling down, and was not ready to just jump in the car and drive, I went over to Dunkins, conveniently located right next door, (thank you!) got a coffee and went over to the bus to see if anybody was around. Atom Willard was hanging out and saying hi to the fans so I said hello and I am glad to tell you he is an extremely nice guy. 

It was time to head home. Thank god for the coffee and my iPod. That four hours back was killer, but it was totally worth it. 

After 39 years, it seems I am learning a few things at last. I only had one drink that night, the rest of the time I drank water and I was so glad that jug was out there and I could get as much as I wanted. I wore hearing protection for the first time ever and was even more glad. I kept it in all during the opening acts. When Social D was playing I took the plugs out. When they stopped or took a break between songs and someone two inches away was screaming directly into my ear, I put them back in. I tell you what, I was so glad I did this. I hate when my ears ring for hours or worse a day later when I've gone to a show. No ringy-dingys this time. Awesome. 

Next up: October 15th. Usually Social Distortion comes around about every two years. This time I only have to wait a few months to see them again as they will be in N.H. at the Hampton Beach Casino. 

ROCK