Rory Stitt... then Andy Rourke (10/16/05)



This was a great October fall day. D was at work and I was being productive around the house. I decided to check out who was playing at the Spider, and of course my interest was peaked when I saw Rory's website listed Rufus Wainwright & Tori Amos as influences! I got to the Spider and see they're having a Pig Roast. Now damn, if I had only known I would have totally planned that into my day. Maybe I can give them some website pointers and maybe help with their marketing a little bit...

Rory started playing on the beat-up piano in the corner of the room, while I sat in the opposite corner next to the fireplace (one of my favorite spots). Seeing his promotional materials, I could see that he was going for the gay(ish) crowd. The tables were littered with postcards of Rory in a rather masculine pose with his shirt off. However, the man behind the keys seemed much more timid and insightful.

As he began playing, he seemed a rather basic singer-songwriter at the piano. No songs were really striking a cord, but I could see that he really loved performing, and that was enough for me to enjoy myself. Then he asked the question... if anyone liked 80's power ballads. Of course I yelled out. He then tackled the keys to the tune of Heart's 80's smash "Alone." Things were looking up. He then covered Joan Osborne's "Pensacola" which wins instant respect for me.

As the concert wound down, I started chatting with a lively (drunk) bunch of Dar Williams fans! Of course that quickly turned into asking about other artists, and they had suggest that I listen to Kristin Ronne. Then the gentleman was also prothelisizing the wonders of the Smiths. I found it intriguing to find such a rabid fan, because I knew they existed, but I have never had the chance to ask someone why. I like them and all, but I have never heard such a passionate and convincing reasons to adore a band. Then to find out that Andy Rourke was going to be at the B-Side. I was already becoming fond of their Can't Stop The Beat parties on Sunday nights, so I figured what the hell. I could say I went and say Andy Rourke (and why wouldn't I after a 10 minutes on why they were the best band ever).

I get there, cop a squat at the bar next to this scruffy drunk guy. Wait... is he British? Time goes on... Wait, who are these people that keep coming up and talking to him? WAIT - This is Andy Rourke! He seemed a bit bitter, and that bitterness seemed to be going away with the drinks. I kept look at my watch, because by this time it was already getting pretty late. Finally, as the night neared the end for me, Andy got behind the DJ booths. I think I heard a couple songs, all of which I've heard before when I was there. So I really didn't get to hear the DJ genius of Andy Rourke, but even better, I got to sit at the bar and get drunk right next to him... After all, he WAS in the Smiths!

Posted: Sat - February 4, 2006 at 03:57 PM           |

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