Rockin’ The Clash and dealing with what’s presented at the show
I’ve played shows in what might be considered strange places: a remote club on the island of Sardinia, a Mexican restaurant on Reno’s S. Virginia St., a house trailer in Auburn, Ga. and anarchist squats in Spain and Italy. Saturday’s cover show in Reno–four or five bands thrown together to cover the work of other bands–was just like the old days. It was in a backyard, on a sloped dirt hill, with a setup on what had the feel of pallets stacked on one another.
And it was a backline setup–all borrowed gear. Like when I toured Europe, I brought my own pedal, snare and cymbals, anda few stands just in case. Nervous and worried–it was my first live show in a year–I asked the drummer what kind of drums, if I could adjust the kit, etc. I had flashbacks to May of ’06 when Zoinks! flew out to a small club in Baltimore where the backline kit had the throne slipping halfway through the set. I ended up not being able to reach the cymbals by the end of one song and was unable to properly reach the snare.
My nerves on Sat. were unfounded. The kit was superb, a lower-cost Mapex, and the cymbals were great, all Zildjians. We played five tunes by The Clash, from their first LP (can’t remember if it was the U.K. or U.S. version … yes, there is a difference). The show was a blast.
In drumming news: I am anxiously awaiting a brand new, custom made set of Saluda Cymbals. In the tradition of supporting the ‘little guy,’ I researched this brand extensively and checked out their roster. Their prices are unbelievable and I promise a review when they come in. Drum on.
