Excited rambling
The Devin Townshend Project was responsible for the most fun I've had at a concert to date. The Canadian guys we hung out with before doors opened (because we were extra early) were awesome. The first opening band, who we heard wasn't good, couldn't make it. Therefore, Tesseract played longer, and they weren't bad. There were things about their sound that didn't sit quite right, but they also reminded me of Tool in a lot of good ways.
And then Devi was hilarious. I am a bit of a fan, anyways, but I wasn't sure what to expect. He's funny, but still plays good shit. And interacts with the crowd to an extent I couldn't have imagined. And then he stayed to meet with all of us who also stayed. Those of us used to the Detroit metal scene were waiting by the back door, where we're used to meeting the performers, albeit briefly.
That's where we ran into a local band from down there who we have seen a few times, and they were actually really good last time. Not to mention having hung out with them at who knows how many shows. They were completely shocked to have been recognized. The keyboardist started with, "We have a fan?!" then she kept apologizing about either of us remembering the details. One exchange was roughly, "No one pays attention to the local bands!" "Well, we usually try to." "I'm sorry." "No really, it's worth it sometimes. You guys were pretty good." "I'm really sorry."
Eventually, a club employee came out and told us Devi was meeting people inside. So we went back in, and stood in line. The guy in front of us had a poster he ripped off the wall that had a graphic of a crayon hand turkey on it, and unrolled it and asked Devi if he would "sign his cock." Which he did, with the message "Nice Cock!" My friend managed to snag the set list, which he got autographed. I got my copy of Addicted signed, and I also managed to get what is going to possibly be the single greatest Christmas present for my brother I will ever give him. And I don't want to go into any more detail on that front. Let's just say I had been having second thoughts, but was totally convinced I made the right decision very shortly.
And the Nile show was good, too. I'm somewhat conflicted, because as good as the concert was, I'm equally excited that the venue is practically around the corner from this BBQ place that I'd been really wanting to try for a while, that I guess is technically nationally famous, and was worth the hype. Not to mention that the place was packed, and most people were waiting at least an hour. We probably waited about ten minutes. Word to the wise: "What are you, crazy? It's like fifty degrees out there!" is not the appropriate response when asked, "Would you mind sitting outside?" especially when it's clear and sunny as all fuck and they have motherfucking patio heaters. Or, better, if the fifty degree argument sounds reasonable, keep it up, especially when I'm in town. Seriously, I left around a 25% tip, maybe more, and I sort of feel like more was in order. Our service was amazing. And the food is worth the four hour drive by itself. Not to mention I've never seen a more amazing tap list. If you have the spare time and are close enough to Detroit, check out Slow's Bar BQ.
Anyways, wound up really liking Keep of Kalessin, the Norwegians just know how to make good metal. Ex Deo needs a bigger venue, but I found the attempted history lesson impressive. Nile was fucking Nile.
Apparently, Evil Dead: the Musical is undergoing a resurrection. The Canadians say it's totally worth it.