Hey all its yer ol pal Warpangel
Well, to say I'm tired is an understatement!! I just got back about 20 minutes ago from the Liverpool gig, and I'm writing my account for ya'll!
When I got to Liverpool, I found out that the soundcheck had been brought forward to the very very early time of 2pm. This is very unusual for the guys, but the reason was that the guys had actually had the venue booked for the past 3 days and had already set up the equipment and had been using the time to rehearse before the tour. so all they had to do was turn up and plug in, no messing with settings and such like they do when they travel and set up on a day to day basis. (Tommorows soundcheck should be at a later time as per norm!)
Anyway...the soundcheck was simply awesome! The best soundcheck I have ever seen and the guys played for around an hour and a half, as they went through the setlist. They are sounding at their best on this tour, working with a larger crew this time the guys have really achieved a truly great sound! they also have a fantastic light rig this time!
The first thing I noticed was the new banner the guys have! It's a little more 'froggy' than the last one and I was very happy to see it. Hope you guys like it!
During the soundcheck I heard Kathryn say through her microphone.."Oh now we are going to make Glenn cry.."....and I was like..'Huh?'...everyone just laughed at me as I got confused, then realising as BBB started up 'William McGovern' that she had meant that I was going to get all emotional over my favourite song..lol! It sounded perfect! (and..I didnt cry!!)
After the soundcheck was over, a most amusing thing happened backstage with the Wheatus guys and gals. Everyone got back to the dressing room to find a doctor waiting to see them...
..now, most people who have seen Wheatus play live, know that they dont use monitor amps onstage to hear what everyone else is playing. (onstage its hard to hear the music as the speakers are facing the crowd, so monitor amps are used to make sure they can hear what the crowd does), what the guys use, are ear pieces that are radio linked to the mixing desk and they hear the music through these. During previous gigs, the band have had problems with the ear pieces falling out all the time (especially Phil, because he doesnt keep still), so what they arranged to do was to get ear pieces that perfectly fitted their ears....thats what the doctor was for....
..he sat them down, one at a time and took casts of their inner ears. This was a very uncomfortable procedure that involed him inserting a small protective sponge directly into the ear (seriously..like 2cm inside!) then filling the ear with casting silicone. None of the band liked the idea at all, and it was quite amusing to see them all cringe as each other had it done. They had to sit still with all this gunk in their ears until it set (took about 5 mins) during this time they werent allowed to speak or yawn as moving the jaw could give a false cast..so this of course had everyone try and make each other laugh or yawn during the process, funny stuff!
The guys all came away unharmed by the process however and soon willl have ear pieces that fit perfectly!
Now onto the gig! Well, managing to secure the front row spot, the frogs waited patiently. The band Relish were actually very good. Funky and soulful in a Lenny Kravitz way. probably the best support band the guys have had on the road so far!
They came and went and then it was time for Wheatus! The guys have new intro music which is awesome and quite amusing in its own right, during which time they unveil the new banner and walk on, all in cue to the music!
Starting with Truffles, usually the show finisher, they exploded in a frenzy of energy and didnt let up once! All the classics were there, Mr. Brown, Hump Em and Dump em, Leroy etc.. but the highlights were all the new songs they had added to the set, Freak on, Lemonade..and Fairweather Friend! As well as other non album favourites such as Song that I wrote..., Pretty Girl, and William McGovern (which Brendan dedicated to me and was personally a very cool moment!) the gig went down a storm, the crowd went mad for the boys and Liz and Kathryn sounded truly awesome as backing singers. the show lasted a fair while, around an hour and twenty minutes. This time was filled purely with songs as previous tours had seen the guys jam a lot onstage, but this timew they had so many songs to perform there wasnt time...but it was an awesome gig..and I have some really nice bruises starting to come up from all the jumping around up front..but its worth it
To all who go to the gigs, have an awesome time. you are in for a real treat! And check out the guys merchandise, they have some cool new things on offer! Now I'm off to get some sleep..because tommorow..I have to do it all again! in Lancaster!
Take care all!!
Glenn
