The Abyss, Virginia Beach, Virginia
My wife Kristi and I left our place en route to the Abyss an hour
before the show to ensure a good spot in the club. On the way we stopped
at a 7-11 for camera batteries and gum. On the way in to the store some
dude stopped me and asked where my wife got her Holy Barbarians Tee. I
told him we saw the band in Maryland a while back. It turns out he was
the production manager for the Barbarians and couldn’t find the hotel
or the club. I said hold on dude, follow me! He hopped back into the
Ryder rental truck full of the bands gear and followed me to the hotel.
Once there I jumped out to tell him where the club was and I noticed a
minivan pulled up in the valet parking area. I noticed Scott Garrett
checking out the Cult Tee I was wearing (from the very last U.S. Cult
show in Atlanta). I went over to say what’s up and was met by all four
band members exiting the van! I was in awe. Ian hopped out with a soccer
ball and was kicking it around until it got stuck under the van. He
mumbled something like "aw fuck", and crawled under the van to get the
ball. I was trippin’ out right about now. I talked with him for a few
minutes about past shows I had seen and the fact that the Navy keeps me
out at sea which has kept me from missing a lot of shows. He said he
was in the Army before and didn’t like it at all. I told him I’ve had
enough of the political bullshit and am getting out in 7 months. I
wished him a good show and went back to my car completely stunned. I saw
the production manager and he wanted to follow me to the club. Once
there he came over and offered us a couple of backstage passes which we
gladly accepted. He said they were good for the after show party. I
couldn’t believe we were going to party with them after the show.
Unfuckin’ believable!
Once the two lame openers were over the Barbarians finally hit the
stage. Despite the somewhat small crowd, the band displayed all the
energy they could summon up. Excellent show! Ian was decked out in a
Shaquille O’Neal jersey, black and white zigzag kilt, and a pair of Air
Jordans. He got the crowd really into the show as usual with a typical
Barbarians set ending with an extended version of Magick Christian
and Helter Skelter. I took some really cool pictures even though
the bouncers were chasing me all over telling me to stop. They played
with power and passion (in my opinion the two most important traits of
a good band) and left the crowd begging for more. Following the show we
went backstage and met the band again. The keyboard player who was
riding with the production manager mentioned that they wouldn’t have
even made it there if it wasn’t for us. That was cool as shit. Ian
expressed his thanks by offering my wife and I beer. I talked about how
I am a really big Cult fan but I realize that people have to move
forward when things don’t work out. I told Ian I was going to start a
band in Atlanta with my brother when I leave the Navy and he was very
supportive. After we got pictures with the band members, I expressed my
appreciation for their music. I said maybe one day I will be lucky
enough to open for you guys. Matt said "Shit, maybe we’ll open
for you, man!" I gave Ian a handshake and a hug which he responded with
a hug and a kiss on the cheek. This is one night that I will remember
for a very long time! Keep the rock rollin’ people.
PS: I don’t have my pictures developed yet but when I do I’m going to
have them put on CD so if any one would like to see feel free to e-mail
me and I will send you a cool pic!
Wrayzor - Wrayzor@aol.com