This conversation has been pretty interesting, but I think the idea that
we could or should somehow distinguish between performance and good/bad
behavior is absurd. Especially when the performer is a Sufi Monkey.
I saw Rocket From the Tombs play in Chicago one fall several years ago.
Much to our great pleasure the band cranked into Sonic Reducer about three
quarters of the way through their set, but they had barely got going when
David Thomas stopped the show dead, pissed off because someone tossed
something on stage.
He scolded us and said the band was going to walk off stage unless we
could behave ourselves. He generally treated us like snotty kids, like a
big fat angry pissy mom going off on her bratty kids. The audience
couldn't have been more shocked and the tension was unbelievable,
practically unbearable. Somehow David Thomas managed to hold it at the
breaking point for just almost too long. Then, just as he started to turn
away from this glaring ditente he'd created with the audience, the band
launched into Sonic Reducer like a chainsaw ripping into a tree, and David
Thomas was BELTING out the first lines: 'I don't need anyone/don't need no
mom and dad'. And we were ALL exactly where he wanted us. All that hate
and resentment turned into pure blissful energy, rescued by perfect punk
rock. Just like when we used to lock ourselves in our rooms and turn up
the stereo.
It was one of the two greatest performance moments I've ever experienced.
Of course, Richard Lloyd was there.
--Paul
-----Original Message-----
From: tv-owner@obbard.com [mailto:tv-owner@obbard.com] On Behalf Of andy
fekete
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2007 11:44 AM
To: tv@obbard.com
Subject: Re: (TV) Sufi Monkeys
This morning I heard sports writer Frank Deford on NPR say something about
how celebrity carries with it a burden of higher expectation that is
intrinsic and inseparable. Some may view this as a devil's bargain, but
there is no getting around the fact that it's part of the deal.
Mr. Deford was of course referring to latest crop of high-profile sports
figures who are behaving badly, but I think this is a useful way of
viewing any famous person's poor behavior.
I think its fair to say that Richard Lloyd was being unrealistic to expect
a bar full of tipsy people out to have a good time to remain silent during
several minutes of chanting and then a recitation of the Lord's Prayer.
He might reasonably expect a dinner theatre audience to comply, or perhaps
a small art venue, but a packed alcohol-fueled rock and roll club like TT
Bears?
I sympathize with Mr Lloyd's frustration, as he was clearly trying to
create a moment. That said, he should have recognized that his call for
silence that night was unrealistic to begin with, and his insistence on it
was petulant to the point of arrogance. I don't quite buy the explanation
that his audience baiting was part of a grand marketing plan to generate
buzz for this tour and for Sufi Monkeys; it smacks of defensiveness,
insecurity, a lack of self criticism, and a curious inability to size up
an audience, considering he's played in clubs for 30 years.
This is not to say I won't see Mr. Lloyd if he plays in my town; but if
he pulls the same shxt, I'll not begrudge him any of the beer bottles
thrown his way, because he will have richly earned each one.
Personally, I have no use for another rock and roll diva. There are many
talented and deserving bands who would do anything to have the spotlight
Lloyd now enjoys. I love his music, but IMO, Mr. Lloyd should get off the
high horse, or get off the stage.
-A
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