2) The Paradise was notorious for heavy-handed and dick-headed door staff
I was at the Paradise to see Adult around in that same period. I had terrible allergies at the time and, being British, I had a hanky in my pocket. Frisked on the way in, they asked me to throw away my hanky Why? "Just fucking do it." I refused, pointing to my snot-filled nose. Obviously disgusted, they acquiesced and let me through. Halfway through the opening act, I was grabbed by two bouncers and led to the office. They said they had been watching me going to the bathroom multiple times (it was twice) and that they knew I was selling drugs - presumably hiding them in my snotty hanky! For ten minutes, they tried to get me to admit it and leave, but I refused. They threatened to call the police, and I told them to go right ahead. After some mad-dog staring, with me calling them meathead fascists etc, they gave up and let me back in, but one of them stood next to me the entire night. That was the last time I went to a gig at the Paradise. I used to go regularly, it was 10 minutes walk from my flat. It wasn't my first bad encounter at the venue (I got punched at a horrible The Streets gig) - it's just a bad vibe place all around.
Can’t understand why they never became massive. Suppose it’s all about that lowest common denominator stuff, eg U2, Coldplay, Muse, etc…play to the masses and for the masses, which precludes any thoughtfulness or nuance or, in the case of Coldplay, any rationale…ha-ha!
Agreed, what a band! An icon of the coolest moment in NYC rock n roll history since the CBGB's heyday
A couple of things:
1) I was there - great show!
2) The Paradise was notorious for heavy-handed and dick-headed door staff
I was at the Paradise to see Adult around in that same period. I had terrible allergies at the time and, being British, I had a hanky in my pocket. Frisked on the way in, they asked me to throw away my hanky Why? "Just fucking do it." I refused, pointing to my snot-filled nose. Obviously disgusted, they acquiesced and let me through. Halfway through the opening act, I was grabbed by two bouncers and led to the office. They said they had been watching me going to the bathroom multiple times (it was twice) and that they knew I was selling drugs - presumably hiding them in my snotty hanky! For ten minutes, they tried to get me to admit it and leave, but I refused. They threatened to call the police, and I told them to go right ahead. After some mad-dog staring, with me calling them meathead fascists etc, they gave up and let me back in, but one of them stood next to me the entire night. That was the last time I went to a gig at the Paradise. I used to go regularly, it was 10 minutes walk from my flat. It wasn't my first bad encounter at the venue (I got punched at a horrible The Streets gig) - it's just a bad vibe place all around.
Wow, glad about 1, sorry about 2
My favorite part was when you beat up the doorman and said, "THERE's my ID, you worthless wretch!!" 💥😅
Say, say, say, I'd never heard of them. Just watched their Maps video-- that was a huge round of applause they got!! 😅
I know, what I know…
Can’t understand why they never became massive. Suppose it’s all about that lowest common denominator stuff, eg U2, Coldplay, Muse, etc…play to the masses and for the masses, which precludes any thoughtfulness or nuance or, in the case of Coldplay, any rationale…ha-ha!
Enjoy, Steve!
I’m sure they’ll meet those very high expectations. Have fun.