Unfortunately, that gig got axed. Today is St. Patrick's Day, of course, and it would seem the band's brand of serious and heavily-distorted rock isn't great background music for people swilling green beer. Things looked dim for awhile but, instead, the guys have lined up a gig at a new place called Mugg Shots at 1212 E. Apache Boulevard in Tempe, in the shopping center on the NE corner of Apache and Terrace.
"I just got back from checking out the bar, and it is a really sweet room," says singer Dan Somers. "The management and staff down there were super cool, and the location is great. I guess they've only been open for a couple of weeks, and they haven't done any live music there yet, but they'd really like to. I can't tell you how many 'proper' venues I've gone into where they didn't even know the show was going on/where the sound guy was/etc., but these guys had already mapped out a stage area, sorted out the power situation, all of that - and on only a few hours' notice."
Sounds pretty awesome -- especially if you're looking to avoid the drunken debauchery of more traditional St. Paddy's Day parties. Sommers thinks the 'venue' could be a welcome addition to the local scene.
"So many places in this town seem to have gotten the entirely wrong idea about running shows. They spend a fortune on fancy sound systems and big lighting rigs and all of that, but they don't treat people right, fall into the pay-to-play trap to cover the bills on all of that junk they bought, and then go out of business. Anyone remember The Sets? I didn't think so..." Sommers says. "But the places that people DO remember - Angelio's, Modified, Yucca, Lost Leaf, The Dressing Room, Trunk Space... None of those places are known for their amazing sound or their great stages or whatever. Hell, half of those places don't even have A/C. They just treated bands and fans alike with respect, and the scene returned the favor with loyalty and a lot of great music."
"he Mugg Shots guys have already proven themselves to be some of the coolest folks in town by saving our ailing show, and actually being professional in helping to set up the logistics -- and we are so thrilled to be able to be on the very first show there," he says.
The show starts at 8 p.m. and also features Kirkwood Dellinger and a mystery guest.
