October 1st 2008 - 2:03AM. Birmingham, AL.
After sound check I drove around town with Ryan Russell and took some photos, photos for the purpose of publicity. I appreciated getting away from the venue, seeing some parts of Birmingham that I've never seen before. The city has a certain feel to it that I can't quite put into words. It's the sum of many different parts, the type of business' that comprise the local economy, the architecture of the buildings, the local fashion trends and the landscape. As we drive around I silently cursed myself for not having a more photographic memory to take it all in better. After we finished with photos we ate dinner at The Bottletree Cafe. They have an excellent Buffalo Tofu Wrap.
October 2nd, 2008 - 4:08AM. Driving to South Carolina.
Marty was in the (Young) Pioneers, one of my all time favourite bands. He now plays bass with Ted Leo and The Pharmacists. I talked to him tonight for a second backstage. I tried not to punish him too hard. I tried to play it cool. We usually close our set with a song that references his band, which I brought up to him. He said he was aware of the fact. I felt self-conscious singing it tonight, I imagine I will for the rest of the tour.
October 3rd, 2008 - 2:04AM. Hilton Head, SC.
I watched the first half of the vice presidential debate before our set tonight, I watched the full rebroadcast after. I found myself wanting to physically fight the TV every time Sarah Palin said the word "maverick", every time she winked at the camera, every time she opened her dumb fucking mouth. I hate her face. It is her obvious lack of capacity, lack of intelligence that makes me feel like I have to stoop to throwing elementary school level insults at her.
October 5th, 2008 - 2:51AM. Gainesville, FL.
Tonight's show was somewhat lackluster, something felt off. Maybe it was the venue, the House Of Blues in "Downtown Disney". Maybe it was the fact that last night at Jannus Landing was an amazing rush. I couldn't help but measure the two in comparison while on stage.
I am an honest fan of both Future Of The Left and Ted Leo and The Pharmacists. Sometimes I worry that I don't come off to them as such. I feel like I have a hard time projecting sincerity in person. It's a little easier with Future Of The Left. Since we've toured with them before we already have a relationship. I don't know Ted, Chris, Marty, or James, but I love their band.
Everyone except Andy, Emily, and John went home to Gainesville after the show. Heather and I drove back with Jordan and Sarah. They dropped us off at the Holiday Inn. I haven't been in Gainesville since June.
October 6th, 2008 - 1:09AM. Gainesville, FL.
I met Philipe and Jannick at Leonardo's this morning. They came into town to shoot a piece on Gainesville and my EP for Current TV. We had talked about doing it back in September when I was in Montreal. Philipe's idea was that I would give a guided tour of Gainesville, pointing out areas of both personal significance and spots that are of significance to the local scene and he would mix in some of the music from "Heart Burns". We drove around town for about 2 hours. I showed them No Idea Records, Wayward Council, The Civic Media Center (all of which were closed) and the warehouse spaces on the edge of town where a good majority of Gainesville bands practice. I showed them where the Hardback used to be, where the Ark used to be. I showed them La Casita Blanca, the house where I lived under the staircase when I was 19. I showed them the curb out front that I used to sit on late into the night, watching prostitutes down the street come and go as I wrote lyrics. I showed them the plasma center on Main Street that I used to frequent a couple times a week, selling my plasma for rent and drinking money. And finally I showed them the one and only Laundry mat that I have ever played a show in. The experience was awkward for me and I'm worried that I came across negative at times in answering Philipe's questions about Gainesville.
October 7th, 2008 - 1:00AM. Driving to North Carolina.
My throat is shredded. Today was supposed to be a day off but we ended up booking a last minute show in St. Augustine at Cafe 11. The show was worth it but I could have used the day of rest for my voice. We also missed seeing Jonathan Richman play at Common Grounds in Gainesville. Our next day off is a week away. I've developed a nasty habit of slamming 2 or 3 Red Bulls before playing. It's been my one vice on this tour. It's horrible for my voice, it also wreaks havoc on my stomach, but I love the caffeine high.
I picked up my absentee ballot today.
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35 comments:
For very selfish reasons I love reading this blog. There's a lot more to say but no real reason to say it.
I always try to be the first comment but it never happens. You should dress up as frankenstein for your halloween show in Pomona.
Under a staircase? thats harsh...
man, tommy. an awesome guy like you should never have lived under a staircase.
So I guess I'm not the only one who hates when Sarah Palin winks at the camera. I had to stop watching the debate because of it.
Hey Tom! Always love reading yr posts, thank you for letting us in on the happenings of life. Can you guys please play "Even At Our Worst, We're Still Better Then Most?" It has really gotten me through some rough times, and I love the instrumental bridge in the song. Thank you!
It may take you a while to update this blog but your descriptive account of your week more than makes up for it. I really wish I could get to meet you someday.
You guys should have played "Bastards of Young" at the show in Washington D.C. I was yelling for it, but everyone else wanted to hear "...35%". Bummer.
I'm a huge fan of Against Me!, I'm seeing you guys for the first time tomorrow and could not be more excited. I really appreciate this blog as some insight as to what is going on in your life, I always enjoy reading it and it's always interesting.
Sorry your voice is under such strain. Honestly, I've no idea how you sing the way you do all the time. It's probably a big part of the appeal of your music. I can't think of anyone else who sounds like you.
Hey Tom,
You guys played such kick ass shows in St. Pete and Gainesville. I was also pretty bummed to see that the CMC was closed while I was in Gainesville. As I drove around town, I couldn't help but think that you walked these streets while writing some of my favorite songs ever.
Keep up the great work.
Hector (Miami squad)
Hey Tom,
I also watched the Vice Presidential debate! This was instead of watching my own country's debate! If I were religious I would pray every day that Sara Palin does not end up holding some sort of power over America. She's a disgrace and an embarrassment. I laughed to read that you dislike her as much as me.
I recently saw you guys in London, Ontario and of course you guys were awesome. I'm actually from Toronto but I didn't want to see you guys at V-Fest, small venues are always better.
I look forward to your return to Toronto.
Take care.
Claire Laurie
i was at the orlando show. i'll admit being at disney world to see against me! was pretty wierd, and also hilarious. idk, such a conflict of ideals. i had a seven dollar glass of guinness at some bar there before the show. that was intense. regardless, i thought the show itself was amazzing. the entire set...just great from start to finish. if that show was lackluster, i cant imagine what a luster show would be.
anyways, im the guy who left those shirts for you and the band. idk if you got them. i hope you did, the merch girl said she'd help with that.
Are you as depressed as I am about the insanity of the amendments to the state constitution?
What ever happened to the plan to just toss out the whole Florida constitution and start over with something that doesn't promise bullet trains and specifics on how pigs must be dealt with?
Voting absentee is fun. Though the woman who delivers my mail thinks I'm an American spy. I try to avoid her now.
Hey, katie here from Clemson. I was at the Greensboro show Tuesday night where I very lamely told you to update your blog.
This new 9-5 job just isn't cutting it for me. Thanks for entertaining me throughout my long days via text spawned across the interwebs.
Also, loving the johnny song.
Kate
I can't believe I froze when I met you in Dallas. I had so much to ask you. I had so much to say about how much your music has made an effect on my life. I just started reading your blogs and they seem to be one of my new encouragements too. It's nice to know I'm not alone in feeling the way I do about life. Hopefully, I can talk to you again at Austin's Fun Fun Fun Fest.
Tom,
Couldn't agree more on Sarah Palin man. Her voice alone makes me want to fucking throw the tv out of my window. The sheer fact that the phrases, "Joe Six Pack," "Say it aint so joe there you go again," "You betcha," and I can't wait to work with ya," as well as a fucking shout out to her brother's 3rd grade class who is getting extra credit for watching the debate, were all actually stated within the Vice Presidential debate for the United States of America is just disgusting. What sickens me even more is that in my college American Government class i am debating more that half of the teenagers in there that actually support this woman because of what their gun toting, camo wearing, racist, traditionally married parents are telling them to believe. I mean, I know i'm in south west Florida, but I didn't think that meant that people here were born with poor judgement and zero comon sense. Who was I kidding? It just strait up sickens me.
Anyways, awesome set in St Pete on the 3rd, and I hope to see you again sometime in the near future.
tom, wayward is always closed. i dunno if it was like that back in the day, but everyone there kinda slacks now. the civic media center is usually open though. before i moved here, i had these "romantic" ideas of house shows, great music, and awesome people, but i think i arrived kinda late for that.
also, i know that plasma center. i get chills driving past that place knowing that one day i'll probably be short for rent.
How did you like the DC show? You guys did great. Let us know!
I was at orlando, and yeah, it seemed a little awkward. I dunno how many tickets were sold, but maybe next time do a 2 night stay at the Social? I think you'd get a lot more people who would come, and a lot of people who went both nights. I'm sure the house of blues is a nice venue for you guys, but it kinda sucks for the crowd in a lot of aspects.
By the way, I cried when you guys played Disco Before the Breakdown. For real.
After hearing how you felt about playing orlando, I'm so happy I saw the Jannus show. You guys seemed comfortable there.
I could sit her and list the reasons why Sarah Palin is a pathetic excuse of a human, but that would just be "preaching to the choir", wouldn't it?
Luckily I watched the debate in a pub where EVERYONE hated her equally. Yelling immature things at the TV is very theraputic.
check your inbox for my two cents on Sarah Palin. As a lady, I don't feel the need to throw my anger and disdain all over someone's blog.
tsk tsk. oh tom.
Amazing show in St.Pete at Jannus. I remember I got there like literally five hours early and talked it away with Warren. I dunno, the people were weird. That show was so depressing to me. But yet so amazing. You guys did amazing. I guess it's just that I have had friends in StPete for over 6 years and everytime I go there from Clearwater I get semi-depressed.
Thank you for taking my word for it Tom and still keep us updated on your life. Even with your busy schedule. You're a sweetheart and sorry if i came off weird about the blog thing.
Best wishes!
Oh the joys of neo-con monkey spawn!
turns out she's 10th cousins with princess diana and 9th with fdr.
Saw a video of some prominent transvestite saying she could tell Palin was a former beauty queen because her answers were, "...very pageant."
I think that about sums it up.
See y'all tomorrow in Cincinatti.
Take care
Hey Tom, I totally forgot to say what city to play "Even At Our Worst, We're Still Better Then Most." Could you guys please play it at the show in Seattle on Oct 24th? I love that song and it means a lot to me. I figure this is worth a shot tho you probably don't read the comments. Take care man, hope the tour is going good. Would coffee or espresso help you get the rush for the show and not hurt yr voice? Just an idea. Take care!
no offense to all you guys who commented before me, but i feel like such a tool commenting on someone's blog that i've never met, just admired for the past 7 years. i was given my first against me cd by two young train hoppers with their dog. they came from north florida on a freight going south.
however, i feel the need to also express my hatred towards the mccain-palin ticket. ANY woman who is ok with her rights being taken away is NOT ok. ANY woman who doesn't believe in fully educating her children is NOT ok. ANY WOMAN WHO WOULD SUPPORT SENDING HER CHILD INTO HARM'S WAY IS NOT OK. SHE BELIEVES THAT GOD GIVES HER PEOPLE THE "GIFT" TO SPEAK IN TONGUES AND HAVE PSYCHIC ABILITIES AND THAT DINOSAURS EXISTED 4000 YEARS AGO.
im sorry, but that is absolutely f*cking ridiculous.
but i'm asking all of you, no matter how you are voting, to please, please, PLEASE be educated in your choices. don't just go with one or the other because that's what you've been taught, what you've been told. SEEK THE INFORMATION ON YOUR OWN. SEARCH OUT ALL THE POSSIBILITIES. KNOW AND HAVE FULL CONFIDENCE IN YOUR DECISIONS. be smart.
and thank you tom gabel, for having the balls that i never will, for having the passion that i can never express, and for feeling the same way as i do and have for many years. i was 14 years old the first time i heard your words, and they've never left my heart. (and now they'll never leave my skin.)
I was at the show in Orlando. It was my fourth time seeing you and I thought you guys were great! It never beats the first time but it was definately worth the $25 I paid...I can't wait until you come back. I dont mind downtown disney, it has Virgin record store, though they dont carry against me! albums on vinyl...anyways I enjoy reading your entrys, I wish I could explain things and write things as detailed as yours...
I love reading this blog.
What makes us unknown people be so attracted to one's situations and experiences? Why is it so interesting to read a person's feelings and thoughts?
I don't know but whatever it is, it's alive in all of us.
Thanks for sharing.
www.palinaspresident.us
interesting...
Hey Tom, I absolutley love Against Me! and have recently begun to get into your acoustic stuff, I can't wait for Heart Burns! I had to start a blog for a class at school, so if you ever happen to look at it just know that its all school realted, lol. Anywho, I'll stop before I come off as creepy, can't wait for more updates and your Chicago show kicked ass!
I'm so glad I found this blog. I've been listening to you guys since I started college and I'm almost done and it's weird. In any event, its very cool to know what's going on in your world. The Red Bull post made me chuckle, because I've got the same problem. I do however, work for them, so it's a bit different. In any event, I would very much like to see you guys make it up to Vermont. I saw you guys play two years ago and I am mad at myself I didn't get into it more. I had just begun listening so I felt a tad out of place. Anyway, I promise if you guys come back, I will be front and center screaming every word to every song. It makes me hopeful that you might read this, cause it means that much to me. I apologize for the lame crowd that night, I feel partially to blame.
I heard you guys were in a crash. Is everyone OK?
thats kinda scary
about only catching half of the it and then watching the rest after.
only because my dad did the exact same thing
Your set in Hilton Head was surreal; it almost seemed like a local youth group came and 15 others showed up (drunk). What surprised me more was that you guys played "Disco Before the Breakdown". It's such an amazing song, and it just made my day when you played it during the encore, even if encores are 'pretty lame'. See you in Columbia! Glad to hear everyone's okay after the crash... sounds like I-80 is as shitty as Johnny's VP choice.
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