Is That A Bruise Or A Kiss?

2008 has been a great year for me in the sense that, this year alone, 3 of my favorite bands reunited and toured again after not having performed in years. It started in June with Superdrag, then in September with My Bloody Valentine, and finally, this last Sunday evening, when I witnessed the return of Shudder To Think.

My heart sank immediately when I entered the Fillmore, as there were literally less than 20 people in the entire place. The opening act, whose name escapes me completely, took the stage to the most uncomfortable silence I've ever witnessed at a show. It wasn't that the audience was inattentive, there simply was no audience.

But by the time Shudder To Think finally took the stage shortly after 9pm, the auditorium had filled up with a few hundred people and my great unease evaporated immediately the second they hit the opening notes of "Red House". The small turnout also afforded me the best possible spot imaginable, right up front between singer Craig Wedren and guitarist Nathan Larson (see above pics). I think I must have taken over 100 photos.

They played everything I wanted to hear, almost as if I had hand-selected the set list that night personally, and they played every song masterfully. Craig's voice was better than I ever remembered it being, and although he seemed a tad surly in his overall demeanor, Nathan played blindingly and beautifully.

The only thing that made the experience of seeing them perform again even better was meeting and chatting with Craig for a few minutes after the show. I did my best not to appear like too much of a giggling sycophant.

Much to my initial embarrassment, Craig told me that he enjoyed watching me from the stage having so much fun down front during the show, and that he really appreciated the support. What struck me was that he really meant it, and I was really touched by the sentiment, especially since their music has made me so happy over the years.

Just before thanking him and finally heading out into the night, I asked what their plans were. "Are you going to make a new record? Do some more touring?" He looked genuinely puzzled at how to answer. "Who knows....?" was all he finally said with a shrug and a smile.

I don't want to unduly speculate, but something tells me that I might have to wait a long, long time for an answer to that question... Until then, I know the memory of this night will stay with me for much longer.