Day VII: Wednesday, October 23 - Columbus, OH

Columbus, Ohio has always been a bit of a mystery to us. The club we play there sits literally twenty feet from the campus of one of the largest universities in America, but we never play for anyone besides the crazy locals and the random frat guy. What is a sensitive guy power-pop band to do? Ah well.

The funniest story of this night comes to us from Dakota Floyd, who at this point were still brave enough souls to continue to be on the road with us. You think Sleater-Kinney could have done it? Modest Mouse? Aerosmith? I think not. Dakota has a rock and roll engine, people, and a rock and roll heart to match. Anywho, while Dakota is rocking the house we all notice this crazy old drunk guy in the bar. I mean, there’s lots of old crazy drunk guys in the bar but we’ve seen this one before. And then it hits me, it’s the Batman guy!!! Now, folks, this is not just a clever moniker, this guy gets plastered and comes up to bands while they’re playing and requests, nay, demands the theme from Batman. In fact, this conversation actually took place the last time we played there:

Drunk Guy: Do you kn-kn-know BAAAAAtttttMANnnnn?
Bill (Dakota Floyd): Maybe later, pal.
DG: BAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTMMMMAAAAAN???
Bill: Yeah, I think it’s in D
DG: Yeah! Thasss right!!! BAAAAAAATTTTTMMMMAAANNNN!!!! duh-duh duh-duh duh-duh duh-duh BAAAATTTTMAAAAN!!!

Whoah. Anyway, this time the same thing happens except Dakota has actually taken the time to learn the theme from Batman and invites this guy up to sing. I swear to god that this was the best moment of this guy’s life since whatever horrible tragedy befell him to send him into the terrifying alcoholic downward spiral he currently resides in.

As for our set, it was hindered a bit by Jordan getting an insanely painful case of indigestion that left him basically unable to stand or do anything but vomit. I don’t know how he pulled it together for the show, but he won the Gold Medal Trooper Award for the night (Ed. Note -- not a real award). I guess he must have channeled the pain into rock, because we left those Ohians (sp?) dazed and drooling in our rock wake.

Interestingly enough, tonight also marked the first time on tour I was threatened with physical violence, this time by an OSU kid who didn’t like (I am not making this up) the way I looked at his french fries as I walked by him to go and get Jordan some antacid. Those kooky college kids!

Monday -- Cleveland, OH!!!!!!