Here's the report. Warning: This thing is long. It's seven pages on Microsoft Word. And I apologize for not knowing the band members' names. They went by so fast.
Poster:
Set List:
1. Living Alive
2. Then Again
3. Goodbye
4. Creep by Radiohead
5. Perfect (The Stalker Song)
6. Human Tornado
7. Wicked Little Town from Hedwig and the Angry Inch
8. Look Around
9. The Origin of Love from Hedwig and the Angry Inch
10. Visits to You
11. "Break-up Song" (Name still unknown)
12. Out Out Damn Spot
The Adventure Continues.
We left off where Seth and I were traveling to the Missouri Historical Museum to attend the Albinokid gig. Seth drove this time, and I was the navigator. After missing our turn off (and making an interesting turn around), we got to the museum about 8:10 PM. The gig starts at 8 PM. Then, Seth realized that his debit card was missing. He spent a few minutes going through his coat and the Rent bag until it was finally found. I started running.
Seth: Why are we running?
Me: We’re late to the gig.
Seth: We left before Anthony. There’s no way in space and time that he could be here.
Me: Unless he has a worm hole.
Heh, heh . . . Yeah . . . we’re sci-fi geeks…
We jogged up the ramp and got into the museum. We were greeted by a giant statue of Thomas Jefferson. We told security we were here for the concert. He pointed us to the stairs. As we got near the stairs we could hear music coming from the lower level. We got to the ticket counter and picked up our reserved tickets with no trouble.
The Lee Auditorium is a very nice intimate venue. It’s décor wasn’t modern or fancy. It had a very warm atmosphere to it. Grayish-brown carpet and red, cushy seats. We picked out a row of seats close to eye level with the singers. To my surprise, only about 30 people came to the gig. (Many people at the signing did express their disappointment of being unable to go. I have a feeling the $30.00 ticket price might have been a factor. )
The opening act was playing. It was a country band led by the singer, Brett Daniels. I’m not really the biggest fan of country music (due to the fact that most of the radio stations at home ARE country music stations). However, I got into this band. Daniels talked about being an honor to open up for Anthony’s band and to be invited here by Pride St. Louis. The gig, in fact, was used as a fundraiser for the organization.
I originally wanted to film the gig at St. Louis. Seth sent him a PM through Myspace about three weeks before the signing to ask him if we could have his permission to film it. We never got a reply (which is VERY understandable. We were probably buried under 2,000 other messages). Both of us forgot to ask him at the signing. Therefore, I decided not to. (Anyway, I lacked the battery power to film the entire thing).
After the opening band finished, Albinokid members came to set up. After about 10 minutes, a man came out and said that 10 years ago, he saw Rent, and it changed his life. He was able to meet the OBC afterwards (including Anthony). Since then, he’s been trying for years to set up Anthony to come to St. Louis. Thanks to the movie, the 10th anniversary, and Anthony’s New York’s Times best-selling book; they were finally able to book him.
Man: Here he is. Anthony Rapp!
Anthony came out, and the crowd went wild. The band went immediately into “Living Alive.” Without any stops, they went right into “Then Again” and then “Goodbye.” The songs were tight, and Anthony was in great voice.
There was only one slip up. During “Goodbye”’s chorus, Anthony went blank on the words. During “Say what you wanna say / I’ll still say goodbye,” he hummed/”da”ed until “goodbye.” When that happened, I thought ~Uh, oh~. The words came back to him for “I don’t care anymore/ I can’t give another day.” By the next verse, he didn’t sing “Sometimes you need.” He didn’t even hummed. Just silence. I looked straight at Anthony, mouthing the next words “More than too much of me.” I was hoping I could get him back on track. Whether Anthony saw me or not, I can’t say. But the words came back to him by “Sometimes you give nothing back.” (The two of us were actually together at “Sometimes you give.”) The rest of the song went without a hitch.
While the band took some time to get ready for the next song, Anthony thanked everyone for coming and thanked the people for setting up this whole St. Louis experience. He said that the band usually do a couple of covers, so they were going to do a hit song by Radiohead. (He called it a track this time, not "tune.")
Seth and I:
(thinking: Yay, Radiohead!)
Anthony: They used to play this song all the time. Now, they don’t play this song anymore for some reason.
Seth (to me): They don’t play ANY songs anymore.
Anthony: So, we will play it.
Albinokid proceeded on with “Creep.” This song is a great treat to see Anthony perform live. Especially the “She runs, runs, runs, runs, ruuuuuuuuuns.” Chills. What made this song an extra treat for Seth and I is that I sang this song the Sunday before with Seth’s rock band (which was a blast). Anthony definitely did a better job of delivering it than I did.
After “Creep,” the band set up the next song. Anthony went on to explain that this is one of the new songs that Albinokid wrote.
Anthony: Now, we do this at every gig…
Me: (thinking) Here it comes.
Anthony: We take this kind of poll, general tally with the audience. (sweeping gesture to crowd ) How many of you have been stalked?
I immediately put up my hand and pointed at Seth.
Anthony: (looking at us) Him??
Me:
(like a fool)
Seth and I have this running joke about him being my stalker ever since he chased me across a bridge one time.
Seth also raised his hand. (This scary chick he ran into online.)
Anthony: (looks at whole audience) How many of you have been stalkers?
A whole bunch of young Rent fans in the first two rows raised their hands and laughed.
One Rent fan girl: We do it because of our love to you. (laughs) It’s our way to show our love.
Anthony: (nods slowly with smile) Uh-uh. Yeah. Right.
More laughter from girls.
Anthony: This is for all you stalkers.
The band played “Perfect” (or “The Stalker Song.“’ I’m pretty sure Perfect is the real name). It was great to hear the rock version after listening to the acoustic version for so long. And, of course, the lyrics “Did you get my note?/ I sent it just last week” got the laughs it usually gets. I can’t wait for this song to be available on CD/for download. This song gets stuck in my head A LOT.
Then, Anthony talked about the things he did today in St Louis.
Anthony: I did that radio program um.. Called Good Morning, St. Louis or St. Louis Today or something like that. . .
Girls from audience: Show Me, St. Louis.
Anthony: Show Me, St. Louis. . . . Oh, that’s right. You’re the Show Me State.
Whoos from audience.
Anthony: (with mischievous glint in his eyes) I’ll show you mine, if you show me yours.
Laughter in front. I’m shaking head with a smile on my face and a groan in my head.
Anthony: (looks around) Who said that? What? Who?
After the band had finished setting up, Anthony said:
Anthony: I wanted to do a song for the females. We have a lot of females in the room tonight, right?
Majority of crowd whoos and cheers.
Anthony: How many of you are empowered females?
Very small cheer response.
Anthony: (sad disappointment) There’s only that many empowered females??
I honestly didn’t respond because I misunderstood the question the first time.
Anthony: (tries again) How many of you are empowered females?!
Now, most of the room responds.
Anthony: That’s more like it. This song is for those empowered females.
With a “Uno, dos, tres, cuatro!,” Anthony and the band rocked out with “Human Tornado.” During the instrumentals, Anthony was spinning like a madman. Before now, Anthony’s been relatively calm in comparison with his band mates. Pictures were flashing. People were definitely waiting for Anthony’s trademark dancing. The song ended to strong, enthusiastic applause.
The bassist and the drummer took a break, while the guitarist and Anthony prepared for the acoustic portion of the show. This guitarist (as those from New York know) is very talented and quite a character.
He and Anthony would make jabs at one another from time to time throughout the show.
While the guitarist fiddled around with the acoustic (I think it was at this point of the gig), Anthony took a big swig of water and looked at his mike stand. While holding the water in his mouth (his checks puffed out), he proceed to play with and poke at (multiple times) a guitar pick that was on his mike stand. (I honestly have no clue where the pick came from.) Of course, this absurd image garners laughter from the audience (especially from the front two rows). The guitarist looked up, wondering if they were laughing at him. Anthony tells him, no, they’re laughing at his antics.
Anthony, then, introduced the first song as coming from Hedwig and the Angry Inch, which he did three years ago and that the guitarist did it in New York for six months.
Guitarist: But it’s been a long time since I played it.
Anthony goes on to sing “Wicked Little Town.” This was the first time I’ve ever heard this song. It’s beautiful. That’s it. I need to get a copy of this musical. Anthony did justice to the ballad. Great song for his voice type. Again, gorgeous.
Anthony introduced the next song as being the title track for the Look Around Album. Anthony and the guitarist make a few more jabs at each other (especially with the guitarist’s need for cheat sheets for the songs).
Guitarist: (smiles) For them, I’ll make the introduction extra long.
Audience supports.
He proceeds to do this complex guitar intro that lasted two minutes. It had all these little pauses to fake out Anthony and the audience when the real intro to “Look Around” will begin. It got to the point where Anthony couldn’t help but break into smile. The real intro came and Anthony sang “Look Around.” Beautifully done.
Next was the “The Origin of Love” from Hedwig and the Angry Inch. I really like this song after watching Richard’s videos on youtube. But, boy, this number is very effective live. Anthony was very commanding. Seth and I couldn’t help but to give each other a little hug while Anthony looked straight at us. This acoustic section really confirms my opinion that Anthony is at his best when accompanied with simple, non-electronic instruments. (Don’t get me wrong, I love his rock stuff as much as the next person.)
The bassist and drummer come back from their beer break with beer bottles in tow (the drummer even borrowed some of Anthony’s water to wash it down). Anthony introduced the next song as being the first one he wrote for the Look Around album. He talked about meeting Joe and writing the song using Joes’ guitar riff as the foundation. He did it in dedication to his mother and how she passed away. He explain how the song was about his feelings as he visited his mother during the course of her illness. I looked straight at Anthony and nodded. I was showing him that I understood, too, to a degree. Seth held me tighter because he knew the effect the song has on me.
I must admit, some vocal clashing took me out of the song at times, but Anthony’s emotion and pain and desire to hang on to that last moment with his mother always brought me back in. I also couldn’t help but play the music video I created in my head to this song (which consists of many scenes of Anthony’s book). That also compounded the effect on me. At the end, the audience gave it an enthusiastic and heartfelt applause. For a few seconds after the song, you could tell Anthony was still back at that time and place. He was looking down and had a far-off look. Then, he was back in the now and thanked everyone.
Next was the newest Albinokid song, the one we call “The Break-Up Song.” He said that every band has a break-up song, and here is theirs. A rock band setup really brings out the power of the chorus than just acoustic guitar as seen on Richard‘s videos. Anthony had a couple of weird vocal moments which he quickly recovered from. His delivery of the anger and betrayal were spot on. I can see this song quickly becoming a fan favorite.
Then, Anthony announced that this was the finale. He thanked everyone for coming, thanked St. Louis Pride for putting this thing together. He said that this last song was given to him by Joe due to Anthony’s spastic nature. “Out, Out, Damn Spot” came blaring out. Anthony was all over the place. All of his energy was coming out. Arms going all over the place, flamingo legs, spinning, and anything else you can name. And, of course, cameras were flashing. The whole band was kinetic. At the end of the song, they don’t fade out. Anthony goes up to the microphone.
Anthony: (speaking) Where did my friends go? Where are they?
He walked off the stage with this “I can’t believe my friends have left me” look. The rest of the band finished the song with a rock finish, left their instruments on the stage, and walked off. Everyone was cheering and clapping. It looked like the end. However, I turned to Seth.
Me: Wait . . .Wait.
People were still cheering. And kept on cheering, hoping they will do an encore. After a minute, the drummer and bassist came out and started up a groove rhythm. After 30 seconds, the guitarist came and played a very familiar set of notes. The crowd was screaming and cheering like crazy now. Finally, Anthony slowly walked out to the mike. The crowd was going nuts. He got up to the mike.
Anthony: Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes.
The audience was on its feet and clapping along (all 30 of us). Everyone was singing along with the band. (Seth and I included. `*shrugs* Hey, why not?) He did the version of “Seasons of Love” which combines both the original song and “Seasons of Love B.” The energy was high. As the song ended, everyone screamed with joy. Anthony thanked everyone and said that he will sign items outside the auditorium.
We left the auditorium and waited towards the back of the line. I found that I left my Rent movie insert in my purse, and decided to get it signed. At first, Seth was sad that he didn’t have anything else to sign. Then, I noticed fans were having their gig tickets signed. I pointed that out to Seth, and we decided “why not?”
We got to say hi to the opening band members and compliment their performance. We talked with a few fans (where we were from, degrees, etc.) They were impressed that we drove 2 ½ hours to be here. We told them about the 3 hour trip to the Chicago signing. We told them that we are fans of Anthony’s work and that we also support him cause he’s from Illinois.
The staff set up a table for Anthony to sign at and another one that was selling copies of Anthony’s book, Rent DVDs, cast recordings, movie soundtracks, and both highlights. We were the next to last set of people to see Anthony (about a 20 minute wait).
We walked up to the table.
Anthony: Hello, again.
Both of us: Hello./Hello again, sir.
We put down our items, and I motioned Seth to go first.
Anthony: (looks at Seth) And your name . . .
Seth: (embarrassed) Oh, sorry. Seth.
As he signed Seth’ ticket, Anthony went on to say so many people go through that it’s hard for him to keep names straight.
Seth: Sorry.
I playfully gave him a knock on the head to ease the tension.
Anthony grabbed my items and looked up at me.
Me: [real name]
Anthony went on to sign my Rent soundtrack insert and my ticket.
Me: I got a message from the current Mark from the touring cast . . .
Anthony: (looks up) Oh, Jed?
Me: (smile) Yes.
Anthony goes on to say he’s heard a lot about this cast and that he’s been wanting to catch them. However, his busy schedule has prevented him.
Me: (looks straight at Anthony and say with matter of fact voice) You’ll be very happy with him [Jed].
Anthony nods.
Before I tell Jed’s message, I need a little flashback to St. Louis after the Saturday night show. Seth and I were at the stage door after the show. Jed was so honored to be part of this show. You can tell he’s living out a dream playing Mark. After he signed my program, I asked him:
Me: Is there anything you want me to tell Anthony when I meet him in two weeks?
Jed: (definitely lights up) Tell him “hi” for me. (smile) I worship him. (short pause) Don’t tell him that.
I was so tempted to tell Anthony the “worship” line, but I decided to respect Jed’s request.
Back with Anthony.
Me: Jed says, “Hi,” and that he admires your work.
Anthony: Thank you.
Seth: (chimes in) And he worships you.
Anthony didn’t respond to it (we’re not quite sure whether he heard Seth or not).
Jed, if you’re reading this, we’re sorry. The temptation was just too much for Seth.
I had one more thing to take care of. I have a college friend who is a huge Rent fan. She almost came with us, but stuff came up at the last minute. I asked her if there was anything she wanted me to ask Anthony or to give Anthony to sign.
Friend: No. Just give him an extra hug for me.
Me: (slightly hesitant) I have a friend back at home who wanted me to give you a hug for her. (opens arms)
Anthony's attitude was “…Ok.” Both of us leaned awkwardly over the table and gave each other a small hug.
Anthony: Thank you for coming.
Both of us: Thank you.
We walked back to the car started our 2 ½ hour journey back to my college town. We started the trip listening to Anthony’s “Room to Breathe.” I was a little sad that he didn’t sing this song, but I also realized that the song works better in an all acoustic show.
We talked about the show on the way back. Seth’s biggest complaint (being a rock musician himself) was the drummer. He felt that he could only play one dynamic: loud. I have to agree. He was pretty loud during quieter portions of songs (“Visits to You”). After we got out of the city, Seth took a nap. I drove on the highway, constantly looking west at the approaching storm.
The storm caught up with us about 30 minutes from home. It only got really bad during the last 10 minutes of the trip. I had to fight to keep the car on the road from strong gusts. However, we made it to the Wal-Mart in one piece. Once the storm passed through, Seth and I kissed goodbye. Seth started his 2 ½-hour trek back southeast. (He got home in one piece.)
I got back to my apartment and sat down to process everything that happened that day. Though the trip was long and tiring, it was well worth it.
Anthony, thank you for coming to St. Louis and finally coming to perform there. It meant a lot to the people who couldn’t do the drive to Chicago. And thanks for being as attentive and open to your fans as you always are. Good luck on the rest of the book tour. And make sure you don't drive yourself to the ground.
Thank you, everybody, for being patient while I write this report. I hope you enjoyed reading it.
Now, rest those eyes guys.
Mariel
Updated On: 4/5/06 at 05:46 PM
. Maybe he took pity on me for the cost of stamps, I didn't get my letter returned.
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