Buz's Reports from the Road

From: Buz
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 1998 9:40 PM
Subject: !1st Update from the Road!

Questions, comments, flames, idle chit-chat or dirty pictures appreciated.

Date-posted: 28-Mar-98 10:24:44

Well, we've rocked Texass....

Relatively full house at Emo's, Austin. GREAT town. LOTS of music. Friendly
people. Drunk girls dancing on stage. Small "pit", even. Fun times for all.
Really good "Wraps" (we call 'em Burritos in The-Mish.) from some S.F.
expatriates (thanx Michele & Andrew).

The Orbit Room in Dallas last night started bad...continued to be crappy and
completed (for a change) by sucking. Creeps working the club (NOT the owner,
however), creeps in the club, creeps AROUND the club (ahhh PuNk RoCk),
fistfight between two club employees (yes...employees. See the last sentence.),
stage the size of a postage stamp (who'd they think we were...Cream?). And to
top it off...the great Chrome had a lousy gig. Tried our best but when the
keyboards get knocked into the players lap, the song tends to loose it's
"momentum". Sold a lot of merchandise, though. Go figga?

The good news... The A/C is fixed in the truck (sorry CA, it's been clear and
warm the whole trip (knock-knock) and somehow, all of our hotel rooms have been
across from good Indian food (no, not Native American...although that sounds
good, too). Ya gotta love America!

On to the 8 hour drive to Memphis.

I wonder if Elvis's ghost will be there.
... I still won't to put him on the list.



Date-posted: 29-Mar-98 15:49:44

After another crazy 9 hour drive session we arrived in Memphis. After another
1.5 hours of following WRONG directions we got to the Young Avenue Deli
(yes...deli). A total yuppie bar with pool tables and ...Yuppies.

Fortunately, about 11:00 the opening band came on and the whole club
personality changed.
If you ever get the chance to see "Mr. Quintron", do so at all costs. The guy
lugs a full size Hammond organ around the country and is the best thing I've
heard in many years.
Sort of a combination of John Spencer, Tom Waits, Fats Waller and Sid Vicious.

We had a great show for not too many people but they were all BIG fans. We
didn't get off the stage until 04:00. The promoter made really cool posters and
we all signed many autographs and sold a lot of Ts and CDs.

Out truck is starting to hiccup a bit. H took it in and we are now in the worst
Travel Lodge on the planet (not the place, the employees. They're all named
Apu...no kidding).

Well, back to channel surfing for strange public-access TV. .....Oh my god
...I just saw Colonel Sanders dancing on a Lawrence Welk rerun.. There is a
God.


Date-posted: 6-Apr-98 21:54:50

OKAY!!! We've finally got a few days off with some really cool people in a
really cool place!

Cat's Cradle - Carborro, NC................................
Very nice club, but unfortunately not too good a turn out. We pulled off a good
show and some great folks drove up to 4 hours to come see us (sorry y'all had
to come so far but we're glad you did!). Hey to Sarah and friends.


Ottobar - Baltimore, MD......................................................
Well, we tried. Club WAY too small for an all encompassing band like CHROME.
Some audience members actually applauded. Special thanks to the "dancing girl"
up front. Unfortunately the club filled with smoke from a construction site
next door being worked on at 01:30 for some Satanic reason and we had to cut
the set a little short.
Baltimore....Get some alternative (the ORIGINAL meaning) radio stations!

Nick's Upstairs- Philadelphia, PN........................................
What a media event. At least 4 camcorders going with two audio decks. Look for
the bootlegs soon....and PLEASE send us a copy! Fun place. Good crowd. Good
pizza. Blew up our second P.A. of the tour. Thanx to the sound guy for getting
us through the show. He hit my MUTE switch and scared the poop out of me... I
thought my amp died. Special space-jam version of "The Jaw".

Coney Island High - New York City, NY................................
Ever seen Soylent Green? Or that episode of Star Trek on the over populated
planet? Well that's NYC (and you guys know it too!) No insult intended but it
is a little overwhelming after being in the great wilderness called "America".
What a club. Doormen with guns (no that's not a band name, but probably should
be), soundman (I mean soundBOY) with no concept of "sound", just painted stage
completely "fuming" us out. Does EVERYBODY in NYC smoke? Can't wait to go back.
BUT... H broke a string and amongst other technical difficulties a ripping
version of "Open Door/Locust Door" was attempted by me and Aleph. And a damn
good try, too.
Great show, though. BIG appreciative crowd. Nice folks. Hey Raymond...

Euclid Tavern - Cleveland, OH.............................................
Wow! Whatta gig. We were given the extreme honor of performing with the Solar
Fire light show. Man, these guys know how to put on a light show. Digital video
should be duped soon, too. MANY BIG THANX to Big Jim, Scotty and the whole
Hawkwind posse in Cleveland. Haven't had this much hospitality since ...HELL, I
don't know WHEN I ever had this much...maybe we NEVER had this much
hospitality. Anyone in the North East area needing the raddest light show from
the coolest people, contact Big Jim at jmfinity@now-online.com. Helios had to
tune up so CHROME performed a impromptu jam: Trillion Eyes (?) We've now had
some sleep (a good 14 hours) and are now fully recharged. And Nova and Tommy
got a lot of Thrifting in. Hit Shattered Records if you're in Cleveland.

Up next...
Sudsey Malone's - Cincinnati, OH.........................................

Date-posted:   08-Apr-98 21:03:31 -0700

4/7/98
I-71 Southbound listening to my new (old) Gary Numan CD bound for Cincinnati,
Ohio. On our way to a radio interview and show at Sudsey Malone's.

Ohio, the home of Pere Ubu and Devo (and my friend ...hey Kathy.)
Big, flat place with people REALLY into music. Did I mention it's flat here?

4/8/98
Fun show at "Sudsey Malone's" last night. Cool place to do your laundry (which
we did), drink some booze (which we did) and Rock-Out (did that, too). Small
but appreciative crowd. Deaf sound man (...Too loud buddy, even for us...) Some
friends made really neat Chrome lion-head pins out of etched metal (Ummm ...did
you guys see a "Pussy Galore" poster go anywhere???). Hopefully we'll have some
to sell at up coming shows. BTW, we have Kosik posters, T-shirts and 2-CDs for
sale for all you coming to the next shows.

Had our first bad weather of the tour (knock-knock). A massive rain storm hit
as soon as we are ready to load out last night. Once we got soaked getting the
trailer loaded, it stopped of course. But by the time we got back too our plush
"Hotel" (spelled T-R-A-V-E-L L-O-D-G-E), there was a strong tornado warning in
effect (no wonder there wasn't anybody on the streets). Us Kalifornia kids
don't know what to do in a tornado. Isn't there supposed to be some old lady
riding a bicycle who rides up to warn you to get in some kind of basement
somewhere? We thought it would be best to sleep in our boots and duct tape
ourselves to the beds. It might be kinky but safety first! :)

Our set is getting really tight. I don't want to spoil it for any of you coming
to future shows but you're in for a real treat. And this is probably the only
chance you'll ever get to see Chrome live. There is some talk of "fly-out"
shows next year but we'll have to wait for the offers. In the mean-time, there
have been camcorders at almost all the shows and lots of stills being shot
(We'd love copies BTW - Just let us know how we can get them).

On to Detroit, then Chicago to perform with the Solar Fire Light Show
again....and Samra. Don't miss this. Should be a real "event".

Date-posted: 10-Apr-98 17:44:58

4/8/98 @ The Magic Stick (or The Majestic)
Big place. Some little kid's birthday party going on when we arrived to load in
(not our usual crowd). Located above a working really cool bowling alley
(playing Iggy Pop and such on the juke box). Wish we had time to bowl a few and
hang out. Leopard carpeted stairs, huge PA, great barkeep, incredibly gorgeous
door-girl. Tommy's been having some trouble with the Moog Liberation so if any
of y'all know how to fix those, let us know. Silver Apples opened again. Those
guys are so great. Don't miss a chance to see them if you can. Simian's set up
is not to be believed. He's the only musician I know who needs to keep
lubricating his instruments with WD-40.
We put on a really good show for a good size crowd (especially for the Motor
City). I guess the word is spreading. Lots of people are telling us they are
hearing about it on the net so thanks to all of you.
NO thanks however to the guys who ripped off the t-shirts and poster. YOU know
who you are and so do WE! See you next time, boys.


4/9/98 @ The Empty Bottle
Alright. If you were in Chicago and you missed this, you can shoot yourself
now.

Samra started the show with a fire dance to a Silver Apples song. I
unfortunately missed this due to stuffing my face at the good restaurant next
door, "Bite". Opening was a band made up of bar employees (sorry folks I forgot
the name). Kind of a love/hate kind of band. I haven't seen anyone eat dinner
while performing in a while.
Samra came back between bands with another few dances (one to another Silver
Apples song). She's really great and very professional. Lot's of fun. She
performed on the floor in front of the stage and everybody really dug it.
The Solar Fire Lightshow (SFL) kicked in on Samra with their high intensity,
supper responsive psychedelic mood inspiring eye feast.
Silver Apples came on and infected everyone with their infectious tunes (we've
been humming them for days, "....and you and I..."). Side note: Joey the
drummer had 2 hours practice with Simian before their 5 week tour. Man that guy
is good. AND he makes weirder faces than I do when I play. SFL illuminated them
with a bath of visual delights not to be believed. Swirling planets, swooshing
bubbles, colors galore.
Samra returned with a SWORD dance to a couple of Chrome songs believe it or
not. Both Helios and Simian were impressed with her interpretation of the
music.
Then, (if that wasn't enough) Chrome came on and proceeded to obliterate the
sell-out crowd. Best set we've done yet. We ripped though all the songs. Big
thanks to Chris Estrada for doing great sound with little to no check. We did a
great jam to "The Tribes", did the evil slow version of "Chili" and Samra
joined us on stage for "Armageddon". Don't forget the whole time SLF is dousing
us in rays of stupor inducing photons. Most fun I've had at or in a show in a
LONG time. Hope all of you there had as much fun as we did! ("Abstract Nympho
Granny"?)

SLF can be found at http://www.now-online.com/jmfinity/. We can't thank these
guys enough for driving all the way to Chicago to perform with us (and I do
mean "with us"). Wish they could come with us to all our shows. ESPECIALLY San
Francisco. Boy would they go over big there.
Samra (Iara Kendrick) can be found at samra@tcia.net. There's also a link from
the Chrome site. Thanks again Iara for coming all the way from VA.

BTW: If anybody has a copy of the Chrome articles in the Chicago Reader and
Tribune or any other articles or reviews on Chrome (even ads), please send them
to us. I'm sure we can dig up a sticker or a used guitar pick or something for
your trouble.

"Ocayz Corral" in Madison tonight

Date-posted: 15-Apr-98 11:14:32

4/11/98 Minneapolis, MI - First Street
Thanks to a very attentive crew at the club we managed to unload in the middle
of a huge basketball game starting right across the street. Really pretty town.
We played on the small stage of the same club that Prince filmed Purple Rain
(...what ever happened to him?). VERY smoky club. Are we getting old or are
people smoking more? What's with you people...that stuff is BAD for you. We
played with some good opening bands (for once) and had a good time. MIs not
known for the rad-kick-ass shows however. Loosen up guys...you don't get to see
Chrome every day (or every decade) y'know. -and NO thanks to the person who
threw glitter all over Helios's equipment.

4/12/98 Iowa City, IO
We are very sorry but we had to cancel this show due to electrical problems
with our truck. It's all fixed now so we don't foresee any problem for the next
shows.

4/14/98 Lincoln, NB - Knickerbocker's
WHATASHOW! Wow. It seemed like the whole music community was laying in wait for
us. Packed house. Big Helios Creed/Chrome fans here 'tell you what'! We put on
a great set with two encores and lots of noise (the good kind). People jumping
off the stage, slamming, pogoing, general chaos and fun. Whish we all had time
to hang out more after the show but ...y'know. We had the best time playing for
you all. Really makes me wish Chrome did this years ago. Thanks to everybody
for making it such a fun show. Seems like our shows are getting bigger and
bigger. Once again...Hey guy with the camcorder...WE WANT A COPY!


Date-posted: 19-Apr-98 21:44:52

4/15/98 Bluebird Theater Denver, CO

Big beautiful place. We were followed by some folks who came all the way from
the last show in Lincoln, NB. It was really nice to play a big place with a
light show, a great sound system (although we had to play REALLY quiet) and not
so much SMOKE (kaff-kaff). We sure miss our dancers and light shows when
they're not there. Anyone wanting to "enhance" our shows, please contact us
through here or before the show. Aleph and I have head colds but we got through
ok. Hope y'all liked the show, we had a great time. The theater has a recording
studio upstairs and they recorded the whole show. We haven't listened to it yet
but it should be good. We might do the live record with songs from different
shows if the quality is good enough. The S.F. show will still be the main
recording (as long as we don't all mess up too badly). Thanx Jon and all for
the yo-yo (look for "Spintastic" at your local toy store...)
___SPINTASTIC: Used and endorsed by CHROME!___

We had to leave right after the show to head for Seattle. Tried to make it in
one go but pooped out in Pendelton, OR. It's so hard to load/unload all this
equipment, drive, deal with "odd" motels, drive, deal with all the different
clubs, drive, deal with different sound systems, drive and still put on a good
show...which is the real point of all this. It would be so nice to just show up
at the show, play and leave. We could all do such a better performance. So the
next time you go see ANY touring band, buy a T-shirt or sticker or something so
they can eat and buy gas. And be nice (or at least polite) even if they suck.
This is really hard work.
If anybody has a plane out there that you are not using...can you give us a
lift?

We just heard about Wendy O. Williams and Roz Williams. Does anyone have any
details?

Seattle - Portland - HOME!

Date-posted: 21-Apr-98

04/17/98 Crocodile Cafe - Seattle, WA

Finally made it to Seattle after driving-driving-driving
(some gas company is making a LOT of money off of this tour). We hit
everything from snow to heat on the way. Mars=Wyoming No joke.

Did not see one plaid shirt or ripped jeans in
grungeland (oh...is that "over"?). Crocodile Cafe is a pretty
historical spot with the likes of Nirvana (who?) playing there in the early days
(...early to...?). The place has a cafe/bar in the front (best veggie
burgers in the U.S. ...sez all the Chrome boys) and a strange looking
Tiki-ish club inside with giant green sperm everywhere (I think they
were supposed to look like cobras, but...). Couple of great record
stores on the same street.

Galaxy Chamber opened for us with a spell binding,
mystical, creepy, fun show featuring a guest dancer clad in a leather
"bikini" (for lack of a better term). She proceeded to attach a set of
flaming nipples and penis to her outfit and gyrate on the floor for a
song or two. Very impressive. She also did a fire dance (after her dick
and tits were sufficiently extinguished). Thanks to Crystal, Nick,
Mayhem and all the Galaxy folks.

We came on to a full house and killed 'em like usual.
Had a great time. We were joined by Galaxy Chamber's dancer (I'm sorry
I didn't get her name ...anybody know?) and also "Hazelnut" graced us
with her presence and quite a show was had by all (---yes WE like to watch,
too!). We did the sexy version of "The Tribes" and sweated to the
Chrome oldies. Seattle's a great city. We'd love to come back some time.

04/18/98 Berbatis' Pan - Portland, OR

"Quick" drive to Portland. Lost for 30 minutes trying to
find the club (the usual). Berbatis' Pan is beautiful and has a great
sound system. Lots of rooms and pool tables and a restaurant and bar and
video games and and and. Saw my oldest friend from kindergarten, Carrie
(HEY)! Portland's a nifty city, check out the free skate park under the
bridge.

Opening band Kung Fu (somethingorother) was pretty cool.
Nova called them "Math Core".

Hazelnut came down all the way from Seattle to dance for
us again, wearing war paint and a massive frilly skirt-thing. Joe (who
runs the second Chrome site @ http://www.staticwhitesound.com/chrome flew up from the Bay area to record us with a nifty hat setup with microphone "ears" and a DAT-in-a-pack. Hope it turned ok. This was our last show "on the road" and we put our all into it. We had lots of fun and Hazelnut added to it all (she might
show up in SF, too). Too bad we couldn't do fog and lights and pyrotechnics
n' stuff (Aleph really needs a big flaming gong behind his drums).

We all packed up and Aleph and I (the rhythm section)
split to spend our last $ on a flight home. We couldn't take 11-12
hours in the van with these head colds. All the rest drove home and arrived
in one mostly sane piece).

We're now resting up and revving up for the S.F. show at
the Great American Music Hall on 04/24/98. KUSF is promoting it
and we should sell out. Thanks to all (or most) of the
opening bands and sound/club crews, all the dancers and light wizards
(Hey Jim & fam.) and everybody who came out to see some old guys try to
rock out. It made all the driving and lifting and not sleeping worth it
to see all of you and give you a good show. We might have been a little
grumpy at times but we all had a great trip. We hope you all had as =
good a time as we did.

Date-posted: 1-May-1998