The differences between seeing Ben Gibbard and seeing a rock show
Since I am an amazing person and probably the sweetest guy ever (Why is everyone already laughing?), for my two-year anniversary with my girlfriend, I took her to see her favorite musician and, honestly, the one guy she would hands down leave me for: Ben Gibbard. Well, at least the one on the top of the list. Ben is best known as the lead singer of the bands Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service. Put it this way, if you wear tight pants, a scarf, striped v-neck shirt and black-rimmed glasses, Ben is probably one of your top five musicians; and that goes for if you’re a girl or guy.
Ben is currently out on tour in support of his latest solo album, “Former Lives,” which hit stores on October 15. Unlike previous solo efforts from Ben, he’s not going to be under the title of “All Time Quarterback!” but just sticking with “Ben Gibbard.” I guess after putting in years of work, touring all over the world and making his name a name, he went with what’s most popular. For me, a Ben Gibbard show was a new experience. I had never been to a show in a theater where you just stood there and watched someone play an acoustic guitar or a piano. Mainly, I wasn’t used to the etiquette for a show like this.
For example: there are only two times in the show when you are supposed to cheer or clap, this being at the very beginning and very ending of each song. I was informed that by being quiet I was “respecting the artist,” which I totally called BS. I think you’re supposed to cheer the whole time. Let’s have fun, let’s go crazy; nope, not at this show. One of the best parts is that the crowds at this type of show are super nice. From my prior experience, if you bump into someone by accident at a rock show, even though it’s an accident, you might get punched in the face. When I bumped into someone at a Ben Gibbard show, they actually apologized to me and asked if I was okay.
If you stand in front of someone at a rock show you will be thrown out of the way, sometimes pushed to the ground. At a Ben Gibbard show, if you stand in front of someone, you will be tapped on the shoulder and asked nicely, “Excuse me sir, it seems that you are obstructing our view from the performer. If it wouldn’t be of any trouble, would you please move over to allow my girlfriend to enjoy the experience known as Ben Gibbard? If not, I completely understand and I apologize for interrupting.”
I can say that Ben Gibbard is an awesome performer and his voice sounds even better live. Pick up the album, it’s good. And definitely check out the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, a great intimate venue. Turkey for you, turkey for me. I cannot believe that next week is Thanksgiving. It’s always cool to see the locals come back into Augusta and fill up their old hangouts. When I used to come back to Augusta, we always went to Surrey Tavern. Thanksgiving week at Surrey Tavern has kind of turned into a tradition, and this Thanksgiving is no different. Monday and Tuesday you get one of Augusta’s favorites, Funk You. Wednesday you have Stewart and Winfield. Thursday it’s The Big Mighty. Friday you have The Mike Frost Jazz Band, and to finish off your turkey week on Saturday night, enjoy Machine Funk — The Ultimate Tribute to Widespread Panic. Another great lineup.
If you are looking for more metal in Augusta, don’t miss out on the Hatewear Tour at Sky City on Tuesday, November 20. The tour features Straight Line Stitch, Defiler and Dead By Wednesday. I promise you that Straight Line Stitch will blow you away.
If you are heading out tonight, Thursday, November 15, get in the Thanksgiving spirit with Americana Artworks Customer Appreciation Party at Sky City. Cousin Dan and Promethium are performing and Sky City is accepting canned food items for the Golden Harvest Food Bank.
What shows are coming to Augusta? Who do you want to see? Has Elmo ever touched you? Email me, matt@themetrospirit.com.You Might Also Like:
