* as always, all photographs and content copyright Alex Myers 2004 *
This show was a kickass hometown meltshow. Everyone was in a great mood. Ken's wife was there to bring their son to his first Old 97's show. Every couple of songs, Ken or Rhett would look over and pull out a really cool rock move, just for the kid. It was beyond wonderful. And as I've said before, all the new songs from "Drag It Up" must must must be heard live, full of power and energy. The live shows get better and better ... and I think the proof is in the photos. Enjoy.
At the very end of the night, during the second encore, I was able to stand on the edge of the stage, near the steps leading to the backstage. This is now one of my favorite photos.
Ken pulls out all these great rock moves now.
Rhett Miller and Murry Hammond
Philip Peeples.
Rhett's hair looks so good now. Yay for tiny haircuts.
Have I mentioned lately how much I adore "Smokers"?
Ken was looking right at his kid. There are several photos like this. So cool. And yes, his t-shirt does say "The Scrap Hotel".
Philip, smiling between songs.
I love the slight bit of motion blur in this photo of Murry. No photoshop effects.
When Murry was singing, Ken leaned over and whispered something to Rhett. Here's what happened next:
Hell yes.
Sometimes Murry sings with such heartfelt sorrow. I always wanted a picture of him contemplating these dark demons and sepulchral shadows.
And sometimes we just laugh and share a quick smile when he spots me and my camera.
Now, for some reason, Rhett decided to act out some of the lines to
"Doreen". Here we go:
" ... the guy that plays the banjo ..."
" ... keeps handing me the Old Crow ... "
" ... which multiplies my sorrow ..."
" ... I can't take it anymore!"
"Now I'm beggin' and I'm pleadin'... (well, pull over Noah I'm bleedin', there's a Fina off the highway with a phone ...)"
" ... come clean, come clean .... AAAAHHHHH!!!!"
Ken plays "Coahuila" for his kid.
Rhett grabs his electric for the final encore. And the boy in the John Vanderslice pale horse t-shirt totally grabs the set list.
