...anyone care to have a shot at a caption for this one.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Monday, March 07, 2005
One week on
So here we are - a week into a world without Luna. Sure they were only a band - and despite everything there are still load and loads and loads and loads of great bands around making great music to fill our ears and hearts. But it doesn't mean that I can't miss them.
I started the web page over 10 years ago (can't be sure exactly when) - and the mailing list kicked off on the 4th or 5th July 1995. That's a great chunk of my life spent following Luna's every move. That's a great number of friends I've met (both in Lunaspace and in the "real" world). That's 10 years of being in the company of people whose recommendations I trust enough that I needed to follow up on every one.
The first list member I met in the flesh was a guy by the name of Trenton (I think) at a Luna show in December 1995 and since then I have met people who I'd like to think were my friends (or at least my imagination allows me to think of them as friends). Hopefully with the common ground we've established over the years I'll be able to keep these relationships going. [I've long since lost touch with Trenton although in my head he looks exactly like Vinny from Joy Zipper].
Not sure where this post is going but I think it may have arrived...
I started the web page over 10 years ago (can't be sure exactly when) - and the mailing list kicked off on the 4th or 5th July 1995. That's a great chunk of my life spent following Luna's every move. That's a great number of friends I've met (both in Lunaspace and in the "real" world). That's 10 years of being in the company of people whose recommendations I trust enough that I needed to follow up on every one.
The first list member I met in the flesh was a guy by the name of Trenton (I think) at a Luna show in December 1995 and since then I have met people who I'd like to think were my friends (or at least my imagination allows me to think of them as friends). Hopefully with the common ground we've established over the years I'll be able to keep these relationships going. [I've long since lost touch with Trenton although in my head he looks exactly like Vinny from Joy Zipper].
Not sure where this post is going but I think it may have arrived...
Saturday, March 05, 2005
A telegram from Justin
During the last shows Dean read out a telegram that Justin had sent - below is the text of the telegram
TO THE BAND LUNA STOP GOOD LUCK TONIGHT STOP WISH I WERE THERE STOP TEAR IN EYE STOP BEEN A GOOD RUN STOP CANT WAIT FOR THE BOX SET STOP COUPLE OF TIPS FOR THE LAST SHOW STOP SEAN, HAVE YOU LEARNT THE MEANING OF THE WORD ENSEMBLE YET? STOP BY THE WAY, I SAW YOU MOUTH THE WORDS I LOVE YOU TO VANESSA ACROSS THE STAGE IN NEW HAVEN STOP I FELT UNEASY IF NOT A LITTLE SOILED STOP ALWAYS FUN STOP LEE, REMEMBER DONT SPEED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF FRIENDLY ADVICE ITS NOT A POLKA STOP TRY AND KEEP THE TOUR TAN GOING AGAINST ALL ODDS STOP DEAN PLAY ONE FOR STANLEY AND TERRY STOP AND ITS OK TO CRY JUST MAKE SURE YOUR OLD MANS NOT AROUND STOP BRITTA, ALL MY SECRET SPIES TELL ME YOU DO A GREAT JOB STOP BASTARDS STOP THINKING OF YOU GUYS TONIGHT STOP ILL GET MY BASS OUT OF THE CLOSET AND PUT IT ON MY STAND STOP
LOVE JUSTIN STOP
LOVE JUSTIN STOP
Thursday, March 03, 2005
I'll miss them when they hit that groove
I was walking home this afternoon listening to Luna Live (again!) and 23 minutes came on and I suddenly felt really sad that I (probably) will never see Dean and Sean get into that groove the way they do during that song. Britta mentioned that she had stood between them at the last show just to get the best out of it.
It reminded me that I took a couple of minutes of video at the London show. When I got home and showed it to Hazel she said "it's a shame you didn't get any singing" - I didn't want singing! There'll be lots of video of Dean singing - and he isn't going to stop singing yet either. But I may never be able to experience this again...and while 150 seconds of crappy video isn't going to satisfy me it'lll do to remind me just how flipping great it was when these two got into that groove...
It reminded me that I took a couple of minutes of video at the London show. When I got home and showed it to Hazel she said "it's a shame you didn't get any singing" - I didn't want singing! There'll be lots of video of Dean singing - and he isn't going to stop singing yet either. But I may never be able to experience this again...and while 150 seconds of crappy video isn't going to satisfy me it'lll do to remind me just how flipping great it was when these two got into that groove...
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
The best things about not being there...
<clutching object="straws">
</clutching>
- People can actually imagine how charismatic and urbane I would have been if I'd managed to make it over.
- I would have cried in front of too many new friends
- I would have moaned too much about lack of sleep
- I'd have probably been stranded at JFK airport for six hours on the way home (again!)
</clutching>
some bloggers who love Luna
I rarely go a day without reading the always excellent Chromewaves - I guess I first went there because Frank is a Luna fan - but I keep going back because it's one of the best blogs out there...
Other blogs with bits about the end of Luna...
Savage Distortion: Alas poor Luna...
Rags' Soapbox: More on Luna's Last Show
Scott Heiferman`s Daily Fotolog
Other blogs with bits about the end of Luna...
Savage Distortion: Alas poor Luna...
Rags' Soapbox: More on Luna's Last Show
Scott Heiferman`s Daily Fotolog
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
All is Forgiven, I Love You Still.
9:30, still at work, at the end of my wits and desperate for distraction- so here it goes. I'll first just post a clip of my early morning, off the cuffish email to the list, as I think it has clarity in its simplicity
"The set list speaks for itself. Britta had mentioned that Dean spent a lot of time thinking about the final list- and it shows. He seemed to pick the perfect line up, spacing out the tear jerkers and the rockers perfectly so that as I recovered from bawling, I had to start up again.
Everything was played with such precision, and the solos where as shattering and beautiful as you'd imagine. Britta was a rock- for lack of better description- both as a bassist that night, and emotionally- it seemed she anchored Dean.
I had no idea that i'd be as emotional as I was- perhaps the cocktail of exboyfriends, exhaustion and seeing 13 years culminate with such beauty and perfection broke whatever constitution I had. Truth told, since embracing my inner romantic rather than fronting the epic stoicism of my youth, I tear up at notions.
I tried not to cry, but just as i'd get a grip, they'd perfect a note, or sing a lyric that in its passing would escalate the choking in the back of my throat.
It's hard to describe the night- every song was a standout, and every moment was special. I can't even voice how touched I am that Dean gave me his lucky kazoo. That just plain rocks.
It was a night I'll not forget, and hold dear forever."
I suppose I can bore everyone by stringing together a thesaurus full of entries on "perfection". That's what it was, a perfect end to their collaboration. They honored themselves, their songs, and their fans. As Britta stated, you really could "feel the love" in the crowd. Everytime East Coast Andy glanced at me to gauge my tears (quite sensitive a barometer, they), When I'd turn my head towards Chris, Pat or Max in our silent acknowledgement of "Wow", it was inspiring to be part of such collective (and united) consciousness. Also, relieving in a sense to be a girl and thus allowed to weep irrationally in public.
I can't begin to tally my official "count" of Luna shows, though since 2000ish I've hardly missed a DC/NY show (and traveled as often as possible- who knew Luna could provide an excuse for vacation and keeping touch with friends). Chatting pre-show with faces that became friends will also remain one of my favorite memories. Chatting with the band, Sean kindly offering me a party pass, Britta letting me stop by soundcheck (and getting to see everyone enjoy the tasty cupcakes), conversing with Lee (who is indeed friendly, just shy), and most incredibly, being extended Dean's trusty kazoo- are all gestures and experiences that will remain firmly etched in my mind, and solidly anchored in my heart.
There are too many musical highlights to name- and those will be preserved by recording, but in parting here are a few more personal moments I can share:
1) Dean, shading his eyes from the sun (!) and pointing to his young son, who was enjoying the show with the abandon and awe that was such a wonderful testament to the love between a father and son.
2) Britta stepping between Sean and Dean during the final 23minutes- as she said herself- to better last experience what I can only describe as the ultimate display of the chemistry between Sean and Dean.
3) Seeing Lee tap the cymbals with his hands during the final Black Postcards.
4) The priceless look on Sean's face as he unraveled his "gift" of hugenormous granny panties.
5) Each and every moment when Dean and Britta caught my eye as I poured my tears of happiness and love, especially during the first chords of Moon Palace- which of course.. slayed me.
Dean got a little emotional, and had he full out cried- I do think the place would have been flooded.
What more to say?
Dean, Britta, Sean, Lee (Justin and Stanley too). I love you all.
"The set list speaks for itself. Britta had mentioned that Dean spent a lot of time thinking about the final list- and it shows. He seemed to pick the perfect line up, spacing out the tear jerkers and the rockers perfectly so that as I recovered from bawling, I had to start up again.
Everything was played with such precision, and the solos where as shattering and beautiful as you'd imagine. Britta was a rock- for lack of better description- both as a bassist that night, and emotionally- it seemed she anchored Dean.
I had no idea that i'd be as emotional as I was- perhaps the cocktail of exboyfriends, exhaustion and seeing 13 years culminate with such beauty and perfection broke whatever constitution I had. Truth told, since embracing my inner romantic rather than fronting the epic stoicism of my youth, I tear up at notions.
I tried not to cry, but just as i'd get a grip, they'd perfect a note, or sing a lyric that in its passing would escalate the choking in the back of my throat.
It's hard to describe the night- every song was a standout, and every moment was special. I can't even voice how touched I am that Dean gave me his lucky kazoo. That just plain rocks.
It was a night I'll not forget, and hold dear forever."
I suppose I can bore everyone by stringing together a thesaurus full of entries on "perfection". That's what it was, a perfect end to their collaboration. They honored themselves, their songs, and their fans. As Britta stated, you really could "feel the love" in the crowd. Everytime East Coast Andy glanced at me to gauge my tears (quite sensitive a barometer, they), When I'd turn my head towards Chris, Pat or Max in our silent acknowledgement of "Wow", it was inspiring to be part of such collective (and united) consciousness. Also, relieving in a sense to be a girl and thus allowed to weep irrationally in public.
I can't begin to tally my official "count" of Luna shows, though since 2000ish I've hardly missed a DC/NY show (and traveled as often as possible- who knew Luna could provide an excuse for vacation and keeping touch with friends). Chatting pre-show with faces that became friends will also remain one of my favorite memories. Chatting with the band, Sean kindly offering me a party pass, Britta letting me stop by soundcheck (and getting to see everyone enjoy the tasty cupcakes), conversing with Lee (who is indeed friendly, just shy), and most incredibly, being extended Dean's trusty kazoo- are all gestures and experiences that will remain firmly etched in my mind, and solidly anchored in my heart.
There are too many musical highlights to name- and those will be preserved by recording, but in parting here are a few more personal moments I can share:
1) Dean, shading his eyes from the sun (!) and pointing to his young son, who was enjoying the show with the abandon and awe that was such a wonderful testament to the love between a father and son.
2) Britta stepping between Sean and Dean during the final 23minutes- as she said herself- to better last experience what I can only describe as the ultimate display of the chemistry between Sean and Dean.
3) Seeing Lee tap the cymbals with his hands during the final Black Postcards.
4) The priceless look on Sean's face as he unraveled his "gift" of hugenormous granny panties.
5) Each and every moment when Dean and Britta caught my eye as I poured my tears of happiness and love, especially during the first chords of Moon Palace- which of course.. slayed me.
Dean got a little emotional, and had he full out cried- I do think the place would have been flooded.
What more to say?
Dean, Britta, Sean, Lee (Justin and Stanley too). I love you all.
Some more photos from the weekend
photos: Brian Birzer: luna 27 feb 05
edited: oops I misread Brian's email and posted some pics from last month - still worth a visit mind.
Thanks Brian!
An email from Britta
I solicited contributions from the band and Britta sent this - I feel both proud and embarrassed to post it here.
Andy, thanks so much for the yummies, but especially thanks for all the loving care, time and attention you've put into your site and the mailing list.
Last night was a perfect ending. Quite beautiful. Its been an honor and a pleasure to have been a member of Luna for 5 years...the best thing that's ever happened to me, really. I'll miss playing with them...and I'll miss playing to all of the wonderful Luna fans...
Last night, I welled up a few times, but I was not sad, just very moved to be a part of something so meaningful to so many as well as something so personal to me. I'm really glad we decided to announce this as our final tour. It really made all of the shows very special.
I never thought I'd say something so sentimental/hippie-dippie, but the room was filled with love last night. So difficult to describe, but a few words come to mind: loaded (emotionally, not alcoholically), tender, safe, over-flowing, ebullient, intoxicating, warm, intimate, fun, sexy, thank you, miss you.
You WERE there.
Love,
Britta
emailed by Britta 2:53 PM
Andy, thanks so much for the yummies, but especially thanks for all the loving care, time and attention you've put into your site and the mailing list.
Last night was a perfect ending. Quite beautiful. Its been an honor and a pleasure to have been a member of Luna for 5 years...the best thing that's ever happened to me, really. I'll miss playing with them...and I'll miss playing to all of the wonderful Luna fans...
Last night, I welled up a few times, but I was not sad, just very moved to be a part of something so meaningful to so many as well as something so personal to me. I'm really glad we decided to announce this as our final tour. It really made all of the shows very special.
I never thought I'd say something so sentimental/hippie-dippie, but the room was filled with love last night. So difficult to describe, but a few words come to mind: loaded (emotionally, not alcoholically), tender, safe, over-flowing, ebullient, intoxicating, warm, intimate, fun, sexy, thank you, miss you.
You WERE there.
Love,
Britta
emailed by Britta 2:53 PM
45 out of 50
Britta mentioned on the mailing list that Luna had "about 50 [songs] in rotation right now" - over the four shows this weekend Luna played the following 45 different songs...
| 1995 23 Minutes In Brussels Anesthesia Astronaut Bewitched Black Champagne Black Postcards Bobby Peru Bonnie And Clyde Broken Chair California (All The Way) Chinatown Cindy Tastes of Barbecue Egg Nog Everybody's Talkin' Four Thousand Days Fourth of July Freakin' And Peakin' Friendly Advice Fuzzy Wuzzy Going Home I Can't Wait Indian Summer | Into The Fold Lost In Space Lovedust Malibu Love Nest Mermaid Eyes Moon Palace Pup Tent Rhythm King Sideshow By The Seashore Slash Your Tires Slide Speedbumps Still At Home Superfreaky Memories Sweet Child O' Mine The Slow Song This Time Around Tiger Lily Time to Quit Tracy I Love You Tugboat Weird And Woozy |
Luna's last waltz
I half jokingly said to Hazel I'd be up at 6 to see what went on...well here I am - up at 6. My glasses are upstairs and I can't go and get them because I'll wake Hazel - and she'll laugh at me and I don't really want to be laughed at...not now.
It's all over...they finished with "23 Minutes" - the song that has topped every Mailing List Survey since 1998, the song Luna has played more times than any other...I guess it couldn't have been anything else in retrospect.
The setlist is phenomenal...no Galaxie 500, nothing of Days...but look at it - I'd be hard pushed to put together a better 19 songs for the band to finish with...
Thank you Dean, Sean, Lee and Britta (AND Justin and Stanley (and Matt) and Lara and any- (and every-) one who has had anything to do with making LUNA).
I was there you know.
It's all over...they finished with "23 Minutes" - the song that has topped every Mailing List Survey since 1998, the song Luna has played more times than any other...I guess it couldn't have been anything else in retrospect.
The setlist is phenomenal...no Galaxie 500, nothing of Days...but look at it - I'd be hard pushed to put together a better 19 songs for the band to finish with...
- Chinatown
- Sideshow by the Seashore
- Astronaut
- California (All the Way)
- Malibu Love Nest
- Tiger Lily
- Broken Chair
- Friendly Advice
- Bewitched
- Tracy I Love You
- Pup Tent
- Time to Quit
- Going Home
- Moon Palace
- Black Postcards
- Everybody's Talkin'
- Fuzzy Wuzzy
- Indian Summer
- 23 Minutes in Brussels
Thank you Dean, Sean, Lee and Britta (AND Justin and Stanley (and Matt) and Lara and any- (and every-) one who has had anything to do with making LUNA).
I was there you know.
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