Luna's last waltz

Greetings from Dean Wareham

2005-04-15T15:44:00.000-04:00

I emailed Dean and asked if he could say a few words about the last days of Luna (and the first days of no Luna) - Here's his reply...

Greetings Luna fans!

Britta and I have just returned from a trip to New Zealand, for the occasion of my grandfather's 90th birthday, which was celebrated in Wellington (the beautiful city where I was born). We flew into Auckland at 5 a.m. and were met at the airport by a bleary-eyed Justin Harwood. We spent a few days with Justin and his family (he now has two children, Coco and Sonny Bill). Justin lives on a hill overlooking Piha beach and the Tasman Sea. We saw a couple of magnificent sunsets, and
Justin made us excellent coffee, and took us for a nice trek up over the hills to the beach where they filmed those scenes from The Piano. Justin and I told a lot of old Luna stories, and Britta told some too. It was great to see Justin again.

Now I am back in New York City and trying to figure out how to live without Luna, which is a strange sensation, both liberating and a little scary too. The night of our last show at the Bowery Ballroom seems a long time ago already, and I can't quite remember what all the fuss was about, though I do remember it being an emotionally draining few days.

Thanks to all of you who supported us over the years (especially Andy Aldridge). And those of you who brought us chocolate and cupcakes and champagne and Aquavit.

Thank you Britta, Justin, Lee, Sean and Stanley.

DW

emailed by Dean 2:44 PM

Great picture...

2005-03-22T12:41:00.000-05:00

023_20
Originally uploaded by humblebipedhiker.

...anyone care to have a shot at a caption for this one.

One week on

2005-03-07T07:01:00.001-05:00

20050117_21203445
Originally uploaded by grange85.

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...

Cha cha 2000

2005-03-05T16:55:00.000-05:00

Cha Cha 2000 - Photo taken Monday afternoon in NYC by Paul

A telegram from Justin

2005-03-05T10:15:00.000-05:00

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

2005-03-04T22:06:00.000-05:00

after the show saturday

2005-03-04T22:00:00.000-05:00

Britta

2005-03-04T21:58:00.000-05:00

Leaving the stage saturday

Final after party pictures

2005-03-04T10:14:00.000-05:00

Here is a selection of pictures from the final Luna after party. I also left them in chronological order ...

New Haven Comet all the Way to California

2005-03-03T21:29:00.000-05:00

Reading all these lovely tales makes me want to just puke with regret about not flying the 10,000 miles back to NYC for my rightful share in the experience. All moot now, so I shan't simper. I have often been geographically challenged when it comes to bands' tours, especially in the lengthy stints I've done in Santa Fe and Missoula. I'm fine with that. But, I remember Mark Sandman (Morphine) being so flabberghasted on stage that their first (and sadly last) ever show in Albuquerque was sold out. Got me to thinking though ...there's 19 states (well, I'm 95% sure of that figure) in which LUNA never played a single show (only a handful which are justifiable):

Alaska
Hawaii
Nevada
Idaho
Montana
Utah
Wyoming
NoDak
SoDak
Oklahoma
Iowa
Arkansas
Mississippi
Alabama
South Carolina
West Virginia
Delaware
New Hampshire
Maine

Of this list, I'd say only 6 or 7 states are excusably missed (even though in NE, it's easy to go interstate for shows). Sure, bands like LUNA (whom never were 'ye olde flavour of the monthe') must go where the fanbases are - but if you can play a gig in Indianapolis, Burlington, VT, Tallahassee, or Cloumbia, MO - you can be certain a turn out in Oxford, MS, Salt Lake City or Boise would be in equal or greater numbers. Yes, yes - nobody's going to get wealthy playing rock shows in Birmingham, AL ...and all bands need a paycheck. Just a pity LUNA was saddled with unenthusiastic label support for 3/4 of their existence. I think everybody would agree that LUNA's appeal could have reached a far wider audience had they some better luck on the biz end of things.

Here's looking forward to the documentary....

I'm telling you that I'll miss you

2005-03-03T19:36:00.000-05:00

thought after I bought tickets to the Sunday matinee that it mightbe overkill. I knew I wanted to be at all the shows and Luna always leaves me craving more, I never could get enough. I ended up gladthat I did.

Kathy and I got into New York on Saturday afternoon and went out to dinner with our friends Tim and Stephanie. We were all excited about the show and couldn't wait to get to the Magician bar to see the other Luna fans who would be there. When we arrived, there were Jen, Patrick and RJ and a host of others. Jen was proudly showing off her limited edition final shows poster and telling tales of attending the soundcheck...yes I think we were all jealous but that's cool. Todd Barry was at the bar and my wife said hello to him and that we are huge fans of his. She asked what he was up to, she meant career wise,he thought she meant at the moment. He replied with great enthusiasm that he was going to the Luna show. My favorite comedian shares one of my favorite bands, nice to know he has great taste.

After a couple of Guinnesses, we gathered in a pack with Luna's documantarian Matt. We walked the few blocks to the Bowery Ballroom while I talked Yankee baseball with Patrick and wished that that was really what was on my mind. What was really on my mind was that the end of an era of my life was looming; the Luna crowd was a social scene in which I had become immersed and it was on the verge ofending. While I know that I'll see the other Luna fans at certain shows, a Dean and Britta show, a Sean show or other assorted bands, I know that it will become fractured with the split and some people won't be interested in it all. I will miss the gang as much as I miss the music.

Before we got in line for the door, Matt interviewed us. First was Jen, who really put a lot of thought into her interview and I thought did a great job. Jen spoke about Sean's pantless romp on the stage at Maxwell's, which is what I wanted to talk about. I also added a thing or two about the horror of Sean's blue briefs. I don't have much of a memory as far as what else I spoke about. I think that if you could put subtitles under me speaking, it would just say something like 'sob, sob, no more Luna. sob, sob', at least that was my emotion ifnot my verbal expression. I do know that I said that Luna's music was soothing; I regret that because it sounds like faint praise. What I really meant was that it gives me a pleasant feeling, almost like adrug or a good drink takes the edge off ('Luna: File under brain lubricant'). Their music always sounded so mellow, but if you listen closely, there is so much going on in it... they make it sound so easy.

When we got into the Bowery Ballroom, I felt uneasy but happy to be there. Although I was sad about the breakup, I was also really looking forward to the shows. I have been down about a seriously ill friend and was happy to be celebrating Luna during their final shows. I was also looking psyched to see The Hong Kong, whom I first saw opening for Luna the day after the pantless show.

As The Hong Kong rocked the Bowery with their new wave-tinged pop, I got even more amped up for Luna. I couldn't help but think that this show was a paradox, with Luna retiring, they're going down, and TheHong Kong, with their first full length, on their way up.

After the stage setup, it was now it was time for Luna. Entry music was The Big Ship by Brian Eno, a personal favorite of mine. The crowd roared with approval when Luna took the stage, it just all felt so warm. I thought Luna looked a little sad or perhaps tired when they started. Sadness was understandable and Dean explained that they had had a long van ride home from the Midwest, so perhaps tiredness played into it as well. They opened with Fuzzy Wuzzy, which is usually a song they play late in shows. After a few songs they seemed to perk up.Their playing belied their demeanor from the start, they were on like I had never seen them. The playing was crisp and energetic, and the vocals were just perfect. I am used to a high standard with this band and my high expectations were exceeded. It was also great to see Lara playing with the band again. I left the show that night thrilled with what I had seen and anxious about going to two shows the following day.

The next day Kathy and I went to the show without our hosts. When weg ot there, we saw Jen and East Coast Andy. We all thought it felt really odd seeing the band play in the afternoon, I don't think I have ever been to an afternoon show by any band. The Joy Zipper opened andto tell the truth I wasn't all that impressed. Jen said she thought perhaps it was the odd daytime vibe that was throwing it off. I was concerned that the same weird vibe would throw Luna off. After Luna took the stage we found out, it didn't affect them one iota. Just as the night before, they fired on all cylinders. They had Jane Scarpantoni playing cello on a few songs, it really sounded sharp.All the songs fell into place like some perfect musical jigsaw puzzle.Kathy had to leave at 5:00 PM to catch a bus home (she had jury duty the next day). Kathy's favorite Luna song is 23 Minutes in Brussels;what Luna song ended at 5:00 sharp? You guessed it, 23 Minutes, could this weekend go any better? I missed having Kathy there, but the rest of the show just chugged along so well, I was floating on air. As Britta left the stage, she lit a lighter and held it up, now that was funny.

In between shows, I went to the 12" Bar, which was the chosen spot for hanging out. It took a while for others to show up, but they did eventually. It was a nice place with a really cool bartender. After awhile, it was time to head back to the Bowery and we gathered up the troops and hit the sidewalk.

The evening show picked up where the afternoon left off. The Joy Zipper really did come off better in the nightime, Jen called it right on. Luna? They held up the standard of the previous two shows. Theydidn't repeat more than a handful of songs between these three shows,and that was nice for those of us going to all four. I was hopeful for a greatest hits-type show for the upcoming final show; the more obscure songs are cool, but who would not want to see Luna go out with their strongest material? I left the Bowery that night thrilled but with also with an impending sense of loss.

The night of the final show, I was with Tim and our mutual friend Ken.We hit the Magician to check in with the rest of the 'Lunatics' and then went off for some Mexican food before the show. We talked about all sorts of stuff but again I think my subtitles were 'sob, sob, no more Luna.' We then left the restaurant and trudged through the snow on our way to the show; the snow was a nice distraction. The final show is kind of a blur to me; Dean asking Jen not to cry, Andy hugging Jen to comfort her, Daisy bopping in a wild fashion creation, Britta standing between Sean and Dean to soak up that sublime chemistry,Franck snapping away in front of Britta at the edge of the stage, and Sean wiping sweat off his brow with some rather large I Love You Sean panties. The crowd looked elated yet simultaneously stunned at everything, soaking it in, loving it and yet dreading that the end was near. Dean fittingly brought out some champagne at the encore and poured it out for the band. It did indeed feel like a bittersweet celebration of a great era, I think we could all almost taste it as they drank it. It was the greatest hits show I had hoped for. They closed with 23 Minutes in Brussels and the words "Say a prayer for me,tell me will you miss me?"; in a word, yes. I want to thank Luna for giving me and their other fans so much joy and for telling us this was the end. The knowledge it was the last tour let us have the opportunity to share our love of their music with them and to tell them we were all so grateful for having had them, we are all the richer for it and they will be missed.

I'll miss them when they hit that groove

2005-03-03T18:41:00.000-05:00

Photos: Franck

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...

Seventeen dreams for you...

2005-03-03T14:21:00.000-05:00

Here's a file to add some happiness to these hollow days. A lovely rendition of a song which marked one of the most memorable moments from Monday night. As an added bonus, we get a sincere smile from Dean (which we were lucky to get lots of on Monday, also):

Moon Palace on Midnight Minute

Makes me tingle. I have to watch it at least twice each time.

Someone posted elsewhere that this past weekend was like the end of a really good book. That really sums up my experience perfectly. So excited to get to the last page, so satisfied in the final moments by how wonderfully it ended, and so empty in the days following... only to be filled in spurts by brief happy memories of something you now know completely.

-Dorian

A lovely Sunday afternoon with Luna

2005-03-02T11:24:00.000-05:00

My wife and I drove from Rhode Island to see the early show, so that we could go home earlies (to our kids). It was a beautiful show.
It brought back memories of the first time we saw (and met) the Luna folks in a dinky club in Providence, RI called Baby Head. This was in 1992. That concert, and subsequent ones marked the start of an era for us, to borrow a term that many have used here; it began the Luna soundtrack-to-our-lives. A period that I look back at very fondly.
I will most definitely miss seeing Luna play as they came by these parts almost every time they released an album. I look forward to hearing what each and everyone of these talented individuals will come up with next, as I am sure they all will.
Best of luck, thanks for all the good melodies and memories.
(Funny, as I am writing this I am listening to the first album, and track 10 just came on, aptly called Time to quit).
I will try to post an image and short QuickTime later on.
Rafael.

The best things about not being there...

2005-03-02T05:14:00.000-05:00

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!)

So it's probably for the best!
</clutching>

some bloggers who love Luna

2005-03-02T04:57:00.000-05:00

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

Monday night show pictures

2005-03-01T23:37:00.000-05:00

Here is a gallery of pictures from the final Luna show. I left them in chronological order, maybe they can reflect a little of the story of this magical night ...

Britta sent an email today in which she had written "I feel good today.....teared up a few times last night....Bewitched, 23 Minutes....when I sandwiched myself between Sean and Dean's amps so I could really hear their delicious interplay and Sean's excellent solos...."
Wasn't it that moment ?

All is Forgiven, I Love You Still.

2005-03-01T21:44:00.000-05:00

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.

And all your tears, they won't help you

2005-03-01T18:39:00.000-05:00

Sad day, this first day of a post-Luna world.

Beautiful email from Britta. I wouldn't expect anything less from a Luna audience at the very moment of farewell. It doesn't sound like anyone in the band out-and-out cried. Dean threatened to several times over the past weeks. When I spoke to him in Tucson he seemed fairly certain he might. Was anyone close enough to see if there was at least a little shininess to his eyes?

I'm a girl so I have no problem admitting that I welled up a number of times at Club Congress in Tucson. I definitely brushed away tears after the last encore, before I had one last drink to take the edge off the sadness.

The interview I did is here. Pictures are by Nick, whose wonderful work is a little further down on this blog.

Some more photos from the weekend

2005-03-01T18:00:00.000-05:00

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

2005-03-01T17:23:00.000-05:00

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

Surreal

2005-03-01T16:43:00.000-05:00

That's the way I would describe waiting for Luna to come on stage Saturday night. This point was hammered home by the angular silouette of Ric Ocasek standing in the balcony watching The Hong Kong open. (I think he is producing their album). Silouetted he looks circa 1985. Apparently Paulina was there as well. The song choices were excellent. Many I had not heard ever live or in a long time. Fuzzy Wuzzy, I Can't Wait stood out for me. The band as they have been doing most of this tour took longer than usual to get going. Soaking in the atmosphere for one of the final times.

Dean was much more chatty than usual. Lee actually smiled a few times. And Sean and Britta were like they always are.

Black Postcards a song I usually don't like was played both nights I was there and was amazing. As was 4000 days sunday night. (a song I don't like and amazing).

I liked the setlist sunday night more and I thought the band was much more relaxed. I was glad to finally see a Galaxy 500 song, 4th of July. As in the 10 shows I'd been to I never had.

Both nights the band came down to the bar and hung out after the show with fans.
I think it is finally sinking in for me.

Photos from Saturday by PabloChang

2005-03-01T10:43:00.000-05:00

A bunch of lovely photos from Saturdays show

Pablo Chang

45 out of 50

2005-03-01T08:10:00.000-05:00

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

Goodnight Luna

2005-03-01T04:56:00.000-05:00

And so it is over.

I lie here, unable to sleep, instead tapping away on the laptop, needing to leave for the airport in one hour, feeling a bit of a hole where the soundtrack to my life lives.

Tonight's show was truly radiant. At one point (during Moon Palace) I realized that it was all about to end. A tear welled up as I snapped out of my musically blissful daze that had me wrapped up for most of the show, and I feared for the end.

Luna marked for me the beginning of my musical self. I hadn't even owned a CD player for more than 3 months when we were first introduced at a tiny club on California Avenue in Palo Alto, CA in 1992. I was so impressed (by Anesthesia, specifically) that I wrote my (first, brand new) email address on their little clipboard at the table. (Dean later told me that he lost that list somewhere in the depths of a damaged hard drive.) From that moment on, Lunapark formed the sounds of freshman year. All other personal musical exploration has been in that context. Luna is the gold standard, always amazing, just doing music right. And now, we all must move on without that shining example. (Why can't any other band be this good?!?)

Tonight was radiant. Tiger lily was a supreme treat, as was Everybody's Talkin'. I was asked at the start of the show what I really wanted to hear. I was at a loss to answer, but if I could have somehow instantly scanned every one of Luna's 115 songs (according to my trusty iPod), these two songs would easily have been at the top of my list. Wow. What a treat. Thank you, Luna, for putting together such a perfectly stellar setlist for the end.

This weekend has been a dream. Discovering New York, meeting other fans, and saying farewell. Being here, in this place, it all seems to fall together as I see where the music came from.

I found myself desperately trying to find little ways to remember these shows (flowers for Britta, passing around the poster, photos for everyone, making my own setlists in sharpie on the backs of plane ticket confirmations) but really, it's only important to say that I now know Luna better than ever before. Every lyric, every note, I hear more clearly and understand more perfectly. I think, perhaps, this retirement is good for us too...

As my plane takes off going all the way to California, I'll start with Sleeping Pill, and see where that takes me next.

Love to Luna, love to you all who are feeling the same as I.

Goodnight, beautiful snowy city.

-Dorian

Tell me do you miss me ...

2005-03-01T03:39:00.000-05:00

It could not have been any better. There is too much to say and now is not the time.
Thanks to Lee, Sean, Dean and specially to Britta.
A few minutes ago, Dean was stepping into the cab going home ...

Luna 1992 - 2005

2005-03-01T01:38:00.000-05:00

photo:Nick Tauro Jr

Luna's last waltz

2005-03-01T01:32:00.000-05:00

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...

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.

It's Winter in New Jersey

2005-02-28T20:15:00.000-05:00

My worst fears have been realized. Not only is my favorire band ending their magical run but the weather outside has prevented my making it to the show. I've never felt so defeated as when I had to turn around on Rt. 78 in my trek to the Holland Tunnel. It's only 50 miles away and what lie ahead was sure to be an unforgettable moment but alas it wasn't meant to be. How ironic when most people who bought tickets for last night's show, as I did, thought that it would be the finale. Only to discover another show was added and I could not take not being there for the send off. Left the city for the 'burbs some time ago to better the enviroment for my children and expose them to greener space and fresh air. The sound of clanking cocktail glasses in the background of the bowery ballroom when a call was placed to inquire about what time the band should be on by, didn't male it any easier. Wish I was just a subway ride away again. Tonight Dads' run ended also. Ciao, luna.

Banana Cream I-Think-I'm-Gonna'-Cry Pie

2005-02-28T19:46:00.000-05:00

I suppose I might be the person, blogger, contributor (what have you) that first clicked over into March 1st, 2005. Right now, it's five minutes to noon on this sweltering day in Melbourne, this second official day of autumn - about 8PM the previous evening in wintry New York City. Any fans in Japan are on the same side of the wrong day with me ....and everybody else who's going to read this will be there so very soon. Enjoy what I was not able to in person.

Did Dean do it? Did he shed some tears? Can't imagine they'd be of the crocadile sort either if so.

I ended my LUNA listening session last night with Going Home, one of the many fitting songs to round out the 13 years of being agog for an actively 'together' band. Gad. I'm happy, verging on proud, to've been a fan from day one of LUNA to day last.

When I wake up...

2005-02-28T19:36:00.000-05:00

It's already March here - 00:40 - if I go to bed now - when I wake up there won't be Luna. I'm not sure I want to go to bed.

Addition at 1am:
Which means...if I don't go to bed they won't split up. I can keep Luna going just by not going to sleep - it's like Invasion of the Body Snatchers

Off

2005-02-28T17:09:00.000-05:00

Off I am. I remember my first Luna show, a few months after I moved to the US and New York. It was on Apr 7th 2000 at the Bowery Ballroom. Quite a significant day for several reasons.
Luna has pretty much been my life's soundtrack ever since. It just seems right to head to the Bowery Ballroom one last time tonight now that I am back living in Paris.
Now, I feel sad.

More Sunday night show pictures

2005-02-28T16:04:00.000-05:00

I just added more pictures to the Sunday night show gallery.
Jane Scarpantoni is there, as are the flowers that were given to Britta at the begining of the show. Hopefully, these capture a bit of the atmosphere.

Freakin and Peakin

2005-02-28T15:38:00.000-05:00

Last nights show was a stunner, it's hard to imagine how they keep topping themselves. But, as we know.. tonight the train pulls out of the station for it's final run.

I posted a synopsis of last nights show to the email list and had thought to write something more refined for this- I just can't seem to get the words out.

Is it because music touches us in ways that transcends the words themselves, that we mourn this as a loss? Of course, the band will live on in recorded form and we'll have archives of live performances to relive parts of the magic, yet, the proverbial rip of tape from wound is kinetic. The shifts and changes, the meandering of Locomotive Luna will be a finite set, as it was always intended- it's wonderful to be so myopically transfixed by the journey that the destination seems as mythical as the Emerald City. Tonight we will be glancing past the forlorn water towers and following Luna as they cue the final scene, loping past the city they created from green, green bottles. After all, they don't last forever.

I tried to speak intelligibly about Luna to Matt, for the documentary; alas, extemporaneous speaking can not accurately represent words routed deep in the heart. I tossed a few topical blips (while remarking internally how similar the camera was to an oncoming train) that hardly skirted my truest thoughts.

Why does Luna mean so much to me, more than any other? Why I have invested so much time and money to following their products and pursuits? The best I can surmise is that Luna, through Dean's lyricism and their collective musicianship, is a band as in love with beauty as charmed by the bittersweet. Nothing is more New York than this intersection. Equal parts wit and purpose with a nod to the sublime, Luna shepherded its followers through a city (and by extension, a world) that "makes it so you can't shake hands, when it (they) make your hands shake", all the while pointing out the simple pleasures, absurdities and nuances that make it all worth it.

Is it that simple? Group together four musicians, each talented and accomplished and make sure one of them has a golden wit and enchanting eyes? Of course not, it comes down to chemistry and physics in ways I am too far removed from the liberal sciences to explain. After that, of course, you need an audience with as impeccable taste as ourselves so to provide market demand.

They got it right, and most importantly- they got it right for me at a time when I was ready to be swept away. God bless grunge for sucking so royally.

Hey it's Luna day

2005-02-28T11:55:00.000-05:00

And technically I do have the right to declare it a public holiday. Go home everyone and raise a glass to Luna...that's what I'm just about to do!

2005-02-28T11:34:00.000-05:00

A few pictures from the Sunday night after-show.
Dorian is there, as well as Jen with Dean, Matthew ... Dorian asked fans to sign the poster and gave it to Dean & Britta. More happy faces for Andy !

Penultimate, for sure

2005-02-28T10:58:00.000-05:00

Finality is always hard when it's something you've come to know and love for so long. Sort of like losing you first girlfriend, trading in your first car or moving from your from your first apartment in the city. Luna is a band that one could never take for granted but relied upon for the comfort and soothing their presence brings. We all have memories of a time when the band was a soundtrack to our individual lives. The memories will be plentiful and the void their absence will create certainly will ache. Thanks goodness there's tonight and thanks goodness for last night.

Superfreaky Memories for an opener was a pleasant surprise. Thought the highlights for the night were 4th of July and Freakin' & Peakin'.

Sad that the band has called it quits while reaching the apex of their musicianship. The set was extremely tight and they played each note with a purpose. Surprised the crowd didn't match the band's energy level. It was a typical laid back and adoring Luna audience that seemed resigned to the end being near. Or maybe more mellow because of it being a Sunday night.

I also think a solution to the void their departure creates could be remedied by having Sean, Lee and Justin join Joy Zipper to help let the spirit live on.

In any case tonight, will have all the anticipation and expectations that come with the closing another chapter in this bands great but short history. I guess there is something to be said for going out on top. Pure class..

I'm not an emotional man...

2005-02-28T07:57:00.000-05:00

...well actually I am - I pretty much cry at the end of any film - hell I cried at the end of Wayne's World last night - but anyway looking through Dorian's pics really got to me.
Look at all those happy people.

Look at that band loving being loved by all those happy people.

Now I'm sure those reasons that Dean has been trotting out for the last six months are all legitimate...but look at them...and look at us...

Dean, are you sure you're doing the right thing?

Thoughts so far...

2005-02-28T05:20:00.000-05:00

I've seen 2 of my 3 final Luna shows. Saturday was amazing, but Sunday was so
much better, that I really can't imagine how wonderful tonight will be.

Thanks to everyone who signed the poster for Luna. Britta and Dean seemed
sincerely touched. I hope to see Franck's photos from that soon!

I took some photos myself, (though not as stunning as Franck's). Check
them out here

I wish I could write more... the night was truly memorable... but alas, I
must sleep.

-Dorian

Sunday on Delancey

2005-02-28T04:04:00.000-05:00

It's been a long night ... And I really need to get some sleep.

But a few pictures from the Sunday show are there

Dean is reading Justin's telegram, fans are giving a poster to the band ...

More pictures from the show and the after-show should be posted tomorrow ...

-Franck

Another sign at Wendy's

2005-02-27T20:00:00.000-05:00

Since too many diners at Wendy's are one of the reasons for the break-up, I went to the quintessential Wendy's this afternoon, on Bleecker and 6th. Would you believe it? They were playing "Rock your baby". Yet another strange connection ...

Time to go to the Bowery ...

-Franck

Moonpalace broke my heart

2005-02-27T18:29:00.000-05:00

I fought back tears a few times- but Moonpalace SLAYED me. It must have been the cello. I have to be quick as I am attempting to do four hours of work in an hour, so I can go to the next show. I think may have reached a new level of hate. I hate people who can't complete simple tasks without my holding their hand.. Really.. trying not to be bitter.

It was odd seeing luna indoors during the day, but the setlist, as you see, rocked. Dean's son is adorable, and Dean smiled up to him in the balcony several times, it was very sweet. Dean also read a letter from Justin, that was both touching and funny- he did give nice words to Britta for taking over his axe. Dean was also the recipient of a lady's undergarment. It flustered him to the point of breaking character and stumbelling a verse of Bonnie and Clyde.

Very different vibe from last night. Incredible rendition of 23mins. Sean KILLED it, it was so unbelievably gorgeous I started getting all emotional, and then Moonpalace let it all pour out.

Setlist from the Sunday matinee

2005-02-27T18:12:00.000-05:00

California (All The Way)
Weird And Woozy
Broken Chair
Tiger Lily
Malibu Love Nest
Into The Fold
This Time Around
Pup Tent
Anesthesia
23 Minutes In Brussels
The Slow Song
Moon Palace
Superfreaky Memories
Tugboat
Bonnie And Clyde (Serge Gainsbourg)
Tracy I Love You

From my secret lair

2005-02-27T16:03:00.000-05:00

OK - I'm not there - it was a decision I made not to be there (and I'm NOT regretting it - no really I'm not). So here I am, sitting waiting for email reports and photos to flood into my mailbox. I've convinced myself that like a true Bond villain I am actually co-ordinating the whole affair from my secret bunker in a Caribbean island.

I'm not dlusional - I don't regret my decision because Luna and all their fans are just my puppets hahaha

Luna, Bowery Ballroom, Feb 27th 2005 Photo Gallery by Franck at pbase.com

2005-02-27T14:43:00.000-05:00

Here's (another) sample of Franck's lovely pictures...

Luna, Bowery Ballroom, Feb 27th 2005 Photo Gallery by Franck at pbase.com

A Saturday night on the Bowery (gallery)

2005-02-27T13:27:00.000-05:00

Yesterday night was very special. I put up a small gallery, it is there.

-Franck

Thoughts on set list

2005-02-27T10:58:00.000-05:00

It thought it interesting to open with Fuzzy Wuzzy, but it set the tone for what was a very high energy show, with some incredible interplay (especially for 23 Min) Dean dedicated a song (was it Lost In Space?) to Stanley, after playing it. The band looked very happy despite a long drive from Detroit, from what I could see. The Hong Kong were fun, and have a new Keyboardist who seems to have perfected the euro-hipster look. Mark Rozzo of Maplewood, Champale, Cub Country was also in attendence.. I wish I had more to say, but I had some surprisingly laced party favors, and my recollections of the last songs are more of colors and rainbows- while fun not the best for disecting performance. All other shows will be straight/sober so hopefully I'll have more to say.

Predictions for set openers...

1995

or

Speedbumps.

Any other guesses?

One down, three to go.

2005-02-27T09:52:00.000-05:00

Last nights show was much fun- I'm still coming down off the highs (More ways than one- all remaining Luna shows will be enhancement free). Still at home was beautiful live. The filming for the documentary was a little frightening- what with the lights and the big microphone, but Matt was a very nice guy. Todd Barry turned out both coincidently at the Magician, and at the BB. The posters are quite nice, though not a huge fan of the T-shirts. Meh. I'll have more coherent thoughts on the Matinee and post between sets.

So Far Away

2005-02-27T09:30:00.000-05:00

I'm living these last days of Luna vicariously through friends in New Jersey who are attending the Bowery Ballroom shows. In fact, I'm waiting for a phoned-in report from Paul, who was at last night's gig.

My husband and I were able to travel to Tucson for our last waltz with Luna on February 2nd. Icing on the cake was that I interviewed the band and Nick took photos. (we'll have to send on a couple of those). We're working with a startup music mag out of Albuquerque, NM called Hyperactive. Matthew filmed the interview. If we manage to wind up in the finished documentary, it'll blow our minds.

It was a bit surreal, having the opportunity to sit down with a group of people who've been a part of my life for 13 years. They were a pleasure to talk to - Dean was not the least bit prickly, which was my greatest fear.

The show was sublime, with the bittersweet tinge of the goodbye enveloping it all. They did Tugboat as one of the encores! I'll dig up the setlist to send...

First pics from Saturday night

2005-02-27T06:37:00.000-05:00

Thanksa to Franck for these pictures [click on the picture to see them in all their glory]

That's a mighty smile on Dean's face.
Set list

Fuzzy Wuzzy
Slide
Chinatown
Malibu Love Nest
Black Champagne
Still At Home
Pup Tent
Speedbumps
Mermaid Eyes
Sideshow By the Seashore
Lost in Space
23 Minutes in Brussels
Tracy, I love you
Black Postcards
encore #1: Bewitched
Friendly Advice
encore #2: I Can't Wait
Indian Summer

I feel I should stay up!

2005-02-26T18:29:00.000-05:00

I can barely keep my eyes open but I have this insane urge to stay up and try and imagine myself there - or to sit and wait for all the reviews and pics to come flooding in...

It may say posted by Andy at 6:29 PM but it really means posted by Andy at 11:29 PM [GMT].

I may have an insane urge but I'm not insane. I'm off to bed.

Just to prove how truly sad I am...

2005-02-26T16:59:00.000-05:00

Rather than doing anything worthwhile tonight I did this instead...

...just for the website - I really ought to get some friends for a Saturday night. Have fun everybody!

cameraphones anybody?

2005-02-26T13:41:00.000-05:00

I'm contributing with a pic I took at the Luna gig in Barcelona last January, a really wonderful show!

Btw, is anybody going to the Bowery shows with a cameraphone to be able to send pictures to Andy to post here? For those not attending the gigs, it would be too cool to have the chance to see the band in a short of real time. The music would lack, but something is something! And it would definitely "feel closer" to us, like we were not that farway in distance...

Joy Zipper

2005-02-26T11:54:00.000-05:00

This most excellent band will be opening for Luna's Sunday shows. Gothamist has a brief interview with the LI natives GO VALLEY STREAM!.

Gothamist

I had the pleasure of seeing them at ULU last spring (and the double pleasure of meeting Andy and introducing him to the band). They are a very fitting opener.

Luna's guests

2005-02-25T16:25:00.000-05:00

20050117_2220535D
Originally uploaded by grange85.

Hell it seems so long ago. Some of us have had our last chance to see Luna. We got Sonic Boom (far right in this pic)! It seems NYC are getting...

The Hong Kong (Sat)
Joy Zipper (Both Sun)
and CORRECTION: NOT Tarentel (Mon)
but Tarantula as support and
Lara joins on kbds for Saturday
Jane Scarpantoni on cello for some or all???

Pull Me A Face and Say Something Witchy

2005-02-25T13:24:00.000-05:00

The New York Post has a blurb about Luna's last shows here. Luna ignites many moods indeed. I listend to Day's Of Our Nights in its entirety while getting ready for work this morning and it took me back to a very different time in my life, when I thought, pre my personal Black Postcard (naively, as one does in their early 20's) that everything was set. Day's put me in my place and I am quite glad that the causes of those memories are gone with out a trace.

Dean say's w/r/t these last shows, "It feels like the last week of a job, when you're distracted and packing your things and making plans, and they're throwing a little party for you," Wareham says. "I'm a little nervous about the final show; I think I might cry. So be it."

Don't worry Dean, we'll all be crying too.

Speedbumps

2005-02-25T12:07:00.000-05:00

I just got sent a video clip of Luna doing Speedbumps and it suddenly made me a bit sad that I wouldn't see that live again. I think Sean and Lee should just keep the band going - maybe call it Luna2 or something :)

This was really a test to check email submissions but what the hell...

-=Andy=-

2005-02-25T10:12:00.000-05:00

What Will Sean Do?

It's the Beginning of a New Age

2005-02-25T09:55:00.000-05:00

So, to commemorate, let us drink.

Saturday Night plans have firmed up- Meet us at the Magician for pre-show beverages. Say 7:30 ish if you plan on getting to the Bowery Ballroom for doors.

Sunday, Meet up at 12inch- one of my new favorites, pre late showing. I may grab some cheap Indian food between sets, you are welcome to join.

Luna's Last Waltz

2005-02-25T05:03:00.000-05:00

This weekend Luna will play there last ever shows at The Bowery Ballroom in NYC - this blog is an attempt to document the last days of Luna - hopefully we will have lots of contributors from all over the world - and from inside the shows at NYC - but at the moment it is JUST ME!

If you want to join up please get in touch asap.

Here's my recruitment blurb...

OK - I had intended throwing together a LUNA timeline for the website with all the significant dates that I knew and while I have done a bit of the background work I haven't had a chance to pull it together in time for the "last waltz" - I'll do it at some point in the not too distant future.

BUT that leaves me without some sort of futile-end-of-the-road-gesture to put on the website - I just thought that after 10+ years there ought to be something a little bit more as a rememberance of the lasdt days of Luna.

A while back, shortly after the split was announced, I put forward the idea of having a blog to document the tour with as many contributors as possible putting forward thoughts, reviews, gossip and whinging abouy various things. While there was a bit of interest it never really got off the ground (although the mailing list archives are a pretty decent document of that if you can wade through the irrelevance).

SO - here comes that same half-arsed plan all over again but only to document the last FOUR days of Luna.

IF you want to contribute please let me know and I'll add you to the list of members.

* You don't have to be in NYC for the end, hell I'm not, although it would be nice to have some folk involved who will be first hand witnesses.

* You don't have to post about what's happening NOW - you can talk about, for example, best gig, worst gig, feelings, should they have done it, what next etc.

* The more the merrier - if any "inside people" would like to contribute all the better (Britta, Matthew, Dean (although he'll be saving his writing for that memoir he "promised"!))

* obviously the sooner the better.

* If people want to post by SMS (text message) I'm sure we can arrange something (maybe texting me and I can post up - unless anyone knows of any SMS->blog arrangement that's quick and easy to set up

* Photos! If people want to email me cameraphone pictures from the shows - it doesn't have to be of the band - it could be of the audience, the bar, the noisy people, self-portraits etc.

I know not everyone will have time and I don't want it to just be me so if this is a crap idea just say but it could be fun and we could run it for a week or so afterward and then archive it as a decent document of "Luna's Last Waltz".

http://lunaslastwaltz.blogspot.com