2022 Spring tour chat

[THE MAN]

Here's hoping he finally puts out a version of "We Have Done This Before", god damn he needs to live long enough for THAT at least! Send MG some positive vibes I hope he's doing ok.

[daniel_v]

On 11/9/2022 at 6:51 PM, Stwlegend said:

I'll be that nerd that switches it back to the music a bit.  I think a lot of negativities would dissipate or be drowned out if there was some excitement on the show or studio front.  Because we are all fans, that's why we come here or go to the shows. But I have heard the word 'uninspired" used for recent shows, or how he can't remember how to play a lot of his catalog so doesn't play it, or that setlists are stale.

Could you imagine if he announced for 2023 a 20th anniversary tour of Avalanche, maybe a reissue of the album with it, or playing the album in full.  Or played rarities from Underdogs for that 25th anniversary or did a reimaged Underdogs like he did for BM?  Or if you want to move away from nostalgia, a new album, maybe something upbeat and full band/electric that can release some of the anger over the past few years.  Might even cause him to adjust his banter with more to talk about on the music end of things.

I'm sure there's a lot more going on that I don't know, but from a fan perspective with no inner working knowledge, just thought I would throw that POV out there. No matter where you stand on the outside of music stuff, there really isn't much else to focus on so that negativity seems to rise to the top of conversation.

Thanks for bringing the topic back towards the musical angle of things. While I find politics interesting to talk about, I really do rather just discuss things of a more positive spirit, especially because it's just less divisive and God knows society has had enough of that in the last few years. So yeah, good call on redirecting the topic  

I wouldn't be against him playing rarities from earlier albums by any means (such as from Underdogs or Avalanche: The Inescapable Us would be amazing to hear again after seeing/hearing it from 1998 in Coquitlam) but I'm also really glad to read that he's planning to work on a new album and rework some old demos too. I say that because especially after listening to a lot of stuff from him that he has put out in the last 8 years (both demos and studio tracks) there is some amazing material he has put out, so I'll be curious to what both the new and reworked material will sound like. 

With regards to rerecording We Have Done This Before, I'll be especially curious as to what he does with the bridge from the updated demo that he put out back in 2014, mainly because I thought that bridge was what really made the song stand out and because he reused that bridge in the studio track for Parts. As such, I'm assuming he can't reuse it in any updated version that he puts out for We Have Done This Before and to me I'm wondering if that will take away a lot of the gravity that song possessed. I say that because I remember listening to the first demo of it that didn't have the bridge and it just didn't have the same edge that the updated demo had. Plus, as someone else noted, the ending after the bridge was maybe a little bit not as strong as the rest of the song, so I'll be curious as well if he reworks that too. To be clear, I still think it is a fantastic song with a lot of depth (which is why I still listen to it) but those were just a few of the shortcoming I feel exist in my own person/subjective opinion. 

I know Matt may not like to read that on account of what he calls "Demoitis" (where listeners can't appreciate a finished product because they're too stuck in their minds on how the original version sounded like, but at the same time, even though I'll never claim to be a musical expert (just a regular fan/listener) I don't think it's a horrible thing for any creator to hear what people who appreciate their music think (as long as they express themselves respectfully), even if the creator ultimately ends up disagreeing. 

For me personally, if he's going to redo anything, I think a studio version of the original Something Like Storm (the 21 minute version he wrote back in 2014) would be incredibly epic. I still listen to that song multiple times a week and not only do I still find new things in it to appreciate, but I also just still find it unbelievably moving. Tbh, I think it's not only one of the most amazing things he has ever written, but it's probably one of the most amazing songs I have ever heard from any musician. 

All that considered, aside from the fact that I'd never wish ill health upon any regular person, I certainly hope Matt's health improves. As I've said before, hopefully he's able to work on the drinking issue because obviously it can't be good for his physical or mental health in the long term, especially at a time when so many different pathogens are floating around. Definitely glad the Covid variants that are still around aren't as heavy as the previous ones were. 

Edited December 12, 2022 by daniel_v

[GuitarmanMCS]

Late to the party on this one. Watching the Beautiful Midnight concert from Vancouver on DVD tonight. What a great show. Whoever filmed this should get a lifetime achievement award. Probably the closest we will get to a professionally filmed concert DVD.

[Millstone]

The Hamilton show featured an embarrasing complement of winners outside protesting the show, changing exactly no one's mind about getting into the venue.

That aside, Matt seemed a bit down on energy, didn't talk hardly at all (I've been to probably 10 shows conservatively, and this is the least I've heard him banter), and was shaking on his fretting hand during the performance. However, he still delivered a solid show, despite the crowd getting loud with chatter in the back 9 of the set, pissing off everyone. I don't think he had a great time, judging by how he was quickly whisked away to the bus straight after. I hope he's doing alright.

Edited February 5 by Millstone

[GuitarmanMCS]

On 2/5/2023 at 10:53 AM, Millstone said:

The Hamilton show featured an embarrasing complement of winners outside protesting the show, changing exactly no one's mind about getting into the venue.

That aside, Matt seemed a bit down on energy, didn't talk hardly at all (I've been to probably 10 shows conservatively, and this is the least I've heard him banter), and was shaking on his fretting hand during the performance. However, he still delivered a solid show, despite the crowd getting loud with chatter in the back 9 of the set, pissing off everyone. I don't think he had a great time, judging by how he was quickly whisked away to the bus straight after. I hope he's doing alright.

What were they protesting? His controversial vaccine rant? Or the sexual allegations?

[Millstone]

On 2/7/2023 at 2:01 PM, GuitarmanMCS said:

What were they protesting? His controversial vaccine rant? Or the sexual allegations?

The vaccine thing

[GuitarmanMCS]

5 hours ago, Millstone said:

The vaccine thing

Sounds like people have a lot of free time on their hands and I am one of the few who felt what he was was very distasteful and like a typical lefty facist.
 

That being said, it would serve him well, if he was that upset, as mentioned, to remember that freedom of speech and expression isn’t immune from freedom of rebuttal and consequences. Say stupid, controversial and outrageous shit and reap the reward.
 

As I said earlier up the chain, you’d think someone who had his career devastated would want to lay low and not piss any of the remaining fans off. Nope, not Matt Good. I admire his outspokenness even if I disagree on a lot of his posts and banter. But it was a stupid comment to make. The good news for those of you in Vancouver is that his next tour might be him busking on the street, especially if things keep going this way. Going from 2000 seat theaters to 200-500 capacity clubs has to hurt and be humbling for someone who was never really too humble.

5 hours ago, Millstone said:

The vaccine thing

Sounds like people have a lot of free time on their hands and I am one of the few who felt what he was was very distasteful and like a typical lefty facist.
 

That being said, it would serve him well, if he was that upset, as mentioned, that freedom of speech and expression isn’t immune from freedom of rebuttal and consequences. Say stupid, controversial and outrageous shit and reap the reward. As I said earlier up the chain, you’d think someone who had his career devastated would want to lay low and not piss any of the remaining fans off. Nope, not Matt Good. I admire his outspokenness even if I disagree on a lot of his posts and banter. But it was a stupid comment to make. The good news for those of you in Vancouver is that his next tour might be him busking on the street, especially if things keep going this way. Going from 2000 seat theaters to 100-500 capacity clubs has to hurt and be humbling for someone who was never really too humble.

All that said, I’m still a huge fan and love his music dearly. He’s a mess but he’s Matt.

[sharon]

Uh-oh. Is this a thing? I wonder what my upcoming show will bring. His shows are unpredictable. You never know what you’re going to get with Matt. I guess that’s what makes them so interesting.

[russic]

I'll always be a fan (and I'm very hesitant saying this), but 3 of the last 5 solo shows I've been to have been palpably uncomfortable. It's to the point now where I seriously hesitate to go. As you say, unpredictable. Which Matt will we get? Irreperably annoyed that a single person heckled him? Half-bragging over how unprepared he is? Or will it be a legitimately incredible experience? With a band he keeps things a little tighter and more professional. I know he likes the loose and raw solo shows, but over the past few years they've become more and more unhinged.  

I sincerely hope the above isn't related to any health or personal issues. If they are, I hope he can get whatever help he needs. 

[foats]

I was hoping for a more varied setlist but the sets I have seen do look good.  I hate to sound ungrateful but there was a lot of time off between tours and I had hoped he would come out with some rarities this tour. Even something like Life Beyond or Fated that he played on the 05 solo tour would be a good surprise.  Nonetheless I am in the US and if he played out here I would be there in a heartbeat. 

[sharon]

2 hours ago, foats said:

I was hoping for a more varied setlist but the sets I have seen do look good.  I hate to sound ungrateful but there was a lot of time off between tours and I had hoped he would come out with some rarities this tour. Even something like Life Beyond or Fated that he played on the 05 solo tour would be a good surprise. 

Maybe he would come out with some rarities or a longer setlist if someone brought him a charcuterie board during his set, like he joked about at the Winnipeg show. I would be down to do it if it came right down to it. I would even special order it. However, I said some not so nice stuff in here over the past few years. I don’t think he would want anything to do with me.

[GuitarmanMCS]

2 hours ago, sharon said:

Maybe he would come out with some rarities or a longer setlist if someone brought him a charcuterie board during his set, like he joked about at the Winnipeg show. I would be down to do it if it came right down to it. I would even special order it. However, I said some not so nice stuff in here over the past few years. I don’t think he would want anything to do with me.

Don’t feel bad, you’ll just banned. Not sure if he had anything to do with it but I was on the Facebook page ( fan page?) several years ago. He used to be active on it. I made some comment about how great the show was but that I could tell he was feeling no pain and that he was obviously loaded. The next I was removed. Lol. Oh well. 
 

It’s sad how inactive this place is. I’m surprised someone pays to keep it going to be honest. Reminds me of sad reminders for fans of kozelek. When his misconduct accusations came the place shut down. I sincerely wish the man well. He’s give my life so much joy with you music. And to think I stumbled upon his greatness by accident in a small record store outside Scranton in like 1999 or 2000. I just don’t see how so many people have thrown in the towel. If people quit Matt over some sleazy things that every rock star has done, they better throw all Bowie, Beatles, Manson, zeppelin, Stones, Aerosmith, etc. away. Not minimizing or condoning, I’m just saying.

[foats]

I've said it before and I will say it again.  I'd pay $150 to sit on a zoom type meeting and hear Matt do solo acoustic  rarities for 2 hrs.  Hearing some Loser Anthems gems (flashdance anyone?)  Maybe some Suburbia?  Protest Song? Workers Sing a Song?  Rat who would be king?   Fated?  Life Beyond?  Hell we could get others to pitch in some $$ and make it happen.  It would be fun. Only problem is someone would go out and leak it to the non paying public.  

[Nearfantastica]

Did anyone at the Calgary show make a note the other night of the female group he recommended? 

 

Thanks! 

[sharon]

It was a female trio called Boygenius.

[sharon]

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5NPHtWXrvg

Edited February 26 by sharon

[sharon]

Strange Days

Born Losers

Selling You My Heart

Hello Time Bomb

Load Me up

Apparitions

[Millstone]

On 2/25/2023 at 8:31 PM, sharon said:

Strange Days

Born Losers

Selling You My Heart

Hello Time Bomb

Load Me up

Apparitions

Mostly a greatest hits mini-set

 

Lotta fret buzz on that dark brown guitar he uses too

Edited February 27 by Millstone

[gweeps]

Thanks for sharing that. Missed the original airing.

[Sly Botts]

On 2/5/2023 at 10:53 AM, Millstone said:

The Hamilton show featured an embarrasing complement of winners outside protesting the show, changing exactly no one's mind about getting into the venue.

That aside, Matt seemed a bit down on energy, didn't talk hardly at all (I've been to probably 10 shows conservatively, and this is the least I've heard him banter), and was shaking on his fretting hand during the performance. However, he still delivered a solid show, despite the crowd getting loud with chatter in the back 9 of the set, pissing off everyone. I don't think he had a great time, judging by how he was quickly whisked away to the bus straight after. I hope he's doing alright.

It almost seems like he's at some kind of Rock Bottom, doomed to become that onetime young star who kept on playing and living the lifestyle, playing to smaller and smaller crowds until one day he was old, worn out and weary, his skeletons having caught up with him.

I sure hope not!  I'd still go see him if he was playing near me, even if it was only to 10 people at a bar and drag my brother and friends with me!