Tickets and Admissions

Xymox

July 31, 1991 • The Palace • Hollywood, CA

For a while in the late 80s and early 90s, I used to try and get my Walkman Pro into shows so I could record them. This was easy at The Palace, since they generally didn’t search people at the door. My recording of this show captured a line from a nearby gent which nicely summed up my feelings about the show and Xymox’ new album, Phoenix: “Go back to Twist of Shadows!”

The set ended with a house-music-tinted version of “Michelle,” and I realized I was pretty much done with the band at this point. I think I picked up the first single from their next album, Metamorphosis, which was a puzzling acid/techno track that had none of the characteristics which made me like the band in the first place. Ah well.

Sponge (w/Fig Dish, Letters To Cleo)

July 29, 1995 • The Palace • Hollywood, CA

How’s that for a lineup of 90′s one-hit wonders, eh? If Dishwalla had shown up it would’ve been pretty much perfect.

I actually remember the antics of Letters To Cleo more than the other bands. Someone in the audience near the front of the stage kept shouting the name of their hit. “Of course we’re going to play that,” the singer sneered. “Do you think we’re fucking stupid?” And right before they played that song, another mini rant: “This one is for all the industry suits in the audience. This is called ‘Suck My Dick.’“

Bonus memory for Sponge: The front man spent a lot of time “boinging” around the stage, jumping up and down like a pogo stick right before you lose control and fly off of it.

Xymox (w/Moev)

July 28, 1989 • The Palace • Hollywood, CA

Though it bears few distinguishing marks, this is definitely a ticket stub for a great darkwave/industrial/synthpop double bill. Xymox were terrific. Their Twist of Shadows album was a favorite of mine that year, and the show was a feast of rich synthesizers and gloom. Also, the singer from Moev made the best anguished facial expressions I’d ever seen at a concert.

This show was also noteworthy because it was my first real date with the crazy woman mentioned here, here, and here. It is worth mentioning that she was late to this show as well.

(The next stub will be posted tomorrow.)

Pat Metheny Group

July 27, 1989 • Wiltern Theatre • Los Angeles, CA

(The next stub will be posted tomorrow.)

New Order (w/X, 808 State)

July 26, 1993 • Hollywood Bowl • Hollywood, CA • Set List

Not gonna lie: I went to this show mostly to see the opening acts, especially this rare stateside appearance of 808 State. The Bowl was pretty empty for their set. That’s a shame; they were great.

The real surprise of the evening was New Order. I’ve complained about their lack of energy before (”all the stage presence of insurance salesmen”), so imagine my surprise when they came out and actually tried to entertain people!

(The next stub will be posted tomorrow.)

Jefferson Starship (w/38 Special)

July 25, 1981 • Tingley Coliseum • Albuquerque, NM

Lollapalooza Festival 1991
(Janes Addiction, Siouxsie and The Banshees, Living Colour, Nine Inch Nails, Ice-T/Body Count, Butthole Surfers, Rollins Band)

July 24, 1991 • Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre • Irvine, CA

(The next stub will be posted tomorrow.)

Peter Gabriel

July 22, 1993 • Great Western Forum • Inglewood, CA • Set List