Last night, I had my first beef with the Chameleon Club, but we'll get to that later, since I want to rave about the band I saw there last night: ...And They Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead.
The sextet made so much noise with their instruments that my ears are still ringing, but it was worth it. I was surprised that there were only about 50 people in the club to see the national act, but the band didn't care. They played their hearts out with dueling drum kits, refrigerator-sized amps and heart-pumping riffs. I'd see them again in a minute.
Then, they were off to the All Points West Music Festival in New Jersey. They play Saturday with acts including Vampire Weekend, Fleet Foxes and MSTRKRFT.
Watch the "Bells of Creation" video, and then read about the beef on the jump.
OK. Here's my rant: The Chameleon's Web site said the show started at 7 p.m. But at every show I've been to there before, the headliner never took the stage before 9 p.m. So, I left York at 8:30 p.m. thinking that I had plenty of time to grab a beer and get a spot for the show.
When I showed up at will call to pick up my tickets, the attendant informed me that the band had started more than an hour ago. I rushed in to catch the last five songs of their set, plus an encore. It was great, but I was really upset. I wish the Chameleon had indicated that the show was going to start on time.
To make matters worse, fans and the band were chilling around the bar after the show, and the Chameleon staff started to clean up. I started to calm down and figured I'd be able to relax and have a beer or two. Then, they started really cleaning up. At one point, I had to move my elbow off the bar so the bartender could wipe the space underneath it. Lingering fans were practically forced down to the dingy, smoky Lizard Lounge before we could even finish our drinks. It was so rude that I think I actually stormed out in a huff. I was really looking forward to seeing ...Trail of Dead's entire set and having a few drinks. I paid good money for the show, the Chameleon could at least show some common courtesy.
Chameleon ownership and staff is by far one of the least professional in the music industry. They have always stronged armed people to do what they want without a care. They have no idea what they are doing and would never last in a larger city like Philadelphia. Stay out of touch Chameleon staff and you will eventually go away. Pathetic.