This could be the story of that one band from high school that you and all your friends followed.  You remember so many great nights watching them with your buddies at your local penny-till-u-piss bar and at someone’s backyard graduation party.  The band that kept going on (in this case to a full blown U.S. tour) after you all went on to less fun things to do.


But it ain’t.

This is a story about the power of live music and the joy that it brings people. (See smelly gent comment at The Lips show).

The band for me and many who rumbled through high school during the late 80’s and early 90’s in Rockland County area was… Last Tribe.  They reunited for a fundraiser and monster toast to one of our fallen friends (Johnny Cakes Novotny). Before I go on, I must say the band still has “it” and were as relevant as ever. I’m sure many in the audience are hoping they play again soon and bring back those Wetlands days.

The bar (Bourbon Street) was sold out and packed as tight as could be.  The air was hot and everyone of these now 40 somethings loved it.  Escape the “now” world and relive days of the past.  Drink too many beers, laugh plenty, and see friends and acquaintances that you haven’t laid eyes on since (at best) your 20th high school reunion.


Everyone knew the words…to every song and jumped (soft mosh) like a Violent Femmes song.


Without the music everyone gets too drunk, has too little to say and heads home early.  Once again music (in this case Last Tribe) rides in on the white horse…and keep the memories of “better days” still there.


So the next time, something like this goes on…get out of the house and put on your best Chuck Taylor’s.