I just had the opportunity to catch the 2 16HP shows at Schuba's in Chicago, and what can I say...absolutely amazing as usual. Both nights were VERY good, with their usual tidbits of humor, good crowds and interactions by David Edwards.

The first night, he started speaking in tongues into the mic...very interesting. That quieted things down pretty quickly, and David gave a little smile as he looked down at his guitar. He also thanked the crowd, stating "it was great to be back in Chicago", where they are more than welcome to come back anytime.

On the 2nd night after playing "Phyllis Ruth" he told the crowd "that was a song about my aunt...she got hit in the head with a porch swing when she was younger and only grew to be about that big". He held his hand out, indicating that she was only about 3 feet (a meter or so, for our friends outside the US that use a REAL system to measure) tall. Nobody really knew if he was kidding or not, so there was some sparse laughter.

Excellent shows overall...a good mix of older stuff, with newer songs from Secret South. The second night, they did their encore, then before leaving the stage, talked for a moment and decided to do a few more. Thanks for staying late guys!

I will climb on my soapbox for just a moment now...many of you may know what I'm talking about here, but it really bugs me when people go to a 16HP show and act like they are at some Anthrax or Megadeath show. No offense to those bands or their fans, but this is simply a different type of band.
When I'm standing next to some goof-ball who is head-banging and shaking his fist in the air for the whole show, or doing the "pinky and index-finger pointing in the air, headbanger, rock-n-roll thing" for the entire show...non-stop, it simply gets annoying and it's a major distraction to everyone around trying to enjoy the show.

I understand you will have your drunks, and those who not just get into the music, but feel the need to be a part of the music to the point of totally getting in the way of everyone around them, it's just too much. Just enjoy the music...feel it..have it touch your soul if that is how you feel.
I certainly leave a 16HP show feeling much different than when I go in, but being polite to those around you is just as important. It's 16HP...listen to the words, enjoy the music, and be thankful we're lucky enough to have such a wonderful thing to be a part of....just please don't ruin it for everyone else.

Thanks for listening...

By David A.