FAN MAIL: Deftones

Dear Deftones,

It saddens me to hear of the tragic passing of your bassist Chi Cheng. I had the privilege of seeing him perform live during your tour for White Pony and he truly seemed to just enjoy life. During this show which you played with Incubus at Roseland Ballroom in NYC around November 2000, a fan jumped on stage and grabbed Chi's microphone and started singing along to the song. Unfortunately, this fan turned out not to know all of the words to the song to which Chino Moreno said something to the extent of, if you are going to jump up on stage and grab Chi Cheng's mic, at least learn the words. It was hilarious and Chi just went along with the whole thing; he was truly an asset to the musical world and will be missed.

Teary eyed,
Dan

Deftones at Terminal 5, NYC (March 9, 2013)

Deftones at Terminal 5, NYC (March 9, 2013)

Deftones at Terminal 5, NYC (March 9, 2013)

Deftones at Terminal 5, NYC (March 9, 2013)

FAN MAIL: Soundgarden

Dear Soundgarden,

Well played, well played. I applaud you for a job well done. Two back to back nights in NYC, presumably giving the fans a choice to join you at one of the shows at the intimate venue at Hammerstein Ballroom, but little did they know the dastardly plan you already had set in motion…the setlist. Amazing show that seemed to go on for hours to what I can only assume to be the energy levels of Matt Cameron (who I never seen play less than a two hour set between the two times I saw him with Pearl Jam and the two times I saw him with Soundgarden). Great song after great song, and then the encore, which everyone in the audience knew what to expect…then BLAM! Everyone knows what to expect at a Soundgarden show, and that is a good time, a face hidden by hair, and “Black Hole Sun”…but not this time. You teased the crowd by playing everything but this monumental hit, which perhaps was a ploy to get people to double up and join you for both nights? That’s right I saw right through your plan, but I hold no ill feelings, because you announced both shows at the same time. My biggest grip with bands and/or Ticketmaster is announcing a show that is known to sell out in minutes, most of the time a weeknight show, and then magically when that sells out, and everyone got their nosebleed section tickets a new weekend show is announced, but not Soundgarden, and for that I love them even more. I had the choice, albeit may have made the wrong choice if I wanted to hear their #1 hit, but I more than enjoyed the set I was given.

Without wax,

Dan

 Soundgarden at Hammerstein Ballroom, NYC (January 22, 2013)

FAN MAIL: Ours

Dear Ours,

Every time I listen you one of your songs, and every time I see you perform I truly appreciate that music exists. Jimmy Gnecco is arguably (at least by me), the best vocalist I have ever heard, and it baffles me that more people are not aware of how amazing Ours is. I know it was said at your concerts that you do not want to make the music that the record companies want you to make and thusly make your own music and release it on your own, sacrificing the reach that these companies provide, but still I am still dumbfounded that more people know Skrillex than you. Also, some of the things that is passable on the radio nowadays just confuses me. I am not really sure where the talent portion comes into play, when someone else programs a beat, a “singer” picks it out and sings to it, with words written by a lyricist, and then has AutoTunes generously applied. Really, this is acceptable? Why can’t other professions get away with this? Why can’t doctors just be like, well you want me because I am a doctor, but I am going to let someone else do all the work and I will just approve it, like say, an intern or a resident…oh my god, this is the way the world works. Why have I not realized this before? Can I do this with writing and an auto word generator? Let me give it a try…

"Pineapple forest sat classroom tutor time. Pickle foot, me? No, thus a pickle is not a father. I will punch a toe in the stomach until electrify spirit."

Am I famous yet? How will I be able to tell? I just checked out my window and there were no paparazzi, but I guess that is not a good tell because I have no clue how good their GPS units are. Is this what Dan Brown does maybe? Could the Lost Symbol be some mysterious letter that he stumbled upon as a program wrote his books? I must find this Lost Symbol and ride the success like a wave; I should get Bermuda shorts to fit the role. Anyway, thanks for keeping music real, and I cannot wait for the new CD this year and to see you perform to add to my list of five times already.

Yours kinda truly as this was also written with assistance from a computer,
Dan


Ours at Bergen County Fair, NJ (October 27, 2012)


Ours at The Studio at Webster Hall, NYC (July 20, 2012)

FAN MAIL: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Dear Red Hot Chili Peppers,

Why are you so freakin’ awesome? Remember that time I was listening to you in my car? What do you mean which time? OK, so I listen to you a great deal in my car, well fine, you got me, but do you remember any of those times? Really? I feel a little insulted. I know you have millions is not billions or thousands of listeners, but I thought I was special. Why? Because I think I am special, and my mom probably thinks I am special, and my mom is a smart lady because she thinks I am special, and I will not hear anything about that being a recursive loop. I also wanted to say thanks for putting on such awesome live shows. You were on you’re A-Game when playing in Newark, NJ, and I am sure the city appreciated that you did not bring up the fact that everyone was in Newark, NJ, I am sure they all knew, but reminders are never fun. Then, you played the capital and were equally as amazing. Huh? No, like the nation’s capital, oh, no not capital like RHCP, no, I know I should have specified. Allow me to rephrase, you were awesome in Washington. No, not the state. Well, I am sure you were awesome in the state, but I was not at that show, so I cannot make such a bold statement; I meant D.C. No, Donkey Kong is spelled with a ‘K’. D.C. meaning District of Columbia. What? No, I did not catch you on your South American leg of the tour, and you know as well as I know that I am not talking about the country Columbia, and if you try to play me for a fool like you think I am talking about the school than I will walk away. OK, you got me, if I walk away than who will post this, so just the fact that you are reading this you proved to everyone I did not walk away. Fine you win. The Red Hot Chili Peppers bested me once more, and for this I hold no shame; they are all fine specimens of human beings and I proudly admit them to be my superiors. Live long and prosper, and keep on making that fine ole ear candy.

Yours (mostly) truly,
Dan


Red Hot Chili Peppers at Prudential Center, Newark, NJ (May 4, 2012)


Red Hot Chili Peppers at Verizon Center, Washington, D.C. (May 10, 2012)


Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats at Iridium, NYC (December 8, 2012)


Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats at Iridium, NYC (December 8, 2012)