Went to see Cracker last night, 2nd show in as many years. Instead of playing inside the club, they had a stage set up in the parking lot. Not knowing if tickets were still available I got there 2 hrs early and got to check out the sound check, where they did Happy Birthday to Me, Heaven Knows I'm Lonely Now, {some other original I didn't recognize}, snippets of Freddy Fenders "I'll Be There Before the Next Teardop Falls", and Jim Reeves "He'll Have to Go". They played for 2hrs, playing most of Disc 1 of Garage D'or and "Pictures of Matchstick Men". Because of noise codes and playing just a block away from the IL State Capital Building they were required to shut down by 10PM. All in all, it was a great show. Johnny Hickman and Brandy {new bassist/2nd guitarist???} were seen dancing at the bar after the show, grooving to George Clinton's "Atomic Dog" among other songs. Johhny walked onto the dance floor, wearing pajamas (didn't I read about this pick-up gimmick in Maxim???) Johnny graciously signed autographs for everyone who approached him, as did their 2nd opening act, Kitty Snider, who is currently on tour with them. Kitty manned the merchandise booth after her set, where she happily chatted with fans as she sold CDs and T-shirts. She also was seen in the club talking to fans afterwards, and is a very cool and outgoing person.
Part II
Just thought I'd pass this along. I was fortunate enough to catch the soundcheck at Cracker's show at the Spot in Springfield IL back in July. While they were checking the levels Johnny did a few bars of Freddy Fender's "I'll be there Before the Next Teardrop Falls". What surprised me even more was a while later when he did the whole song of Jim Reeve's "He'll Have to Go". It was phenomenal !!! After the show (which was held in the parking lot and had to end by 10PM because of a noise ordinance - after all, they were playing a block or two away from the state capital building), Johnny (in his PJs) and Brandy were seen dancing at the Spot to George Clinton's "Atomic Dog" and other dance tunes. They probably remember meeting Marvin, a freak from the local radio sation who weighs about 300lbs, has a mohawk, wears spotted cow patterned chaps and a studded dog collar, and carries his teddy bear with him.
I also met Kitty Snider after her set. She's one of the nicest people you might ever meet, so if you haven't caught one of her shows, don't miss out when you get the chance.
the show was great!
kitty rocked and was sooo nice:)
loveya
anna