hello all...

The band asked me to drop a note as a reminder that tonite's show is an early show.

Doors @ 6:00 PM
Show starts @ 7:00 PM

I have to be honest. I think this was second OTR show that I've seen (of about 15) that I really didn't have an enjoyable time. (The first was a show in Blawnox a few years ago.)

I think I started to lose it a little when Karin felt it was necessary to make a political comment, which admittedly was not the first time she's done that. I don't know why musicians feel like they have an obligation to make political comments. That's not why I come. One minute we're a united audience there to see the band, and a comment later, we're declaring our division against each other. Leave that for other forums, please.

And frankly, I just don't understand the logic in making political comments, especially when musicians -- all, not just OTR -- survive almost entirely by sales. People on your side aren't going to buy twice as many CDs because they agree with you, but some will likely not purchase your material if they don't agree with you. It's really a no-win situation. Why do it?

Secondly, it just seems like OTR shows are getting shorter and shorter over the past few years. Yes, maybe it was because this was an early show, but there was really only dancing to follow and not a scheduled second musical performance. This show was short of 80 minutes, which is way too brief for a headliner. It just seems that when you go to a show and you're already in car headed home by 8:25, it wasn't quite the evening's worth of music you anticipated.

With that in mind, let me add that at age 47, I don't ever, ever again need to sit through another 10+ minutes of bass and drum solos, especially given the brevity of actual Karin and Linford time. Let's stick to the actual songs, please.

I have a few other complaints, though these may be directed at Diesel more than the band. Yes, it was 94 outside today, but it was freezing inside. And the volume was far too loud, considering that there were literally only four rows of seats. How many speakers do you need to reach four rows?

I actually spent all week trying to get three OTR newbies to come and see the show, and I'm almost thankful now that they all bailed on me ahead of time.

I was giving thoughts to making the drive to Cleveland in July to see the show at Cain Park, but now I'm not so sure.

Well, I'm sorry to hear you didn't enjoy the show. And although I am about to counter most of what you just said, please understand that I really am glad you posted this here. If this forum is going to have any kind of balance at all, we need criticisms like this to neutralize some of the raving mad gushfests and the sad old watchdogs. I feel like I can only relate to about 2% of what you're saying, though. Here's my take on your major complaints:

Show length--while I like a good long show as much as the next überfan, I will always take what I can get. Remember, a 30 minute OTR show is better than a 3 hour "most anybody else show". Plus, we almost never know the reasons for a short show and focusing more than a sentence on it is being selfish. The entire show is not about you alone--end of point.

Political Comments-- First, let me say that I don't believe that I share a great deal of Karin and Linford's political views, however, I respect them enough to give them the few minutes that they need to get whatever it is that's bothering them off their chests. And, I don't think they they really care if I buy a CD or not based solely on stage banter. If you had a choice between personal gain and muzzling your true beliefs, which would you choose? I also think one problem that we as fans have is that we often project what we take from the art itself onto the artist. Just because my personal interpretations of what they write and perform make sense to me, doesn't mean that it makes sense to them. Maybe you're disappointed that they use the stage to share their disappointments with the shape the world is in, but just because you don't agree with it, doesn't mean it has to eat away at you either. And personally, I would say if you're considering not going to shows in the future because of it, then you're focusing too much on that instead of the music.

Musical Jams-- Are you serious? The extended jams are what live shows are all about? I can't fathom not enjoying Mikey's drum solo, or an instrumental meltdown. It's awesome.

And as far as the other environmental factors, ie, volume level, temperature, etc, it sounds like you just let yourself get into a bad place and then every little thing started to bother you. If I had any advice for you at all, I would say lighten up and don't put so much emphasis on things that are beyond your control. And for some reason, the words to Dead Weight come to mind:

‘Cause we smile in here
we don’t get too close to sadness.
‘Cause what’s holding us
is just about to break.
Ain’t it funny how life can drag behind us
just like so much dead weight.

Sometimes what feels like pretty good music
is just the same old song.
Sometimes we deal with bygone bruises
and find it’s been too long.

But we laugh in here
we don’t get too close to sadness.
We know good enough
is a thousand miles from grace.
Ain’t it funny how life can drag behind us
just like so much dead weight.

But really, cheer up, Jerry. Things will get better.

Fine, have your solos, but if it's taking up 10 minutes out of 80, I'd rather not hear it. (And since I am paying for the ticket, yes...it IS about me, at least in my decision-making.)

The political comments won't be the things that stop me from going to Cleveland. I wouldn't drive a total of five hours if it's only to hear a little more than an hour of actual Linford and Karin (especially since that would be my fourth OTR show since December, anyway).

Well, Jerry, maybe we just have to agree to disagree.

jerry, i'm sorry you didn't have a good experience last night.

fwiw, i talked to juicy after the show and the start/stop time was strictly dictated by the club. it seems they had a anniversary party for the club (their second, i think he said) scheduled after OtR's set. playing longer was not an option for the band. and while (imho) that seems like a horrible reason to cut a live show (w/paying customers) short, it was outside of the bands control, so your beef is/should be w/club diesel there.

from what i've seen, lately most shows (OtR and otherwise) seem to run about 90+ minutes, so maybe you missed a song or two but it doesn't sound like it was horrifically short based on most. but, as you said, it was your ticket money, not mine and as a fan, i'm sorry to see anyone disappointed after walking out of a show. i hope that at a minimum you enjoyed what music you heard.

Whoa.... I've been toying with a response about how treating Karin, Linford, Jake, Mickey, and Juicy and the music they make stictly like a commodity to consume with the rest of the American culture is so far from my comprehension that .... well... I'd rather speak to the wonderful evening I had.

I didn't grab a setlist, but like many of the other shows these last 2 weeks, there were a smattering of Trumpet, Drunkards and Ohio tunes. They totally rocked out on BPD - and Karin joked about how she used to get in trouble for hissy fits but now gets paid for them. Long Lost Brother also sounded especially good and it was a "shit" night for Ohio.

I had a couple of friends/co-workers who saw them for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

I do continue to be frustrated with live music venues here in Pittsburgh, but there was a good crowd on hand. I always get to see some former CCO co-workers! I was a bit worried as it was the first night of the Arts Festival and Moe was playing for free...

Juicy and the band were really tired from the long drives, but gave us another spirit-filled, moving performance.

-Kathleen

I couldn't agree more. I see a musical outing as an escape from the real bullshit world of democrats & republicans & the wedges both have driven in the American population..... that's the last thing I want to hear about in an otherwise wonderful musical environment

Attended this one as well.......

Set-list (not in order and possibly incomplete):

I don't want to waste your time
Trouble
Long lost brother
I'm on a roll
Nothing is innocent
Don't wait for Tom
If a song could be president
Who'm I kiddin' but me
B.P.D
Ohio
Cruel and Pretty
Fever
Drunkard's prayer
Born

Although this was not my favorite OtR show, it was excellent show. Unlike some who have posted on this thread, my dis-satisfaction (if you can call it that) had more to do with the set list. Quite frankly, I am bored with it. The Trumpet Child is not my favorite OtR record and many of the songs from this record have been heavily in rotation for more than a year (understandably so). I long to hear more from D.P., Ohio, etc. however.

That said, it was a fine show IMHO. Not my favorite venue but......

As for the 10 minute bass and drum solos. I am 36 and I'd pay the full price of admission just to sit and listen to Mickey. Good musicianship is always something I can appreciate. And Mickey is entertaining to watch to boot!

Hope the band had a good time. I for one appreciate your trips to the 'burgh. Come back soon.

Cheers.