Bad Energy... Angry People... Too Bad.

[Maharishi]

Well, first off let me say that in the history of my life I have never posted on a bulletin anywhere - not really my style or my thing. So that being said, this is a first. I went to a Cat Power show tonight (another first) at the Knitting Factory. I was sort of curious and the tickets were cheap and I thought I would check it out since I like her music and have mutual friends etc... So anyway, I went and I left early. Oh, but not because the performance was bad. No, no, no. Her performance was fine. Sort of boring but definitely fine. What SUCKED was her fan base. I mean, angry, mean, bitter, pissed off, DEPRESSING people was about 98% of the crowd. It had this really cultish vibe going on and I was really put off by it. It was the most unfriendly, unattractive group of people I have ever allowed myself to share a room with. Well, no wonder she could give two shits about impressing her "fans" with a good performance - most of them seem to be serious assholes.

[Bear]

Yeah, I'd have to agree. Is there a better example than the guy YELLING at the singer for the first act (2/16)...as if the guy needed someone to tell him his show wasn't going as planned, I was embarrassed to be in the same audience. As for Chan, I was overwhelmed by her stage presence and commitment to finding the right sound (or stopping if it wasn’t right for her…which is fine by me, it’s her show). By my estimation, she seems like an artist who takes performing quite seriously...she seemed to be quite in tune with the audience...trying to put forth a great effort for those who were there to listen and experience her music...and trying to protect herself from all of the presuppositions and emotional ridicule that always seem to find her at live performances (that's what I read anyway…and how about all of the insistent photographers who disregarded the preshow request and her obvious discomfort, it made me sick). To me she came off as a performer who was willing to take some chances because she knows she's got something to say. Here's hoping one day I'll be a part of a Cat Power audience who empowers Chan and appreciates the experience she's trying to create...last night was great though, thanks Chan.