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DDW's avatar

Wow, how I wish I could've seen this show! And not only 'cause it was your first gig – which is always a BIG deal.

But also 'cause I LOVE Mother Love Bone, and discovered Malfunkshun much later.

So I think I should share this small story...

I saw the doc on L'Andrew at the Lynwood Theatre on Bainbridge back around 2005 I think? Packed house, which was sweet & heartening. ("Malfunkshun: The Andrew Wood Story" directed by Scott Barbour, released 2005)

Many fans & folks who'd known Andrew were in the audience that night; in particular his mother was there – she'd brought along some of his report cards and an essay he'd written. This was so clearly a very important evening for her & his family.

After the screening and the Q&A I waited for a chance to speak with her for just a moment in the lobby. I told her I'd come across Mother Love Bone's Apple album at my favorite record store in Albuquerque back when it first came out, and it immediately became my favorite new album! I added that I only found my way later to Pearl Jam because I noticed some of the same musicians from MLB.

But most important, I told her I still listened to MLB a lot, and always would. That I knew her son's music & spirit were still very much alive in this world.

So thanks for this post with this story. Keeping memories alive is sometimes all we can do to honor somebody we knew or admired or even loved. And may always miss.

All's I add about your first gig is how impressed I am you got paid at all!

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Pete Droge's avatar

HI DD- Thank you for this wonderful note. That's so cool that you saw the film in a theater on Bainbridge with Andy's friends and family. Indeed, Andy's music and spirit lives on.

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Brian Forkum's avatar

I can’t believe tickets remain for your show. I hope you release the set list so I can forever regret not walking to the show from Ohio! Hopefully I get to see you in the future.

I remember being in my teens, working at a record store and receiving the Mother Love Bone - Apple promo CASSETTE (yeah, I said it) and being blown away just as much as hearing your song, “Northern Bound Train” on WDVE on my way to Pittsburgh for the weekend.

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Pete Droge's avatar

The show is now sold out. Folks can get on a waiting list, though. It's a long walk from Ohio. I have family in Ohio so hopefully I'll get out that way and play a show one of these days.

I had Apple on cassette too. Used to listen on my walkman.

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Brian Forkum's avatar

I look forward to seeing you in Ohio or nearby! Apple on a Walkman! Relatives in Ohio? Are you sure we’re not related? I’m very happy about all of this music you have been putting out and keep on recommending that people listen to you. Enjoy the stage and your fans, both old a new.

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Pete Droge's avatar

Happy to hear that you are happy about the music I'm putting out. New demo coming next week! Stay tuned for that. Thanks for recommending.

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Melissa Rockefeller's avatar

Oh the memories…! Thanks!

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Pete Droge's avatar

Hi Melissa! Fond memories, indeed.

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Sean Mugrage's avatar

That’s the way I remember it too, although you left out the part about Brian Fenner bringing flash pots but being told “NoWay!” Because of the eight foot ceiling in the Top of the Court.

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Pete Droge's avatar

Hi Sean- Glad to hear our memories matched up. I found out from Jon Evison that he got us the gig when March of Crimes had to back out. And I did include the bit about the flash pots. It's in there.

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Brian Fenner's avatar

I thought it was Jon that got us the gig. MOC would have been a better fit for the bill, but I’m glad he gave us the opportunity to fill in.

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Pete Droge's avatar

Hi Brian- Yes... it was Jon... he said so on Facebook yesterday. MOC was supposed to play but could not for some reason and he recommended us. I'm glad he did too.

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Voracious Records Too's avatar

I think all your subscribers should share their first gig stories

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Pete Droge's avatar

Hi Perry! Yes! That would be fun.

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Brian Fenner's avatar

If memory serves me correctly, my first was at the Bainbridge High School LGI. Poorly playing mostly metal covers. I believe Malfunkshun was also on that bill, along with Skin Diver.

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Pete Droge's avatar

Ah yes... the good old LGI. Skin Diver was huge!

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