When I was told Mike Watt was coming to play in Phoenix I was stoked. The Minutemen (Watt’s pioneering punk trio – I hope I didn’t really have to say that…) were a huge influence on me. (Sadly, The Minutemen came to an abrupt end when singer/guitarist D. Boone died in a car accident leaving Watt in a state of depression for years.) Their landmark record “Double Nickels on the Dime” set a new tone for music of that era. Conversely, when I was told Mike Watt was coming to town I had some apprehension.

What if Watt, now 52, didn’t live up to my expectations as a punk hero to me. Would it be another experience like when I saw Lou Reed at The Marquee Theater in Tempe? or would it be more along the lines of when I saw Paul Westerberg a couple of years ago? (Lou was aweful Paul ruled.)

Before the show I went to the ATM to grab some cash just in case some libations were warranted. As I made my way through the crowd, I saw a guy standing next to the ATM listening to the opening band LITE (awesome instrumental group from Japan – check them out.)

Holy shit – it was Mike Watt. I wanted to tell him how long I’ve been a fan and how my friend Weep would make everyone listen to The Minutemen until we agreed they were the best thing ever. How I saw the movie “We Jam Econo” and felt his pain because we lost our best mate Weep in a car accident and there was a certain sort of synergy in the situations.

But I didn’t say anything like that…

We went outside and  exchanged a sentence or two and this is how it went – GRT: “Mike we are psyched to have you back in Phoenix.” MW: “Thanks I appreciate it, it’s been a while.” GRT: “Growing up in Warren, NJ -we all wore out more than one copy of Double Nickels.” MW: (Raising a fist to the air) “D. Boone!“

I just walked away because he could have been yelling “Weepee” just the same…

Mike Watt + The Missingmen were amazing. (Click here for a link for a show review in The Phoenix New Times.)

Photo Notes: The Rhythm Room is a tough place for a photographer. Anyone can bring a camera into the venue (which is very cool) so I have to deal with a lot of catch flash and others with less than perfect photo etiquette. The lights are good at times and terrible at other times for photos – but that’s just all part of the game.

]]> http://grtaylor2.com/2010/03/07/mike-watt-missingmen-rhythm-room-phoenix-az/feed/ 0