Mike Watt + Missingmen : Rhythm Room / Phoenix, AZ

Mike Watt Live Missingmen Rhythm Room, Phoenix, AZ

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.

Photo 365 Update : January

As previously posted I am committed to a Photo 365 project (link to past video post.) Many people have been posting their photos daily, so I thought it’s time I posted how my project is going.

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Photo 365 Obeservations

- I am really uncomfortable in front of the camera and I am trying to make myself relax
- Most photos are taken at the same time every day – early morning. I think it’s funny I am not wearing a wider variety of clothes
- I have a good side. One of my eyes reacts strangely to light and is photographed as being lazy
- I need to shave and get haircuts more often

Other Photo 365 Notes

- Daily self portraits are not as easy as I thought it would be. There are times when I just don’t feel like taking my photograph
- I had marks in a closet for my tripod but I have since abandoned the tripod method. I needed the tripod for a landscape photo shoot and it’s easier just holding the camera in front of me
- I was planning on sharing this project at the end of the year but I changed my mind and decided to post the photos monthly

Photo 365 Resources

Photo 365
Photo 365 Tutorial

How is your Photo 365 going? Have you experienced any unforeseen difficulties? Please take a moment and share with a link to your project – (This is a good time to show off your work!)