How was the NYC show?

[Novembers Paul]

Very interesting thread. I wasn't going to respond to this one, and the more I thought about it, I decided I will speak my mind on this, as honestly as I can. We spoke about this in length in the van after the NY show.

We open ourselves up to you guys through this forum, and try to keep in contact with people, because we feel this is a great way to give people something extra out of us. We're not obligated to do so, and many bands want nothing to do with their own forums. The problem is, sometimes things go too far. Does the heckling piss us off? YES. IT DOES. It's disrespectful to us on many levels, but more importantly, we're not on stage to fuck around for a few of the forum guys. We're being PAID to do a job, and put on a great show for the couple hundred other people who paid money to see us.

We would never come down to your job, and shout at you when you're working. Maybe it was funny the first couple of times, but now it's whipping a dead horse, and the jokes are getting very old.

By responding with everyone on the forums, people begin to look at us as "friends" and consider us all buddies because we joke around here. This is the place for the jokes, not while we're performing.

Shouting the names of our songs you want to hear us play live, is not heckling, and we would never mind that. Shouting the names of other bands songs, because you guys know the lazy comparisons irritate us in the press, just to try to be the "funny guy" in the audience is disrespectful, rude, makes us question why we open ourselves up to it, and can easily keep us from posting here as often. You guys all jumped on Jasonic, telling his to chill out, and actually he's right.

SO, after saying all this... Under the circumstances, we do joke back on stage, but we would rather not be put into that position. We don't hold any ill feelings towards any of you guys who did this, and as Will said, he came to Chicago, and then to NY, so we put him on the NY guest list. We DO APPRECIATE you guys coming out to see us. Like I had said earlier, we're being paid to do a job, and others have paid to watch us perform. If you want to come up to us after the performance, and joke with us, we're all for it. Just keep the forum jokes away from the stage next time.

 

[Sfarog]

awesome show in NYC, Paul, hope you had fun in VA as well.

 

[General Zod]

While I'd agree the comparison to Opeth is a "lazy" one, I must admit, I'm somewhat surprised there hasn't been a trickle down effect from Opeth's success. The two bands have enough general similarities (strong, well enunciated harsh vocals, excellent clean vocals, strong lyrics, superb musicianship and a dark vibe) that I would expect a fan of one band would be a fan of the other. It's a shame more Opeth fans, and more fans in general, haven't discovered the great music ND is putting out there.

As for the show, I would say it was excellent. As someone pointed out in another forum, GSF suffered from "first band syndrome"; poor mix off the board, small crowd, sober crowd, etc. That said, I liked what I heard from them. Gwynbleidd really surprised me. I've heard their EP, but must admit, it didn't draw me in. However, the song they opened their set with on Tuesday just floored me. Good stuff. Thurisaz and Saturnus were what I expected. They executed well, but their music has limited appeal for me. Novembers Doom was awesome. The song selection was perfect, as was the execution. The set felt short. Not sure if that's because they got on later than they expected or if it can be chalked up to, "time flies when you're drunk and headbanging".

Anyway... it was good seeing the NY crew and meeting a bunch of cool new people (new to me... I'm pretty sure they've existed for a while).

Zod

 

[NvmbrsDoom5]

I don't mind the "heckling" to a degree, but it gets to a point where you're like "ooookay, enough already." The problem with the heckling is that only a small portion is in on the joke, so to the rest of the crowd it kinda makes it look like people are heckling us to be spiteful. There's alot of people out there who make those MDB and Opeth comments towards us in a negative context, so when they hear others shouting out that stuff at us, it just fuels their fire. I know you guys weren't intending on being disrespectful towards us with it. I just don't want ND to wind up being regarded as some big joke to people, we're trying hard enough to fight against that as it is. Also, as Jasonic said, "If this was a gig at 2AM at JJ Kelleys, I could see it being a different atmosphere." But whatever, it wasn't a monumental deal. I was very glad with the turnout and glad to see Wolftribe, Bozarth, Tom, SoB Dan, Lawson and his woman, etc. It was very cool to see all you guys there, and it did honestly help make us feel more at home at the show.

Keep in mind also, that when people are shouting that stuff at us, often I cannot see who it is that is saying it, or tell exactly who it is. So if one day I crack and someone gets a Baritone guitar body over their heads, I'd rather it not be someone I actually consider to be a friend lol
Crowd- "You just killed Bozarth! You bastards!"

Me-"Oops."

 

[Jasonic]

Paul - Thanks for closing the book on this issue.
I hope I wasn't out of line for commenting on what took place at Powerfest, or at the NYC show.
I was just speaking on my own behalf as a fan who is tired of people not familiar with ND making the generic comparisons, which we don't need to go into.

I do know that Will and Wolftribe are fans. And as I said before, major props to Will Bozarth for making the trip to Chicago.

Zod - I can't tell you how many times I have had those same thoughts going through my mind. I am sure the band will admit that part of the reason that the Opeth-trickle-effect has not happened is because they don't spend 10 months a year on the road. Though, it seems with each release, there are definitely more and more becoming aware.

 

[Diabolik]

I hate when friends of bands do inside jokes on stage with the bands or vise versa....it ruins the vibe of the set and it makes everything seem like you are watching a high school garage band play.

thats my 2 cents.

 

[Will Bozarth]

I wasn't aware you felt that strongly about it, Paul. Now that I know for a fact that it isn't acceptable, I'll stop.... but what about the Revelation heckling?

 

[Jasonic]

I am not sure if Revelation has EVER been performed live....

Has it?

 

[Will Bozarth]

no

 

[circus_brimstone]

but what about the Revelation heckling?

The squeaky wheel gets the grease!

But yeah, I guess you have to consider outsiders who aren't familiar with Novembers Doom - let alone their forum and its regulars. So yelling the title of an Opeth or MDB song could be perceived as negative heckling to spite the band instead of simply repeating a good-natured, inside joke.

 

[NvmbrsDoom5]

"But yeah, I guess you have to consider outsiders who aren't familiar with Novembers Doom - let alone their forum and its regulars. So yelling the title of an Opeth or MDB song could be perceived as negative heckling to spite the band instead of simply repeating a good-natured, inside joke."

Exactly. We don't mind being joked with about stuff from friends. But to people like Diabolik and others in the crowd it comes off as amateurish and ruins the vibe, and I agree completely about that point.

Anyhow, no real harm done, just keep in mind for next time. You can always come up to the merch booth and joke with us then. I cannot promise you though that Paul won't punch you anyhow. LOL

 

[NvmbrsDoom5]

"Revelation..." has never been performed live, and never will. Ever.

 

[Novembers Paul]

Will, it's cool man. It's not something we ever made a big deal out of, and would have even mentioned it if not for this thread. You're cool with us, and we know it's all in fun brother. Just keep in mind, we talk to a lot of fans, and have other firends at these shows too who don't get the forum jokes, so later they say "Who was that fucking idiot who was yelling at you?"

We're just fighting hard to remain professional on stage, and give the best performance as possible. There's plenty of time for ribbing, and having fun when we're done playing, but on stage, it's work for us.

And if our friend Nick was in the crowd in Chicago, he would smash first, and ask questions later. You NEVER know who might be standing next to you.

 

[Novembers Paul]

While I'd agree the comparison to Opeth is a "lazy" one, I must admit, I'm somewhat surprised there hasn't been a trickle down effect from Opeth's success. The two bands have enough general similarities (strong, well enunciated harsh vocals, excellent clean vocals, strong lyrics, superb musicianship and a dark vibe) that I would expect a fan of one band would be a fan of the other. It's a shame more Opeth fans, and more fans in general, haven't discovered the great music ND is putting out there.

As for the show, I would say it was excellent. As someone pointed out in another forum, GSF suffered from "first band syndrome"; poor mix off the board, small crowd, sober crowd, etc. That said, I liked what I heard from them. Gwynbleidd really surprised me. I've heard their EP, but must admit, it didn't draw me in. However, the song they opened their set with on Tuesday just floored me. Good stuff. Thurisaz and Saturnus were what I expected. They executed well, but their music has limited appeal for me. Novembers Doom was awesome. The song selection was perfect, as was the execution. The set felt short. Not sure if that's because they got on later than they expected or if it can be chalked up to, "time flies when you're drunk and headbanging".

Anyway... it was good seeing the NY crew and meeting a bunch of cool new people (new to me... I'm pretty sure they've existed for a while).

Zod

This was our first positive NY show, and it was a blast. I wish it was a weekend, because we did go on very late, but we did play for a full hour. We had one more to play if the crowd wanted it, but no one asked. hahaha

The biggest problem wasn't with the opening bands, we had 3 opening bands in Virginia, and the show stayed on time, the problem was a 5 pm load in, and 6:30 doors. There's no way to set up, and sound check with local openers waiting to set up as well, in 1.5 hours. If doors are 6:30, load in needs to be at LEAST 3:00, if not 2:00! So, things were doomed to run very late from the start.

It was great to see our friends GSF again, and Gwynbleidd sounded awesome! It was a great line up in NY!

 

[WhiteBeastofWotan]

Haha At points the audience was so lame. I tried to get people to shout for another song, but they all just turned around and left During you guys and saturnus I tried to get some "hey hey hey"s going, but everyone just stared at me vacantly. Oh well, I tried. I was gettin into the show and from my point of view thats all that matters heh.

 

[Diabolik]

Nothing is worse than a lame crowd. At Edguy a year or so ago....they were trying to get the crowd to sing along and get into it......everyone just stood there and these are the same people who paid to get in and where fans. Some people dont know how to have fun.

 

[NvmbrsDoom5]

Interesting note there, Diabolik. I think that's really a case with alot of crowds here in the States. It was the complete opposite in Europe, man! Those crowds there didn't need any direction to chant and sing along, they did it alot and on their own. I don't know exactly why the U.S. crowds in general tend to have that attitude of "I can't act like I'm enjoying this show too much." It sort of all goes back to that same thing like everyone was discussing on the Powerfest forum about wearing a band's shirt to the show. Everyone gets way too concerned about looking like "THAT guy", so to speak. Hell, man I was going up to the front of the stage during Thurisaz' set and giving them the horns and shouting along to the chorus of "Scent of A Dream", and I was on the tour! lol I don't care about looking like a dork to people because if I'm enjoying it then I'm going to rock out without a care. Oh well, if people want to just stand there with their arms folded that's their business I guess. But all I can say is, when the crowd gives back energy to us, it just makes us perform that much better

 

[Diabolik]

It is true. When I saw DRI years back at Fireside....it was insane upfront. Everyone was singing along to every song. It was a blast. There are very few metal shows where people have gotten into the show. I think the first time Blind Guardian played the US, the Metro show was packed and everyone was going nuts and singing and chanting. It was great. I think people in the US are too concerned about and looking cool at shows than going and unwinding and having a good time. I was bummed when everyone was standing still during the Edguy show. I was prepared to make a total fool of myself that night because I was so excited to see them. Didnt happen.

I always hear about how the European crowds go nuts. I think they have a different mindset about live shows. I think they care less how goofy they look and are there to have fun. I think people forget that the bands feed off the energy of the crowd and it makes for a better show. I couldnt imagine performing in front of 200 people just standing there not moving or making a noise.

 

[dan of bereavement]

Hey Max, I was chanting along with you for a while there man. I started feeling quite sick towards the end there, way too much drinking And someone from ND warned me to slow it down a bit, however the GSF guys were very insistant that I keep drinking lol, I do appreciate the free drinks, though I wish I had slowed down a bit, And I am sure the Hotel staff wished I had too lol.

As for my "Erection" comment, I actually read that in Metal Maniacs on the bus trip to NY, I got a big laugh from that one, especially having titles like "A Bone Inside Her" "A Hose For A Flying Douche", And their Rear shall Hug My Girth". I was not trying to piss the guys off, I was actually looking for the guys to start laughing like they do at home. Sorry guys, my bad!



Side note. I just got the Unrestraind issue withg ND in it.

congrats!

 

[lurch70]

great show in NYC
it was my first live ND experience and you guys definetelly delivered. was a long night coming out after work and a late show which I am sure did not help with the crowd energy level.
i am also sure a smaller venue with a more tightly packed same size crowd would have helped.
I agree that crowd feedaback helps any band perform better ... and heckling would piss anyone off. You guys certainly seem to be in a position in your career where you deserve to be onstage as touring pros and not come across as a local bar band.