SORRY IF I'M PISSING ON THE "CHURCH" PARADE

(From July 26, 2007)

There is something truly infuriating about this town that seems to encourage everyone to agree all the time without ever stopping to think that there could be a different way to look at things. I usually let it pass. In this case I won't.

Here are my two cents: THE CHURCH WAS A FUCKING DEATH-TRAP.

Perhaps we should all be glad that it closed it's doors before something really bad happened there.

NOTE:

--When fuses/breakers are constantly being blown or tripped it does not mean, "they're bringing the rock too hard." It means the buildings electrical system is being operated beyond it's capacity. This can end badly. It can end in fires. It can end in a musician getting the shit so significantly shocked out of him that he can barely stand. I have personally experienced both. Amusing for 19-year-old art students? Perhaps. No fun for those electrocuted or aflame.

--When the lights go out on 200 drunken kids-- aside from the casual grope that leads to lifelong romance --nothing good came come of it. It can lead to stupid panic. It can lead to persons too slight of frame or incapacitated to properly protect themselves from being trampled. I've seen this, too.

-- There were two ways out of that place and neither one was adequate to accommodate the number of people in there, should something have gone horribly wrong.

I honestly believe that everyone who wants "The Church" kept around as an impromptu venue for bands has nothing but the best of intentions. But if they truly do care about the local music community, that should extend to the well-being of the people invited through it's doors.

So I say support saving, "The Church." But consider making your support contingent on those persons responsible for the place making it safe for the purposes they put it to. Otherwise, it's probably better as a hospital parking lot. Honestly. Nostalgia does not trump good sense. When it does, well... fuck.

BDS