I have had such an affinity for the movie “The Lost Boys”.  In 1987, I was a 13 year boy who loved rock n roll, vampires, and ”scary movies”.  The Lost Boys came along at the right time for me.  I was never into Star Wars or comics, Lost Boys was the perfect combination of everything that I was into.  Many years have gone by and I  have held this movie in high regard as an amazing film…until recently.  While flipping through channels in a hotel room, I stumbled across a showing of the movie that defined my childhood.  I was ready to travel back to the boardwalk of Santa Clara.  Boy, was I lost.  My movie was not the same.  The thrill, the excitement, the horror, the comedy, the desire to kill or be killed was gone.  I don’t think I can ever watch that movie again…it’s that bad.  I’m not sure if my nostalgia for the movie will return to the level of glory of 20 years ago.

I should have learned from this experience.  Memories from my formative years and even early twenties should remain memories.  I should not try to re-live the past.  Don’t mess with the past or the present will distort the future.

In the 90’s and early 2000’s, I loved the Lemonheads and Evan Dando.  Well, those memories took a stake to the heart on June 20, 2009 at the Abbey Pub in Chicago, IL.  I’ve seen the Lemonheads/Evan Dando four times.  Each time was an amazing experience.  At one show, I took off my favorite tee and throw it on stage for Evan.  It happened to land right on his guitar.  He picked it up, looked at it and kept it.  I didn’t mind being shirtless, especially since Evan Dando kept my tee shirt.  My most recent show was a few years ago at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC.  This was such an amazing show…I felt as if the entire set list was a tribute to me.

Such fond memories…until the show in Chicago.  Scary DJ Lady Sarah was pumping music into the joint while we waited for the opening acts.  I didn’t mind waiting as I was spending time with a dear friend.  Once the Handcuffs took the stage, I was ready to rock.  The set was good, until the megaphone came out.  Once is OK, but three or 4 songs with a megaphone is too much.  The best part of the set was the bass player who reminded me of Maggie Gyllenhaal from the movie ”Secretary”.

Now Now Every Children came on stage next.  Not much to say, I’m not hip enough to appreciate them yet.  I think they were born the year I graduated high school.  Now Now I feel old.

Midnight-ish  and Evan takes the stage.  Instantly I knew he and the rest of the band was wasted.  Eyes are meant to be open unless you are sleeping or blinking.  I swear the entire band was stoned on something stronger than weed, their eyes were barely open.  Allegedly, some of the band was seen snorting something before the set.  At least according to an employee who was on a smoke break.

The guitarist was barely old enough to be in Now Now Every Children, but there he was on stage with Evan.  The entire band had to tell him what to play, when to play and even how to play.  His guitar “playing” was horrid.  The feedback and distortion was such a distraction.

Trying to focus on Evan and the music was difficult too.  Maybe I’m too much a fan of clean hair and clean clothes, but Evan looked terrible.  What happened to People Magazines 50 most beautiful people from 1993?  Drugs will do that I guess.

The set list was impressive, I do have to admit.  It was a greatest hits set list; including all my favorite songs from Come on feel, It’s a Shame about Ray, Car Button Cloth and even Baby I’m Bored.  Songs like: Outdoor type, Favorite Tee, Allison’s Starting to Happen, Big Gay Heart, If I could talk I’d tell you, Hospital, Into your Arms, Great Big No…it could have been great, had the boys been sober enough to know that the audience wanted to be there.

I just couldn’t watch one of my music idols crash and burn right there in front of me.  Maybe its because I was standing right in front of the stage, but the band was barely holding it all together to get through these songs.  They all were so messed up (ok, maybe not the drummer).

I had to go outside and listen from afar.  So many people would come outside and comment on Evan’s demise.  Being 42 years old and without a recent hit, I’m afraid its too late for Evan.

I’m not giving up hope, but I wish Evan would give up dope.

At least I had all of the CD’s for the car ride home.  I got my monies worth right there in my car.

It’s a Shame About…Evan. 

If the two Cories can bounce back, so can you Evan Dando. 

Evan Dando