Feb 23, 2022·edited Feb 23, 2022Liked by michaelcorcoran
Thanks for profiling this venue. Unforgettable shows even 30 years after the fact. Richard Thompson solo with warm-up acts Eliza Gilkyson and Glass Eye. And Warren Zevon in 1990 or 1991 with Jorge Calderón on guitar and Bill Bruford (!!!) sitting in on drums. Inconceivable!
Feb 23, 2022·edited Feb 23, 2022Liked by michaelcorcoran
I was there for the Pearl Jam and Ice-T shows - and the Ramones. I don't know how many times I collided with that stupid pole in the middle of the floor. Glad they put cushioning around it.
Another highlight for me was Smithereens. "Green Thoughts" tour, I think. Strange they didn't play LL.
And, Green Day's first show in Texas. I was friends with a few people who were being courted by Kerplunk at the time. Not a one of us - Green Day included - was old enough to drink that night. I think there *may* have been 50 people in the club. The label got us a table in the back and the band came back after the show to make their pitch to join Kerplunk. Not sure what record label they went with. Polyvinyl I think, but it was a fun show.
Jim Ramsey, despite his tough exterior look, was a super sweet guy. I went to a few of his lamb roasts and sat at a few settlements with him on the occasional opera house shows he booked. I miss him and in general people like him. My boss called him “Snake”, not sure if it was an insult or a term of endearment but I thought it was cool. Jim was cool and had a big heart. Miss old Austin.
I photographed Ice Cube at the Back Room in 1993 -- terrible pics overall. Stage lighting wasn't great and everyone was wearing black (and "no flash" seemed to be every artist's mantra at the time). Great energy, tho'!
Thanks for profiling this venue. Unforgettable shows even 30 years after the fact. Richard Thompson solo with warm-up acts Eliza Gilkyson and Glass Eye. And Warren Zevon in 1990 or 1991 with Jorge Calderón on guitar and Bill Bruford (!!!) sitting in on drums. Inconceivable!
I was there for the Pearl Jam and Ice-T shows - and the Ramones. I don't know how many times I collided with that stupid pole in the middle of the floor. Glad they put cushioning around it.
Another highlight for me was Smithereens. "Green Thoughts" tour, I think. Strange they didn't play LL.
And, Green Day's first show in Texas. I was friends with a few people who were being courted by Kerplunk at the time. Not a one of us - Green Day included - was old enough to drink that night. I think there *may* have been 50 people in the club. The label got us a table in the back and the band came back after the show to make their pitch to join Kerplunk. Not sure what record label they went with. Polyvinyl I think, but it was a fun show.
Saw the Ramones, my 1st night as an Austinite. Went back the next night, for the 2nd show.
Jane’s Addiction, Love & Rockets, and HUNTER/RONSON!!
My band played there twice a month (ticket shows) the money we made, paid for our rehearsal space.
Jim liked our band, and kept us in the rotation. He was a nice guy
Jim Ramsey, despite his tough exterior look, was a super sweet guy. I went to a few of his lamb roasts and sat at a few settlements with him on the occasional opera house shows he booked. I miss him and in general people like him. My boss called him “Snake”, not sure if it was an insult or a term of endearment but I thought it was cool. Jim was cool and had a big heart. Miss old Austin.
Loved the Backroom! Hope in the future you will do something on Cardi's out on Burnet Road. Another favorite back in the day. Keep up the great work!
I saw Richard Thompson there!
I photographed Ice Cube at the Back Room in 1993 -- terrible pics overall. Stage lighting wasn't great and everyone was wearing black (and "no flash" seemed to be every artist's mantra at the time). Great energy, tho'!