03.17.2001 - Trade Show, High Times
Miller Girls,
Interview with Sharon Osbourne
High Times Party: Banyan, Bottom, Steam Roller, Hank Williams III
Saturday started off bright and early about 9am with a trip
to the convention center to attend the last day of the conference and trade show.
Glad I went, and I'm sure that Richard is also, especially
since he got to pose for a picture with the Miller Girls.
As the pictures show, a rousing game of foosball brought out the news media to document
the dynamic display of beauty. Of course the free beer didn't hurt either.
After a quick trip up to the Platinum lounge to check the
schedule and have a snack, we headed down to the main ballroom for an interview session
with Sharon Osbourne.
The interview was conducted like an informal conversation
in a living room, with roughly 200 people listening in. To describe the conversation
as entertaining would be an understatement. In a manner that could only be described as
unpretentious and intimate, Sharon described the events that led to Ozzy's comeback and
the creation of Ozfest.
Perhaps one of the more surprising revelations about Ozzy
is his apparent unawareness of his own fame. According to Sharon he is very surprised
when people recognize him in public. Imagine that!!
It was also revealed that he doesn't necessarily care for
all the groups that perform at Ozfest. In fact, it was stated that he "doesn't
get it" when confronted with a performance by Limp Bizcuit. He does however
"really like" Rob Zombie.
Sharon also indicated that sometimes managing a superstar
is difficult for even a wife. Wearing two hats, as wife and business manager, often
creates challenging situations. She described an incident when she had to have Ozzy
forcibly placed on stage by four security guards to get the performance started.
She described it as a powerful test of wills between two
very strong willed people. Her point was made that even though you have a personal
relationship with someone, you cannot abdicate your responsibility to the business side of
the relationship.
Many interesting aspects of a real superstar emerged in the
interview in an entertaining, profanity laced conversation.
As soon as the interview ended we headed over to Sixth
Street to attend the High Times Party. This was one of the
most difficult private parties to get into and was not an official venue of SXSW.
Of course none of the private parties are
"official" venues. This party started at 2pm and went until 8pm. Four
bands played during the party: Bottom, Steam Roller,
Banyan, and Hank Williams III.
Bottom was an all girl metal band
with enough piercings among them to give new meaning to the term "metal
band"!! In a powerful and riveting performance this three-piece group created
an afternoon performance that was reminiscent of the great 70's guitar bands.
The next band up was Steam Roller.
They played a decent brand of rock n roll that I can't say that I was paying a lot of
attention to. Somehow, my ventures to the stage left me with little impression of
their music. I know what they played and the rock riffs of the lead guitarist were
well crafted - if only somewhat inventive. It was more a matter that they didn't
appear to be "together" at this performance. A professional if uninspiring
set.
Oh well, I guess I'll just amuse myself at the free
barbeque buffet. Believe me, Austin Texas takes barbeque obsession to an art form
level. The variety and quality just got better and better. Wow!!!
The next band up, Banyan, was the
most incredible display of drummer-as-lead performer of a band that I have
experienced. It was both a visual and rhythmic experience that blew me away. To
the unabashedly enthusiastic rhythms of Steve Perkins, this band had the artist Norton
Wisdom paint an ever-changing image on a huge backlit canvas at the back of the stage
during their performance.
The incredible bass work of Mike Watt, the
"voice" of Nels Clines' guitar, and the brass kept a balance to the powerful
percussion work of Perkins. The percussion might have dominated the music rather than
leading it into new musical areas were it not for the talent level of the musicians adding
a unique and different flavor to the performance.
This was one of the most primal and entertaining shows I
have ever seen in a small club setting. If given the chance I would definitely see this
band again.
By now I am sure everyone is thinking, "He did say
this was a HIGH TIMES MAGAZINE PARTY!!!" didn't he? As expected, there was a lot
of Hemp clothing, and other products being sold in the back courtyard of the club.
There were also complimentary copies of the High Times
Magazines; in case you had never seen one I guess? Between bands, people got up and
spoke out in favor of legalization of Hemp and the reform of marijuana laws.
The main subject of discussion was the medicinal use of
marijuana in whatever form suited the user rather than the government's choice of delivery
systems. Primarily pills vs. smoking.
The final act of this party was Hank Williams
III, who looks amazingly similar in features and build to his famous
grandfather. Starting off with a rock version of some country tunes, Hank switched to
power rock and roll with the quick switch to an electric guitar. He put on a great
musical performance, for which I was simply glad to be there.
Rick & Richard at SXSW
