The 4/14 New Pornographers Show Should Have Been Cancele

First of all, I understand that going on tonight was a decision made by the band and not by 930 Club management.

Second of all, I understand that with a large group, it's normal that some members might not be at shows. Dan isn't on this tour – we knew that. Neko joined the tour in Toronto; she was in Munhall and Columbus and Ithaca on 4/13, though she was sick.

I understand that people get sick, and can't do their jobs, and need rest. I don't fault Neko at all.

But – I don't understand why the show wasn't canceled entirely. Why go on without Neko when she was billed as being there? Why not reschedule (or not, and give refunds)?

Essentially, tonight was an AC Newman show. Which is fine … I would have still been there – but I would have had much different expectations. Given how AC recently called DC the band's "stronghold," why disappoint a loyal crowd? How is it fair that, by the luck of the draw, people who bought 4/15 tickets might see a fuller band?

Bottom line: The show should've been canned, and I'm so disappointed – and judging from the stillness of the crowd, and the sparseness of applause, and the amount of early empty spots in the parking lot, I can't be the only one.

http://www.readexpress.com/read_freeride/2008/04/humble_pie_the_new_pornographers.php

I sold my ticket when I found out Neko wasn't going to be there. Looks like I made the right decision. I bet it was still wonderful though, I just wouldn't want to see them without Neko this time. That's all.

How did you find out ahead of time that she wasn't going to be there? That would be good to know for the future – we would've bailed as well, if we had known – because of course we will try to see them again.

Originally posted by TEM:
How did you find out ahead of time that she wasn't going to be there? That would be good to know for the future – we would've bailed as well, if we had known – because of course we will try to see them again.

No, I'm speaking more from a special case standpoint, it was nothing officially posted anywhere. I knew because I showed up somewhat early to the club to meet up with a friend and found out through them, then found someone looking for a ticket and sold them the one I was going to use for myself.

I'm pretty sure they'll be back though…with Neko.

Umm, hello…you're forgetting that this is Carl Newman's band, not Neko's. Granted I was also super bummed that she wasn't there, but the show was excellent in my opinion. I hope you stuck around the whole show because they did 2 encores with the last encore totally unplanned. The crowd were still during the first few songs and clapping was sparse but as the show progressed, the band got better and better. Plus, the setlist was just perfect. We got "Slow Descent…", "Letter from Occupant", …. all the ones I wanted to hear. They did Neko AND Dan songs. I thought Kathryn did a mighty fine job. I'm sorry you didn't like it.

P.S. Did you at least like Okkervil River?

Originally posted by TEM:
First of all, I understand that going on tonight was a decision made by the band and not by 930 Club management.

Second of all, I understand that with a large group, it's normal that some members might not be at shows. Dan isn't on this tour – we knew that. Neko joined the tour in Toronto; she was in Munhall and Columbus and Ithaca on 4/13, though she was sick.

I understand that people get sick, and can't do their jobs, and need rest. I don't fault Neko at all.

But – I don't understand why the show wasn't canceled entirely. Why go on without Neko when she was billed as being there? Why not reschedule (or not, and give refunds)?

Essentially, tonight was an AC Newman show. Which is fine … I would have still been there – but I would have had much different expectations. Given how AC recently called DC the band's "stronghold," why disappoint a loyal crowd? How is it fair that, by the luck of the draw, people who bought 4/15 tickets might see a fuller band?

Bottom line: The show should've been canned, and I'm so disappointed – and judging from the stillness of the crowd, and the sparseness of applause, and the amount of early empty spots in the parking lot, I can't be the only one.

http://www.readexpress.com/read_freeride/2008/04/humble_pie_the_new_pornographers.php

I don't recall letter from an occupant.

Set list was great and Kathryn did a great job, but she's not Neko. I think they should have at least announced that Neko wasn't going to be there to give everyone a choice. They didn't have to offer refunds. Just let us know. The tickets were already sold (so the band and the club make their money), but the ticket holders would have had the option of selling their tickets to other fans who wanted to see the band regardless of whether Neko was there. I'm one of those people, but I was very disappointed that we were told she would be there and then she wasn't. I agree that it's a lame game of chance being a fan and not knowing whether she'll be there even when she is on tour with the band.

wow, dc people whine a lot.

Originally posted by Erinaceous Sonickus:
wow, dc people whine a lot.

wow, you're rightsonick - really surprised people are so upset about this - I DJed the show last night and thought 'synthesizer girl" did a really fantastic job singing Nekos's parts - I actually thought it was one of the better NP shows I have seen

Yeah, I don't get the issue. Neko's a glorified back-up singer in the NP's anyway, and I thnk Carl's niece did a hell of a job filling in. Plus, she's pretty cute to look at.

I haven't seen them since their Black Cat show for Electric Version, and while I'm not sure I'd see them again, it was a fun show.

P.S. Joe, there was no "Letter." Do you ever listen to the bands before you go see them? :D

Originally posted by brennser:

Originally posted by Erinaceous Sonickus:
wow, dc people whine a lot.

wow, you're rightsonick - really surprised people are so upset about this - I DJed the show last night and thought 'synthesizer girl" did a really fantastic job singing Nekos's parts - I actually thought it was one of the better NP shows I have seen

This is my opinion, and musical elitists won't like it (enjoy the music for it's value, you aren't a real fan then, etc.) but if you go on tour to support an album, then play three songs off of the album, chances are people will be mad. Especially newer fans like myself.

I was upset, for sure–I went for the Neko sound. She is what I enjoy about their music, her sound in particular. She gives them an undeniable edge.

And I can appreciate good music, sure. But when I'm expecting one thing and get something else, I think I can justifiably be upset. No one wanted her to go on when sick, we're not a-holes. But if I don't show up to a meeting I'm supposed to lead, I usually cancel/reschedule.

Okkervil River was freaking awesome, though, and worth at least 3/4 the price of admission. They showed up NP IMO. So maybe, the cancellation would've been bad. I change my mind on that.

I thought Okkervil was great. We actually went to see them and bailed partway through the NP set. I interviewed Will Sheff before the show and he was engaging and friendly. I'm surprised they didn't headline their own show.

I was there for Okkervil, so I was happy. I left after the third or fourth NP song. Not a big fan, but I do like the Neko songs. I wasn't planning on staying the whole time anyway since I'm going again tonight, and my friends are gonna want to see NP. Hopefully Neko's feeling better tonight…

Sorry, I meant "MASS ROMANTIC". Really, really surprised they did that one!!!

Originally posted by nkotb:


P.S. Joe, there was no "Letter." Do you ever listen to the bands before you go see them? :D

Originally posted by brennser:
I DJed the show last night

Great set last night. What was the name of the Super Furry Animals song you played before Okkervil? At least I think it was SFA…

Anyone know the set list for Okkervil River? Thanks.

Originally posted by amnesiac:

Originally posted by brennser:
I DJed the show last night

Great set last night. What was the name of the Super Furry Animals song you played before Okkervil? At least I think it was SFA…

Glad you liked it! I'll post the full list later today

The SFA song was Run-Away from last years (hugely underrated imo) Hey Venus!

hunh, i specifically did not buy tickets to this show because i could not confirm that neko would be there before it sold out. i am curious to know how people knew for sure she was supposed to be there, because i couldnt find anything promising neko

Originally posted by manimtired:
Anyone know the set list for Okkervil River? Thanks.

I'm doing this from memory, so I'm not sure if it's the exact order:

The President's Dead
Black
A Hand to Take Hold of the Scene
The Latest Toughs
A Girl in Port
A Stone
You Can't Hold the Hand of a Rock and Roll Man
Our Life is Not a Movie or Maybe
It Ends With a Fall
Unless It's Kicks
For Real
Westfall

Kinda disappointed Jonathan wasn't there, but it was awesome seeing Charles Bissel on guitar. I was hoping they'd play the Wrens' "Ex-Girl Collection" again. Maybe tonight. Though I wouldn't be surprised if it's the same exact set…

And thanks brennser! I definitely plan on picking up that SFA album soon.

Hey Venus is an amazing pop album. Very concise (36 minutes) and fun to listen to. Highly recommended.

Yeah- Hey Venus is really awesome!