Before the gig
I would say the joviality of the early queuers was somewhat slashed by the conflicting stories of what had happened in London tricking through to us. The pub right next door to the venue wouldn't turn the sport off to allow us to watch what was going on. They didn't want to be "depressed". Shame, as the chances are, we would have bought stuff from them as we sat and watched. Bad business sense, really.
I wanna say as special hello to Hazel and Sean (shaun?) as well as the other two (i'm a dick, I can't remeber your names) who had been with them since half 6. You were much fun to be around, this is extended to Squee and his friend. If it hadn't been for hazel, that carpet idea would have remained unutilsed. That is by far the coolest idea, ever. Thank you for letting me sit in your car, while listening to the radio reports and calling my family in London. You rule.
I feel shit that after queuing all day you got jaked. I really hope you had a good time
ETS meet up V.2
Yes, thats right, the Scottish contingent was out in force. For those of you who avoided us, shame on you all!!!
Calls go out to: Alex of Scotland, DF118, Special K and sexy ferret(who had taken a coach up from London the night before) and the two non-ETsers who were with us - Tariq and Ashley. AbjectMisery also put in an apearance - which was cool - as did another member, John, (I can't for the life of me remeber your board name, I apologise). You were in with the Spiral members. It was cool to meet you too.
The Barrowlands locals
They deserve their own special segment. From piss soaked drunks to the guy who was all about spreading love on "fenian alley". Thank you for the comedy. For all the non-Glaswegians in the queue who had never dealt with the barrowlands locals before, I'm sure you were scared rigid. Sorry.
News and Booze get a thanks for letting a queue full of people continually use your loo for a minimal 20p
The Show
The barrier is around 4ft tall. I am 5ft. This made for an intersting obstacle. Standing up against it, it gets me right on my lower throat/neck. I spent the gig with my arms above shoulder height, on the barrier, effectively keeping me propped up. There is a large, thick cushioned area at the top of the barrier which is rather comfortable. That made the crush somewhat bearable, maybe even more enjoyable! (To the dick who was behind me: Purposely deadening my arms and obscuring my view was a shitty shitty thing to do. Be thankful I have a little decorum and I didn't bite you)
Saul Williams was amazing as usual. The stage was somewhat smaller and he was unfortunately having some issues with his dance space. He tripped up at on point, falling into the decks behind him. Still fucking awsome. The crowd were singing/rapping with him. It was ace.
The band came on to massive chants of "NINE INCH NAILS" and stamping.
Jerome was working off of some electronic pads rather than a full drum Kit tonight, as the stage was just too small to accommodate his massive Kit.
The band were on top form, as were the audience. It was spectacular. The singing from the crowd during SICNH was astounding. Trent looked genuinely shocked, and rather happy at it.
There was about a gazillion crowd surfers as well as people being passed over the barrier due to being in an (semi)unconsious state. TR's tech (who someone informed me is also a tech for Bowie?) helped with one girl who, once over the barrier, security were having trouble with while waiting on paramedics.
People kept throwing their water cups onto the stage, which to clarify is normal at a Barras gig. Fuck knows why, but it aint meant negatively. This was happening at such a rate that by "TDTWWA"
Head of Security issued an order to pass out no more water. At one point, a T shirt was thrown on stage. Aaron bent down, wiped his face with it and threw it back into the crowd.
[edit] I forgot about when Jordie's Bass just cut out on him, he just kinda picked it up and looked at it, really confused. It was only a temporary glitch. Trents guitar had a small glitch right at the beginning as well, it was sorted in record time though, so it was cool. Someone said he fouled up a couple of lyrics. I missed that.
I fucked up lyrics twice (don't know how); Thank God there was no camera in my face this time to pick that up. Embarrassment hell.
Starfuckers was phenomenal. The "Don't You" repetition didnt die out as it had in Brixton and was by the longest I have ever seen it go on for. I had to stop and breathe at one point form having shouted it so many times. The security guy called me a pussy. haha.
It was amazing to be part of.
"Head Like a hole", which had been boring me recently, was trully amazing last night. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen! I have never screamed those lyrics so loud or impassioned in my life. The guy behind me was a dick, and it spurred me on a little bit more. Then, just as I thought the song was coming to a close, Aaron, threw his guitar to one side and lunchecd himself into the crowd. I had no idea if he was trying to kill someone who had offended him, or if it was because we had been the best crowd. I am just going to go ahead and believe the latter of the two. It was quite a sight.
Fucking best gig yet out of the 5 times I have been lucky enough to see them. Great. Trully out of this world. Made better by the fact I got my Glasgow Lithograph signed by the band. Woohoo.