Setting My Amp on Fire: Harnessing the Power of Rock
and melancholic at the same time. The closing bit of the song was always a thrill to play, especially while intoxicated, as the fast movement of fingers under the influence added an extra layer of excitement. However, the events that followed were nothing short of extraordinary.
As the song concluded, there was a sudden interruption in the performance when I noticed my bass amp emitting smoke. Whether it was due to my vigorous bass runs or a technical glitch, I will never know. I turned around just in time to witness flames erupting from the cabinet. Reacting calmly, Toby poured beer over the flames, extinguishing them without much fuss, making a nonchalant remark about “wasting good beer” in the process.
The surreal experience of witnessing my bass amp catching fire in the midst of a performance left everyone at a loss for words. A curious incident that defied explanation, I couldn’t help but fancy the idea that the power of rock embedded in the song “Exit Flagger” was responsible for this unusual turn of events. With no use for the burnt-out amp, I left it behind at Spaceland, a phoenix that arose from its fiery demise.
Fortunately, our next show at a festival in San Diego was saved by the generosity of another band lending us their bass rig. The unnamed band, No Doubt, comprised of very friendly individuals who made our transition seamless. Their willingness to assist us in a time of need was a testament to the camaraderie among musicians, even those from lesser-known bands.
Reflecting on the peculiar incident, I couldn’t help but attribute the supernatural origins of my amp’s fiery fate to the mysterious forces of rock music. The resonance of the song “Exit Flagger” seemed to transcend the boundaries of the performance, sparking a chain of events that culminated in a spectacular yet inexplicable occurrence. In the grand tapestry of rock-and-roll folklore, this incident etched a unique chapter in my journey with Guided By Voices, showcasing the unpredictable and electrifying nature of live performances. A testament to the enigmatic allure of rock music, this unforgettable episode underscored the transcendental power that music holds over its listeners and performers alike. Proving once more that in the realm of rock, the boundaries between reality and myth are often blurred, inviting us to embrace the magic of the unknown and the unexplained.