State of Shock's single, Money Honey, was a Canadian summer hit on the rock and top 40 stations.
If I had more money honeyThe ticket said doors would open at 8pm and warned to expect lineups at 9:30. I headed to the village for nine and grabbed a Starbucks on the walk to the venue.
Would you love me love me love
If I wasn't just somebody like me
I've made mistakes that I can't erase. I've made mistakes
State of Shock - Money Honey
There was no line up at 9:30. I went inside anyway and took a position against the wall. It was tacky from a recent coat of black paint. I'll admit, I felt a bit odd standing there by myself. When the self-consciousness reached a particular level I pulled out my cell phone and pretended to be involved in a very important text-message conversation. Really, I was just taking notes for this blog.
9:35 stand against the wall
10:18--I noted a song playing in the bar that I hadn't heard in awhile and had forgotten that I loved. (Puddle of Mudd - She Hates Me)
10:30 opening band sucks.
11:39 next band sucks.
At this point I was tired of standing around so I headed out and went for a walk down Osborne. The only thing open at that time was the 24hrs Shopper's Drug Mart so I walked around there and randomly checked out various merchandise.
Upon my return to The Zoo I found an empty table in the far corner and sat myself down. My feet were hurting on account of wearing my worn out boots that I just can't bear to retire. Again, I did my best to look bored but occupied. A guy in an oversized t-shirt sat down at the table beside me to have a chat on his cell phone. When he finished his conversation he said to me something about looking lonely. I assured him I was fine. He was too young looking anyway.
Around 12:15 I reclaimed my spot along the wall and watched the roadies or whoever set up for the next band. The drum kit had the State of Shock logo on it so I figured it was safe to assume that the performance I had been waiting for was coming soon. As I stood there, just minding my own business, a girl who had barely aged past 17 approached me and asked if I was there to see State of Shock. I replied affirmatively. She then asked if I was with the band. I smiled and shook my head. Then she asked if, once the band took the stage, I would come up and dance with her and her friends. I declined. She persisted.
"Just say yes," she said. I could tell this was the only way I was going to get rid of her, so I gave her my worthless word and indeed she did finally leave me be.
12:25 SoS
The performance was everything I had hoped for. The lead singer was attractive and charismatic in the usual way--longish dark hair, white t-shirt, jeans, and a black cuff watch on his left arm. He told the crowd how great they were and in return they told him how great he was. On two occasions he requested for people not to waste beer by throwing it on stage. He sang mostly about love and struck me as having some qualities of a Jane Austen hero. If State of Shock were a food, they would be a high calorie guilty pleasure like rocky road cheesecake. It was just what I wanted.
After the show (I forgot to document the time, I think it was about 1:15) the band assembled behind a table and took requests for autographs and CDs. Cameron, the lead singer, greeted me with a firm handshake (I hate the limp ones; I believe strongly in the importance of a good handshake) and thanked me for coming out. For being a typical hard rocking and dirty talking rock star on stage, he had a definite softness and genuineness off of it. I requested a CD and handed over my 10 bucks. He opened one for me, requested my name, signed the inside cover and passed it along to the other band members. Simon, the other guitarist and vocalist asked me if I was having a good night. He seemed to be glowing with satisfaction about the evening. Or maybe it was just the sweat.
So I not only survived but I also managed to enjoy my night on my own. Case study closed.
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