So we have had numerous gigs over the years that have had some pretty wicked weather. Tornado threats, lighting strikes within 50 yards of us, winds that felt like the tent was gonna take off to name a few memorable incidents. But this show in particular takes the cake.
Scene setting: Arrival to Boltonville Rain Days under ominous skies, but full of optimism that the tent was gonna protect us. We knew it was going to rain but little did we know how BAD it was actually going get. We set up, we goofed around, we watched the rain and complained a little about the rain, but all in all, the night still looked promising. Someone even played a practical joke on our production company by placing a “ticket” on their windshield for a “parking violation”. THANKS Officer “Stick N' the Mud”, Badge #420. Ha Ha.
The night was not without its challenges. Before the rain turned into a monsoon, the power went out three times. The third time was final for an hour plus before an industrial sized generator was brought in to power us (and the tent) back up. We learned that a tree branch came down somewhere in the vicinity and took out all the power in the entire area of little 'ol unincorporated Boltonville. Show started a little late, but we were on and happy to start the show after that hurdle!
6 songs in, the rain was coming down HARD! So hard that you could actually hear it over the PA system. Along with that rain, came the tsunami of water that had no where to go except down the middle of the tent like a river. It travelled right under our stage and out the back of the tent. This became quite dangerous as the threat of electrocution and a soft ground causing truss and stage failure became a real safety issue. The show was stopped and the decision to cancel the rest of the show after 8 songs was made. Sucks we know, but everyone's safety is of the utmost importance.
Yeah some people booed, we were booing right with ya. But after assessing how much water there actually was and that it had no where to go, it was the right decision. We even found our rides in a foot plus deep of water. No one had dry feet or legs. So wading thru the mess to secure everything and get the most important gear to high ground began. Thankfully, all was well with our electronics and no one got zapped.
We wanted to give a huge shoutout to all the brave people that faired the weather with us and came out to the show. And an even bigger thank you goes out to the fine volunteers and staff of the Boltonville Fire Department for taking care of us and being excellent problem solvers. We all made the best of the situation and have no doubt that it would've been an EXCELLENT night had we not had bad weather. We will try again next year Boltonville Rain Days as we have been asked to come back! We will be there with bells on and hopefully drier feet.
See ya at another show soon!
FACEBOOK PHOTOS OF THE SHOW:
Sound/Production: Breezy Point Sound & Light Co.
Photography/Videography: Amanda Trash
Merchandise: Amanda Trash
Stage Techs: Marty & Karen
SETLIST:
- Lay Your Hands On Me - Bon Jovi
- We're Not Gonna Take It - Twisted Sister
- Rag Doll - Aerosmith
- Runnin' With The Devil - Van Halen
- Unskinny Bop - Poison
- Here I Go Again - Whitesnake
- Somebody - Bryan Adams
- Rebel Yell - Billy Idol
SHOW STOPPED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER