SXSW Day 3 – Vol 1
Friday – half way through the festival, and we started off slowly with a short set from the BUZZCOCKS, which was being filmed for internet television. The four tracks were over before they started, but were a good hangover cure at 1pm. Although they look like embarrassing relatives, the songs still sound great – the two new tracks were pretty good too.
We went to see IGGY AND THE STOOGES being interviewed live by a Rolling Stone journalist, which was a real treat – sitting down in a comfortable dark room watching Iggy recount hilarious and insightful anecdotes and memories – like almost being run over by John Wayne in LA, and taking acid in the Funhouse. Ron Ashton had a lot to say too, and it was good to get another perspective. Scott however spoke around three sentences throughout the entire 90 minutes – a strong silent drummer type.
Next we managed to catch DANIEL JOHNSTON AND THE NIGHTMARES in the Day Stage Cafe. It was packed, and despite the less than atmospheric venue – a conference centre – the whole crowd watched and listened in silence throughout the 20 minute set. Johnston’s wit shines through his nervous exterior, and while some songs are almost painful to hear in their rawness, they stay with you in a way that very few pieces of music ever do.