 The Ugly But Proud Reunion Show at The Token Lounge December 6th of 2008 was a great show and a huge pleasure for Beatthetrain to promote. Glad to do it for some really good friends from back in the day that needed to let their hair down one more time.
When the opportunity arrived through some mutual friends I was more then willing. My good old friend Joe (Hardcore) Piccoli was the one who steered Ugly Mike in my direction. One of the issues was communication. Mike was on a boat during the week and could only be contacted on Sundays during is stop in Puerto Rico. So during the week we had plenty of passionate emails sharing ideas and gathering info. Mike took on a lot.
While making his own travel arrangements he also had to make similar plans for Hideous George to come in from Los Angeles a few days before the show. Proud Mark was just that. He knew he did not want to do this halfass. As much as he wanted to do the show in Oakland County, after much persuasion and a little sales talk he finally agreed to do the gig at The Token.
Its not hard promoting shows at the Token due to the great sound system and the awesome staff. Big fat kudos to Jon Anton for hooking us up!
The three other bands that night were Voice of Anger, Cavity Creeps and Grommet. Wouldn't ya know it, Jimmie Doom was there and we allowed him some "off the cuff" time on the microphone. Thanks to all who showed up and contributed.
This night was more then a reunion. It was a real "love in". I got to work the door with Katie just like in the old days at the Graystone and Hungry Brain. Tons of our old friends showed for this show and we were able to create some new memories. Unfortunately Kim Mcool (King Zeus) was too ill to make it and I guess that was the only negative of the night. We miss you Kim!
The three "ugly butts" were great on stage and you could feel that the chemistry once felt back in the eighties was alive and well. That will be with these guys forever. Probably much like riding a bike. They just sounded great and looked really comfortable on stage. Mikes guitar was a commanding force and George and Mark were tighter then I ever remember. Gee, I wonder why. ;)
It was a great night and awesome seeing everyone there. Its the kind of night that makes you wish you were nineteen again. Until the next morning.
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