Valbowski and Screaming

So tonight I found myself at a benefit for Camp Heartland, an organization for children with HIV and AIDS. Love to support those guys. Anyway, the benefit featured a performance by the Wallflowers, of 7th grade fame. As I was listening to them crank out some of my favorite middle school tunes, such as "Sixth Avenue Heartache" and "One Headlight," I wondered what it must be like to be washed up in basically the prime of your career. I mean, basically, these guys have zero popularity and forever will be on a greatest hits tour with all their old stuff. I wonder if they drink themselves silly after every show. I would. Hell, I would even if I was the most popular band on the planet.

So here's the deal. When I go to a show, usually I end up wanting to listen to that band as much as possible afterward. That is sort of the benchmark. If I want to listen more, it was a good show. And let me tell you, when the Wallflowers were playing "Three Marlenas," I was ready to leave. Not even a few gin and tonics could save me. These guys are done.

Nonetheless, it was a good night and I will forever be able to say I saw the Wallflowers in concert, and they played my favorite song from 7th grade.