The Wallflowers

April 7, 2005 - KLSY Mix 92.5 Radio - Bellevue, WA
     
Yeah...you know if you read Chronicles Vol 1 you read that great line about destiny looking right at you. I had won the last pair of Wallflower tickets to KLSY's radio performance! I couldn't believe it after trying all week with no success. I was honestly doubting myself. When they asked me my name and told me that I won. I went into my high pitched squeaky talk that they played back on the air. Jumping all over the place.

Let's see I got to the radio station at around 10:15am and checked in. I met up with my guest a little bit after. There wasn't really anyone there at the time so we just sat in the lobby. We did get goody bags though from the station. It was a bit after 10:30 when the guys finally arrived. My heart was racing. They went into the studio where they had some mics set up and they were going to do there warm up. 


Jakob in the bushes

Through the glass I could faintly hear "Beautiful Side Of Somewhere" and "We're Already There." I was kind of worried we would be stuck behind the glass the whole time, but they did allow the winners to sit inside the room once things got underway (probably about 14 people in attendance). As I stood there looking for my spot Jakob commented to me that I was wearing a nice shirt (the b&w one Rami wears in the recent promo pics) I didn't know what to say except "thanks." They asked us what we got in the goodie bags, things like that. We sat down at near their feet. I was closest to Fred, which was great since I finally get to see him drum up close.

Rami wanted the sound for his keyboard turned up, but realized that he could just move the mic and his hat which was resting on the mic stand plopped off so it landed on the floor looking like a tip hat.


"Beautiful Side Of Somewhere"

They told us to save photos until after the performance and then the guys began with "BSOS." Then they went to talk about their upcoming cd Rebel, Sweetheart asked the guys what they were doing (tour). They went on to say that the cd took 6 weeks to make, and the high expectations of their cds. "WAT" followed and how wonderful it is. Then the radio station asked if the guys had any questions for them. Jakob asked "What is it that you guys do here?" and Rami asked "What is the name of the station?" LOL. The walls of that room were just covered with banners of the station name. The DJ said that they had bad walls, and didn't the setup make them feel important. Jakob questioned if they had Green Day stuff underneath. The DJ went to Fred and asked about his drum snuffing device...which is basically his wallet on top of the drum head. He then asked to see what it sounded like with and without the snuffing. Jakob chimed in "that's the money right there." Rami then wanted to talk about his mini keyboard ...the DJ said "it's not about the size of the keyboard, it's how you use the keys."


Fred with his wallet.

The guys then started on "3 Marlenas," I must add that Fred has quite a set of pipes. After that song the DJ said it was our one lifetime chance to ask the guys a question. The talked about the lousy weather. (It was raining again in Washington).

Q: How long have you been together?
Jakob: 15 years.

They went on that this was the first album Fred plays on and that it was one more reason to pick up the album.

DJ (about Fred): How's he doing so far? Are you gonna keep him?
Fred: He's doing great.

Jake went on to talk about how they go on a song by song basis.

DJ: Do you write a 100% of your songs Jakob?
Jakob: Yeah, I write them. You're talking about the Wallflowers?
DJ: Right.

There was a mention of Barry Manilow here. 

Someone asked how it was growing up Dylan. 
Ehh...well Jake handled it well. "It was a lot of fun."

Me: How's Greg doing?
Jakob: Greg's doing great. He really wishes he could be here.You can't really plug a bass in here very well.
Rami: You see him playing (motions)

DJ: Is it tough singing this early in the morning?
Jakob: No, not really. The early bird gets the worm.

They went on again that this was a once in a lifetime thing.

Rami: As you can see here we're answering very serious questions (laughing)

Afterwards was the autograph session. I just brought my EMEK poster, RLD cd (thank goodness I remembered to bring my silver sharpie), and a promo pic that the Interscope guy gave out. They were all so great and sweet. I could've melted right there or have a nervous breakdown. I had my cardboard cutout of Greg with me, but I was too nervous to whip him out. It looks kind of scary.

After everyone got their swag signed everyone lined up for photos. LOL, I have the weirdest expression on my face here. "I feel so small" I commented as I looked quickly to the guys. Jakob said something, but I couldn't remember.

Afterwards, I hung out around the lobby area. Saw Rami in the kitchen area getting coffee. Then went back out and saw Fred walking back through the entrance again. I talked to Rami briefly on how I was trying to get to him last time he was around at the Minnie Driver show. "Wasn't I?" then he remembered he went to a nearby club. Jakob also came around and I asked if he was going to post on their site anytime soon and that we were getting antsy. He said he should do that. Then he talked about the new website and remembered the time when they didn't even have one.

I would've loved to talk to the guys more, but this darn cold...the first one I had in 4 years snuck up on me. I didn't want to pass it on to them. If I did....sorry guys!


Amongst the flowers.

Many thanks to KLSY for making us feel welcomed. 
Also the guys for a wonderful performance.

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