by Andi Bricklin
Matt McAndrew… wait I’m getting ahead of myself.
So yeah, there was a big reunion show Friday (11/8) at the World Café Live (Heaven’s Edge). Well, I was at the other one. If you were looking for the Lost Pilgrims, you can find them somewhere between the Butthole Surfers and Nirvana. It’s easy to see how a band could get lost in that realm of early 90’s rock. It was a time when CDs were the next great thing and Mp3 and iTunes were not yet in our vocabulary. That being said, the band said they had plenty of cassettes for sale, and that “we won’t even be mad if you record over them, we really need to move some product.”
Cue squiggly lines and time travelling music because I’m going take you San Francisco, 1992 when The Lost Pilgrims were formed. The band released two albums, quit their day jobs and set out on the road to conquer the world. They played clubs and universities and opened up for Veruca Salt one time.
So why didn’t these guys make it big?
It wasn’t the songs or lack of passion, it was because they are all tall. That’s right, name me one famous rock star who is over 5’7. Eddie Vedder, short. Sheryl Crow, tiny. Madonna, 5’5. Do you see the pattern? Anyway, before the band called it quits they were able to build a following of people, and they’ve decided to do a few reunion shows to get the musical juices flowing again.
These guys are so much fun. You could tell that they had real camaraderie on stage and were able to share the fun they were having with the audience. The show was a blast from opening with the theme song from WKRP in Cincinnati to a romping rendition of “Party in the USA” (thank you for not twerking) to a dark disturbing version of “My Favorite Things” all mixed in with great 90’s power pop songs that made chicks in flannel shirts and combat boots swoon. Then, the band revealed that the show was just a plot to get us all in the same room to present their opportunity to join in on their pyramid scheme. So should you go to see them the next time they decide to perform? Sure, just bring your checkbook. www.thelostpilgrims.com
What’s that you say? I didn’t finish my Matt McAndrew story? From reunion band to an artist just getting his feet wet, Matt McAndrew opened the show with a set of amazing tunes, perfectly accompanied by his skillful performance on acoustic guitar. With a new album on the way be sure to look for more of him, and definitely go out of your way to check him out!
