~scalpod

10th Anniversary Seattle Final SubGenius Devival Report

Well, it's been over two weeks since the devival and what do I remember?

The drive to Seattle was exciting, with several sleet storms and snow around Chehalis. In April. We spent time before the event hanging with Lil, Pisces and the gang, and helped grab a few last minute necessities on the way.

Once settled, we took-in the full measure of the space and dressings before it exploded. And what a venue?! From location to size, amenities, decoration - everything seemed condign to our purpose, including a growing crowd of willing thralls...

Hot Mike tried his best to befoul the proceedings but was quickly beaten into SubMission by the fine ChickenHed engineers. As the night progressed, I was impressed by the openness and intensity of the crowd. Lilith, Pisces, Andre, Hal and Marcus all took the stage in turn and we drank and laughed and suddenly realized, "Crap - it's the watch-smashing ceremony. We're next?!"

But there was no watch?! Unbeknownst to anyone but a chosen few, a joke had formed on its own that night. Earlier, Hal had specifically mentioned iPods as a modern gadget people have enslaved themselves to... When the ceremony came round and a watch wasn't proffered, one of the ChickenHeds came to the rescue by sacrificing HIS IPOD?! In moments, the device was pulverized by Hal's silver hammer - surrounded and goaded on by frothing fanatics.

A quick run-through in the 'staff room' while he beat the BEE JESUS out of it and then we were on!

I hope to see or hear the footage I know was captured to better judge but regardless, we had a blast. I was dressed as the Mavrides MIB armed with my black acoustic guitar while NJ was looking and sounding funky fresh on backup vocals and melodica. We played three covers first, in a blatant attempt to win 'em over early with (hopefully) familiar favs: "Through Bein' Cool" by Devo, "Bob" by Weird Al and "Mr. Spaceman" by the Byrds. Then we played one of my SubG originals and finished with a few 'filked' Irish drinking songs. Folks were on their feet and dancing through much of the set and only got wilder as we went.

Afterward, I briefly ranted on two topics: Time Control and using Rule #1 as a flimsy excuse for just being a dick... In so doing, I inadvertently delivered the requisite "send the money" rant!

PiLs were presented, explained, transubstantiated and distributed. There was the customary Short Duration Mass Marriage and, as we've been married for nearly 11 years, a Short Duration Divorce for NJ and I - lasting 5 minutes.

Rev. Andre Brothel ceremonially cleaved our coupled hands in twain and I announced to the assembled, "Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! You have five minutes!"

Rev. Bursar Judas Iscariot wasted no time, swooping in to steal a big smooch then stood back, proud of his daring-do?

I exclaimed, "What kind of action am I gonna get?" and then promptly laid a wet one on HIM, ginger Viking mustache and all... (patooie!)

Monstro Nenslo was a no-show at this slow-mo hobo Ho-Jo promo, oh no?! I was also disappointed to hear Uncle Onan couldn't make it either. A local media crew did show up with camera in tow and they interviewed Lil and Hal about the event and the church.

The night wore on and SpinalCracker bludgeoned us all before the ChickenHed crew rocked the hen house into the wee morning hours.

We slipped away with Dr. Hal and saw him 'home' before promptly passing out in our hotel room, giddy and chuffed.

Thanks to Lil, Kimberlily and everyone who made this such a memorable (and profitable) night!

*** For links to pics and other official devival media, check out finaldevival.com ***