1.14.2552

Etc :: After Stars / Second to Bee-Gees

From the Etc Diaries (15-Jan-09):


"Over a week has passed since Etc's "Before Stars" set-lists were posted. "After Stars" proved much harder to recall. During the break, when I would normally try to remember what I just did and then make vague plans for second set: I was introduced to a former Singapore Idol contestant who complemented the loop, layer & e-bow version of Trans*end and then -naturally- asked if I was interested in writing songs with her. Told her to get in line (I think this one of those instances where one is meant to act all enthusiastic even if you have no intention of acting on a proposal; and it's ok too because no-one is going to pursue it later anyhow).

"Second set: instant fluster for me during the first song I saw some attentive listeners being escorted out (two people were a notable fraction of the night's tiny audience). Why? Because they had returned to their seats with a cup of tea! Stopped my song and protested over the PA so the security guard could hear: "IT'S OK! I SIGNED A RELEASE FORM! THERE'RE ALLOWED TO DRINK TEA TO ETC!" This didn't change a thing though. The last I saw those kids was when they were smiling and waving back at me after their long march across the huge Concourse...

"Oh well, Esplanade DOES have their protocols (in the same way that Etc plays under the "Etc" moniker and no other - so why be surprised if we dispute being billed as anything else?), and so I am thankful they let to play the second set even though I had not provided my set-list beforehand.

"Just as well really. If I did provide a set-list, how many brows would have raised once I deviated from it to honour the requests of a kind soul sat on the front row? His name: Patrick. And how could I say no to someone who not only asked for my autograph, and posts appreciative documents of Etc including this about November Reign; and this from the start of December; and now this about 'After Stars', but who also states that meeting me on 7th Jan comes a close second to his meeting the Bee Gees.

"And it's also thanks to him that I can now provide this set-list for 'After Stars'. He's a Prince.

BUNGALOW
TRANS*END / BOW END
SUPERHERO, INCOGNITO
(ERECT) SHELVES
FUNNY BONES

BI(G) GIRL'S BLOUSE + the Release Form Blues
LAIRY CANARY
WILL UNTIL
MALAYSIAN TRUCKS
GUILTY PARTY
ASTROGAL
JUST A DREAM / JUST TO DREAM
Encore: DANCING TO THE SMITHS"