Bad Copy

I’m having trouble finding what to say about Nothington’s last show, and I remember that I’ve never been very good at goodbyes. However, Nothington is nothing short of good at throwing one hell of a farewell party. With two amazing supporting acts and a very special set, this show kicked off on a high note and ended just the same.

Paper Dolls is from across the Bay in Oakland and has established a name for themselves by playing around quite a bit over the years. They have got some pretty sweet riffage which I can’t resist. The lead is played with a slightly distorted jangly guitar tone which reminds me of Elvis Costello or The Exploding Hearts. And it gets me every time. I really enjoy listening to this band every time I see them and to top that off they are pretty nice guys as well.

After I scarfed down a veggie burger, Civil War Rust got up on the stage. I have been friends with these guys for awhile and I just love them. Yeah, it’s biased. But hey, I do. They always bring a great show and the songs are catchy and easy to sing along to. They have had a different lineup for a minute and have been totally destroying with these supergroup players. Again with the bias, I play bass. KT is one of my favorite bass players to watch. Sean and Ryan always rock with their back and forth vocal duties and guitars. Stephanie, their drummer who also drums for The Newports and Hey, Chels just murders on the drums. As a whole, the band is so solid and their new tunes they recently put out on a split with Squarecrow, are so good. Notably, the band always looks like they are having fun onstage and it just makes me smile.

As much as I love the five band bill, sometimes three band shows are nice because I am not in my 20s anymore. However, my feet weren’t hurting yet so I posted up next to the stage right speaker to take photos. Nothington merely touched the stage and the whole room started cheering. People had come from all over to see this show – old friends, new friends, family, and local punk scene staples were all sharing the room and screaming at the top of their lungs. The set was all over the map just like the people in the audience. Refraining from tears, this show was very meaningful to the band. The band played an encore before the encore, adding two songs to their set before the last song. Thinking the set was done, I stepped outside for some air (it was PACKED in there). I heard the strum of an acoustic guitar and from the back area I could see a faint silhouette of Jay playing solo on stage. What a way to end the night.

I gave Jay, or actually he gave ME, a very sweaty hug before I left. As I said, goodbyes are not easy for me and if I happen to say it I always mean “see you later,” even if it is the next day or five years down the road. Hopefully Nothington means that too. But if not, that was a fantastic way to say it.

I took a ton of photos. Please enjoy the ones I thought were worthy of posting here in the gallery below.