Hi Ben,
My first exposure to GC occurred when I read an article in Rip magazine, circa 1992. I had never heard a journalist mention "The Beatles" and "thrash metal" in the same sentence, so I immediately wrote down "Galactic Cowboys--s/t" as a prospective CD purchase. Over the next several months, I searched every record store within 30 miles for this elusive album, but to no avail. By the time 1993 rolled around, I was sent overseas with the Marine Corps, and the band name had slipped from my memory.
Upon returning home, I went on a CD-buying binge to make up for lost time, and my memory was finally jarred while going through the racks at the local mom 'n pop store. There was indeed a GC disc in there, albeit not the one I was originally looking for. I decided to take the chance anyway. Did I like it? Let's just say that throughout 1994, I could often be seen in traffic, banging my head and yelling in monotone about such intriguing subjects as crop circles and serial murder. I guess you could say that I was hooked! I finally found the self-titled debut album a few months later, and my fanaticism continued to grow.
Although a bit discouraged by the long hiatus (and rumored break-up) after SIYF, I was ecstatic once again when I got a newsletter detailing the release of Machine Fish, complete with confirmation that GC would be playing in Charlotte, NC that summer. I put all other plans on hold, just to be sure that I could make it to the show. The drive was long, and over bad roads (I ended up with a flat that night), but my excitement stifled the frustration of having to change a tire amidst heavy downtown traffic.
I made it to the venue, and was informed that the band had just finished their sound check. Monty stayed in the building for a few minutes, mingling and talking to fans, so I approached him for an autograph. I remember being impressed by his friendly, down-to-earth demeanor, especially in light of all the trials that GC had already endured up to that point. I got to ask him about the mysterious "hidden tracks" on SIYF, and even though he had probably answered this question a few hundred times before, he replied graciously, and without the slightest hint of annoyance. I located Ben just moments before the band hit the stage, and he seemed very cool and easy-going. I'm sure he found it a bit weird when I apologized profusely for not taking the cap off the pen I handed him, but he didn't show it. *lol*
The show itself had me awestruck. Monty's antics, coupled with Bens strong (and often humorous) stage presence made it one of the best shows I had ever seen. I can't listen to Kaptain Krude without thinking of Bens hysterical Popeye impersonation--what a great memory! Of course, I don't mean to take away from Wally's or Alans performances, both of which were excellent as well. When the Monkees intro tape ended and Wally tore into the opening riff from Stress, I was euphoric. Once Alan began pounding out the songs frantic rhythm, the stage was set--I knew that the evening would end with me having to be scraped off the floor!
I got to see GC just one more time, in Chapel Hill, NC in support of King's X (it was 1998, I think). I wondered how well they would do in an opening slot, especially considering that it was a weeknight, and the start time had been delayed by almost an hour and a half. My apprehension was quickly nullified as soon as "Where Do I Sign" from the "Machine Fish Suite" hit full-throttle, and a very appreciative crowd formed in front of the stage. GC's trademark sense of humor was thankfully intact, and it certainly helped to defuse the aggravation that some audience members felt due to the logistical hang-ups.
Call me ignorant, but I missed all the signs when I heard "Let It Go" for the first time. Perhaps it wasn't intentional, but the bitterness of "Swimming in December" should have been enough to warn me. If that didn't do it, I should have at least figured out what Monty was getting at with "The Record Ends". It was all there, but apparently I just didn't want to believe what I was hearing. Once everything sunk in, I really didn't have much of a choice but to accept the inevitable, however reluctantly. Thanks guys--your talent and perseverance are an inspiration to many. I wish you all the best, and I look forward to whatever musical endeavors unfold from the GC legacy.
P.S: Why did you save one of your best albums for last? You could have at least put out something dull and tedious to ease our pain! The break-up would have been a lot easier to swallow if I could just say "well, their best years were behind them anyway". Now I have to deal with getting choked up everytime I play the album. See what you guys have done to me? I hope you're proud of yourselves! **LOL**
Chris