Detroit, Michigan, USA - October 12, 2000
Online Review
at Saint Andrews
By Jim McQuaid

We left Lansing after 6:00 pm. The moon was a full, large golden luminous sphere hanging very low in the sky. I tried to photograph it out the window, but the pics didn't turn out, so I erased them. The ride down got scary as we careened bumper-to-bumper at 80 to 85 miles per hour. My brother's SUV is a bit too narrow for its height. We had a couple of near collisions; I looked over and Eric's face was completely white. Cheryl was sitting way in the back by the speakers listening to "Rave Up" and didn't know what had just happened. We arrived in high spirits at 8 just before the doors opened. The line of attractive people extended down the street, but most arrived later on between 8 and 9.
We started drinking as soon as possible. The bar at Saint Andrews is now located along the left wall as one faces the stage. My practice is to go to the same bartender all night and tip each drink. Mine was an attractive and stylish woman with died black hair and a colorful tattoo on her arm. Everyone in our group bought their drinks from her. I had six Canadian Clubs before the Warhols even started (St. Andrews' drinks are notoriously weak), but it wasn't affecting me. The others were drinking liquor too, with the exception of Cheryl who went with Corona's. Before the first band started, music was being played over the speakers, but it wasn't overly loud and so conversation was pleasant and funny.

We were along the left side of the monstrously gigantic light mixing board until after the first band finished. Brent DeBoer hung out there in the light mixing board cockpit for a while during a portion of Creeper Lagoon's set. He saw me chomping on Altoids and I worried he thought it was pills. The first band closed with two strong songs. Rick Bain and the Genius Position had been more melodic (at the July 25th show down in The Shelter).

I went downstairs to use the bathroom, washed my hands, and came out to see The Warhols being led in rapid single file to the backstage access. Without embellishment I said "Heroes of the revolution." as they passed by me. This brought a broad smile from one of the entourage. I found the others, who had moved to the very front by the edge of the stage on the bar side. Anticipation in the audience mounted as the lights dimmed. I began to whisper to Cheryl and Eric "are you..."

As The Warhols took the stage there was this stunning sensory explosion of light and sound. John and Debbie's mouths were gaping... Another woman gasped in fear and wonder at the psychedelic maelstrom, which arose so very high, engulfing all in the room. Mystically perhaps, it seemed to have a life of its own. Cheryl screamed "Oh my God, it's like a dragon!" (but could barely be heard). The swirl of changing textures, depths and vibrant colors as well as gradients was magnificent and awesome. The electric liquid embodied light fused with the music. "Be In", the opening song, was the best I've ever heard it. Thunder and lightening paled in comparison to the majestic splendor and grand roar of the psychedelic storm which overwhelmed our senses.

The set list included "Be In", "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald", "Godless", "Bohemian Like You", "Mohammed", "CCR", part of "Lou Weed", "I Love You", "Every Day Should Be a Holiday", "Boys Better Beware", "Rave Up" and many others. Perhaps some of you can add to the list. We listened to the Warhols on CD for two hours all the way down and then again back...

The Dandys performed in different t-shirts than they have in the past week or two. Their clothing was also different from that worn on the Conan television appearance the following night. (They looked great on Conan OBrien). Zia's t-shirt had "Sunset Valley" written on it. She had worn a Brian Jonestown Massacre t-shirt at a recent concert, and someone mentioned this during the trip down. It would be nice to be able to buy these things over the web.

Courtney described his sexual encounter with a beautiful Israeli soldier girl. This was given as the basis of the story behind "Minnesoter". The Dandy Warhols were stranded in Minneapolis when a tour was interrupted because a member of Echo and The Bunnymen's mom died (as he had to fly back to Britain). After the concert, she gave Courtney her telephone number and told him to "call me". He did so and she answered very sexily. He went to see her. She was "beautiful and dark like Nastasha Kinski" and "kind of tough" sounding. He was lying on his back on the floor and she was dancing topless above him. She asked him a question and he said "well yes, actually". This brought laughs from the audience.

"I Love You" is about obsessive love and "being in the parking lot outside someone's apartment at 4:00 am". Zia nodded in a feigned maniacal way at everyone as Courtney spoke. She held his guitar as he removed his shirt, and the women in the audience did like it.

It was becoming extremely hot and the band took a cigarette break. Courtney requested a "Jack and soda" from the bar, which was provided to him with haste. He said that people should exchange telephone numbers during the break. It was very brief however, and they began playing again with tremendous vigor.

The Dandys were told to stop doing something by security. Cheryl was in front of me leaning back on me totally euphoric. I scratched her back and pulled her hair lightly (as she enjoys) and we kissed some. She went a few feet forward several times to lean on the front barrier. We were dancing and singing buried anonymously in the crowd.

Camera Seizures. Jane Lanemle, who I don't believe is on the Dandys Rule list, but who posts at The Dandys' Yahoo clubs, posted the following about the concert:

*** begin Lanemle post ***

"I was taking pictures.. at St. Andrews in Detroit.. when a Security guard saw me and took my film and my canon camera. I followed him to the security office.. and he told me that i will get the camera after the concert but not the film. I got very depressed.. and drank .. lol.. but the show was outstanding! after the show i went and got my camera.. i asked my friends if i could take pictures of the band when they go on the bus.. they said it was cool.. So we waited.. it took a while and i had to go to the bathroom really bad.. so i went back inside..luckily im 21.. and had a risk band on.. so they let me in. i walked in and Pete Holmstrom was standing and talking to people.. I was a bit drunk.. and went up to him and said.. You know i took pictures, and the security took my film.. He said thats not cool.. and then he got Zia .. she came over to me and said what happened and i told her. she took my hand and went in the Security office.. and said Give this girl's film back. and the security said we destroyed it. She said thats not right! the fans should be able to take photos. I was so shocked! and then she took me to the t-shirt stand and gave me a free shirt and a hug too! (Man is she nice!:) i was so happy :) i went outside to wait for them to come on the bus.. so i can take pictures..i told the people who help pack the equipment up to tell Zia i said thanks. and they told me that.. shes still inside talking to the security :) shes SO AWESOME. What a sweet band. Even if i didnt get my film back.. i at least got a great memory! Thanks Dandy Warhols! for a great show and for being so friendly.

*** end of Lanemle post ***
I had three security people menacingly come for me to take my digital camera, but I slipped away from them deeper into the crowd. After that it was difficult to get the good shots, and I decided I'd better not sneak into the closed balcony.

The concert went over really well with the Detroit audience. At one point Zia said it was the best show so far this tour. The trip home was pleasurable and we smoothly glided over the dark empty highway. The Dandy Warhols in concert is an incredible, mind bending event that one won't experience anywhere else.