Fired for Walking’s Blog

Well, we finally played the Westheimer Block Party; sort of…

Scheduled to play inside at Number’s, a venue that has hosted Foo Fighters, Melvins, Sonic Youth, Oasis, Helmet, to name a few, we were excited as hell to play this show. Lady Luck, however, had other plans.

Here is my personal account/experience on the show; aka The Day the Musician Cried (Thoughts of a Musician in Turmoil):

“Right on, let’s rock!” (watching the band before us, having a beer, ready to play). Shows about to start, “What the…?” (all stage-lights go out; we play our first song, Sinker, in darkness). “Cool, let’s rock!” (the lights come back on mid-way through our second song).

FFW: Alive and kicking... for now...

Third song, all is well; yes! Fourth song, Half Hopeless, begins, “Huh…?” (my guitar starts to sound weird; somethings not right, but we’ve got to keep rockin’). A few seconds later… “Ummm…shit!” (my guitar cuts out; completely. I jiggle cable connections, etc.; nothing). “FUUUUCK!!! GOD DAMN IT!!!” (I turn and look at my amp and see a big puff of smoke come up from it; not… good… Ricky actually thought that I set off a smoke machine.). FFW is now a three-piece band, and sounding pretty good I must say.

“Please? Please? Please?” This is me running around backstage, begging for an amplifier… no luck… “I could kiss you!” Geoff (I think is his name) from Journey Agents, the band before us, comes up to me with an amp in his hands! I owe that man some beers! He saved my ass.

“I’m back bitches! Time to slay!!!” I come back in playing on the next song, just in time for my solo; whew! “Ah shit, we’re done… Before I know it, our time is up and we’re done. “Son of a bitch… I need a beer…”

- JH

p.s.- I would like to thank Geoff, again, for saving my ass, Strongbow for comforting my ass, and my band for kicking ass by being bro-fessional. Cheers.

We played a show this past Saturday (August 29) at Rad Rich’s Annual Birthday Bash / Charity Fundraiser.  This year, the charity was the Music Therapy Center of Houston, an organization that is using music to help people with their physical, mental and emotional rehabilitation.

In my opinion, this is a fantastic thing.  I know that music has helped and saved me in ways that nothing else has. Check out their website and give them some support and money!

At the show, there were a lot of cool bands playing and we were happy to be playing with people we’ve never played with before. It was hot as hell and a couple of us were a bit fragile from the Melvins show the night before, but I think we played a pretty good set.

Playing outside is always a bit strange; it’s bright, smells better (sometimes) and the sound usually sucks. The sound at this show though was surprisingly good. Kudos and thank you to the soundman!

Until next time…

- J.H.

Here are a couple pics from Genni Cornbread; Thanks Genni.

Hola Errrbody,

I woke up today singing a fantastic song by a fantastic band.  This happens to me a lot; although it’s not always a good song or band.  While brushing my teeth; I had a great idea, “we should do a band of the day on our website!”  Genius aren’t I…? (<— joke)

So; here is the first installment of “Band of the Day”.  I’m going to go first since I keep forgetting to give the band the password for our blog.  Actually; I think they’re scared to get on here.  “I’m calling you dudes out! Bring it!”

Alright; our first Band of the Day is… The Afghan Whigs

If you don’t know; learn.  If you do know; share a smile with me in remembering one of the coolest bands ever.  I don’t say that about many, but I’m saying it about these guys.  Seriously; these dudes played with soul.  That’s something that we try to do in FFW, and today I got another lesson in how it’s done.  Here’s a taste or two.  Go to YouTube for a lot more; then go buy all of their records.  If you don’t like; I’ll buy it from you.

Cheers,

JH

Hola,

We played at Fitzgerald’s, here in Houston, this past Friday night.  It was a “walking in bent over” show.  In other words we a “we know we are going to get screwed over by the club” show.  It is Fitzgerald’s after all; they are not exactly known for NOT screwing bands.

It’s a shame that this is the case, because it is a fun place to play; atmosphere, etc.  Someone should buy it, and make it cool.

The show itself was fun; we had a good time.  We got lucky; a few wonderful people bought c.d.’s and t-shirts which is awesome!  Any time people have enjoyed us enough to spend their money to support us is fantastic.  We appreciate it.

Thanks.

- JH