I'm a huge music head (Record store clerk, college and pro radio DJ) and GBV have taken their place alongside my beloved XTC as my favorite bands of all-time. I got to finally "join in" when I was able to create the artwork for two of their San Francisco gigs (Fillmore poster in 2004 and a Warfield screenprint)... I've just finished a Robert Pollard typographic portrait (made up of over 100 of their greatest songs... surrounded by all of GBV's album titles.... I want to try to get it screenprinted up when I have the funds... or go through the band to do it, but I can't reach them. You can see it here:
Again... thanks for those memories! Amazing to experience these through eyes. (and yes. Their albums over the last 5 years are simply ASTOUNDING. This is the tightest version of the band ever... (and if you're going going to go for Pollard's side projects: BOSTON SPACESHIPS are absolutely phenomenal.)
Great read and memories. I've seen GBV live three times 1998-2002-2017. The crowd at all these shows was completely awesome and they are among my best memories or all the shows I"ve been to over the last 40 years. Guided by Voices fans are the best. Their latest album 'Nowhere To Go But Up' is great, the songs are top shelf. Long live Rockathon.
Attended the Nashville show ~ I was little late in the door because I lost track of time talking with GBV superfans from all over the US and Canada. I'm not sure what it is, but the Bob superfans are all so chill and welcoming. Just good vibes all around. Really enjoyed your band's set ~ the sound in the room was fantastic by the way.
Tremendous and unsurprising you’re such a GBV fan, John. Me too, approx same time frame, have my own set of fun GBV stories over 30 years of seeing them. This was a joy to read. Hope we’ll swap GBV stories one day.
Hello John! It was good fun reading your GbV memories! That night of your live introduction at Hara Arena holds MANY memories for me. I was there shooting GbV video, both backstage and out front. That's one of my clips that you've included in your post. I didn't know who he was at the time, but before the show, as I was wandering around the stage area, Matt S. got my attention and asked if I could get him into the backstage area, as he was there to do lights. I was just there as a guest, so I found him someone to make it happen.
I started the show with my camera set up by the stage, in the security buffer, where I was allowed to shoot for 15 minutes, before moving back to the soundboard platform. We were probably standing next to each other back there!
If you weren't already aware, there are more Hara clips on my YT channel. I submitted a few interesting documents from that night to gbvdb.com.
Oh that is wild! Looking forward to watching those. I was running around backstage most of the night, my clearest memory was Kelly Deal falling down and having to beg out of the rest of the show. Hazards of the music business! Also stayed at a hotel and the next day there was a KKK rally downtown.
Loved this, John. Was very disappointed I got a late start from BHam and just missed your set, but was glad to see you on my way out and say a quick hi. A good friend of mine and musical soul brother introduced me to GBV in law school in 2004, when we saw them at one of the last shows at Mississippi Nights in STL.
Once I learned Pollard is a fellow Who-obsessive, I knew I had to listen to the albums, and it confirmed a kindred spirit. Saw them again in 2013 or so in STL and for the third time at this show. High point for me was probably I am a Tree, which blew away the studio version, along with the Love is Stronger than Witchcraft/Glad Girls encore combo. Haven’t been to many concerts in the last ten years—family, work, etc—so it was great to reconnect with live rock with such great carriers of the torch.
Glad to share my playlists with you sometime—sorted as early, middle, and late—including my favorites from GBV and most all his solo/related projects (Circus Devils, Boston Spaceships, etc). It’s been a relatively recent labor of love for rock’s most prolific melodicist.
I'm kicking myself for missing the Basement East show! I saw your name and got excited, but with the three kiddos I couldn't make it happen. Love this write up though, GBV has had a vice grip on me as well since the 90s.
I was at that Second Story show! Just an incredible experience. And I've always credited you with knowing about GBV at all--I think my friend Travis mentioned you recommended them. Anyway, this is a belated thank you for that tip and for bringing them to town.
I was on a mission back then to turn as many people on to the band as I could. That show was a triumph. It feels great to chase something like that and have it work exactly as you hoped. One of my all-time favorite nights of music. Miss that place.
Brilliant. You _should_ listen to the new stuff, its fantastic. The new single, incredible (could say that anytime!). One correction - Bob IS the most prolific songwriter in rock history hands down. I struggle to name anyone who consistently delivers on a regular basis and the man is 66!!! Seen them since 95 prolly 100 times and its not enough
Wonderful article! Thank you.
I'm a huge music head (Record store clerk, college and pro radio DJ) and GBV have taken their place alongside my beloved XTC as my favorite bands of all-time. I got to finally "join in" when I was able to create the artwork for two of their San Francisco gigs (Fillmore poster in 2004 and a Warfield screenprint)... I've just finished a Robert Pollard typographic portrait (made up of over 100 of their greatest songs... surrounded by all of GBV's album titles.... I want to try to get it screenprinted up when I have the funds... or go through the band to do it, but I can't reach them. You can see it here:
https://x.com/JpMavroudis/status/1648466953181499399
Again... thanks for those memories! Amazing to experience these through eyes. (and yes. Their albums over the last 5 years are simply ASTOUNDING. This is the tightest version of the band ever... (and if you're going going to go for Pollard's side projects: BOSTON SPACESHIPS are absolutely phenomenal.)
That's so cool, thanks for sharing!
This article gave me the feels. I too have an "instant band". Reading about here is a big affirmation. Thanks!
Great read and memories. I've seen GBV live three times 1998-2002-2017. The crowd at all these shows was completely awesome and they are among my best memories or all the shows I"ve been to over the last 40 years. Guided by Voices fans are the best. Their latest album 'Nowhere To Go But Up' is great, the songs are top shelf. Long live Rockathon.
Also good to see Ken Coomer still around. Uncle Tupelo was a hell of a band in itself.
Attended the Nashville show ~ I was little late in the door because I lost track of time talking with GBV superfans from all over the US and Canada. I'm not sure what it is, but the Bob superfans are all so chill and welcoming. Just good vibes all around. Really enjoyed your band's set ~ the sound in the room was fantastic by the way.
Tremendous and unsurprising you’re such a GBV fan, John. Me too, approx same time frame, have my own set of fun GBV stories over 30 years of seeing them. This was a joy to read. Hope we’ll swap GBV stories one day.
Absolutely!
Hello John! It was good fun reading your GbV memories! That night of your live introduction at Hara Arena holds MANY memories for me. I was there shooting GbV video, both backstage and out front. That's one of my clips that you've included in your post. I didn't know who he was at the time, but before the show, as I was wandering around the stage area, Matt S. got my attention and asked if I could get him into the backstage area, as he was there to do lights. I was just there as a guest, so I found him someone to make it happen.
I started the show with my camera set up by the stage, in the security buffer, where I was allowed to shoot for 15 minutes, before moving back to the soundboard platform. We were probably standing next to each other back there!
If you weren't already aware, there are more Hara clips on my YT channel. I submitted a few interesting documents from that night to gbvdb.com.
https://gbvdb.com/album.asp?albumid=2183
Thanks again for a good read!
Scott Nuckles / "Esteban Entwistle" on FB
Oh that is wild! Looking forward to watching those. I was running around backstage most of the night, my clearest memory was Kelly Deal falling down and having to beg out of the rest of the show. Hazards of the music business! Also stayed at a hotel and the next day there was a KKK rally downtown.
Loved this, John. Was very disappointed I got a late start from BHam and just missed your set, but was glad to see you on my way out and say a quick hi. A good friend of mine and musical soul brother introduced me to GBV in law school in 2004, when we saw them at one of the last shows at Mississippi Nights in STL.
Once I learned Pollard is a fellow Who-obsessive, I knew I had to listen to the albums, and it confirmed a kindred spirit. Saw them again in 2013 or so in STL and for the third time at this show. High point for me was probably I am a Tree, which blew away the studio version, along with the Love is Stronger than Witchcraft/Glad Girls encore combo. Haven’t been to many concerts in the last ten years—family, work, etc—so it was great to reconnect with live rock with such great carriers of the torch.
Glad to share my playlists with you sometime—sorted as early, middle, and late—including my favorites from GBV and most all his solo/related projects (Circus Devils, Boston Spaceships, etc). It’s been a relatively recent labor of love for rock’s most prolific melodicist.
I'm kicking myself for missing the Basement East show! I saw your name and got excited, but with the three kiddos I couldn't make it happen. Love this write up though, GBV has had a vice grip on me as well since the 90s.
Always happy to have a solid excuse to get out to a show that isn’t a professional obligation! Creeping towards the empty nest opens things up a bit.
For sure. I started late...early 40s and 3 under the age of 4. Wouldn't trade it for the world though! I will catch them/you next go 'round.
I was at that Second Story show! Just an incredible experience. And I've always credited you with knowing about GBV at all--I think my friend Travis mentioned you recommended them. Anyway, this is a belated thank you for that tip and for bringing them to town.
I was on a mission back then to turn as many people on to the band as I could. That show was a triumph. It feels great to chase something like that and have it work exactly as you hoped. One of my all-time favorite nights of music. Miss that place.
Mavroudis, you're still out there! Just checked out your portrait, very nicely done!
Thank you, Jay! Cheers!
Brilliant. You _should_ listen to the new stuff, its fantastic. The new single, incredible (could say that anytime!). One correction - Bob IS the most prolific songwriter in rock history hands down. I struggle to name anyone who consistently delivers on a regular basis and the man is 66!!! Seen them since 95 prolly 100 times and its not enough
Great read x