In which I come across as ranty mcrantypants

So, I'm not a joiner.

I am practically allergic to all forms of clubs, communities et cetera, mostly because I tend to find there's always one who ruins it for everyone else by acting like Bitch Queen of Bitch mountain. 

I am so, so reminded of why I think these things today.

Fall Out Boy have announced a UK tour, and I joined OCK because a) I now have a regular income and can do these things and b) for privileges  like presale tickets. Having purchased my tickets (with much rejoicing) I went on over the UK Tour Thread.  Which was of course, filled with the reasons I avoid message boards like they have particularly virulent herpes. The I am a better fan than you! mentality just kills me.

And thinking about it as you do, I realised why.

To really match up to these 'dedicated' fans who travel all around the world, known about the band since they were conceived, are i the fanclub and are generally holier than thou, you have to have MONEY.

For a start, OCK membership works out at £25. Now that the gigs are in bigger venues, tickets work out at around £26 (which is over $50!). How many people can really afford to travel to the States/France/wherever to see a band? And does the fact that you can make you a better fan than someone who can maybe afford a gig ticket for their hometown and a CD? Do they love the music less than you?

Sure, you can save up. But when I was at Uni I  could sometimes barely afford to visit my family. Now I can yeah, afford to go to London and Paris and shit, and buy OCK membership and Clan hoodies. But I don't love the music more now that I can have those things.

Also, even so? You had better goddamn well believe that if I work hard to pay for something like OCK I want presales and things like that. I mean, I love the band, but honey,  there are other gigs that £25 could pay for.

End of Rant.

On a less bitter note, we should all break it out

Because I went to see The Rocket Summer last night, and it was awesome, and everyone ever should buy Bryce Avery's albums.

But before I get to Bryce, I would like to point out one of the support bands, melee (with the little french e that I am too lazy to type). They were kind of silly and awesome, and one of them could be Joe Flanagan's cousin. Who WEARS LEATHER PANTS. NO REALLY.

This is melee:


And this is JFlan's leather wearing doppelganger, whose name is, I shit you not, Ricky Sans. I'm kind of in love (also we have the same sunglasses, clearly we are mfeo):



He has a blog.

Also, i discovered that the sound guy who caught me staring at him and waved is actually their tour manager! Um, sorry Gabe?


The Rocket Summer was amazing. I am rubbish at gig summaries, you know, my usual thing is 'it was great' and that was it. But you guys, Bryce Avery is amazing and talented and fantastic, and if you have the chance, see him. He owns the stage, and he LOVES performing. With some people you can just tell.

So yeah. Also!

Flood of Red? They have a second drummer/synth player who looks JUST LIKE SPENCER SMITH in his hot lesbian days. I didn't get a good pic, though. Damn