The hospitality at The Royal on Baker was gracious. After some sound checks and a couple cold drinks I surveyed the scene for places to set up cameras. Mostly satisfied with placements I settled in to enjoy Vogue Villains play an ambitious two hour set.
On the first notes of the first song, the bar was basically empty, save for a couple “superfans” who came out specifically for the occasion, but as the show continued a steady trickle of people joined. Some specifically came out for the show I’m sure, but some enticed by the melodies spilling out into the streets. By the end of the first hour a modest but very enthusiastic crowd had formed and were rocking out to the sounds. The stage, large enough in size and in most respect quite nice, was also directly in the path of a blasting heater perched above the entrance door. While I was shooting on the floor the temperature was warm but tolerable, but when I took the three steps to stand on the stage the heat was almost unbearable. The poor Vogue Villains had to endure two full hours playing hard while being baked like a pizza!
After the first half of the set was done, the band got to take a break and tried to cool down with some icy drinks, but before long they were back to it playing a diverse set list that ran the gamut of Vogue Villains originals as well covers of Tom Petty, Depeche Mode and others. The crowd was really getting into it at this point and they were rocking out and dancing harder than larger audiences might. After what I’m sure must have felt like an endurance race in the dessert, the band thanked the exuberant audience and made room for the next performer, a Reggae act.
As we tore down the stage, we mingled with the locals, a really cool bunch. Friends were made, invitations to future endeavours were accepted and we all just generally took in the very cool vibe that is Nelson BC. We loaded up the trailer and went back to the hotel we were staying at, the “Adventure Hotel”. Was it aptly named? Stay tuned.
~Cheers, Rev. D
