It's 1:16 in the am and I just got back from a great, great show! Mike Watt was just fantastic. He can slap that bass! OK, so I'm not a good concert reviewer, big deal! I'm still in that "wow" stage after seeing a good show. I got there around 10pm, just as the second band, Grand National, took the stage. They were really good. The drummer really stood out, she knew what she was doing on those skins. Maxwell's is a small, intimate club. A great place to see some music -- so I found out tonight! I was there alone and I didn't mind it as much as I thought I would. You don't go to a show to hangout, you go to hear the music. The lights went down and Mike Watt and his band walk through the crowd to get to the stage. The stage is five steps in front of me. You can see them play up close. They were tight. One song going into the other, some musical interludes every so often. He's so good on that bass! Funky, interesting and moving. That's how I'd describe his style. I should also say unique. I have to admit, that the first time I heard of him was only back in 95. He had the CD out with a lot of cool guest players. I love that CD, it's so eclectic. He started off years ago in Mintutemen and Firehose I bought one Minutemen CD but that's it so far.

So, when the crowd went nuts for some of the songs, I had no frame of reference. However, they were kick butt songs, a great set. After the show he sold his own merchandise. I'd never seen that before. I bought a T-shirt and a poster. He autographed the poster for me! How cool is that? The guy is on the road, playing his music and making a living. And for the fan, you get to walk right up to the man and tell him what an awesome show it was. Which is exactly what I said to him. I'm glad I went! Wow! Check out Mike Watt's website: www.hootpage.com. OK, tune in on Monday because I'm going to have a very special Bob's Diary -- It's a surprise! God Bless America!!!! I'm going to take a shower.