ROSEBUD - February 13, 1997
I recently posted a couple videos of concert footage from the band’s show at the Rosebud in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania way back in 1997. One video features the two opening songs, “Lost In You” and “Corner,” the other a great live version of “Say Goodnight.” It got me thinking about that evening, and I remember how much fun it was. We were the closing act, going on at 11:30, and had a lot of time between our soundcheck and show. But the club was run by incredibly kind people who loved our music. We were fed well and the soundman said he’d film us, which is why we have this wonderful video for the archives. Thanks, Rosebud!
Right next door was an adjacent concert venue called Metropol. Both the Rosebud and Metropol were owned and operated by the same people, and the Rosebud was their cabaret hall, Metropol held bigger concerts. They said David Byrne was performing at Metropol that night and suggested we go catch his soundcheck. Mikel and I jumped at the chance to see David Byrne, a native of Baltimore and someone who’s music we love. We caught the end of his soundcheck - “Burning Down the House.” This was one of David’s first solo performances, and he was onstage singing to tapes and playing guitar in tightly choreographed songs.
David Byrne in concert
Afterwards, he went to sit at a table and wrote in what looked like a journal. Mikel and I went up and said hello and he was absolutely kind and we chatted briefly about Baltimore. David went on to do just fine in a solo career, with recent creations like American Utopia and Here Lies Love. He remains an inspiration. Thanks, David!
Lisa, David Byrne and Mikel at Metropol