Surplus 1980-Starry Plough, Berkeley CA; 12/4/16

Last night's show at that Starry Plough, likely just as any other event in the SF Bay Area, occurred under the clouds brought forth from the tragic fire in Fruitvale not 24 hours previous. Driving in to Berkeley from El Cerrito, I wondered if anyone would even feel like playing. Thinking about the deaths of a score of young people, at times during the drive I felt ambiguous about it.
After emotionally charged sets from Karry Walker and Vegan Butcher, Moe! prefaced Surplus 1980's set with a brief admonishment to those in attendance. To paraphrase: "...cherish your lives and each other..." Hell yeah.Though not stated, the set had a feeling, at least to me, of dedication to those who did not survive the Ghost Ship warehouse fire. RIP.
As for our set, presumably the last one with bassist Steve Lew, it seemed as though we really rose to the occasion. The energy felt very much on, strong and confident. I'd say it was our best set since last year's barn burner in Seattle, during which our ante was upped by a ferocious set from Nightingales previous to ours. I can't recall any clams, except for one during an unexpected, encore-type version of Ed Saad. We hadn't rehearsed that one since well earlier this year, so I ain't trippin' on that at all.
I can't be more pleased with Surplus 1980's sound at the Plough: seriously bonkers!
I really want to thank Steve for being such a fine musical compatriot over the last year and a half. It's been a great experience being in a rhythm section with him. His bass playing is funky and juicy and totally in the pocket. What a fucking pleasure.
In essence, a evening of highs, despite the very obvious lows that so many in the Bay must be feeling this weekend.
I guess we'll see what 2017 has in store for Surplus 1980. I'll be looking forward to it.

Below: Steve and Moe! setting up

Above: cool 1980's Tama drums, belonging to Suki O'Kane, used as a back line. Thanks, Suki!
Below: Moe! and Mark ham it up. Photo by Molly Blue. Thanks, Molly!