32 hours with Bum

Heading out early with 3 of the 4 members of one of my favourite bands ever... Bum, it wasn't the most direct route to Seattle but it sure was scenic. Making it to Seattle by the skin of our teeth we met up with Kev (and lovely Leah) so the guys could do an in studio performance at KEXP radio (thanks Mary for the pizza, the "P-Town 3" for your support and Kent and Gareth for making the whirlwind trip!) and then play a show at the Highline Bar with Sgt Major III and The Tripwires.
Angry hands forced me to put my camera down more a lot more than I would've liked - especially come showtime - but in doing so, it gave me the chance to just sing along at the top of my lungs and dance and hop around and enjoy the show. And in 24 years of seeing them onstage, it was one of the best shows I've seen these guys play - and with borrowed equipment no less.
I fell in love with Rob back in 1991 and the early days of Bum. Watching him onstage is unlike anything else for me and every time I see him play - whether he's playing a show, practicing, or just sitting playing guitar in his chair at home - I am in awe of him and those feelings of first love come rushing back. All over again.
So getting the chance to head to Seattle to see Bum play, well, of course I had to go. The first time I went with them to Seattle I was only 20 years old. They were playing at the Off-Ramp and I was too young to go into the bar part to watch them, so I had to hang out in the gross little diner while they played. I could just barely hear them. We stayed at Jim Sangster's house - he was dating Neko Case at the time - and Kev, Andrew, Rob and I crashed on his floor. Over the next few years I managed to go down for a few more shows - both in Seattle and Bellingham - snap some more photos and meet some amazing people.
Now fast forward 24 years. This trip was reminiscent of that first trip... short & sweet (minus the gross diner) and a super fun time with some of the same great people - still playing music.
And thank you thank you thank you Jay & Ayne for your amazing hospitality and (once again) allowing us invade your beautiful home.

I anxiously await the next show.
To see more photos of BUM in action from this trip and other shows, head over HERE!