Interpol @ San Jose Civic Auditorium - 9/15/05 - $25

Ever since I bumped into Michelle at the Keane concert and found out she came alone, I thought that was the coolest thing. In fact attending a concert solo is one of those things you should do before you die

I couldn't find anyone to go see Interpol in San Jose so it was the perfect opportunity. I got a ticket before I found out The Bravery was playing the same night at the Fillmore with Maximo Park so it sorta worked out.

I'll admit it was a bit weirdo but it got me to connect to the band's live performance more, why not enjoy the show with other fans anyway. The crowd was definitely more of the "goth" quality, dressed in black tight clothes, it was of all colors though mostly white, and rather younger age, that is to say pre-mid-thirties. In fact I stood behind a group of teenage chicks who prolly discovered Interpol via The OC. It's all good cuz they really got into it. There was this one dude who was dancing too close to me and that kinda freaked me out. I almost said something to the chick wearing a "Hot Fuss" tee, her friend was sorta cute ha

The show started around 8p with opening act Boom Bip, a weird instrumental rock/electronic outfit, I dug the couple of first songs but otherwise just okay. He played for half an hour

The San Jose Civic Auditorium is right across from the convention center, it's really more of an indoor basketball type thing converted to a performance venue with a makeshift stage at one end. It's got plenty of seats around on the ground floor and the balcony (capacity of 2000). I was out on the main floor where there was some good energy out front but I'd say there were only maybe 500 attendees total

The front of the stage on the main floor was starting to fill up, I wanted to go take a leak after Boom Bip finished but it was clear to me I wouldn't get much closer considering the people weren't budging much at this stage. Note to self, go all the way to the front early at the Bloc Party concert ya heard. It worked out cuz it got pretty hot and sweaty as the show progressed, not squished or anything bad


After a lot of soundcheck, Interpol took the stage shortly after 9. It was so exhilarating, it prolly helped that they opened with "Next Exit" and that I was out front. They really blew me away. Even though the sound was iffy sometimes, I was really impressed. Nice lightshow too


The kids got so much attitude, especially Carlos D. the bassist (cool name) who was dressed in a Nazi get up for real but it was okay


Daniel Kessler (guitars) had some weird moves on stage like he had these steps that were kinda out of sync. It doesn't matter, he rocked hard. He sang to close a song but I forget which


Paul Banks (vocals, guitars) was freakin awesome, his voice sounds like, old, it doesn't really match his face and demeanor. Shit that kid rocks

Sam Fogarino (drums) was a bit low key but he was solid. I liked how he got someone to light a cigarette for him. Matter fact the whole band is really big on smoking, they lit up cigs throughout the show. Didn't notice Blasco, the touring keyboardist much

Best concert, ever. $25 to boot

I was anxious to check out the set list when I got home, I actually put one together myself but found it posted on a forum courtesy of the Interpol site. I'm always amazed at how people remember the tracks, do they a have great memory or bring a pen and paper.. Anyway, awesome set, I thought they played every song from Antics but "Length of Love" is missing. And "C'mere"

Next Exit
Slow Hands
NARC
A Time To Be So Small - yo yo yo my favorite song ever, that rocked me
Obstacle 1 - sounded awesome
Public Pervert
Not Even Jail
Leif Erikson
Evil
Stella Was A Diver And She Was Always Down - people were screaming for "Stella" a lot, so they went nuts when this came on
Take You On A Cruise
PDA - like it even more after I heard it live, song got a great outro
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Untitled - intro of this song is great to start an encore
Say Hello To The Angels - this is a song that breaks the Interpol mood a bit, it's really hyper and the crowd out front really got into it
Roland

Here are more pics from Flickr

sgharms



indieink





Here are a couple of videos I shot They were removed from Youtube which is okay cuz they weren't that good

I only wish they played another current favorite "NYC" but maybe next time. I know they're playing that for sure on the final tour date at Webster Hall

Interpol, my favorite band in 2005