Giddy Old Biddy

I’m back in AZ now, but I’m still giddy from all the excitement of playing the Silver Lake Film Festival. I had an unforgettable time. From the moment I stepped off the plane until I got back on my return flight, I had the feeling that L.A. was as happy to see me as I was to see it. It all culminated on Saturday night with a show that made me feel like I was back at the Masque. Certainly the stage was about the same size and height and the crowd was every bit as fresh and enthusiastic as we were when we were 17. Never mind that I’m 48 - when I’m in the moment, the concepts of age and time are meaningless. It was only the next morning when suffering from punk rock neck that I remembered my age. It was worth it. Everyone looked like they were having fun and I know for sure that nobody could have possibly had a better time than I did.

I have so many people to thank: first of all, Ian Brennan for talking me into doing a few songs and making me feel secure in the knowledge that he was dealing with any business details that had to be taken care of. Lysa Flores was the first to step up and volunteer herself and her band to back me on any songs I wanted to do. She learned the songs from a CD, organized rehearsals, shlepped me back and forth all over town, gave me vocal tips, bought me presents and pretty much treated me like a queen. Without a doubt, Lysa is the most generous performer I’ve ever worked with.

Thank you to Jane Wiedlin, who graciously found time in her busy schedule to present me with the award and the fantastic guitar case. Sorry about the Adrien Brody moment, Jane - I couldn't help myself!

Thank you to the musicians. As Flames Evil eloquently put it, "You had an amazing band of badasses to back you." I can’t think of a better way to say it. David Jones, Garrett Ray, Gaby Godhead, Sharon Needles and Judy Cocuzza - each player a star in his/her own right - provided the tight, rocking music for me to scream and screech over. Not to mention guest backing vocalists Angie Garcia and Teresa Covarrubias.

Beyond all that, any musician knows that you can plan, practice and rock ‘til you’re blue in the face, but without a receptive audience, it’s just masturbation. The audience was made up of equal parts Class of '07 and Class of '77 alumni. Some bobbed their heads while holding onto walkers, while others dove into the center of the chaos and were lost in the frenzy. I was lost in the frenzy. So lost that I fucked up lyrics, sang in weird keys and forgot to sacrifice the virgin during Modern Day Virgin Sacrifice. Does anyone really give a shit? I don’t think so. I think we really had something. At least it was good for me.

Thank you L.A. You made this old bag really happy.

P.S. Thanks also to Suzie, who has posted this video footage of the show on MySpace:

Alice Bag


Thanks to Closed Circuit TV who posted this video of Babylonian Gorgon.

Alice Bag "LA"

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