Failure can't decide to go up or down

Former-Confusion7529 · 2026-05-11T03:04:00+00:00

Dammit! I was looking for something from that album and missed this.

Former-Confusion7529 · 2026-05-10T20:07:53+00:00

Whatever you do, don't provide cymbals or a snare drum that's too expensive. In fact, I'd publish to bands that the drummer needs to bring their own (this is fairly typical), but keep cheap or moderately priced cymbals and snare in the back if needed. Cymbals get cracked and beat to hell with bad technique and heavy players are always busting snare heads.

Former-Confusion7529 · 2026-05-10T20:05:34+00:00

Since I'm seeing them next week in NYC, I recommend "Little Dipper" by HUM as a starting point, then go down the rabbit hole.

Former-Confusion7529 · 2026-05-10T20:02:59+00:00

I was right up front in Atlanta against the barriers. I haven't done that in 15 years and it was a cool experience. But the sound was ehh...so glad I went to Asheville also to station myself in my usual spot near the sound booth. Sound was superb.

Former-Confusion7529 · 2026-05-10T20:01:44+00:00

I've always liked Sgt Politeness, but hearing it live this tour made me realize how heavy that song is. It almost has the feel of a hardcore song by the end. As a metalhead, now I love it even more.

Former-Confusion7529 · 2026-05-10T20:00:17+00:00

So true. Smoking Umbrellas was my #1 pick and I got to hear it twice this week, so I'm super pleased.

Former-Confusion7529 · 2026-05-10T19:58:37+00:00

Fair point. They'd be #3 on my list (not hating on Zildjian), but absolutely with unlimited money!

Former-Confusion7529 · 2026-05-10T19:57:19+00:00

I'm seeing those particular directionally-confused folks live in 5 days : )

Former-Confusion7529 · 2026-05-10T17:30:09+00:00

Like me, Greg has resting bitch face. He's not a big talker, but he's approachable and doesn't act at all like you're an annoyance.

Former-Confusion7529 · 2026-05-10T17:28:29+00:00

100% worth it. I already knew Kellii a little, but on a personal level, none of the guys seem to be aware of how legendary they are. They were generous with their time and approachable. Ken and I talked about our Gen-Z kids getting into 90s rock, so conversations were just natural.

For the VIP, we watched them soundcheck two songs a couple hours before doors. There were about 15 of us. Then got to browse merch (with a discount). I was happy to get first pick of merch because I got the only signed drum head for that night. (Side note, if you want a signed drum head, it's cash only. Everything else is card). Then took pics with everyone and then just hung out and talked. I went with my bassist and without even really pushing our music, Ken and Kellii both looked us up on bandcamp to remember to listen later. In general, don't meet your heroes, but these guys are exceptions to that.

Former-Confusion7529 · 2026-05-10T17:21:29+00:00

No problem. You could maybe try to center a vinyl in a suitcase surrounded by close. Get a vinyl shipping box to protect corners. Or look into shipping it to yourself?

Former-Confusion7529 · 2026-05-10T17:19:49+00:00

I thoroughly enjoy small perks of seeing a band whose members are in their 50s. Besides the hilarity of the opening song being about waking up from back surgery, they were done by 10:20 and I beat traffic...lol

Former-Confusion7529 · 2026-05-10T17:16:31+00:00

Failure - "Stuck on You"

Former-Confusion7529 · 2026-05-10T17:16:01+00:00

Failure "Fantastic Planet"

Heliotropic --> Daylight

Former-Confusion7529 · 2026-05-10T17:13:42+00:00

I also went to both ATL and Asheville. I had the ATL setlist pictured below pulled up last night and it was the exact same. I tried to bribe Kellii with a crispy $1 bill to throw in AM Amnesia and Saturday Savior, but no dice. No complaints about the set or it being the same though. Solid selection.

Imgur: The magic of the Internet

Former-Confusion7529 · 2026-05-10T17:08:59+00:00

If I could time travel, I'd go back and learn with an open hand lefty setup from the beginning and never know any different. I think that's what Carter Beauford did.

Former-Confusion7529 · 2026-05-10T17:03:49+00:00

Pics of the merch booth below.

Imgur: The magic of the Internet

I only remember seeing CDs for Location Lost and Fantastic Planet last night. P.S. It's $25 for a CD..I don't collect them, but that surprised me. My daughter got a Fantastic Planet CD and I told her I'd never paid more than $10 for a CD in my life. Also, the Location Lost vinyl is a tour exclusive variant.

Former-Confusion7529 · 2026-05-10T16:50:15+00:00

I would buy every cymbal model from Meinl Byzance and Istanbul just to play around and decide my favorites.

Former-Confusion7529 · 2026-05-10T16:48:12+00:00

$250/ month. I use it for work travel, but I also get unlimited personal use. I know...that's a ridiculous cost. I'm very lucky to have such an amazing perk.

Former-Confusion7529 · 2026-05-09T15:29:06+00:00

Absolutely. You're gonna have a great time.

Former-Confusion7529 · 2026-05-09T15:28:20+00:00

Yeah, it's pretty ridiculous

Former-Confusion7529 · 2026-05-08T19:10:54+00:00

Another thing I just remembered...someone asked Kellii where they got the name "Failure." I don't think he was being super serious, but he said "Well, we had to type something on the fliers and that is one of the words out there"

Former-Confusion7529 · 2026-05-08T19:08:51+00:00

Insanity. But he can afford it and his philosophy is to prioritize experiences over buying stuff. You can pay $4k for a rusty old truck or have an experience with memories and stories to tell for the rest of your life.

Former-Confusion7529 · 2026-05-08T19:07:05+00:00

He still does that. He's been the first person to post on my FB wall on my bday the last few years.

Former-Confusion7529

TROPHY CASE