Goose is a jam band from Connecticut that Mahoney’s obsessed with a lot. So much that we traveled cross country last year to see a pop up show at the Capitol Theater where the Bi Monthly Pizza Club was originally born. We talked about the trip this week on the Monday Morning Cubs show and it’s a good launching point for a take I’m still trying to figure out which is basically this:
I don’t know if I like Goose.
I don’t know.
My mind isn’t made up.
I see that video above and I instantly loathe everything about the fanbase. They’re such boners in every sense of the word and I hate their guts. It makes going to a Goose show very hard when you’re literally surrounded by the worst baseball fans on the planet. Except instead of baseball, they like Peter.
I don’t hate this guy by any stretch but he kinda pisses me off some times and that bleeds over to the fanbase. It’s like one degree removed from model trains and massive lego builds. You’re on a spectrum but it’s not autism as much as it is just being kinda gay about the band.
Everyone’s wearing corduroy too. Even on hot days.
The music’s solid though. The melodies and harmonies are ripe. The bass player rocks. Rick shreds and it’s a tight production with good guests and cover songs when appropriate. By all means it’s a solid show from a good group of musicians.
But the people around you leave a lot to be desired.
Another thing I don’t like are the setlists. You’ll get a 2.5 hour show and 8 fuckin songs because they just started experimenting with psychedelics and sometimes that means a 45 minute song to open a 2nd set. That happens with these guys and it’s very easy to lose your place in the music.
I’ve been to 7,000 Goose shows and at each one I’ve said almost incredulously: I think they’re still playing THE SAME SONG
But maybe that’s a me issue.
Maybe I’m the problem?
I don’t know as much as I just don’t like their fans creaming a pair of shorts all because Peter liked a reply to a meme on BlueSky.
Another thing.
Keep going.
Rick needs a creative partner on stage that can match or exceed his talents. That’s a tall order but he needs companionship in that form and it’s not until you see him with other musicians or groups where that stands out. He’s arguably one of the most talented musicians of his genre and generation and I think it’s a little held back by his commitment to bandmates.
At the same time, Jerry Garcia was miles ahead of his bandmates for the longest time and that worked out okay in the end (depending on who you ask).
So let me be kind for a minute because I still enjoy the music and I’m not completely out on Goose as much as I’m just complaining about their fans.
One thing I really like is that they’ve been trying for years with a lot of failure to start.
Just here they are 7 years ago in the Outer Banks playing for literally NO ONE
And by NO ONE I obviously mean thirteen people who are all preoccupied with something more important like a bad conversation or a game of bags with your niece. So not completely empty but also nobody really giving a fuck either.
Making it out of that phase into paid attendance is actually a big deal and that shouldn’t be lost on anyone. Especially me.
So here’s where I stand to be sure:
- I don’t love the fans
- The fans actually impede the experience
- Rick rocks
- Peter is an acquired taste I don’t have
- I haven’t listened to their new album yet
- They’re pretty good
- It’s cool that they tried forever and are finally get some recognition
- Again: Rick rocks
- Studio stuff is solid
- Lots of lineup changes the last year
- Weird fans
- Hard to find mushrooms before a show if you’re with someone that’s looking
It’s a fluid process but at least I’m starting the conversation right now.
Any Gooseheads out there – you’re more than welcome to guide me.
As always my mind is wide open on the topic.
[…] Unfortunately At This Time, I Still Don’t Know Where I Stand On Goose […]