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On May 6, 1999, I called The Metro in Chicago to see what shows were coming up. Chicago was close to Bloomington and the phone was how we’d find out about them. The guy who answered rattled off a bunch we had tix for (gbv, sleater Kinney), and then said “and Big Star tonight.” -1
I said “THE Big Star?” My band mate Jim perked up and said from across the room “It’s Jodie and Alex plus The Posies!” The guy on the phone said “I guess?” I asked if it was sold out and he just laughed. He then said “it’s so undersold that i can put you on the list.” -2
I asked for two spots, and Jim and I called in sick to work and hit the road to Chicago. We walked in right as they started “O My Soul” and I couldn’t believe it was happening. Hardly anyone there, and the show was phenomenal. Chiton was an amazing guitar player. -3
He graciously put up with whatever conversation Jim and I made with him, laughing a couple times, I think. He even took a copy of a Cadmium Orange record (which, im sure, was promptly left, but whatever - it was cool to give it to him). -4
In 2014 I got to play with the Big Star Third show in Chapel Hill. I talked to Jodie about the show and he claimed to remember me, likely because I had short orange hair and was wearing a Beach Boys shirt. The experience was great; so serendipitous, so generous. HBD Alex C. -5
Apologies to Jody Stephens for misspelling his name over and over! I just noticed the autocorrect. -6
