First/Last 'The Essentials'-Rhett Miller

Rhett Miller and The Serial Lady Killers

Club Cafe

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Southside

"Rhett Miller is the front man and main songwriter of the hard-charging rock ‘n’ roll quartet the Old 97’s, as well as an accomplished solo artist. In addition to his nine studio albums with the 97’s (most recently The Grand Theatre Volume One and The Grand Theatre Vol. 2 in 2011), he has released four solo albums; 1989’s Mythologies, 2002’s The Instigator, 2006’s The Believer, and 2009’s Rhett Miller. Miller is set to release his first live covers album, The Interpreter Live at Largo, on November 22, 2011 on his own recently established label Maximum Sunshine Records."

As previously mentioned, I am a huge fan of Rhett and his music. His new solo album "The Dreamer" is being released tomorrow and I want to thank him for taking a few minutes to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
ZZ Top's “Deguello”. Bought with my saved-up allowance at a grocery store.

Your last album bought?
“Go Fly A Kite” by Ben Kweller. Awesome!

Favorite album of all time?
“Hunky Dory” by David Bowie.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
3 way tie: Kim Kardashian, Heidi Montag and Paris Hilton.

First concert attended?
Kingston Trio, age 7.

Last concert?
The Wedding Present at Le Poisson Rouge, NYC.

Favorite concert ever?
Willie Nelson at Paradiso, Amsterdam 2000.

Least favorite concert?
I kind of like them all. As Woody Allen's character in the film Manhattan said about orgasms, "My worst one was right on the money."

Any thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
My drummer in the Serial Lady Killers, Angela Webster, hails from West Virginia, just outside Pittsburgh and whenever we come through town, her folks, Floyd and Stella come out to the show. I really dig Floyd and Stella. Heck, I really dig Pittsburgh.

Thanks, Rhett. Looking forward to the gig this week.

Saturday Vault

I am trying to think of how many times I have seen Rhett Miller, either with the Old 97's or solo? I think it's seven but could be more. His music means a whole hell of a lot to me and I am really excited to see him again, playing a solo gig with his new band backing band 'The Serial Lady Killers' this Wednesday. Out of the dozens of band portraits I have produced, for some reason this has always been one of my favorites.

Image Of The Day-"Valentine"

Old 97's

Sunday June 28, 2009
Hartwood Acres Amphitheater
Hampton Township

What can you say? The band is always a fun time and hanging in the park with friends and family to kick off the summer makes it even more of a blast. I am amazed that the show went on due to the fact that the skies were threatening to open up all day. We did get a ten minute downpour before show time which evidently scrapped Rhett's solo performance but hey, who's complaining?

Image of the Day-"My Two Feet"

Old 97's

Thursday October 9, 2008

WYEP-FM Studios

Southside

I was hoping for a whole band performance but instead were treated to the Ranchero Brothers. Not bad, not great. I like the new songs but prefer the old ones which we got one, Victoria, by request from a six year old in the audience. Thanks kid.