So Friday night I went to see the Accused at Dante's. The last time I saw them play was probably about fifteen years ago. Many things have changed in that time. For one thing, I'm sure that shows back then didn't regularly start at 9:30 pm and feature 3 frickin' warm-up acts before the main attraction.

Secondly, tattoos were not uncommon back then but it's all been taken to ridiculous extremes these days. At one point I was sitting at one of the bars; I had a good view of the band except for one excitable young lady who was at the stool in front of me. As I looked past her I couldn't help but notice the sacral tattoo she, like three-quarters of the female patrons, displayed. Common enough and nothing to embarass one in later public life. It wasn't until later, after she had whirled around in her chair and knocked her gin and tonic on my leg, that I noticed she had a string of Greek letters tattooed from the base of her jaw up over her ear. Now I don't read Greek but I'm sure it was a profound epigram. What the point of tattooing it next to your face is, I dunno.

Which reminds me of seeing a guy on the bus the other day with AEQUITAS tattooed along his forearm. An admirable concept, and at least easily concealed should the occasion require.

The band themselves were fantastic, though the show seemed to end unexpectedly. Tommy Niemeyer seemed to be having problems with his equipment; he disappeared for about ten minutes at one point, leaving the rest of the band on stage with Blaine enumerating the many artists who had threatened to kick his ass should the Accused keep covering their songs (Cliff Richards foremost). When Tommy returned he smashed what I assumed were the remains of his guitar, then donned a backup. They played a few more songs and then suddenly the show was over. Odd but still enjoyable. Next time hopefully they will begin playing at a decent hour. I need my sleep.