One of my favorite parts of SXSW is the crazy things you see and hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections.
I was going out with an actress, that was my first mistake. She was going out with a musician, that was her first mistake. Antonio Lulic
It’s a real treat for us to have this guy here with us tonight. Alejandro Escovedo
We’ll see about that. Tommy Stinson
There is no greater performance than James Brown burning ass on the Rolling Stones at the TAMI show. I’m sorry, sorry my friends. And I fuckin’ love the Stones, but James Brown, boys and men. You were screwed. “I think I’ll go on after James Brown.” “Oh yeah, can you put me in the schedule somewhere after James Brown.” Fuck no! Get out, go home, save it, don’t waste it, man.
Bruce Springsteen
“Hello, my name is Bruce Springsteen.” Name badge worn by Frank Turner
Ok, if we play it will you shut the fuck up? Motion City Soundtrack, annoyed with a drunken fan adamant about his request.
“Just try my best?” Is that my mother back there? Bahamas
Every single person on the airplane yesterday was a folk singer. It made me feel not very special. Glen Hansard
It took me 20 years to figure out that I was in liquor sales, but I’ve taken to it. James McMurtry, on a career playing music in bars
I’ve been drinking since, well, the last 12 years have been kinda rough. Ben Nichols
Have I missed last call? Ben Nichols, a few minutes later
It’s SXSW. You’re supposed to start drinking when you wake up. Frank Turner
I went to SXSW and all I got was drunk. T-shirt
Doctor, my IV bottle has run out again. James McMurtry requesting another drink.
You’re over 21, right? Bartender, handing me a beer
It is early in the morning for me. Ben Nichols, halfway through a 1:40pm set.
I always play this too loud. Bob Mould before ripping into “Change Your Mind.” He wasn’t kidding.
Just hold off one more second. Glen Hansard, finishing a solo acoustic set as an electric band kicked in next door
We’re gonna sing it loud so that they can hear us in the Hooters parking lot. Tom Morello, signaling towards the Hooters situated up the road.
I know this looks like fun, but this is my job. Kindly do not fuck with me. T-shirt worn by a sound guy
I still do that, don’t you? Come on, you gotta check your moves! Bruce Springsteen, on playing guitar in front of a mirror
I swear I tuned this guitar before I left Canada. Bahamas, while tuning. Again.
Every year they ship the stage in from the UK, which is a mighty feat of engineering when you consider that you can get the same thing down the road in Austin. Antonio Lulic describing the stage in the venue temporarily known as the British Embassy.
How much time have I got? It’s a short set today. Fuck it. More songs. Frank Turner
Thank you very much Texas, or as I like to call you, ‘Old Mexico.’ Archie Powell
We’re playing 127 shows over the next 3 days. This is the first one and we’re off to a good start. We’ll be playing anywhere there is a pa. Bahamas
Listen up youngsters, this is how successful theft is accomplished. Bruce Springsteen, after showing how similar the riff from the Animals’ “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” is to his own “Badlands”
I’m not a miserable wreck, so what do I write about? John Doe
“Loving me is like pissing in the wind.” Chorus of “Pissing in the Wind” by the Bluebonnets
“Yes I’m drunk but damn you’re ugly.” Lyric from “Red Dress” by James McMurtry
We’ve never tried this before but we’re gonna try surround sound. The Lumineers, spreading themselves throughout the church sanctuary in which they were playing
We were all ‘new Dylans.’ The old Dylan was only 30, I don’t even know why they even needed a new Dylan. Bruce Springsteen
Let that guy in, he’s my friend. (pause) I just met that guy on the street, he’s a good guy. Glen Hansard, upon seeing a guy stopped at the door by security.
If you’re from here, it’s damn good to see you again. If you’re not from here, it’s damn good to see you again. Jon Dee Graham
There are no happy accidents, only beautiful mistakes. Written on the bathroom wall at the legendary Continental Club
If you like these quotes, be sure to check out the words of wisdom from year’s past here.
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About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.