I forget where the topic came up, but this week I wondered if I’d ever been to an important concert. I’ve been to a lot of concerts, but have I ever been to an important one?

I think so…

2002 = The single, “House of The Jealous Lovers” is released

May, 2003 – I see The Rapture at Berbati’s Pan, Portland, OR

September, 2003 – “Jealous Lovers” goes on the debut album, Echoes

Ok. So, aaallllll the cool shit about this: I watched a band as it was getting its break and it was just on the verge of becoming a media darling with the indie crowd. A lot of people consider The Rapture an important band for bridging a post punk gap in dance music. And that is pretty much what they sounded like, punk dance music.

I first head them on the soundtrack for Rules of Attraction. I’d had to have found out who they were online and that’s how I’d have found out about the concert. I remember parking, in the alley, right in front of the venue. I couldn’t believe my fucking luck. I hung out in “The Pan” by myself for a bit, had a beer. Some folks showed up, met a couple of women who told me about VooDoo Donuts. I had just moved to Vancouver and had no idea. We went and got donuts and ate them outside the venue. It was a very sweet moment. Would that even happen today?

I remember The Rapture playing. The stage rise was maybe 6 inches and there was no guard. I stood in front of the band. You don’t really get to do that anymore. I remember after the show, seeing the lead singer, off to the side. He looked sad and tired. Years later I’d get the oppoutunity to ask him about that tour and we had a lovely conversation.

Just before covid, there was a bit of a reunion, but one of the members wasn’t asked back and then covid hit and that seems to be the last of The Rapture.

I’d go on to see them on all their tours, while still a full band. I did not see the last tour. But I was at that show and Echoes remains in my top 10 albums ever.