Show #31: Smiler Coogan’s “Inkfest”, Chicago

Show was our 3rd time at Smiler Coogans. It was promoted by Rebel Radio as ‘Inkfest’. Tattoo parlors had artists on hand representing, giving tattoos right there. I considered getting one a couple weeks in advance then decided against it 2 days before the show. The headliner was Ace of Spades, a Motorhead tribute. Another band that played was Chainsaw Johnny. They played old school hardcore like G.G. Allin. Speaking of which, we had our G.G. tribute song, “Excessive” in the set list. As we were playing I could see that someone in the crowd was wearing a G.G. shirt. I gave a speech about G.G. and him and his crew were all cheering. Half way through, during a break in the song, I called the guy up (who later ended up to be in Chainsaw Johnny) to say the line, “…and then he burned her!”. He sang it after some instruction but then held the mic into the breakdown. He started repeating the line and it was good then I motioned with my head for him to replace the mic in the stand for me. He did and we finished the song. Set was great. Met a guy from Ace of Spades later and he gave props. Many people did. It was a great crowd. I got the guy from Ace of Spades address to send him some CD’s for him and a friend. Lonnie, the owner of Skin Gallery in Downers Grove and the guy who later tattooed me, reeled me in like a fish with the line, “Oooohhhh…look at that virgin skin! You need some ink, baby!”. I told him what I wanted and he said $100 which I thought was very fair. I got a card from him and said maybe I would come to get it done. Within 2 minutes I was getting cash from an ATM and getting the shit done right there. Came out great.

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