I was cleaning out my storage unit and ran across one of my highschool band’s lyric notebooks… probably from the mid 90s. We were really inspired by you (and Throwing Muses, Cocteau Twins and so many others!) We were devotees. Those days led to a long fulfilling music career. Thank you so much for the inspiration and years of good music!
I am really glad you are on Substack. I was a big fan of yours in the 90's and still a fan in 2025. This piece highlights the scrappy, independent spirit of Gen X.
Did they have AAA back then? Even now, on your tours, you can get the "basic" or the "Gold Card", which is a new thing. ($116/year: tows you 100 miles, brings lots of gas, unlocks, jump starts, tire changes and more!)
As a single woman driving a 2005 car, I've found it to be a lifesaver. I just upgraded to the gold card so if I'm away from home in Evanston or Chicago, they'll tow me to MY preferred shop. This may not work on a tour but it's a cheap form of security when driving an older van/car. Just my 2 cents. Xojul
Gee whiz you guys were not making a lot of money. This reminds me of the road trip scene from Dumb and Dumber where Lloyd overspends on frivolous stuff.
And honestly, it’s hard for me to imagine you doing all the driving. And then arriving in Columbia RIGHT before you gotta get squared away at your gig!
Oh, and I know those gnats- I went to jump school at Fort Benning, GA. I will never go back.
Your driving reminds me of a Rolling Stone interview of Prince where they did the interview with Prince driving an old 50’s classic: it was noted how precisely he obeyed the law and precisely maneuvered the vehicle.
This also reminds me of when I was in a band, I JUST bought a Toyota truck, 4x2 V6, ext. cab, we had a special gig in lower Manhattan and I drove by myself from Cincinnati with everyone’s gear in the open bed. Pennsylvania was crazy boring on the I-didn’t-know-anything-about toll roads.
Juliana, you must have felt something unique transcribing your own words like this. I wonder if that was fun or not. I imagine you have decent typing skills?
Nevertheless, thank you for the post. What an eye opener!
I didn't need evil spirits to get in a bunch of wrecks. I did it the old-fashioned way: ADHD, poor reflexes, and a complete lack of motor skills and coordination.
I was cleaning out my storage unit and ran across one of my highschool band’s lyric notebooks… probably from the mid 90s. We were really inspired by you (and Throwing Muses, Cocteau Twins and so many others!) We were devotees. Those days led to a long fulfilling music career. Thank you so much for the inspiration and years of good music!
I am really glad you are on Substack. I was a big fan of yours in the 90's and still a fan in 2025. This piece highlights the scrappy, independent spirit of Gen X.
Did they have AAA back then? Even now, on your tours, you can get the "basic" or the "Gold Card", which is a new thing. ($116/year: tows you 100 miles, brings lots of gas, unlocks, jump starts, tire changes and more!)
As a single woman driving a 2005 car, I've found it to be a lifesaver. I just upgraded to the gold card so if I'm away from home in Evanston or Chicago, they'll tow me to MY preferred shop. This may not work on a tour but it's a cheap form of security when driving an older van/car. Just my 2 cents. Xojul
I hope life on the road these days is a little more genteel.
Gee whiz you guys were not making a lot of money. This reminds me of the road trip scene from Dumb and Dumber where Lloyd overspends on frivolous stuff.
And honestly, it’s hard for me to imagine you doing all the driving. And then arriving in Columbia RIGHT before you gotta get squared away at your gig!
Oh, and I know those gnats- I went to jump school at Fort Benning, GA. I will never go back.
Your driving reminds me of a Rolling Stone interview of Prince where they did the interview with Prince driving an old 50’s classic: it was noted how precisely he obeyed the law and precisely maneuvered the vehicle.
This also reminds me of when I was in a band, I JUST bought a Toyota truck, 4x2 V6, ext. cab, we had a special gig in lower Manhattan and I drove by myself from Cincinnati with everyone’s gear in the open bed. Pennsylvania was crazy boring on the I-didn’t-know-anything-about toll roads.
Juliana, you must have felt something unique transcribing your own words like this. I wonder if that was fun or not. I imagine you have decent typing skills?
Nevertheless, thank you for the post. What an eye opener!
I didn't need evil spirits to get in a bunch of wrecks. I did it the old-fashioned way: ADHD, poor reflexes, and a complete lack of motor skills and coordination.
I stopped driving, but only after I lost half a thumb. Eh. You win thumb, you lose thumb.
Blimey, a reliable mechanic - you lucked out there! How are you getting on with the whale? 🐳
You may have invented the power nap in 1990!
you were wise to retain control of that vehicle. Cars can have spirits, same with boats.
not alone in van-fear!!! i (now) suppose it was a common thing, back then.