Our modes of transportation for coming in and out of downtown Chicago (mostly for metal concerts) was relying on friends for rides. Reasons were simple: I was too young to drive & my brother had a four seat sporty camaro that only fit two people comfortably. Usually we went as a group of 6 to these shows so it made sense for two people to drive. Oversized SUVs were not around at this time.
Given everyone's different schedules, it was best for both groups to meet at the concert venue rather than all go up together. I went with the group that arrived late and remember walking in just as Demented Ted finished. Next up was Gorefest, touring for their legendary 'False' album. Due to the late arrival, I was stuck in the middle of the mosh pit area gracefully joining other headbangers to air guitar to classics such as 'State of Mind', 'Get A Life', & 'The Glorious Dead.' Interesting enough, Gorefest would not tour the US again.
Since the Oak Theater had an upstairs seated balcony, we rushed up to cool off while Sacrifice entertained.
Death took the stage. They were touring for 'Individual Thought Patterns' and filling the spot for Any LaRoque was Ralph Santolla. I enjoyed just about every single song including 'Living Monstrosity', 'Lack of Comprehension', 'Flattening Of Emotions', 'The Philosopher', 'Pull The Plug', etc… The crowd was more enthused and you could tell by comments such as, "Steve DiGorgio…GOD OF BASS!!!" What do you think his reaction was? No, he was not a rock star that shrugged it off. It was a big smile and cheers to the entire crowd.
After the show, fans brave enough to stay after had a chance to 'hang' with the bands outside the venue adjacent the tour buses. Boudewijn Bonebakker (nice name!), lead guitarist of Gorefest, was not the friendliest cat. Just a simple conversation would have been nice but this guy had no clue. I remember asking him, "How is it touring with Death?" And unfortunately I got a slap in the face response. It was, "I already told the others…I am not into their music at all." By the way, this was AFTER I asked him to sign my Gorefest tape. What a cunt!
Chuck & Gene were the only guys from Death signing autographs, taking photos, and listening to fans fire questions away. Someone actually had the balls to ask Chuck his thoughts on the Massacre - From Beyond album which he happily replied, "I think it's a piece of shit!" He was right. Finally, Gene had a great sense of humor and did not bullshit around. Another interesting question was asked, but this time to Gene, "Are you going to be on the next Death album?" His response, "I don't know ask Chuck. He is the band."
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