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Everybody who is anybody knows that Halloween also marked the end of the Murder City Devils. Mudhoney's Mark Arm was among the fans who showed up to pay respects and say "so long" to one of this city's most infamous bands. So did Enemymine bassist extraordinaire Mike Kunka, who's become quite chummy with the Devils these days.... Blackbooking's Chad Quierolo, dressed as a member of Devo, jumped onstage and "played" keyboards for a song, assisted heavily by Nick DeWitt, also dressed as a member of Devo. (The Navy dress uniform worn by bassist Derek Fudesco was Quierolo's from his stint in the service during the Gulf War.)
The Best Costume of the Evening Award most definitely had to go to Devils roadie Gabe, who came dressed as himself a couple of years ago. Gabe wore a long black wig and fake mustache, as well as the leather vest in which he outfitted himself nearly every night. Recently, the golden roadie traded in his traditional look for a more modern version, complete with shorn hair and more tasteful attire. Ah, but Classic Gabe was once again in the house on Halloween, and there were a lot of double takes backstage because the costume was so authentic and, well, it wasn't all that long ago....
Fittingly, the show was one of the Devils' finest, and included trademark onstage antics like fire, wrestling while singing, and stage-diving. There was hardly a dry eye in the house when singer Spencer Moody repeated "This is a love letter" over and over again as the band left the stage (sniff!) for good. Many of the band members' moms and pops were in attendance, making for some sweet moments.
At least one fan arrived too late, unaware that the show was an early, all-ages event. Halfway through the afterparty, a uniform-clad member of the Seattle Police Department made his way backstage, scaring the bejesus out of those of us who suffer from a case of Eternally Guilty Conscience. "Have the Devils played yet?" he asked hopefully. Turns out he was there to see the band, not patrol the show.
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One last goodbye, maybe: It's long been rumored that Love As Laughter's Sam Jayne is leaving town. But as with all gossip of vacating singers and band breakups, I'll believe it when I see it. That said, Jayne is scheduled to host a "Gong Show" at Nation on Thursday, November 8 in honor of his departure. He'll also be giving away some of the crap he doesn't want to lug with him to New York City. Fans and craphounds alike should gather 'round this immensely talented guy and wish him a fond, if tentative, farewell.