Confessions of an Extreme Music Fan: Me, The Tank, The Swan, and Andy Bell0

by Brian Johnson

There are many opportunities to have an extraordinary experience that can transcend your expectations of a traditional event. Case in point, my adventures at an Erasure show – featuring UK crooner Andy Bell and synth-pop legend Vincent Clarke (very formerly of Depeche Mode, Yazoo, and The Assembly) – during their Phantasmagorical Entertainment tour of 1992.

When it was announced that a residency of ten nights would descend upon the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles, my extreme state of fandom naturally predetermined that I would attend a minimum of five nights. This was not an option (in my mind) as per usual with the bands I’m into, it was a mandate that would lead me to an experience that I would still be talking about a mere 18 years later…

Since the venue only supported general admission for these shows, me and my buddy arrived almost eight hours early, to ensure that Donovan (my proverbial partner in-crime) and I would be at the front of the pack. As we patiently waited at the head of the queue, the all-too familiar ‘thump, thump’ of the soundcheck drew me to investigate further. I asked Donovan to hold our place while curiosity got the better of me. Scurrying off in a rather hap-hazard fashion I quickly found an open door and a serious increase in volume.

Once inside, I had made my way to the beautifully and carefully decorated stage encountering no resistance, as those who were working there naturally assumed I was in the right place (at the right time). Getting lost in the shuffle can be a wonderful thing, until the gig is up.

After a good solid ten minutes of inspecting the sets on stage, perusing through the dozens of costumes for the performance, the hammer of fate came crashing down and allowed my quick-wit and SAL (shit-ass-luck) to propel me further into the moment than I ever thought possible.

“Who are you, and what are you doing here?” These were the words that bellowed from the leader of the stage crew over the rather intense soundcheck that offered a mere glimpse of the show to come.

Inspiration flashed like light of a sequin that moment, and In response I said, “I’m here to interview the band for the Erasure fan-club of Los Angeles. Do you know when Andy and Vince will be arriving to the venue for this evening’s performance?”

When in doubt, always answer a question with another question as it will keep your interrogator off guard and hopefully allow you some breathing room.

Sizing me up, and thinking about it for the briefest of moments, he told me that the lads would not be able to make the soundcheck due to their schedules. Undaunted, I countered with a second question, “Do you think you could give me a tour of the sets, the costumes, and Vince’s tank?” The tank being the unique vehicle that served as command central for the concert and contained at least one-dozen keyboards and enough electronic wizardry to get even Dr. Who excited.

“Well, that seems reasonable as you will not be able to interview the band.” I couldn’t believe it! My BS story not only worked, but it took me to the promised land. All the while Donovan was at the head of the queue, watching me on the security monitors that were within his viewing distance.

I had the chance to enter Vince’s tank, hold up some of the costumes that would be used later that night, and inspect each of the props to be used, and examine each of the sets on stage. There was a hand built swan that Andy would sit in and ride across the stage on, and a hot air balloon with a basket that would carry him high above it – and many other props that were more wonderful than the last one.

The Erasure – The Tank, The Swan, and The Balloon Live tour was captured on a DVD that can be purchased at your local high-street shop or via Amazon.com. The official Erasure web page for the tour and DVD can be found here.

An extreme moment from an extreme fan.

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