saturday april 2nd at las palmas
It was a long and busy week. Knowing we had a show gave us another reason to look forward to the weekend. After opening for Bang Tango the week before, we were hoping this show wouldn't be a let down. Coming off of a practice the night before, we were all a little tired. That didn't matter too much because we had our friends Tainted Perception helping us out for this show.
Things started off a little stressful. We had almost an hour late start loading our equipment into the venue so set up was quite rushed and hectic. The good news is that I don't think we've ever set up that quickly before. All that rushing bought us back a little bit of time, Tainted Perception started at 10 instead of 9:30; not too bad. Reason started playing around 11:20 so overall we only lost about 20 minutes of playing time. Because of that we played around with our setlist a bit; using it more as a suggestion list, especially in our second set. The crowd this night was great! Lots of good friends, some of which we hadn't seen in a while. After playing about 1/2 of the songs in our second set, we decided to reward their enthusiasm by playing some requests. Apparently the crowd was having a better time than we thought because that request session lasted about 1/2 hour. We even played a Reason original that we had been working on. Although it was not 100% polished, the response was positive and that gave us a good feeling about going into the studio in a couple of weeks. Thanks to Las Palmas, Tainted Perception, and everybody who came to the show. We had a great time!
--Steve S--vocals--
friday March 25th at Smokin' joe's (bang tango)
Reason has had our share of ups and downs as a band. Despite our line-up changes, drinking issues, band member death, personal problems, indescretions, and bad shows, we still have some positive stand out moments; and this show was one of them. For the second time in less than 1 year, Reason had been asked to open up for a nationally touring band. The first time was last May for "Bug Girl" from Australia, and this time it was for 80's rockers "Bang Tango".
Going on my 4th year in Reason, and with over 60 shows of experience, I don't often get nervous before a show anymore, however; this one got to me. There was a lot riding on this show. The ace in our deck was that Reason always plays well when we open up a show, maybe because the alcohol hasn't hit us yet. Still, this wasn't just a normal opening spot...this was for a band that had the career, the videos on MTV, record sales, and 20 years later still has name recognition. Add to this the fact that I knew about 1/2 the people in Smokin' Joe's this night, some of whom hadn't seen us before, and this was an opportunity I didn't want to go badly; neither did the other members of Reason Duane, Greg, and Steve G. We came on stage with a set list that we felt showed of our diversity of music styles, but still remained true to our personality as a band. We played to a crowd who was there to see the head liner, Bang Tango, but I think we captured their attention. We received positive response after many of our songs, played a request, and even heard "encore". Due to time constraints, however, we could not indulge.
Sure, Reason has a questionable reputation, but that was our own doing. We know where our problems stem from and, with our renewed commitment to band success, hopefully we can shake the old Reason reputation. We are still Reason, and we WILL still party; that's who we are, what we do, and why people like coming to Reason shows. We will just save the hard partying for when we aren't performing on stage.
--Steve S--vocals--
Saturday March 12th at Sheehan's Pub
Since St. Patrick's Day fell during the week, we had our choice between two weekends to have our show on; and what better place to have a St. Patrick's Day show than a "pub".
This was our first time playing this venue. Reason hasn't played a completely new venue in a little while and we hoped the "new venue gremlins" had forgotten all about us. Loading in and setting up went off without any problems, but when the time came to power up everything...well, the circuits couldn't handle it. It took us a little time, and a few extension cords, to find the right combination of equipment and outlets to get everything going...well almost everything. We opted to not use our power amp to save some strain on the circuits.
Reason played our first set with a lot of energy, both from us and the crowd, and few mistakes; maybe the luck of the Irish was with us and chased the gremlins away. During our 1st break we heard something that has never been said at a Reason show before, "You guys are too quiet. We can hardly hear you.". Well, we knew how to fix that!
--Steve S--vocals--
Saturday february 19th at on the limiter
Anytime you can get together with some good friends, that's enough of a reason for a party and, even though my actual birthday wasn't for 4 more days, this was STEVEMAS 2011 and some of my good friends were there so a party was guaranteed.
Knowing that I was going to celebrate in style, I planned ahead and had a designated driver (hint, hint). I also planned on REASON playing 1st and the great guys in Tainted Perception were willing to play out the rest of the night. REASON played a great set. We got to perform some of our newer songs that people who haven't seen us in a while haven't heard before. It was great to see some old faces, as well as the new faces. It was also great to see Tainted Perception out again. They did a great job and we certainly look forward to doing more shows together in the future. My personal thanks go out to Bob at OtL, Dan for working sound, Leah for the safe ride, my bandmates and drinking buddies in REASON, PJ - Scott - Mike - Tom from Tainted Perception, and everybody that showed up for the show and to help celebrate my birthday.
--Steve S--vocals--
Saturday february 5th at deano's
If it's February, there must be a birthday celebration going on somewhere; we had two this night. This is the shortest month of the, but such a busy one. Our drummer Greg and Paul from Jack Damage were both celebrating their respective days birth. By now you all know that Reason likes to party, and a show plus two birthdays...well, let's just say it was a party. While this show wasn't our best performance, everyone still had fun (and that's the most important thing). Jack Damage put on a good show however; the benefit of playing first at a party. They are good musicians and we've played shows with them before when they went by Chrome Illusion, so we know they will put on a good show.
Reason sends out our thanks to Jack Damage, Deano's, Duckpuke, and everyone that showed up to wish the two birthday boys a happy birthday. See you all (and all your friends) at the next Reason show, which is also a birthday party...hint hint.
--Steve S---vocals--
Saturday January 22nd at Las Palmas
The first show after our holiday break is a very important one; it sets the tone for the upcoming year. If we have a good show and we're all excited and hopeful for a good year, if it's a bad show...well, let's hope for a good show.
This was certainly a good show to start the year off with and, although we were doing the whole show by ourselves, we still kept the energy level high throughout our sets. The crowd was awesome and seemed as eager to entertain us as we were to entertain them. Even though Reason wasn't workin with another band this night, there were still some musicians that helped us out that we want to thank. Thank you Paul (formerly Beerfish and currently Jack Damage) for the guest vocals and also former Reason member Markus for guest vocals and guitar. This show was an amazing party atmosphere. Thank you musicians, Las Palmas, and most of all you the audience!
--Steve S--vocals--
Friday november 26th at Vnuk's
Taking the stage at Vnuk's was a mini dream come true. Looking back at some of the big names that have played there before: Exodus, George Lynch, Pat Travers, and Joey Belladona just to name a few, made the stage feel like hallowed ground. Performing on that stage was like being in a different world; like nothing else was out past it and, with the lights shining down on you, you couldn't see if anything even was.
This was Reason's last show of 2010, a year which has been fairly good to us. As a band we put on much better shows, played new places, made new friends, we even got to play a show together with the nationally (and internationally) touring band BUG GIRL, and now we got to play the biggest stage we have up to this point. We had a great time and put on a good performance as did the two other bands working with us this night LIQUID STEEL and EVERY BODY.
This was a good show to end the year and build on for 2011.
--Steve S--vocals--
Saturday november 13th at on the limiter
Reason has the repuation as a hard partying band, and our goal is to make sure the people who come to see us have a good time and party just as hard as we do. This night's party kicked off with Stuntcock, another band that likes to have fun on stage and interact with the crowd. The boys in Stuntcock did an amazing job entertaining the crowd and us as well.
When Reason took the stage, we were pumped and ready to give a good performance. We were feeling great, and our 1st set performance reflected that fact. We wanted to make an instant impression on the crowd and set a tone for the show, so we started out with some of the heaviest songs from our playlist. We gave a strong effort through the entire 1st set, maybe a little too much effort because by the end of the 2nd set Reason was noticably tired (and a little slow on timing). The crowd was a party crowd and, even tho we were spent, kept asking for more. We love our fans. I've said it before and it's still true; Reason has the best fans!
--Steve S--vocals--
Saturday october 30th at las palmas
Halloween weekend is always full of so many parties and places to go that Reason just had to get in on the fun. We had a great time playing and enjoying the costumes. Of course the womens' costumes were our favorite, but we appreciated all the efforts. Another effort Reason appreciated was the one put forth by our friend Craig and his new band. They opened up the show and did an amazing job. Also amazing was the energy level of the crowd. Could it have been because of Halloween, or were they eager to see us; afterall our last show was almost 2 months ago.
It certainly felt good to be back out and playing. The little break was nice, but Reason missed our friends and fans. We love seeing familiar faces and new faces, and we hope that many of those new faces will become familiar faces. Reason extends our gratitude to all of those who showed up, whether it was for the entire night or just part. See you all at the next show.
--Steve S--vocals--
Saturday september 4th at dino'z
Reason has played Dino'z before, but that was at the old location. This new location was a new venue for us, just with the same name.
We can't even begin to talk about this show without thanking Joe & Laura who were having their bachlor/bachlorette party there and insisted that Reason play their party. We had so much fun playing this show. The venue was great and the crowd was even better. So much energy was given off that Reason couldn't help but give back. From the begining we knew this was going to be a great crowd, and great crowds help Reason put on great shows. Also present in the crowd were some Reason friends that we haven't seen for a few shows and some personal friends that we haven't seen in years.
This was a party crowd and, anyone who knows us also knows, Reason loves to party! From the crowd interaction to guest vocal appearances, this was a fun show for us to play and a great show to use as the foundation for the upcoming bar season.
--Steve S--vocals--
Saturday august 14th at zad's
Summertime in Wisconsin is a tough time to be playing indoors. We had a great time playing for those dedicated Reason fans that spent a near perfect summer night indoors. It was also great working with a band we havent before. Reason extends our gratitude to Mario Medina and his solo effort band (((Amps for Buddha))).
Upon Reason's arrival to Zad's for set-up we were a bit suprised by the construction going on. 2nd street was completely torn up which made parking, and the subsequent unloading, nothing short of an ordeal. If there is one thing a working band knows it is perseverance so, without complaining, we did what we were there to do.
A band can look at an early night in two ways: 1 - They can be upset or 2 - They can use the extra time to socialize with the dedicated friends and fans that did attend. Reason chose the latter because we're all about having a good time.
--Steve S--vocals--
Saturday july 24th at smokin' joe's
Smokin' Joe's take two. We knew this show would be better than the last, if for no other reason, because I was not sick this time. I personally felt like I had something to prove so all week I was psyching myself up for the show. As a band you always want to put on a good show and you can only put on a good show as a band; so, before we took the stage, the four of us had huddle and vowed to not worry about mistakes and just have fun. How can you not have fun when you play a show with Mad Laughter.
From the moment we started playing we could feel that each member of Reason brought energy and were ready and willing to put on a show. The music industry has become more about business and gotten away from what it was intended to be, entertainment. When a band entertains then everyone has a good time, the band, the crowd, and the house. There is no greater feeling one can have than seeing people having fun and knowing it's because of you.
On that subject, yet a sadder note, the Milwaukee music scene lost a very important member, and great supporter, the weekend before. Nick Weid was a man who could cause anybody to have fun just by his presence. His premature passing leaves a void in the life of anyone that knew him.
--Steve S--vocals--
Saturday july 10th at Las Palmas
A "less than ideal" lead into this show would be an understatement. Since our last show back in the end of May, Reason has had one all but disasterous practice followed by three weeks of no practice due to band member vacations before a Summerfest hangover and subsequent hair of the dog late night practice on July 3rd necessitating the need for another late night practice on the Friday immediatly preceding the show to which the singer was nearly 1 1/2 hr. late because he improperly set his alarm (hand to god, I swear). How could this show possibly be any good? It was because of the support of our loyal fans, that's how.
Aside from all that, there were even more obstacles facing us including this being the first weekend of the newly enacted smoking ban. We weren't sure how that was going to affect the size of the crowd. No doubt it did keep some people away, smoking bans always do at first. The smokers that did attend didn't seem to mind going outside; well, they didn't vocalize it anyways. Reason was also doing this show without an opening band so the energy level toward the end of the night was certainly a great concern of ours. What is a band to do when they begin to tire? You call out a sociable and encourage people to have another drink. We get a bit of a breather (which we like), the bar gets more money (which they like), and the fans get more alcohol (which they like). It's a win-win-win situation.
All in all it was a solid show for what it was. Those in attendance had a great time which we love to see because that helps us step up our game, like hitting the nitrous button in a drag race. We hope to see all of you, and your friends, at our next show. Reason and Mad Laughter shows are always a great evening!
--Steve S--vocals--
saturday may 29th at Las Palmas
Reason was riding quite high after our previous show opening for Bug Girl, so we had to be careful of a let down show. The technical aspect, however, is not the the only determing factor of a good show. The problem is that it is easy for a band to focus on because it is the easiest for a band to control. More important than a "technically good" show, is a show that people have fun at and enjoy themselves. We are entertainers after all. We do this for fun; both fun for us, and those who come to see us.
Reason sends our thanks out to Tainted Perception for joining us this evening. We always have a good time when working with PJ and the boys. Our thanks also to Las Palmas for having us back (putting up with us); we are getting much better about not swearing into the mics.
--Steve S--vocals--
show wednesday may 19th at zad's
Opening for nationally is an opportunity that cannot be passed up, especially when it's all but gift-wrapped for you. We definately must thank Eric from Toxic Pussy for the hook-up with Roostar on this one.
Something about opening for another band brings out Reason's "A-game". This was a "once in a lifetime" chance, and we were saying to ourselves from the time we first found out about it that we "had to have a good show". We did, and then some! This could have been Reason's best show to date. Everything was clicking this night; whether it was...well I don't know what it was and I'm not going to try and anaylize it. Reason had a great show.
Bug Girl, out of Australia, was the headliner this night, and deservedly so. As good as a show that we did, Bug Girl equaled or bettered that. The very talented Amber and Clinno showed us how they rock in Australia. Clinno pounding out drumbeats with the precision of a surgeon, and Amber shreading that axe and belting out vocals with her sultry, rock goddess aura. The best part of the evening was getting to know them as the wonderful people they are!
--Steve S--vocals--
Friday may 14th at On the Limiter
REASON was back at On the Limiter and back with TAINTED PERCEPTION. Tainted has a new vocalist and are eager to get out and play again.
This was our first of three shows this month; not only in one month, but three shows in 16 days. It will be interresting to see how they all go. This show was a good to begin the three show gauntlet. This was a solid show featuring a good performance by everyone. Shaking the title of "Milwaukee's drunkest band" is most likely something that will never happen; Reason likes to party and have a good time and we like our fans to do the same. We're a party band, but were musically a better party band now. Hard work pays off people! If you haven't seen Reason recently, your missing out.
--Steve S--vocals--
Saturday april 10th at Zad's
This was Reason's second show of 2010 at a new venue for us. While it was a new place, we were surrounded with old friends, so it was a very relaxed atmosphere. Our hard work over the winter break has really helped us keep the 2010 shows fresh. We have more songs to cycle into the set-lists and we can even "tailor" our set-lists depending on the venue we are playing at. We played a heavier set for this show.
Of course having more songs in our library means that our fans have more songs to request. Reason played 4 or 5 songs that weren't on our set-list, but you gotta keep the fans happy (even if you haven't practiced some of those songs for a while). When things like that happen, it gives us a great feeling knowing that we are playing songs that people like, remember, and want to hear again.
--Steve S--vocals--
Saturday march 13th at las palmas
Reason's "good show train" left the station at Deano's and picked up speed at On the Limiter. What would Las Palmas be like?
Our first time playing at Las Palmas was near the end of a long year. We were getting tired, tempers were getting short, and all four of us were wondering what would come out of our impending break. This time was the complete opposite; we're near the beginning of the year, we're relaxed and refreshed after our time off, and we know what came from our break. Reason was going to attempt this show on our own, but at the 11th hour, our good friend Craig and the bass player of his band "Chrome Illusion" asked if they could do a short blues jam session with our drummer Greg. We were more than happy to oblige, concidering there are some songs in our repetoire that we really shouldn't play there.
We came to play Las Palmas this time, and we did. Another emphatic crowd fueled the Reason "good show train" and we were rolling. The house was rockin that night, we even appealed to the next generation, prooving that rock and roll and old school metal will always have a following. Good times had by all, and it wasn't only from the margaritas. With almost a month to prepare for our next show, Reason hopes to iron out the last few glitches in some of our songs and, with any luck, have some new material ready.
The Reason "good show train" is rolling. Do you have your ticket yet?
--Steve S--vocals--
Saturday February 27th at On the Limiter
This was a big show for us for a number of reasons: (1) this was our first time playing at On the Limiter, (2) we wanted to follow up our last show with another good one, (3) it was -STEVEMAS 2010- my birthday party.
I can't even begin to describe how great it felt to see many of my friends, especially those who don't come out that often. Seeing all of them having a good time was even better. Putting on a good show for them tops everything. While I'm on the subject of putting on a good show; Totschlager, our opening band, did just that. It was great to work with them again. Their youth, skill, and energy were quite invigorating, especially on a day when you are reminded that you're getting older. Keep up the great work guys!
Reason played a pretty darn good show ourselves. Right from the first song there was the feeling this was going to be one of those shows where things just worked. The crowd was into it and that always makes things much easier, our new songs seemed to go over quite well, and we kept the "good show train" on the tracks. Let's see how far we can take it.
--Steve S--vocals--
Saturday February 13 at Deano's
It has been a while since Reason has played a show, early November to be exact, so we were prepared for either of two outcomes; we were either going to be well rested and eager to play, or rusty from too much time off. We were less prepared for the latter and, quite honestly, didn't want that to happen.
With this being our first show of the 2010 season, we knew this show would set the tone for the rest of the year. A good show would be a great foundation to build upon, but a bad show...well that thought wasn't high on our list. As show date grew near we were becoming anxious to play and see if our hard work during the break would proove worthwhile. When the show date finally arrived we all met to load up, as per usual, and quickly remembered how much carrying all of our equipment up from the basement SUCKED! All that aside it was like riding a bike. We arrived at Deano's and proceeded to unload, set up, and wait for showtime. When our good friends, and opening band ToXic Pussy showed up, it felt like we never had a break. The talking, B S-ing, and comradery were instant; like no time had passed.
The instant ToXic began their set (with 2 new members btw) we knew we had to bring our A game. They were ON! Great job bringing that all together in three short months guys! When the time came for REASON to entertain, we had a "let's give 'em hell" attitude, and that's just what we did. Seeing some of our old friends show up in support was amazing. You haven't forgotten us as we haven't forgotten you. We gave you a heck of a show; three months in the making.
I suppose it wouldn't be a journal if I'd left out anything major. I didn't want to make a big deal of it, but Steve Gee gave me props during the show. This show was a big ? due to the fact that earlier that very same week I had lost my mother. Even though Duane, Greg, and Steve completely understood if I couldn't do the show, I had many reasons (no pun intended) to go on with the show. One - to take my mind off of things, two - my mother would want me to do something I enjoy, and three - to show my appreciation to the guys for their support through all of this. I don't say this for sympathy, just to reitterate the fact that the members of the REASON family are some of the greatest people I have met and I am truely gifted to have them in my life. We may never take the world (or region) by storm, but the character of the REASON family cannot be denied.
Are you a member?
--Steve S--vocals--
Saturday November 7th at Big Daddy's Nip House
Road trips are an important part of American culture so, being the proud Americans that we are, Reason couldn't pass up the opportunity to take one.
Rhinelander is a small, laid back, and quiet town, at least by our standards anyways. When you are used to living in the most densely populated region of the state, any city you're in where a 10 minute drive will get you far enough away from the lights to see hundreds of stars in the sky is small. We rolled into town around 3:30 in the afternoon to the bewildering lack of traffic that apparently is more the norm than the exception. We momentarily wondered what size crowd would show, but quickly put that out of our heads and began unloading. After one of the quickest unloads that I can remember thanks to the help of Toxic Pussy, we began to set up while members of the aformentioned Toxic Pussy went around to some of their former stomping grounds to do some promoting. With set up complete and sound check done, Reason made our way back to the motel for naps and showers. I know what you're thinking, but we got that out of our systems and partied hard the previous night because we want to be reasonably straight and put on a great last show so we could go into our break with a positive attitude. Returning to Big Daddy's ready to play, Reason was greeted by a larger than expected crowd and free beer all night; not only 1 pitcher or a few drink tickets or even a bar tab, but free beer all night-gotta love that north woods hospitality. Toxic Pussy finished their set our time to play was fast approaching. To keep the night moving and the crowd interrested, we did not want to wait too long between bands. We played two solid sets with minimal "oopses" and felt good about our performance. Toxic Pussy invited us to an after party and since, even though the beer was free, we monitored our alcohol intake, we took them up on the offer. "Where are we going?" said Reason. "Just follow us." was the reply. Now anytime someone is put in unfamiliar surroundings, common sense and ration thinking are slightly skewed. Add alcohol and our twisted sense of humor to that and the drive, which in actuality was about10-15 minutes, seemed to take an hour. We were wondering if we were following a serial killer who was planning on turning us into lampshades and breakfast. We arrived at the party and had our laughs, especially after noticing the smokehouse across the road, and proceeded inside and met some really nice people who gave us free beer-more northwoods hospitality. Reason thanks Toxic Pussy and Big Daddy's Nip House for setting up the show, Dean for helping us haul and set up (we couldn't have done it without you), the amazingly friendly people of Rhinelander, egg salad sandwhiches, and to the subject of local fokelore, and many humorous conversations, the Hodag. I still don't 100% know what it is or if I'm spelling it correctly.--Steve--vocals--
Saturday October 17th at Las Palmas
Reason's last local show of 2009 was certainly a memorable one for better or for worse. We were surrounded by our friends so the atmosphere was more of a party then of a show, and everyone knows by now that Reason will not miss an opportunity to party.
Chrome Illusion started out the party. Their classic rock/blues sound went over very well, and they put on a good show. Our turn to play came around and the first set went fairly well. Given the layout of Las Palmas with a restaurant in front of the bar, we opted for a more mellow set list which ment we were playing some songs we hadn't played in a while. After a set break that seemed just long enough for the alcohol's wanted effect to give way to its unwanted effect, we started into our second set. It took only a few songs for us to realize this was not going to be one of our best sets, but this ended up being a party, right?--Steve--vocals--