What got you into the Protomen in the first place? Were you a Megaman fan, did a friend just send you the music, what?
I had never heard of the Protomen until I saw their show at PAX East 2010. I was very sick that day and had actually planned on skipping the Friday night concerts, or at least napping until Front’s set, but Tycho (who is an old friend) urged me to check out the first band. They happened to be sound checking as we walked into Main Theatre, and when I saw all the facepaint and helmets I was not quite sure what to think. Then my face was rocked off and I was hooked.
How did you feel about them when you first heard their music?
I liked that they were so theatrical, and so unlike other nerd bands I’d seen before. I was blown away by Panther’s voice and appreciated Reanimator’s antics.
How do you feel about them now?
They are my favorite band, without question. And also some of my favorite people in the world.
Have you been to a live show? What was that like for you?
I have been to 17 Protomen shows. There’s a list of the first 16 here, and the 17th was the Santos Party House show on November 9th. Best, by far, was the Act I vinyl release show in Nashville (recap here).
Are you in other band-related fandoms? How are those similar to this one? How are they different?
I don’t speak your crazy moon language. There are lot of other bands I like.
Have you been to live shows by other bands? How are those similar? How are they different?
I’m 30 and I live in NYC, so I’ve been to dozens (hundreds?) of live shows. I think what distinguishes the Protomen live from other bands I like is usually the high energy level of the crowd and the sheer theatricality of the stage show, though Skinny Puppy comes close on both of these. Here are my five favorite shows ever.
Have you met anyone from the band? What was your experience in meeting them?
I consider everyone in the band to be a friend at this point, but KILROY is my faux-brother.
If you’ve met other band members, how did those meetings differ from your meeting with the Protomen?
I won a Webby Award in 2009, which happened to be the same year that Trent Reznor won one. I met him at the ceremony and we chatted for a few minutes and it was fairly surreal. He was very pleasant and much more tan than I expected. I have met Ogre and cEvin Key as well, but it was many years ago and I can’t recall anything except that I was backstage at Limelight and we had a couple of beers and I made them sign my ticket stub.
Have you ever done anything special for the band (gift baskets, videos, presents, etc)?
For local shows (which includes essentially any show I don’t have to fly to) I bring a care package which usually contains snacks, booze, makeup wipes, and something silly like American flag socks or a few packs of Garbage Pail Kids. Usually also some drumsticks for Reanimator.
Have you ever done anything like that for another band that you’re a fan of?
Not that I can recall.
If you did something special, what was their reaction?
My care packages are usually well received and the contents rapidly devoured. Even the socks. Seriously, it’s like feeding a pack of velociraptors.