17 Comments
User's avatar
Cath's avatar

I saw the Beths a couple weeks ago, but they were the openers! I was glad we got there early enough to catch their set (we had seats; it was not a hardship) because they're so good! She also thanked everyone for being there because "I know it's not compulsory," so it seemed like she knows the mixed feelings about opening a show, lol.

Expand full comment
Josh Gondelman's avatar

They're so good! (And seats make a big difference hahah!)

Expand full comment
j.keef's avatar

I was fortunate to see The Beths as a headliner in June (also way in the back standing) and as opening act for The National in August - closer than the first time possibly and with seats. Both times amazing, definitely one of my recent fave bands.

Expand full comment
Joey Held's avatar

The opening act resonates with me — though the moment that most jumps to mind is when my band was once a closing act (i.e. AFTER the headliner).

Senses Fail played a show on an outside stage and the only way to leave the venue was by walking inside and out the front door. We were playing on the inside stage, watching most of the people leaving and being confused why there was still music going on. But a few dozen folks stuck around and we had an awesome time!

Expand full comment
Josh Gondelman's avatar

Whoa that rules that it came out so well!

Expand full comment
Izzie T's avatar

Ty for your share. I'm always willing to give of self...🤗🤪...cheer up plz...we all need to stick together now, I'd say. In loving light may we all shine, toghther.

Expand full comment
Josh Gondelman's avatar

That's a really nice way to put it!

Expand full comment
Izzie T's avatar

Ty. I'm interested in reading more of your stuff. I only half read this one. I'm super busy with my life shi*... I hope you are in a good place today...😉...take care!

Expand full comment
Lori M's avatar

Bizzy’s costume is awesome!

Expand full comment
Josh Gondelman's avatar

Stunning, imo!

Expand full comment
Mary Ellen's avatar

Ooooh, I love The Beths!

Expand full comment
Josh Gondelman's avatar

So great, right?

Expand full comment
Charlotte Shane's avatar

The first line is so real 😔

Expand full comment
Josh Gondelman's avatar

Charlotte it is driving me up a wall!!!

Expand full comment
Myq Kaplan's avatar

dear josh,

this is great as always. you are great as always. i particularly love "Tired, The Creator." great work!

and also, great work on the sentiment encapsulated in these paragraphs:

"There is such a wide chasm between SEEMING like a successful artist and BEING a successful artist. Especially because neither of those two things really has a definition. Who do you seem successful to? Your peers? The general public? Your parents’ friends who have literally no idea what your job actually is even though they ask a zillion pointed questions about it when you see them at holiday parties?

And what does BEING successful mean? Making the art you want to make? Making a living making that art? Making your exes jealous with the art-related photos you post on Instagram?"

and also all the rest of the paragraphs and non-paragraphs. great work!

love

myq

PS dear everyone who is not josh, josh is great! read his stuff and watching his comedy! it is funny and meaningful!

Expand full comment
Linus's avatar

I thought about coming in from Chicago for that show but recalled I've already seen them twice this year. They're the best! Glad you saw them. Great song pick!

Expand full comment
Melissa Meza's avatar

I just saw The Beths at the beginning of the month! They opened for Death Cab for Cutie/Postal Service.

Expand full comment