As an avid concert goer, seeing that NeverShoutNever!, a band I was very much into back in 2008, was playing in Columbia, South Carolina, it would have been a tragedy not to go. They played at New Brookland Tavern, located in West Columbia, on Wednesday, July 15, 2016. Like many bands that play there, it's not unusual for the band members to hang out prior to their set, as well as stick around outside afterwards to hang out with their fans as well as the venue workers — snag a pictures, sign a few set lists/tickets, shoot the bull, the usual things.
Figuring that NeverShoutNever! would follow suit, I figured I would see if Christofer Drew (the lead) would take a few minutes to answer some questions. As many who know about this band may already know, Drew has a horrible rep of being a "douche" and all-around terrible person. I mean, come on, he made his biggest fan (YouTube star BryanStars) cry during his interview with him. I'm not talking a few tears, I'm talking straight bawling. Definitely the most uncomfortable interview I've watched.
Even other bands and artists have a beef with Drew. Artist Stephen Jerzak apparently was having a harmless musical conversation with Drew's sister, which Drew took out of proportion, causing nasty things to be said and rumors to be spread about Jerzak. This is how Jerzak responded to Drew via Twitter, a popular platform for musicians around the globe.
Not to mention, other fans who met him during tours have stated via social media that Drew isn't the nicest to meet. Many miss the "old Christofer Drew" — the modern day hippy who sang happy, lovey songs while strumming his ukulele.
In fact, during his performance on July 15, a viewer was snapping pictures of Drew with her cell phone's flash on (due to the dim lighting) to which he told her, not so very kindly, to turn the flash off.
Could it be the fame that caused Drew — who was once showcasing his musical talents through MySpace — to have this attitude change?
Chris Fronzak (also known as 'Fronz') of Attila said it best in his band's song, "Callout":
"How can you talk down on your biggest fan,
Your career is on its way to the garbage can.
I'm a multitasking badass and you're a disgrace..."
But I truly believed that maybe everyone was wrong about Drew. Maybe he just had a bad day — or a bunch — or something. To prove this, I was going to use his own words to explain himself and show the world that he's not this douchey, rude person who doesn't care about his fans. Unfortunately, Fronz was correct with his lyrics ... as he always is.
NeverShoutNever! did not hang out or watch the other sets. They stayed in their tour bus until it was time for their set. I kept trekking back and forth from the stage front to outside where the "hang out" spot is to no avail. And after NSN! played their set, they — again — retreated to their tour bus. After consulting venue workers with my situation and asking what I should do, because dang it, I really wanted that darn interview, they suggested knocking on the tour bus door. After all, that's what journalists would do if they really wanted the scoop. Fair enough, so I did. The bassist for the band, Taylor MacFee, opened the door, and after I explained what I would like to do, said that they were not interested and did not want to talk — but yet, proceeded to talk to the females who followed me to their bus. Seriously though, double standard much? I was just trying to help out with their reputation. I'm sure, if they see this, they would have wished they'd have accepted.
Not to only focus on the negative, on the bright side, their live performance was pretty solid. I was not disappointed. Their stage presence seemed slightly forced, but their musical talents shone through that. Vocally and instrumentally, NeverShoutNever! stole the stage, and the hearts of the multitudes of young fangirls in the crowd that night. My inner young-teenage self was fulfilled after seeing a band that had brought me so much joy via their up-beat, cutesy music over the years. Sure, I'd have loved to have heard more old songs. And sure, they refused to play "Cheatercheaterbestfriendeater" when they asked for requests (why the refusal? I haven't the slightest and they didn't elaborate). But they did play some goldies like "California," "Piggy Bank," "Trouble," "Bigcitydreams" and "On The Brightside." I also was hoping that, especially with all that is going on in America and the world in general, they would have played "Pray For Peace," but alas, they didn't. That would have been a lovely gesture, though. But overall, I was not disappointed with the performance.
Bravo for a great performance, but Fronz was still right with his callout. Speaking of Fronz — care to do an interview next time you're on tour?
