It was the evening of February 10th, 2020, when I set out just before sunset for the night in full nu-goth attire. My black lipstick was applied which softened my lips. Black and golden makeup swirled around my eyes like powdered Egyptian-gold. Several inches of metal spikes impaled the air around my collar, and my trench coat wrapped around my floral-patterned shirt and pleather trousers while exposing my Demonia pikes.
Not long after leaving the train, an angry woman shouted “freak” as she bypassed me, unashamed of her facial expression that reflected her ugly personality. Poised and unfazed, I trotted along and passed several more people that I couldn’t care less whether or not they’d cease to exist within a blink of Horus’s eye. My excitement flogged my feet like they were its two horses, increasing my pace. I boarded the bus for a few minutes to the venue, and that was when an older man with a fluffy and long, white beard and matching hair asked me if it’s Hallowe’en while laughing. I laughed along, unfazed, and then I noticed that the sky had gone black. He took a seat, and then a young lady seated across from him asked, “Is it Christmas?” as she stared directly at his face that hid like a mouse inside a pile of cotton (I’m certain she was hinting at his Santa-like appearance). I looked outside, unfazed, unfazed, unfazed, and when the sky completely blackened, I knew that the time was getting close for the vampires to rise and feast—undead, undead, undead...
After exiting the bus, I crossed the street and slowly walked over to The Astoria Hotel while reminding myself to remain elegant and poised. I breathed in the winter air as the excitement pounded in my heart, güm güm, as my ancestors would describe. I was destined to see Rosegarden Funeral Party perform live! As always, there wasn’t a queue due to my passionate personality that typically arrives early to concerts, making me the one to start it. However, not too far from me, I took notice of two people standing close to the wall while talking to each other and laughing. Goths my mind thought as I looked at their leather jackets. They must be here for the concert.
After further observing, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. “Leah?” I asked as I approached them. They both looked at me, laughed, and the female answered, “Yeah!” They were two of the band members! I introduced myself, and then Dylan Stamas introduced himself as well, along with Leah Lane, and they told me that I will meet Wil Farrier inside. Overwhelmed with happiness, I tried to remember as many of the lyrics of my favourite song of theirs, “Once in a While”. Leah Lane filled me in with the missing parts as we laughed.
I told her that there are two kinds of singers. One group is those who know how to sing, and the other group is those who are born to sing. And I told her that she belongs in the latter group because she is gifted with such a great voice. She replied saying that I am very sweet and that I made the entire tour for her. As we were conversing, I couldn’t get my eyes off her Bauhaus pin on her jacket. I told her how much I like it, and then we right away started talking about goth—Bauhaus, Pink Turns Blue, Clan of Xymox, Switchblade Symphony, and so on. After taking a picture together, Dylan Stamas got called in for sound check, and then Leah Lanes and I continued our conversation. I also told her about a good friend of mine who bought a ticket but got sick last minute, and therefore couldn’t come. Leah Lane agreed to film a short video for her on my phone wishing my friend well. After that, she got called in for sound check, too. I wished her the best, and then I sent the video to my friend which made her happy.
For the time remaining, I stood outside the venue until I was allowed to present my ID and ticket. After entering, I spotted Leah Lane near the back room, so I went and asked her if I could meet Wil Farrier. She brought the band together, and I asked for another picture with all of them. Kindly, they agreed, and I felt the need to apologise for being an obnoxious fan. “You’re not obnoxious!” laughed Leah Lane. I could tell they really love and value their fans.
During the performances of the three prior bands, I noticed that the three of them were present with everyone on the floor watching and supporting. Not only do they value their fans, but also those they work with. This was especially confirmed in my mind after buying their CD and taking a few stickers of theirs that read Be kind to each other. 'Such a young band with such big hearts… !
Time past right before my eyes, and then it was time for Rosegarden Funeral Party to headline. I stood closer to the stage so that I could absorb every moment that I could of this wonderful band. Then, the lights dimmed, and it was time for them to take the stage. If only I could remember which song they opened with, but my memory refuses to help. What I do remember, though, is how natural it felt for the band being on stage.
There was nothing amateur or unprofessional about them. All their instruments commanded the attention of everyone in the venue, and Leah Lane’s voice washed over everyone like a sea being manipulated by the melody of a siren's heavenly voice. Truly, she is born to sing. After performing their second song of the night, my favourite riffs rolled in and caused me to dance fast. Number three is my favourite number, and “Once in a While” was their third song on the set list! I focused even more on Leah Lane’s voice. My goodness, I wonder what Siouxsie Sioux would have thought of this magnificent song if she were there…
The rest of the show continued with great tunes, rocking guitars, laughter with the audience, and the band’s closeness with their fans. In fact, they performed new songs from their upcoming EP that’s set to be released in June of this year. At the very end, the crowd demanded one more song. The band closed with that one extra song, and then they promised to tour through here again.
After the concert ended, I stood on the floor while in awe of the amazing performance that I had just seen. ‘Sisters of Mercy's "Nine While Nine" played on the speaker which allowed the reality to sink into my mind then into my heart as I slowly danced to the melancholic classic. Can any symbol ever encapsulate my gratitude of seeing them perform in front of my sails, keeping the goth flame burning bright? When they came out into the bar again, I approached them and thanked them for their phenomenal performance. Leah Lane told me to wait where I was standing as she had something for me. She went to the merchandise stand and then returned with an earring that seemed as if it was made from a bone. After handing it to me, she asked me to keep it; it was the earring she wore while performing.
Could there ever be a mountain high enough to resemble my gratitude to her? I hugged her and promised to see them the next time they come around. After I arrived home that night, I put the earring away without even looking at it closely. It felt that the mere sight of an eye can damage this new and precious belonging of mine that, after all, managed to encapsulate the experience. I’ve been to over forty concerts in this lifetime, and not once was I ever given something special from a band member, especially their own jewellery. This memento will be with me for the rest of my life symbolising my concert memory of the very special band, Rosegarden Funeral Party.
