Today's shirt doesn't have much behind it. Well....

This shirt was originally spotted by one Big Paul Fergusson. And everyone on the Gathering.....wait I didn't tell you about the Gathering? You don't know?

The Gathering (not the excellent song from Fire Dances, but no coincidence) is a email lost about everything and anything Killing Joke. It has been going since the mid 90's. I joined in 98...I think. It is useful, annoying, tedious and exhausting all at the same time. Of course it is impossible to keep everything on topic so people from all over the globe (really) discuss, compliment and berate each other on Killing Joke, politics, best guitar player, etc. BUT it is EXTREMELY helpful. Not only with Killing Joke but with other bands and types of music. I cannot tell you how many times I found out about a obscure release that I normally would not have heard of. And we meet up. This current trip to NYC there will be Gatherers from all over the States plus Mexico, Japan and who knows where else. In a very geeky way I enjoy it. It has become a bit of a distant family without the guilt or gifts. I don't even try to defend it.

So anyway. This shirt was seen on Big Paul. Everyone was salivating over it. Mike Coles of Malicious Damage heard the request and printed some up. By this point Mike was really a key force in keeping the name out there by reviving Malicious Damage and showing ultimate appreciation for the band, and more importantly, the fans.

With that Mike I salute you and raise my glass.

I wear this shirt quite a bit and people ask if I was at the show. NO!!! I wish. I would have been 8. Which, for me, going to a show at that age wasn't the issue (check this post to see where it all started) but going to NYC wouldn't happen for another 11 years...or so.

The tensions builds

Day 7....AAAAAAGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!