PEDRO THE LION
Nov 1 - Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero

Last night, in signature style, Pedro the Lion played an honest heart felt set at the Trocadaro theatre in Philadelphia Pa. After fending off questions about his Christianity and his weight( 205, down from 225, for which he received a hearty applause), Bazan played all but one song from control and a few other oldies but goodies. There was also one new song entitled "bands with managers are going to go far". Every third song or so Bazan fielded questions from the audience. Such questions as "when is the new album coming out?" (September) "How do you come up with material for a concept album" and "What is your favorite episode of the Simpson's."(the swearing jar ) These talk back times allowed the audience to do what they came for, see a show. As an entertainer David lacks what it takes to thrill an audience. However, the heart felt style of his music does not call for an audience's jubilation. What makes this show a show as opposed to simply a band playing music, is the thing that has allowed David to get this far, down to earth honesty. The question and answer times provided a time for David to show what he does best, tell the truth. This being so I will provide you with some of the questions that were posed to him at the end of the show.

What do you think of Christian music:

I would love it if distinctions like that would disappear, but they won't and their not going anywhere for awhile. There is good music, and bad music. In Christian and Secular music there is good and bad. This is where we ought to
draw the line.

What does your wife think of your music:

She is supportive. I don't play "rapture" live anymore. She was ok with the song when we recorded it, but about 6 months into our tour the explicit content began to bug her a bit. We were both concerned about how people may be picturing us, even though the song is about characters, we don't want people thinking I'm describing us.

How do you come up with material for a concept album:

I usually start with a phrase that doesn't mean all that much, but I know it sounds great. From there I allow things that I know I have been thinking to come to the surface. Control was not supposed to be a concept album, but what I had been thinking about just came out. This should be the last concept record that I do.

-phil storer (2002)