Show Memories: 97a-Full Speed Ahead-The Swarm-Rain On The Parade at 331 Somerset St. New Brunswick, NJ 8-22-99

There were two big things that stood out about this show. First, this was the final show of 97a’s summer tour that had taken them across the country, which a bit of controversy along the way, and they returned home to play a house show in New Brunswick. This was also the first show back for Rain On The Parade, who had broken up, in New Brunswick even, the previous fall. Ronny and Matt had started a new band called Fired Up in between and, with a few lineup changes, those songs were merged into Rain On The Parade and they played shows for another year or so. I remember Ronnie playing those songs after that first breakup and there was a Black Flag cover that did not make the final demo.

I do not remember if The Swarm played this show, but I oddly enough missed Full Speed Ahead to get food somewhere in town (Southwest Burrito maybe?). I remember being gently scolded by a band member because it was rare that I missed one of their gigs. Rain On The Parade’s set is a little blurry for me too. I can remember being up front for them, but that is about it.

97a came out and blasted through their set. There was some pretty ill moshing and lots of pileons. I twisted my ankle pretty badly during the set, which made the hour drive back down the shore in stop and go traffic a bit interesting to say the least.

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