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We arrive in Ottawa just as it starts to rain. No worry, in Ottawa the diehards would come out in a blizzard. By strange coincidence, Babylon is situated just two doors down from Zaphod's, the club that we hated and I scathingly wrote about on November 20, 1999. Babylon has only been up and running for two years, but there are no pretensions and the club is properly designed for live performing. It is not a disco like Zaphod's. Adam the owner and Justin the sound tech are both on hand to meet and greet us as well as lend a hand with the load-in, which is at ground level and leads right to the stage. What a difference from Zaphod's. I check out all the many comfy sofas lining the walls until I find just the right one. I snooze while Nash and Ron do the stage and Thom sets up the merchandise. Nash's old pal Bob Jones shows up and says he would have been at Zaphod's except he never heard about that gig. So much for Zaphod's big advertising budget. I stay to guard the dressing room while they go off to have dinner and reminisce. While at the pub across the road, they meet Rachel, one of Thom's cyberpals. She's coming to the gig along with a group of other new Nash fans. It's a good turnout for a wet Monday night and a totally different audience. The older fans probably work for the government and can't afford a babysitter or the time to come out on a Monday. That left it up to the younger crowd to make an appearance. Rings, tattoos, leather. Smells good to me. One fellow showed Nash his tattoo of a bunny rabbit nailed to his arm. Very cool. Nash likes tattoos on young smooth skin. Ottawa has begun to show its true colours. This city's establishment is so sedate it's no surprise that the underground is very diverse and active. The last gig was attended by the older crowd. Tonight there was a new hardcore audience. They can both enjoy the show at Babylon. One visitor to the dressing room was the assistant commissioner to the German Embassy. He's a big Nash fan. Only in Ottawa. Do we think Nash can go to Germany? What happens to me, dear reader? Diesel will always take me in. The show was presented by a local promoter named Luke. This was a connection through Thom as well as e-mails to Nash from fans in Ottawa who responded to the last entry by suggesting other clubs to play. Babylon was the club of choice and everyone worked hard to make it happen. Adam the club owner wants to get more involved in the promotion next time, so with everyone's help, we can make Babylon Nash Central. Digger |
