I recall seeing VOD at the Espresso Bar in Worcester back in 1997. It was quite the lineup, a pretty typical E-Bar gig, really. Shed, fortydaysrain, A Day In The Life, and V.O.D. I was there to support my friends band, fortydaysrain. They had just got their demo out and people were really starting to get into. They were psyched to be playing with the likes of VOD who were pretty popular at the time in our area. The place was packed, and kids went nuts for VOD. Even with that stupid pole in the middle of the stage. Ugh, stupid pole.
If you didn’t know, VOD has reunited and is playing shows again. In fact, they were headlining the second (or third?) leg of the 10 For 10 tour. I had the chance to (almost) catch them in Worcester again. It was a little surprising to see their name in big letters on the Palladium marquee. Instead of playing a 200 person club like the E-Bar (of course, now closed), they were headlining the downstairs of the Palladium, which probably maxes around 1500-2000 kids. Maybe more. Bane played before them on that Sunday night. Kids were going ape. I even witnessed a big circle pit. The crowd was smaller than 1500, that’s certain. I’d guess closer to 900. It wasn’t empty, but it wasn’t busting at the seams, either. Bane finished their set and the place emptied like someone turned it on its side. I took off too. I had work the next day afterall.
A friend asked why I was leaving. I told him I was spent after 9 bands and 6 hours of gigging. He complained I had no “long island hardcore pride.” That’s probably true. I’d have to ask someone who stuck around, but I’m guessing it was a ghost moshpit for VOD. I think I can guarantee there were more kids moshing to them in the cramped E-Bar than the entire Palladium that night. Too bad. I’m sure Travis from This Is Hell did some heavy pitting for them. ;)
