Puzzled Panther – DownSideUp

Ready for part two in my love song to the Brakrock festival? It is all about the Purple People I met on my first day on festival grounds.

Before going into this festival, I hatched the plan to bring my rainbow pillow (see: Punk in Drublic where I had it signed by Spike of Me First & Fat Mike of NOFX) and have it signed by everyone I met at Brakrock because of the music. Fan, band, merch people, organiser, it didn’t matter. Everyone is part of the music. Midway through day one, I realised I would have to get a second pillow for day two. That’s how many amazing people I met. I connected with some of them, but not with all. So if you see yourself here and we’re not friends on any sort of social, hit me up!

Meet the Purple People of Friday, August 4th 2023.

It already started on the road to Brakrock. We got a little lost but soon found a group of people who helped us get on track. One of them was Andrea, who came all the way from Italy. He switches between Brakrock and Punk Rock Holiday each year to get in his punk music fix during the summer. We hung out before the gates opened and had a nice chat. We’d run into him and his friends a bunch of times throughout the festival. Before Good Riddance we were waiting frontstage and there they were again! We shared a drink and some laughs and happily waited for the mayhem to start. (More on that later!)

We got in first through the gates, but had to wait a bit for security to show up. Meanwhile I spotted a bearded bro called Michael sporting a Barbie shirt in the queue so obviously I yelled at him that I loved his shirt.

Just before running onto festival grounds, he and Liz stopped me. Liz let me know that she made the shirts herself and was going to make me one. ❤ She is also in a band, seems like a bad ass with an awesome personal style, so I’m pretty sure we’ll be fast friends. Check out her instapage and give her a follow!

Walking in, I spotted a photographer and asked if I could use her pictures for the blog. She was kind enough to agree, so you’ll see some of her amazing pictures shine in a few of the coming blog posts. Follow Lad & Misfit photography on Insta & Facebook!

Next up we were at the Wood Stage for The Stitches. I spotted a guy rocking out in his mobile scooter and a lady with a walker. Wanted to take their pictures and tell them the sight of them made me happy and hopeful to know that even if my body completely gives out over the next couple of years due to my chronic pains, I’d still be able to live my best life at festivals. I didn’t get the chance because not much after I spotted this trio!

I was triggered by all the patches on the vests of Nick (left) & Thomas (middle) at first, the nice headband on Ilona second and their cupholders third. (A Brakrock gift from a few years ago, it turned out!) But when Nick turned around, I spotted something even more special: his Puzzled Panther shirt!

I knew then that I HAD to talk to him, because the only chance to get that shirt, was by seeing Gogol Bordello on their tour. Fervent readers of this blog know I was so blown away by that performance, it changed my whole outlook on life, birthed Polexia Miller and had me coin the phrase ‘Purple People’.

I kind of ignored his friends and latched on to Nick, (Sorry dear Ilona & Thomas, next time we meet I want to get to know you as well, you seemed LOVELY!) because my journalist nose sniffed a Story. Yes, with a capital S! Nick is a HUGE Gogol Bordello fan and has been following them for years. In 2008 he met his now wife at their show in Tilburg & he proposed to her on stage at a Gogol Bordello show in 2017. Since then, they’ve become friends with Eugene & were invited backstage at Jera on air where they also met up with Puzzled Panther. Nick also has a radio show called Le INIT Live on a local station in Goirle (but you can stream it online) of which the tagline does not translate do English. For the Dutch/Flemish readers it is: ‘Harde muziek & slap gelul’ 🙂

You’ll meet them again in the next bits of the blog where they immediately lead me astray from my well thought out plan. No hard feelings though, because what they led me to, led to meeting these two amazing people! (And also their band which will feature in the next post.)

This lovely green haired person is Ty Miller, guitarist extraordinaire for Public Serpents, Trying To Get By (with Jesse Sendejas from Days n Daze who stole my heart on Punk in Drublic last year. You might spot them in some of my pics because I proudly wore my DnD shirt for this occasion.) and Voice of Addiction. He’s a full time musician & caregiver to his girlfriend back home. This talk made me realise even more how important it is to support the bands by seeing the shows, buying the merch and yelling about how great they are on this blog. So many of the bands and artists I love are struggling to get by on doing what they love, following their dreams and bringing music to the people! Without them, there wouldn’t be festivals like this. So give a listen to all the above bands, like and share their stuff and go see them when you get the chance! (And don’t worry, I will spend some more words on all those bands on this blog, when I finally catch up with everything I still have to write about and find a minute to give them a proper stage.)

This super nice fella is Eric Molina who filled in for the sax player of Public Serpents. He just met them on monday and was along for the ride on their Friday gig! He’s a pupil of The Slackers’ Dave Hillyard and stars as the saxman in a few of his own bands/and does session work for: Los Mal Hablados, Mephiskapheles & the Israelites. We realise we’re missing the Slackers so our band of merry misfits skip to the Wood stage again, accompanied by Ty and Eric who also don’t want to miss that good shit!

After The Slackers & before Funeral Dress it is time to sit the fuck down and have some food. Sorry, The Dickies, I’m afraid I’ll have to catch you next time! Luckily, Emmy was on her way to see you, but I managed to get a quick pic in. We had met at the Funeral Dress gig at Parkpop Mechelen (will be featured in the Funeral Dress post) through a mutual friend. She’s also in her own band called Vettig Front who’ve been at it for years!

Time for some R&R with the people I came here with and their friends also referred to as the merry band of misfits above!

Bottom right with the sunglasses is Yannick, top right is Senna. They’re both in my favourite local band The Rabids and are set to be a part of our own as yet unnamed band we’re in the process of setting up. The one with the glasses and hat is Stijn, who we recruited as a second guitartist & backing for the same project! In the middle with the glasses you can spot Glenn & top left is Stylo.

Off to see Funeral Dress when I spot my sunglasses twin in the audience. I forgot to ask for his name or have him sign my pillow because I was losing my friends who were pushing for the front. Nice to meet you, man with The All Star Wedding Band sunglasses! See you at one of their shows!

No selfie with this man, rocking out to Funeral Dress with Emmy from before, but my infinite thanks! His name is Dyke and he got my pillow signed by the band, made sure it wasn’t ruined when it got wet and got me the setlist and a Stef Punk Pick to boot! Much obliged, sir!

I see a pair of white sunglasses and think I’m about to meet The Slackers’ Drummer. Bummer, it isn’t their drummer, but he IS in fact a drummer! How much of a crazy coincidence is that? Too big probably. My sarcasm meter wasn’t on and I noted he was a drummer for Zeeland Refinery, which isn’t in fact a band. 🙂 Oops. That’s what trying to do 100 things at once gets you. Oh well, nice to meet you anyway Da Pee & girlfriend!

Next up I am super front stage getting banged up left and right right next to the mosh pit during Good Riddance and I am in awe of this persons moveable selfie stick. I asked for his insta but regrettably forgot to hit follow so I am still yearning to see his videos and connect.

This is the security volunteer who didn’t know what hit him (probably also literally as well as figuratively) seeing the mayhem during the Good Riddance set. He’s more of a Hip Hop & House fan but said he loved the vibe of the crowd so much he’d be back next year. He put my pillow on the stage to safeguard it from being broken in the press of people and also made sure Good Riddance left their signatures! Not to mention, his anticipation to the incoming crowd surfers made sure I didn’t get hit in the face and could enjoy being in the middle of the action for once. Thank you! He’ll make another appearance in the Me First part of the blog!

These lovely chiro ladies who’d also never been to Brakrock but will be volunteering next year too!

Waiting for Me First to start, I met Joost, straight from Waddingveen Netherlands. He was there for the 3rd time, especially for The Toy Dolls. We had a lovely conversation about cheese. He’s also part of my Me First story I am saving up. We’d meet again front stage the next day, in the pouring rain, just before The Toy Dolls took the stage.

Another quick ‘I LOVE YOUR SHIRT’ encounter. I was on my way out and it was too late to follow up with actually making friends, but it’s always nice to meet a fellow upside down man. (Stranger things reference for anyone wondering WTF I am on about.)

End of day one! In part two of the Purple People of Brakrock, we meet some nice merch handlers and the youngest rock chick of the festival!

Brakrock – Kasteel ter Elst – Duffel – August 4th & 5th 2023

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Part 3: Post-Show Purple People

So, I have been hinting at this so-called review in a few posts now. I labelled it a concert review, but it has turned into so much more than that. It’s an ode to music, punk spirit, Purple People and community. My notes started off in Dutch, but then quickly veered into English because of all of the people who touched the experience. (I’m sorry if this is confusing, but this is just how my mind works.)

Plus there’s another part to Gogol Bordello that isn’t even about the music or the people but is highly relevant in the world right now. By this I mean their activism and support for Ukraine. (I will definitely touch on that , but will have to expand on that subject in yet another post because there is just SO much to tell). So in saying all this, English makes my little voice louder, and that can amplify their message too. So there. Another three parter. Plus a Fourth. Which will really be the Fifth. (Hey, did I just declare a triology in five parts. Speaking of kindred spirits, I mean!)

Anyway. Enjoy Part three where I meet more of the Purple People!
Read: Part Zero, Part One (-ish) and Part Two!

It was done. Gogol Bordello has left the stage. I am left behind very fulfilled, wandering around smiling a bit, before checking out my coat and finding the merch stand. I had already decided on the t-shirt I was going to get while waiting before the show. (Sadly I have yet to wear ANY of my merch since June was so FUCKING HOT. But it’s fine, new threads for Autumn, when my body can handle sleeves again!)

I quickly tell my preference to the lovely lady behind the stand and note Eugene walking back there. Sadly he is on his way backstage again, probably completely knackered after such an energetic show. No matter, I had been lucky enough as it was in the last week and months, I wasn’t planning on making band friends that night. I also add one of their lovely (and super practical) totes to my purchase, after seeing the proceeds go to support Ukraine.

Sergey Ryabtsev and Julie at de Roma — Sergey Ryabtsev and Julie

I turn around and who do I bump into but Sergey Ryabtsev aka mister electric violin himself! I manage to get him to sign my bag in pink sharpie, (Yes, I might never use this beautiful, practical bag again for irrational fear of it washing off. I will still very much enjoy and cherish it.) and have a quick picture taken. After ‘smoothly’ blurting out how much I loved the show and his playing in particular, I leave him to enjoy his after-show breather.

On my way out the door, I suddenly decide to turn back. During the show, the opener Puzzled Panther came on stage for one of the songs, and it just registered in my brain that they were the lovely ladies behind the merch. I venture over there and swiftly bond with Victoria Espinoza and Kay Buontempo who hail from NYC and have just been picked up by Gogol Bordello’s label.

Kay and Victoria of Puzzled Panther and Julie at de Roma — Improvised photoshoot with Kay and Victoria of Puzzled Panther and Julie

I tell them how sorry I am to have missed two seemingly bad ass women on stage and promise to listen to their music. As is usual with Purple People, they aren’t mad I missed their show, but really enthusiastic to tell me all about it. At this point, there haven’t yet been any releases, (that I am aware of, correct me if I am wrong in the comments!) but I am anxiously waiting to tell you about it when they do release something!

What I did find was this lovely excerpt from a live show they did with two of their songs. I’ve also seen bits and pieces on the Puzzled Panther Instagram as well, so give them a follow and wait with me to add them to all the playlists!

Dumb European as I am, I comment to Kay: ‘Oh, you’re from NYC, like all cool merch people I meet. Do you know Joey Steel and Van Tastik?’ Of course she doesn’t, because one isn’t even from NYC (Van Tastik, he lived in the NY area but has since moved all over and now lives in the Netherlands) and NYC itself has a population nearly the size of Belgium, but I just get so excited.

Like I didn’t already think there had been too many weird coincidences that week, Kay drops the bomb on me when subsequently asking me if I normally speak French because I have a French accent in my English. The same question one of those broad NY area merch people, Fallen Reverend Van Tastik, had asked me not two days earlier. Feeling like this is synchronicity nudging me along, I end up buying a Puzzled Panther shirt as well. I thank these amazing Purple People, tell them I will write about their music and almost hop skip out of de Roma, drunk on music and life yet again. It is right then and there that the idea to Polexia Miller is born. I will write my own Almost Famous story. Let’s see how this ends! But first, read on about how it starts!

At this point, I am floating on clouds through the streets of Antwerp, back to the car that had eventually been parked about a half an hour walk out. It is a nice night and as soon as we leave the Turnhoutsebaan, it gets pretty quiet and we don’t see any passersby. A few silent streets into our journey I hear some English from a street corner and turn my head. I turn back. I do a double take. This CANNOT be. It is the three Brits I lost between the encores. This is Polexia’s time to shine!

Let’s finish what we barely started here. I begin an on the road type interview and try to take as many notes as I can. (I fail miserably to write anything down coherently, but I still got the gist of it all. Note to self, use recorder.) I ask them if it’s their first time in Belgium, which as it turns out, it is. Not only that, but they hadn’t really thought about a visit and had just followed Gogol Bordello because they rocked their socks off. They saw them a week earlier at Slam Dunk Festival in Leeds (For all that is holy, look at that line-up. I need to incorporate festival vacations!)

They came back from the festival, went on a leisurely trip to their friends in Normandy to eventually end up in Belgium for the show. It had been a good but also very rough week on them since they told me they had been drinking since the previous Wednesday. (The night this takes place is Friday in case anyone wants to do the math.) Though the conversation and information is a scattered chaos at best, I must say they hold their drink well. (I would have toppled over somewhere on the first Thursday probably.) And I thrive on chaos, so this is my ‘normal’ and I am enjoying every minute of our half hour walk. Because yes, they need to be in almost the same place as we do, because the universe has made it so.

As a beer loving Belgian, I can’t help but ask how they’re liking our beers since their version of Stella is watered down. The poetic words ‘I wouldn’t poke Stella with the dick of an enemy’ were followed by the second ode to Pimm’s I had heard in ever. (Apparently it is like the nectar of the gods. So much so that when The Rabids played the coronation party at the British store Stonemanor, they ran out and there was a public outcry. Which was then followed by the first ode to Pimm’s by an amazing British woman I still need to tell you about. Anyway.)

Lasse Nystedt via Unsplash — *A great tit sits at the top of a pine tree – Lasse Nystedt*

A lot of other amusing profanities are thrown around that I won’t repeat here, because some things are better off the record. Speaking of record. That part I forgot, to take an actual picture of the guys. At some point I had tried to shoot a video of their rendition of ‘Start wearing orange’. (My incapacity to do three things as well made me fail this miserably.) Well, Ian and Toby’s rendition. Tim mentioned that they had been changing the word Purple for whatever they could find the whole trip and it had been bugging him to bits.

Then, out of nowhere they give up on the Gogol and go straight for MMMbop. (Read here why that song/band is so important to me.) In my confusion (also, I was trying to cross a street and not get run over) I missed filming it. Lucky for me they pretend-believed me when I said my camera was off. If only for 15 glorious seconds.

Tim, Ian, Toby (and also deceased asshole cat Ralph), it was a pleasure meeting you and I hope to see you on my musical travels again! Have fun going viral, maybe!

Looks like we made it to the end! There will still be a part four, about the Gogol Activism, but I have another live music story to tell that needs to come first. I am not yet sure how many parts it will contain, but it is also FILLED TO THE BRIM with the Purpleest of Purple People.

GOGOL BORDELLO – Saturday June 3rd 2023, De Roma Antwerpen

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Tag: Puzzled Panther

A lovesong to Brakrock 2023 | Part 2: The Purple People of Brakrock (Day 1)

Gogol Bordello, a story about music and people | Part 3: Post-Show Purple People

Part 3: Post-Show Purple People

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