Time Out Chicago has an interesting short interview this week with our beloved local rock show poet laureate Thax Douglas, who will soon be officially leaving the Windy City for greener pastures in New York. Asked about the lack of support he felt he's received here Thax sez, "Yeah, that's basically why I'm moving. They're tolerant, but not supportive. Bands are - and most venues - but Chicago is under the stronghold of this "indie-stry" - type crowd."
An "indie-stry" - type crowd? Good one, Thax! However, I wonder if he's referring to the crowds at the shows or just the local scene in general? Reading this interview kind of got me thinking...is Thax actually good at what he does or was he really just a nuisance all this time? I've seen him a million times, but probably only actually listened to his poems a handful of times. He's been such a ubiquitous figure at shows I think I just started just to tune him out after a while. It's like, "oh boy...here comes Thax again," and then I would either drift off or turn away and go back to talking with my friends. If anything, the local scene being "tolerant but not supportive" was probably just due to overexposure. However, I'd be curious to hear from actual poetry aficionados out there if they think we're truly losing an underappreciated local treasure or whether we should start warning venues in New York immediately.
Thax's Chicago farewell tour started last night at the Sub-T and continues through September 4th. Check out www.myspace.com/thaxdouglas for the complete itinerary.
I was going to ask "Beloved by who?" but apparently people actually like this jerk. And to the person who mentioned Beatle Bob, oh lord! I hope they both drop totally off the radar. Instanter.
Posted by: Anonymous | 08/29/2006 at 12:47 PM
Tim Tuten rocks. His enthusiasm is unmatched. Thax was tolerable. Does anyone in NYC know Thax is on his way? It's almost the ultimate Second City prank to not give anyone there a fair warning. I don't even know how you would begin to explain Thax to anyone. Maybe that's part of his charm.I think DJBV could be the next great MC for this town. God knows he likes to get into shows for free.
Posted by: benschomatic | 08/27/2006 at 08:53 PM
I really like Tim. Thax is ok, must admit he's now a little boring. Tim has great energy, as long as he keeps his rants under 2 minutes I can deal with it. So Chicago, we are ready to the next great introducer. What'ya got?And Thax, I don't think New York is a good choice for what you are looking for. They won't be any nicer to you there.
Posted by: Bill V | 08/25/2006 at 01:54 PM
I'm not much of a poetry afficianado, but Thax's poems generally had one trait that elevated them to relative greatness. They were short. Very short. And really, that's all I ask for. Kind of sad to see him go. I'll miss the novelty. And having chatted with him once or twice, he seemed like a good guy.
Posted by: Seitz | 08/25/2006 at 11:22 AM