10 Jan 2003, The Catalyst, Santa Cruz, CA, USA

I couldn't agree more with the other reviewers that the Dregs' show Friday night at The Catalyst in Santa Cruz, CA was totally outstanding. Despite it being their first public gig as a band in nearly a year, they were as tight and energetic as ever. Better yet, they all looked like they were simply having a hell of a good time playing together - they mugged at each other and basically all had goofy grins on their faces the entire evening, especially Rod. Jerry Goodman was bouncing all over the stage and would plant himself in front of whoever he was trading licks with in the song. Nearly everyone was right on top of their game musically - only T. Lavitz seemed a bit tired as the show went on (it looked like he might not have been feeling well) but it wasn't noticeable in the music.

The only quirky thing about the players was I noticed Dave LaRue's lips moving like he was talking to himself much of the time while he was playing. I'm not sure what it was, but I'm guessing that he was counting himself through those difficult time signature changes that Steve always writes after having been away from those pieces for some time.

The sound was great, despite Steve's hints during his one stint talking at the mike that the cavernous barn that constitutes The Catalyst's auditorium might have been a bit challenging during the sound check.

Set list (to the best of my memory - I didn't try to write it down and may have the order mixed up):

* Take It Off the Top
* Justice (T. Lavitz tune)
* Sleeveless in Seattle
* Odyssey
* Kat Food
* Brick Chicken
* Hereafter
* Shapes of Things
* I'm Freaking Out
* The Bash
* Cruise Control
* Bloodsucking Leeches (encore)

They did one other tune before Leeches for the encore, but I can't recall what it was now.

I think I can sum up my overall reaction to the concert by simply admitting that somewhere during the middle of The Bash, I decided that I would be quite willing to die right then and there, 'cause I doubt if I'd ever be happier than I was at that moment. Get right out and see them, because they've never been better.

Doug Archerd
Fremont, CA