Tom will do an AMA (ask me anything) on Reddit tomorrow at 5pm BST:
https://www.facebook.com/ChemicalBros/posts/pfbid02FhvvMtp5WFJ6vEw6gs5DGVE1ftEtKPWU5jQ3USirV5nbhem735MSLGBXWF3SjQsnl
Screenshot 2023-09-12 201436.png
I've already got my question sorted so it's up to someone else here to phrase "Papal Disco when" in the optimal terms.
Quote from: Champiness on Sep 12, 2023, 18:15I've already got my question sorted so it's up to someone else here to phrase "Papal Disco when" in the optimal terms.
"Is there any chance the Galileo score will be released one day?"
But beware, someone can ask for kbd...
Quote from: ThePumisher on Sep 12, 2023, 18:29But beware, someone can ask for kbd...
(https://media2.giphy.com/media/XD2zBIBnfJwNZTJ8pG/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e47om1o22xn7swi5kjq20zaarw07xmwa3inu9y2t8mt&ep=v1_gifs_search&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)
Quote from: Stefan on Sep 12, 2023, 18:14Tom will do an AMA (ask me anything) on Reddit tomorrow at 5pm BST:
Oh so now I gotta sign up to Reddit? I've always found the appearance of Reddit a bit cluttered.
Is it a pain to sign up? Any tips for N00Bs?
Can we ask more than one question? Do we type our questions out "live" in the moment, or in advance?
What if I have a list of questions?
It's no pain to sign up, you just need an email-adress and a password.
For your other questions, I have no idea, I never took part in an AMA so far.
I'll go ahead and ask how Ed got turned into a cat.
Quote from: Biff on Sep 12, 2023, 21:09I'll go ahead and ask how Ed got turned into a cat.
Delved too far into medieval history.
Quote from: Wolkenkrabber on Sep 12, 2023, 18:41Can we ask more than one question? Do we type our questions out "live" in the moment, or in advance?
What if I have a list of questions?
There's no limit to the number of questions you can ask, but, it's Tom (possibly with some help) going through each comment and replying to the questions individually. If you're hoping for a response, it's better to choose something that is more likely to get him engaged. So one great question > a bunch of questions.
Think of it kind of like a press junket. Etiquette says it's one question each, but the fact is that if you posed more than one, you'd likely stand less chance of getting a good answer.
Heh time to set the appointment with your sound therapist! :D I see studio cat is filling in for Ed who is likely on diaper duty. It has been forever since there's been an Ask Tom & Ed thingie. Looking forward to reading the AMA!!
Very excited for this AMA! I won't be able to participate because I'm at work, but I trust there will be very good questions!
Quote from: whirlygirl on Sep 12, 2023, 23:38It has been forever since there's been an Ask Tom & Ed thingie
I remember in the old forum that Tom answered some questions... Was it in the Further era? I also remember that he used to reply on twitter, sometimes.
Quote from: Enjoyed on Sep 12, 2023, 23:19If you're hoping for a response, it's better to choose something that is more likely to get him engaged. So one great question > a bunch of questions.
Think of it kind of like a press junket. Etiquette says it's one question each...
Fair enough. Not necessarily the answer I
wanted, but I hear where you're coming from.
Well I've got a top 5 set of questions. At the moment I'm thinking of asking my No 1 question.
If anyone who doesn't have a question feels like adopting any of my other questions, then that would be nice (for me anyway!).
ONE) The fantastic DJ version of Goodbye features a Jesse Jackson speech which you previously sampled in your Ariel days. Any plans to release this DJ version of Goodbye, perhaps as a 12"?
TWO) Adam Smith stated that there were two versions of the Trespass Against Us film score. Has the first (unused) version been recycled into more recent work, or does it remain an unreleased Chemical "basement tape" for the fans to pine after? ["basement tape" is a Bob Dylan reference cos the Chems like Dylan]
THREE) What happened to the track "Contra" (mastered by Mike Marsh with Reflexion)? Did it come out under another name? Have we heard it in any context?
FOUR) The club/celebration track from Life Of Galileo sounds like something we've previously heard in Chemical DJ sets. It appears to be regstered as Papal Disco. Any plans to release it? And what was it originally called? Was this FKA "Here Come The Drums"?
FIVE) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI_FMB-K4Gk&t=218s
[pumishers erection song] The track at 3:38 to 4:36 seems to be a Chemical re-edit. It has counting from 1 to 9 followed by "oh,oh,oh". Later on there's a rap. It sounds like a re-edit of an old electro/hip hop track. What track did you re-edit?
I would ask if there is any chance of relasing the pink dancers version of Got To Keep On music video in full.
Quote from: nekoland on Sep 13, 2023, 00:15Very excited for this AMA! I won't be able to participate because I'm at work, but I trust there will be very good questions!
I remember in the old forum that Tom answered some questions... Was it in the Further era? I also remember that he used to reply on twitter, sometimes.
I think they occasionally answered all the way back to the time of PTB (definitely during WATN) as Milco2Forum. It was always very exciting, especially with elusive poster BanTheChampaignSpiller.
Whenever someone had a hot take on a song (someone saying Nude Night lacked bass, I distinctly recall), Ed would usually post "yawn", which might've been a reference to the scene(s) in Arrested Development when characters would be hating on Buster, and the camera would slowly zoom out long into the conversation to show he was present and yawning.
My question still not answered from the last time.. MEH
Quote from: Explud on Feb 21, 2016, 14:12How do you clean your studio? There are so many sensitive equipment, which is moisture harmful.
And what the story about broken synth during Escape Velocity record session?
Could anyone please send this link and ask if they'll ever get around to come back to finish this? PLEASE? I need this melody in my life!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0zrp5JhyAU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LSdLc_Y9iA
Are AMAs available to read through after the fact? I won't be able to "attend" live
Quote from: Wolkenkrabber on Sep 13, 2023, 00:23Fair enough. Not necessarily the answer I wanted, but I hear where you're coming from.
Well I've got a top 5 set of questions. At the moment I'm thinking of asking my No 1 question.
If anyone who doesn't have a question feels like adopting any of my other questions, then that would be nice (for me anyway!).
ONE) The fantastic DJ version of Goodbye features a Jesse Jackson speech which you previously sampled in your Ariel days. Any plans to release this DJ version of Goodbye, perhaps as a 12"?
TWO) Adam Smith stated that there were two versions of the Trespass Against Us film score. Has the first (unused) version been recycled into more recent work, or does it remain an unreleased Chemical "basement tape" for the fans to pine after? ["basement tape" is a Bob Dylan reference cos the Chems like Dylan]
THREE) What happened to the track "Contra" (mastered by Mike Marsh with Reflexion)? Did it come out under another name? Have we heard it in any context?
FOUR) The club/celebration track from Life Of Galileo sounds like something we've previously heard in Chemical DJ sets. It appears to be regstered as Papal Disco. Any plans to release it? And what was it originally called? Was this FKA "Here Come The Drums"?
FIVE) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI_FMB-K4Gk&t=218s
[pumishers erection song] The track at 3:38 to 4:36 seems to be a Chemical re-edit. It has counting from 1 to 9 followed by "oh,oh,oh". Later on there's a rap. It sounds like a re-edit of an old electro/hip hop track. What track did you re-edit?
Wolken, you got some great questions there! Tom would definitely go for them.
I'm still trying to think of a question for him. Might be something about unreleased material, the KDB question, or a certain venue in Las Vegas!
EDIT: I just sent my question!
Quote from: actionjackson780 on Sep 13, 2023, 14:32Are AMAs available to read through after the fact? I won't be able to "attend" live
Yes
Y'all should know by now that when they don't want to address a question head on they'll provide some funny, albeit extremely open-ended answer, otherwise I'd be asking about the Clapham Drum Ensemble.
For example:QuoteThere's a particular crash cymbal sound you use in a lot of your music. It's got that distinctive sound like birds chirping toward the end, which makes it easy to recognize. Off the top of my head, it's in Leave Home, Orange Wedge, Galaxy Bounce, Believe — it's even in Hanna vs. Marissa from the Hanna soundtrack. When I heard a mislabeled version of your Prodigy Voodoo People remix for the first time, I knew it had to be by you because of the crash cymbal. Where does that sample originally come from? What keeps you coming back to it?
Yes, I love that sound, it has everything I want from a crash including a kick drum, it will live on forever.
Some of the questions on AMA are a riot :D :D
My question was already asked by somebody else, Tom hopes that the Galileo score will be released someday:
Screenshot 2023-09-13 182412.png
Of course, that doesn't mean that it evenutally will, and it most likely isn't even his decision to make, but it's good to know
@Champiness you got asked a question back 😉
Even if not all questions get answered, it is a treat seeing all the comments and pondering over there on Reddit.
Middle of work and I almost missed it. Created a Reddit account for first time. My questions are all slightly silly (but still reasonable).
Quote from: inchemwetrust on Sep 13, 2023, 14:37Wolken, you got some great questions there! Tom would definitely go for them.
I'm still trying to think of a question for him. Might be something about unreleased material, the KDB question, or a certain venue in Las Vegas!
EDIT: I just sent my question!
Gah, I didnt manage to join "the chat" until 5:20pm, by which time there were already 190+ questions.
Bloody hell!
Posted my No 1 question but doubt he'll ever get to it.
Tom says he doesn't like the title "Rock Witchu". How dare you Tom!
EDIT: Ah they like to call it "Too Hot".
Quote from: Biff on Sep 13, 2023, 14:47Y'all should know by now that when they don't want to address a question head on they'll provide some funny, albeit extremely open-ended answer, otherwise I'd be asking about the Clapham Drum Ensemble.
@Biff we figured out where that crash cymbal came from. It's from a Stereo MC's track: Creation, right at the very end. 4:56
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qnkun1HIG0M
I'm 100% sure that Clapham Percussion Ensemble is Tom in disguise (especially after Explud explained something to me by PM). What question were you gonna ask Tom about it?
Quote from: Wolkenkrabber on Sep 13, 2023, 16:54I'm 100% sure that Clapham Percussion Ensemble is Tom in disguise (especially after Explud explained something to me by PM). What question were you gonna ask Tom about it?
The Clapham Percussion Ensemble is even credited for "Dreaming".
Quote from: Csar on Sep 13, 2023, 16:59The Clapham Percussion Ensemble is even credited for "Dreaming".
Harvest Mix...
It's OVER! Let's Go Home! (or Leave Home)
No luck on my questions. Saw a few of the other brother/sister/siblinghood q's being answered.
My Fav Q & A so far
QuoteHey Tom! Been a massive fan of you guys since the early 00's, and seen almost all of your gigs here in beautiful Colorado, and a few times at Coachella!
In the recent Billboard interview you guys discuss the challenges of touring the states. I certainly understand the variables at play, but I didn't take away from it that we're being cut off entirely. Am I right? Only Sith deal in absolutes! :)
Tom's Answer
Quotethanks for the support . we do hope to return one day like Darth maul in the cartoon series (top half only)
Ha! This chemical watched Clone Wars.
Just got this bot message from Reddit:
"Sorry, your comment was removed from /r/Music because your account is less than one day old. We have to take these measures to combat spammers - it's nothing personal. We'd like you to get to know the place better before contributing, so for now, just sit back and enjoy the content posted here."
FFS.
@instantreigen I saw your Gay Dad Money question.
I remember there was a band called Gay Dad (https://www.discogs.com/artist/17812-Gay-Dad). I wonder if it has anything to do with them. I guess we'll find out when the book comes out.
EDIT: I see someone on Reddit speculated further: "I'm going to assume it's a reference to the record company advance the band Gay Dad got at the tail end of Nineties when record labels could still splurge ridiculous amounts of money on bands."
And as speculation/assumption goes, I reckon that's pretty good!
@rynostar Pls explain Darth Maul (top half only) comment for those of us who didn't watch Clone Wars.
Quote from: Wolkenkrabber on Sep 13, 2023, 18:13@rynostar Pls explain Darth Maul (top half only) comment for those of us who didn't watch Clone Wars.
Darth Maul shows up a few time in the series and has gone crazy. Had weird prosthetic machine for legs after Obi Wan chopped off the other half. Maybe we can infer that Tom is saying the best Darth Maul is post-slice / pre-crazy legs Darth Maul?
Image of Darth Maul progression in Clone Wars below for reference.
Tom answered my question, I simply asked if there are any plans for a South American tour and he said "we live in hope!". I'm going to take that as a yes :D
Thanks Wolkenkrabber!
I asked if there were any notably tough decisions on track orders or which songs would make the album, but alas it wasn't answered.
I am intrigued by this translucent steel toothbrush Tom speaks of.
JRSZ just went for it (3 hours ago). Slapped down 6 questions, got 6 answers.
QuoteHi Tom, first of all I want to congratulate you on your 10th studio album, your music and the whole community around it (love to the Piku and Chembase Siblings!) became a really important part of my life, but let's get into the questions!
Which of the new tracks was the easiest and which one was the most difficult to finish?
Is the "Dreaming" the official EBW 13/14? (If Work Energy Principle wasn't the one as well)
That "Rock With You" track from your DJ sets is an absolute fire, do you plan to release it one day?
Any upcoming alternative/dub mixes of the album tracks? Can you tell us something about them? (longer mix/remix of the Magic Wand would be amazing!)
With the legendary "Superflash" getting the studio release, is there any plan for other fan favs like Problem/Question, or the modern Live mix of Under the Influence?
Have you ever thought about bringing your live set to the studio like Justice with their Woman Worldwide album?
Where Do I Begin in the encore, pls <3
TomRowlandsAMA
1 none really harder than others in composition its more the final choices made when arranging /mixing etc that sometimes can be tricky
2 .no,we didn't think of it like that .maybe something new for that!
3 hope so
4 there are some great remixes to come
5 live is live ,studio is studip
6 we have done it before .might happen again one day
Answer 2: Something new for the next EBW? Hmm, interesting.
Some really great and fun questions and answers in the AMA!
We should probalby collect them somewhere to preserve them for future generations (not that Reddit is suddenly shut down and everything will be lost)
Just copy&paste them here? Or into a pdf and save it as attachement?
Quote from: Wolkenkrabber on Sep 13, 2023, 19:21JRSZ just went for it (3 hours ago). Slapped down 6 questions, got 6 answers.
Answer 2: Something new for the next EBW? Hmm, interesting.
Yeah, I really liked this answer!
Quote from: ThePumisher on Sep 13, 2023, 17:27Harvest Mix...
Just wanted to know if you really got your CD yet!
Quote from: Wolkenkrabber on Sep 13, 2023, 19:21JRSZ just went for it (3 hours ago). Slapped down 6 questions, got 6 answers.
He even got another one answered! He asked about how they found the sample for the Test by Czeslaw Niemen. The answer was really surprising!
https://www.reddit.com/r/Music/comments/16hpfif/im_tom_rowlands_from_the_chemical_brothers/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3
Test.jpg
So, so many comments in that AMA from everyone that's stopped by.. very beautiful this shared experience of time enjoying the Chemical Brothers... Some questions technical, other comments nostalgic, and many many thanks. It's a lot to take in. :) I'm grateful Tom answered so many!
Quote from: Csar on Sep 13, 2023, 19:48Just wanted to know if you really got your CD yet!
Yes, i got the CD. But the booklet not even worth calling it a booklet. As with the digipack case, slim as a paper.
Quote from: ThePumisher on Sep 13, 2023, 21:15Yes, i got the CD. But the booklet not even worth calling it a booklet. As with the digipack case, slim as a paper.
True. There's not even a(n) (extra) "super dope thanks" section any more. At least it's got my favourite artwork out of the 4.
in terms of package, Born In the Echoes/Brotherhood are my most favourite ones to date. I've always loved the texture and the white echoes/waves/bolts of BITE printed on it.
In retrospect, I wish I had understood that the AMA would be opened up for questions shortly after 4pm. I think getting in early would have really improved the chances of getting questions answered. And I (really) Want To Know about the unused version of the Trespass soundtrack.
Well the last "Ask Tom" was circa 2015/2016. Maybe in another 8 years or something...
ORAL HYGIENE IS KEY
I'm sorry,
@Wolkenkrabber :(
I didn't understand how the questions were sorted. When I posted my question I saw it popping up in the timeline but scrolling through all messages I didn't see it anymore. (Curious if someone here spotted a message from Joslyn78)
Good to see a lot of people from here asking their questions and getting a reply. Nicely done. It was some cluttered fun.
He did a good job at replying to stuff, often only like 10 questions even get answered
Quote from: gfa2001 on Sep 14, 2023, 11:37He did a good job at replying to stuff, often only like 10 questions even get answered
Tom literally replied 60+ times on the AMA, including mine.
Saw a lot of the Discord bunch on there. JRSZ took a leap of faith and got his 6 questions answered.
Looking to purchase a translucent steel toothbrush online soon.
sooo what is this about? particularly intriguing since the film was soundtracked by the other Dust Brothers...
gd_benci : In retrospect, what do you feel is the biggest chance you (and Simons) missed throughout your carreer? Like an artist you could have worked with or a deal you wouldn't think twice about now
Tom : We don't really think of our career as a series chances, but if there is one thing that stands out, it would be using the script for "Fight Club" as a door stop for a year before actually reading it. Oops.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Music/comments/16hpfif/comment/k0f0obu/
Quote from: shakermaker on Sep 16, 2023, 00:29sooo what is this about? particularly intriguing since the film was soundtracked by the other Dust Brothers...
gd_benci : In retrospect, what do you feel is the biggest chance you (and Simons) missed throughout your carreer? Like an artist you could have worked with or a deal you wouldn't think twice about now
Tom : We don't really think of our career as a series chances, but if there is one thing that stands out, it would be using the script for "Fight Club" as a door stop for a year before actually reading it. Oops.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Music/comments/16hpfif/comment/k0f0obu/
I thought this was interesting too!
I would imagine the Chems timeline would be different had they take on this project. For example, 'Surrender' might not have been conceived the way it is.
Regardless, Dust Brother (US) did a fantastic job on the soundtrack, so everyone wins!
Quote from: Wolkenkrabber on Sep 13, 2023, 19:21JRSZ just went for it (3 hours ago). Slapped down 6 questions, got 6 answers.
Preffered to put them as the one comment than to spam the feed when others got their.
But I'm kinda shocked that Dreaming isn't the EBW, like it's the most EBW thing ever
TBH this feels like a dud. with a few exceptions almost every response is vague, avoiding the question, or says nothing at all. it feels a bit like he was coerced into this as part of some kind of contractual obligation and wanted to do the minimum possible.
some examples:
"Congrats on the new album! It's absolutely wonderful.
Are there any plans for a bigger US tour? I'm in Atlanta & have wanted to see you for years." (https://www.reddit.com/r/Music/comments/16hpfif/comment/k0f0gvp/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3)
"we had a lot of fun when we lasted visited hotlanta in 97 but no plans to return. maybe one day :)
we've had some amazing concerts in the USA over the years"
"I'd love to know like how do you decide what songs to play during a live show. Like what lead to Let Forever Be only being played once in 2018 or Dig Your Own Hole returning after a several year absence" (https://www.reddit.com/r/Music/comments/16hpfif/comment/k0f23i2/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3)
"yeah, it was fun to play for one night only .guess you had to be there!!"
"My favorite song from the album is Feels like I am Dreaming, I saw you guys live in Bogotá and the visuals for this song really stuck with me. Can you tell us a bit of the story behind the visuals for this song?" (https://www.reddit.com/r/Music/comments/16hpfif/comment/k0f29vt/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3)
"I can tell you it features Benedict Wong .who is fantastic"
Quote from: shakermaker on Sep 16, 2023, 04:03TBH this feels like a dud. with a few exceptions almost every response is vague, avoiding the question, or says nothing at all. it feels a bit like he was coerced into this as part of some kind of contractual obligation and wanted to do the minimum possible.
I don't think he was coerced, but certainly isn't enthused to taking questions. Not to brag, but I've been around for a while, and he's ALWAYS been vague, even with the few times he's appeared here on the forum. So for some of us old heads, this is mostly on-par.
When he says he had no interest in doing this upcoming book and took convincing about looking in "reflection", I believe that 100%. He's incredibly private, and has constantly been one that espouses turning the next page on things.
I will say, the Fight Club comment was unusual and more than he'd usually divulge. There is probably more to this, but again, probably not our business.
Quote from: shakermaker on Sep 16, 2023, 04:03TBH this feels like a dud. with a few exceptions almost every response is vague, avoiding the question, or says nothing at all. it feels a bit like he was coerced...
I do understand your point about Tom's vagueness, honestly! However I'm not sure he answered these particularly badly.
Quote from: shakermaker on Sep 16, 2023, 04:03"Congrats on the new album! It's absolutely wonderful.
Are there any plans for a bigger US tour? I'm in Atlanta & have wanted to see you for years." (https://www.reddit.com/r/Music/comments/16hpfif/comment/k0f0gvp/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3)
"we had a lot of fun when we lasted visited hotlanta in 97 but no plans to return. maybe one day :)
we've had some amazing concerts in the USA over the years"
He's politely saying "no", whilst saying he remembers '97 in order to be nice about Atlanta. I guess he could have expanded further on why it's a "no", which is something he has done elsewhere (the US is less open to their charms, plus crazy touring costs). That's something you and I already know. I've never even been to Atlanta. Is it possible that I know more than Americans about why the Chems are less likely to play there?
Quote from: shakermaker on Sep 16, 2023, 04:03"I'd love to know like how do you decide what songs to play during a live show. Like what lead to Let Forever Be only being played once in 2018 or Dig Your Own Hole returning after a several year absence" (https://www.reddit.com/r/Music/comments/16hpfif/comment/k0f23i2/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3)
"yeah, it was fun to play for one night only .guess you had to be there!!"
If he answered in full about how they choose tracks, it could be a crazy long answer! Although we already know that it's a mixture of "the hits" (HBHG, BRB etc), the current stuff, and some other stuff that works. It seems that they sometimes try something different to see if they like it. I realise I'm starting to answer Tom's question for him, but to some extent we know the answer. The question may have had an element of: "why did you only bring back LFB for one gig?" And if Tom said: "cos we felt like it and then decided nah", it would probably lead to more "why why why".
Quote from: shakermaker on Sep 16, 2023, 04:03"My favorite song from the album is Feels like I am Dreaming, I saw you guys live in Bogotá and the visuals for this song really stuck with me. Can you tell us a bit of the story behind the visuals for this song?" (https://www.reddit.com/r/Music/comments/16hpfif/comment/k0f29vt/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3)
"I can tell you it features Benedict Wong .who is fantastic"
Well you and I know the answer. They're recycled visuals for "I'll See You There" from the BITE tour (and the visuals are a recreation of a famous old film: Kenneth Angers Inaguration of the Pleasure Dome). But perhaps Tom didn't want to say "we recycled old visuals". If people dont know then um... why spoil the fact that the visuals weren't made for FLIAD?
Well I realise that my response may come across as very defensive of Tom and not so sympathetic to you, but I do understand your general point. Biff kinda made that point as well: if they don't want to answer directly, they give some humorous answer.
Incidentally I think the more "dedicated" fans here on the forum also know that the split in music making between T&E
probably isn't equal. Tom is clearly in the drivers seat with his big studio at home (and a bunch of other facts/evidence that I won't get stuck into now). So I think they're always trying to protect their brand/image of the duo that makes music together, even if it may be more complicated (or perhaps
less compliacted) than that.
Re Fight Club, I thought that was interesting. One of my fave films. One that subsequently inspired me to buy the book by Chuck Palahniuk (and another one of his books too) and then I got the film on DVD. Imagine if it had had a Chems soundtrack! Even better! Oh well, we can dream...
Quote from: 𝒥𝑅𝒮𝒵 on Sep 16, 2023, 03:23Preffered to put them as the one comment than to spam the feed...
I
now know that I should have jumped in circa 4.15pm and slapped down my 5 questions as one post, before it got busy (yeah I'm still grumpy about this. Would
love to have had an exclusive
Forum AMA. Move on Wolkenkrabber, move on!)
Quote from: Bosco on Sep 16, 2023, 07:10I don't think he was coerced, but certainly isn't enthused to taking questions. Not to brag, but I've been around for a while, and he's ALWAYS been vague, even with the few times he's appeared here on the forum. So for some of us old heads, this is mostly on-par.
I did wonder about this. good to have confirmation.
Quote from: Wolkenkrabber on Sep 16, 2023, 12:52Well I realise that my response may come across as very defensive of Tom and not so sympathetic to you, but I do understand your general point. Biff kinda made that point as well: if they don't want to answer directly, they give some humorous answer.
defend away! he's not here to defend himself after all, and you all "know" him better than I do.
I get that some questions he may not want to answer, or may not be in a position to answer, and humorous responses are a good way to do acknowledge the question. being a private person myself I respect anyone else's choice to be that way. it just seems like an "ask me
anything" is a weird space to step into if you don't really want to answer
anything.
we did get a few scraps of new information though, so there's that.
Quote from: Wolkenkrabber on Sep 16, 2023, 12:52[question from the person in Atlanta]
He's politely saying "no", whilst saying he remembers '97 in order to be nice about Atlanta. I guess he could have expanded further on why it's a "no", which is something he has done elsewhere (the US is less open to their charms, plus crazy touring costs). That's something you and I already know. I've never even been to Atlanta. Is it possible that I know more than Americans about why the Chems are less likely to play there?
his answer implies they have no plans to return to atlanta, but the question wasn't about atlanta, it was about whether they have plans for a bigger US tour. he dodged that question and answered a different one.
Quote from: Wolkenkrabber on Sep 16, 2023, 12:52[question about how they choose tracks to perform, particularly one-offs]
If he answered in full about how they choose tracks, it could be a crazy long answer! Although we already know that it's a mixture of "the hits" (HBHG, BRB etc), the current stuff, and some other stuff that works. It seems that they sometimes try something different to see if they like it. I realise I'm starting to answer Tom's question for him, but to some extent we know the answer. The question may have had an element of: "why did you only bring back LFB for one gig?" And if Tom said: "cos we felt like it and then decided nah", it would probably lead to more "why why why".
if he didn't want to or have the capacity to answer he could have skipped over this question. instead a "guess you had to be there" followed by exclamation marks feels so awkward, as if under his breath he is saying "get me out of here".
Quote from: Wolkenkrabber on Sep 16, 2023, 12:52[question about Feels like I am Dreaming video]
Well you and I know the answer. They're recycled visuals for "I'll See You There" from the BITE tour (and the visuals are a recreation of a famous old film: Kenneth Angers Inaguration of the Pleasure Dome). But perhaps Tom didn't want to say "we recycled old visuals". If people dont know then um... why spoil the fact that the visuals weren't made for FLIAD?
fair, but could he have found
anything other than the most obvious thing to share? maybe he doesn't like to be put on the spot and his memory froze up in the moment.
maybe where I am landing is: perhaps Tom isn't very good at the humorous responses used to avoid answering directly.
which again leaves me wondering why he did this, unless it was part of some contractual obligation.
Quote from: shakermaker on Sep 16, 2023, 16:55which again leaves me wondering why he did this, unless it was part of some contractual obligation.
Let me answer this like Tom: "yes?"
To help compare, here is a link (https://forum.thechembase.com/index.php/topic,474.msg7904.html#msg7904) to the last time Tom took questions from fans.
Quote from: shakermaker on Sep 16, 2023, 16:55his answer implies they have no plans to return to atlanta, but the question wasn't about atlanta, it was about whether they have plans for a bigger US tour. he dodged that question and answered a different one.
The OG questioner said they were in Atlanta and asked about a wider US tour (perhaps aware of recent Coachella dates). Why does the OG questioner want a wider US tour? Proabably cos they want the Chems to come to Atlanta ("I'm in Atlanta and have wanted to see you for years"). Tom addrsses both Atlanta and "some amazing concerts in the USA over the years" in his answer. There clearly aren't plans for a wider US tour - covering many places (inc Atlanta). That was pretty clear to me.
Quote from: shakermaker on Sep 16, 2023, 16:55if he didn't want to or have the capacity to answer he could have skipped over this question [about live track choices].
One more question skipped yes he could have done that, true.
Quote from: shakermaker on Sep 16, 2023, 16:55fair, but could he have found anything other than the most obvious thing to share? maybe he doesn't like to be put on the spot and his memory froze up in the moment.
He may well have been trying to smash through as many questions as possible. But also:
A few months ago a (former?) forumite asked on the Brotherhood FB page: "Is that Benedict Wong in the Dreaming visuals? My mate says it can't be, but it really looks like him".
I was happy to confirm that it was indeed Benedict Wong, but I think a lot of people (casual fans) didn't/don't know that Mr Wong is in there. If the questioner didnt even know that the visuals were originally from "I'll See You There", there's a good chance they may not have been aware of Bendict Wong either.
As for whether Tom wanted to do the AMA, we can only speculate. Maybe he was prodded into doing it by Alex Nightingale or Universal? Who knows?
I think the big ego "artists" such as Miley Cyrus are happy to pop up (or pop their tits out) on every medium that will have them, but the ones who just want to "do music" are less likely to have that "me me me" attitude to doing press/interviews etc.
Folks. There is a new album. Tom and Ed are doing press. On radio shows and on schedules balanced with their daily personal stuff. They are putting themselves out there, even without AMA. 30 years is being celebrated also. Was it a contractual obligation as part of press in releasing their art? Probably, and so what! But I do know their fans are appreciated and aren't an obligation. Have you heard the music they make and share, have you seen one of their monstrous and awesome shows? Only the best!!
They are for the most part private people (Tom it seems more so) doing what they do. Maybe AMA is an awkward platform? I don't know. I never know what to ask Tom if I'm put on the spot, haha!! I wasn't expecting the AMA to unlock secrets to the universe. That nugget about Fight Club is really cool. Aside from submitting questions it seemed to give people a chance to stop by and say thank you or share a memory or two. That's a beautiful thing to read, and so are the interactions.
Quote from: Wolkenkrabber on Sep 16, 2023, 18:56The OG questioner said they were in Atlanta and asked about a wider US tour (perhaps aware of recent Coachella dates). Why does the OG questioner want a wider US tour? Proabably cos they want the Chems to come to Atlanta ("I'm in Atlanta and have wanted to see you for years"). Tom addrsses both Atlanta and "some amazing concerts in the USA over the years" in his answer. There clearly aren't plans for a wider US tour - covering many places (inc Atlanta). That was pretty clear to me.
you may be letting outside knowledge influence your interpretation. the questioner asked if they have plans for a bigger US tour and Tom did not provide any insight in his response whether they have plans for a bigger US tour. that's very straight forward not answering the question.
to assume that the OP would only be interested if said tour hit Atlanta is presumptuous. perhaps there are also other cities that would be accessible to them. the OP could have asked specifically about plans to come to Atlanta and did not ask that.
Quote from: shakermaker on Sep 17, 2023, 02:35you may be letting outside knowledge influence your interpretation. the questioner asked if they have plans for a bigger US tour and Tom did not provide any insight in his response whether they have plans for a bigger US tour. that's very straight forward not answering the question.
to assume that the OP would only be interested if said tour hit Atlanta is presumptuous. perhaps there are also other cities that would be accessible to them. the OP could have asked specifically about plans to come to Atlanta and did not ask that.
Dude you're trying too hard to attack Tom's answers here. Same with the Benedict Wong reply.
That is all.
Quote from: Wolkenkrabber on Sep 17, 2023, 03:01Dude you're trying too hard to attack Tom's answers here. Same with the Benedict Wong reply.
That is all.
you convinced me the Wong answer was not as useless as I initially claimed.
I'm not trying to attack anyone, and I apologize if it came off that way. I was trying to explain to you why I feel he avoided answering many of the questions. if that's how Tom wants to answer that's up to him, just feels like a wasted opportunity.