Big Wu stops at nothing — not even nudity — to entertain crowd Page 1 of 2

Publication: The Colorado Springs Gazette; Date:2006 Jan 27; Section:Go; Page Number: 51 Big Wu stops at nothing — not even nudity — to entertain crowd

By J. ADRIAN STANLEY THE GAZETTE

“I’ll do whatever’s necessary,” Big Wu bassist Andy Miller said. “I’ll get naked. I’ll steal a flag. I’ll get naked and steal a flag.” Forget that Miller’s proclamation makes little sense unless you know his history of Green Bay Packers flag stealing and nude partying. The point is simple: If you go to The Black Sheep on Tuesday, Miller and the Big Wu will do whatever it takes to entertain you. Not that much should be required beyond the standard fare. For experienced jam bands like the Wu, the live show is a place to shine. On stage, a jam band can use its natural skills at improvising as a way to awe the audience. The studio is quite another matter. Miller knows that the 20-minute songs favored by the Wu and their ilk often transfer poorly to CDs. So, before making its latest studio album, 2004’s “Tool for Evening,” the Wu considered ways to make the album more accessible. The band had evolved a lot since it formed in 1992 on the campus of St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., but the recent exit of founding member Jason Fladager was the biggest shake-up it had experienced. Rather than let that hinder their work, the band members decided to see it as an opportunity to choose some new creative directions. They cut the fat from their compositions and produced a focused album. Miller, who describes himself as “the one at Bonnaroo (Music Festival) with the Megadeth shirt on,” says he’s always liked tighter song structures. “Just because you’re in a hippie band doesn’t mean you should be sloppy,” he said. “We said, ‘Let’s make this album something other than a million notes.’” The change represents something else to Miller as well. It’s a way to continue to be vital and exciting to fans. “If you want to be in a band, soul searching is what keeps you alive and viable,” he said. “Over the last year I’ve appreciated playing music more than I ever had.” That sense of well-being has endowed Miller with a “we shall overcome” attitude toward the downturn in the music industry — something that used to scare him. Now, he thinks the Web is becoming more of a tool for musicians and labels, rather than a threat. “If I can survive the last five years, I can do anything,” he said. So things are looking up, and Miller and the Wu are out on the road, feeling good about the direction of their music and the energy of their live shows. “No one’s going to say we’re great night after night,” Miller said. “We’re not Phish. But at least we’re genuine.” And even on a imperfect night there’s always something to grab your attention — battle cries, metal-inspired bass solos, middle-aged man flesh. “People like to be entertained,” Miller said. “Call me small-minded, but sometimes I entertain myself.”

details

The Big Wu

When:

8 p.m. Tuesday

Where:

The Black Sheep, 2106 E. Platte Ave.

Tickets: http://daily.gazette.com/APA26300/PrintArt.asp?SkinFolder=GazetteA 3/15/2008 Big Wu stops at nothing — not even nudity — to entertain crowd Page 2 of 2

$10, 227-7625

OBSCURE FACTS ABOUT THE BIG WU

c

Once, while experimenting

with hallucinogenic drugs, bassist Andy Miller became agitated. He faced the crowd of Wu fans gathered around the stage and announced that the band was performing poorly. Miller then dug through his wallet, yanked out a wad of cash, counted it, and offered to give the first 30 fans that saw him after the show their money back. As far as Miller knows, no one took him up on the offer. Although he admits, “I might have been hiding in the bathroom.” c

Singer and guitarist

Chris Castino loves to eat fast food, even though he has an artificial valve in his heart. c

Keyboardist Al Oikari

loves cheap beer and hates onions. c

Miller and his brother

used to travel to their neighbor’s house late in the night and steal his Green Bay Packers flag. The neighbor repeatedly replaced the flag, and attempted to secure it better, but he was no match for the Miller boys and their red-hot hatred of the Wisconsin team. c

Producer Bill Cutler

once told the Wu, “You guys are more dysfunctional than the *&%# Grateful Dead!” The Wu took it as a compliment.

http://daily.gazette.com/APA26300/PrintArt.asp?SkinFolder=GazetteA 3/15/2008