South by Southwest Source > South by Southwest Source > Archives > 2007 > March > 18 > Entry
Lights out for ‘The Upsetter’
“You need a new government!” proclaimed reggae legend Lee “Scratch” Perry, a.k.a. “The Upsetter.”
He wasn’t protesting the war in Iraq, or U.S. environmental policy, or even Washington influence-peddling scandals.
His issue was with closing time.
“Justice for the people!” Perry cried.
Those would be the people oppressed by the Austin police, who had arrived to shut down Perry’s show at the Flamingo Cantina, which was scheduled for 1 a.m. but didn’t start until 2:45. The crowd had gamely gotten into a long set by Perry’s excellent backing band, Dub Is A Weapon, applauding for the snaky, smokey sax solos (although some fans seated on the risers in the back were dozing on each others’ shoulders) and moving to the music, as much as possible in a tightly packed house (“no cash,” badges and wristbands only, line across Sixth Street). By about 2:15 a.m., with the bar closed and the bartenders dispensing only cups of water, about half the audience had given up and left, but those who remained rejoiced in finally having a dance floor, skanking wildly to the hypnotic beats or snagging a spot closer to the stage.
Finally, with no fanfare, Perry suddenly walked up the steps to the stage, resplendent in a “uniform” of combat books and khakis decorated with rhinestones, mirrors and photographs. His microphone was festooned with charms, gems and even a golfball-sized crystal. Though small in stature, his demeanor was commanding, and the crowd showed no ill-will for the long delay.
After Perry’s first song, a voice came over the loudspeaker and requested that he and the band find a good way to end the show, as if they didn’t, the power would be turned off at the insistence of the police. Perry glowered, made his protest remarks and defiantly started a second song. The crowd sang along with Perry’s chorus: ‘Burn down Babylon.’ The police weren’t playing, however. The power went off. The crowd shouted encouragement, wanting Perry to go on, but he shook his head and pointed at the dead microphone. He walked around the edge of the stage, reaching out to touch some hands as the crowd cheered, and then was gone.
The owner of the club, meanwhile, was arguing with two officers near the front door about the citation they were giving him. Fans took off for their cars, or gathered in little clusters to savor the excitement of having seen Perry, and having participated in an act of rebellion, sort of. One guy laughed and said Perry had been nearby during the whole set by his band — all he’d had to do was walk the short way between buildings.
So did he start late just so he could get away with a two-song set?
Another guy laughed and said “Hey, he’s 70. And he’s the Upsetter!”
Comments
By e
March 19, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this
Is there a law against playing music after 2am? Can someone explain what the actual citation was? This does not make sense…
By Dave Hahn
March 27, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
Dave from Dub Is A Weapon here…I don’t really know why Scratch showed up so late, but I believe that the club owner ended up being charged with some kind of misdemeanour noise violation..and probably would have been handcuffed if we didn’t stop playing. :( And I believe that Scratch said this: “Music lovers…it’s time to elect a new government” after I told him we were getting shut down by the cops.