electromagnets - Austin, TX 1973 - FutureClick here for merchandise!Click here for Art and Pics!Click here for Bio information!Click here to hear Recordings!Click here to see Reviews!

Tear-gassed at the Armadillo World Headquarters

by Park Street
Electromagnets Manager

Stephen Barber in the Electromagnets!When we got our first gig headlining at the Armadillo World Headquarters, we were all very excited. I brought a business associate and some of his friends to the concert that night, and they had eaten some brownies. They were in a highly altered state - which was quite unusual for them being quite conservative for the time. I got them seated and sat at the board to help mix the band.

The band came on and after a few songs the crowd, starting from the back, suddenly began getting up and running for the exits. I really had no idea of what was going on until I got a whif of tear gas. Then, along with the rest of the crowd, I ran for an exit. As I left, I noticed the band finally getting a whif of their own. I was quite proud of them, they handled the situation in a very professional manner. They sped up the section they were playing and finished the song with a very, very fast phrase, then put their instruments down gently and ran off stage.

The entrance I chose dead ended at a seven foot wood barrier fence in the alley next to the building. The tiny girl in front of me went over this like a cat and I easily followed as tear-gas gives one almost superhuman strength to flee. On the other side of the fence was a row of cars in a parking lot which is now Threadgill's. The only possible place to land was on these cars. I would estimate over 100 people landed on two or three car hoods. I would have loved to have seen the insurance reports; cause of damage: mob histeria induced by tear gas.

The Electromagnets at the 'Dillo!After getting down I ran for what seemed forever. Finally the effect started wearing off and I was able to find some water to bathe my eyes. When I went back, the concert had been called off so we packed up. I found out later the friends I had brought knew nothing about tear gas and (while very stoned) believed there had been a chlorine gas leak and they were going to die. They never accepted any of my later offers to come see the band.

I bet few bands have ever had as memorable a concert as our headliner at the Armadillo. FYI, no one ever figured out who threw the tear gas. If any one knows, send me some email at park@parkstreets.com.