Submitted by Andre Munoz:

The band came into Denver at about 4PM after staying in Hayes, Kansas with friends Season to Risk. The 7 Year Bitch luxurious touring vehicle is unmistakable. It is a crowded green van without a distinguishable sense of organization, the dashboard is littered with tapes for road entertainment, a U-Haul compartment sits secure on top, and it is the premier place of residence for the duration of the tour. Distinguished in the art of touring, I wonder if this tour is taking a larger toll than usual on the band.

After sound check, Selene, Liz, and Roisin were in good spirits. As many of you know, it is usually Valerie who is spearheading the excitement and buzz before and after the shows. But tonight she was nowhere to be found. Roisin had mentioned that she was sick (apparently food poisoning) and lying down. However, in the moments before it was their turn to take the stage, Liz confided that it was possible that they would not play at all.

From the crowd turnout, I wouldn't have blamed them for that reason alone. It seemed that tonight Denver was painfully unaware of the talent in their midst. The crowd was relatively thin, unaquainted with the music, and more into watching the pit. However, I do not want to dismiss the few of us who actually respected the band and it's music. One fellow had come all the way from Austin, supporting the band along the entire way. This is a shame considering that the band members are acutely aware of the people who genuinely appreciate their talent. They are quick to reciprocate those feelings of love and respect. Hopefully, they will return to Denver, leaving with better memories.

When the band rushed onto the stage to play, few knew how lucky we were to even see the performance. It certainly was a moment definitive of Valerie's perseverance. However, because of her condition, there was not an encore, and the show ended by 11PM. The music was superb, fueled by the particularly fine string artistry of Roisin and Liz. While most people had their eyes fixated on Selene, Roisin and Liz were putting on their own shows of grace and tyranny. Selene's performance was somewhat unique. Her 'transformations,' glares, seductive mannerisms, and her ability to command attention, which have come to typify her performances, are well known. She appears to create and become part of a separate world onstage, relating to the crowd on a much more powerful, subversive, and subconscious level. On this occasion, these elements were much less apparent. She seemed to be in a more 'natural' state, not yet transformed by whatever visions lurk inside her head. Her performance was still amazing, however the brilliant nuances and flutter to her voice were less compelling. Simply a discrepancy between amazing and brilliant. In the end, hats must go off to Valerie, who played without any indication of her sickness. However, when the all too short set was over, she was the first one to run off the stage, not to be seen again for rest of the night.

To those who are catching the last leg of this tour, be sure to bring some cash for the interesting 7 Year Bitch memorabilia available at the shows (Two varieties of T-shirts, CD's [including Sick 'Em], 12", Tapes, Stickers, Lighters, Etc...). Despite the major label, the band hasn't made it to superstardom yet. The extra cash from gear sales could go towards a quality meal fund for Valerie.

Submitted by Jeff:

7 Year Bitch Set List

-Jack
-MPH
-Lorna
-Crying Shame
-2nd Hand
-Whoopie Act
-Deep in (heart)
-M.I.A.
-Midst
-It's 2 Late
-Sore Subj.
-History
-Miss U
-Scratch
-Hip Like J

I wrote them as they appear for the most part....the biggest difference is that where I wrote (heart), there was a heart drawn.