Reviews and Concert Stories

Cornerstone 1991 Review (see last full paragraph second column) by Doug Van Pelt? in Heaven’s Metal magazine #31 (September 1991)

Short review by an unknown author (if this is you, please let me know):

“At Cornerstone 91 L.S.U. mainly played Shaded Pain songs in that aggressive style that we all know and love. They started playing “Ocean Blue” when Knott yelled for the band to stop. He explained the meaning of the song. He also said “There are some people out there who believe that they can know your future! I’m gonna read your color…come to the grapes…” Foreshadowing The Grape Prophet which was released the next year. Very cool.

Back in 1991 Mike Knott was gaining a reputation. His label, Blonde Vinyl was known for picking up bands that were breaking new ground (not very popular with major labels in CCM in 1991). He was also getting the reputation of an incredible stage presence. Nothing could have prepared the crowd for what was about to be unleashed on them when Mike Knott and the band took to the stage.”

Brian Q. Newcomb (Former Editor and Founder, Syndicate):

“at the ramshackle impromptu stage down by the lake at Cornerstone’s Bushnell, Illinois property. Backed by Doidge, Hindalong, and then-Choir bassist Mike Sauerbrey, Knott bounced up and down on the quickly-constructed stage, causing the p.a. to rock back and forth precariously. Dressed all in black, Knott tore his T-shirt and painted his face white at one point, and wrapped his hands and body in duct-tape at another. Legendary stories that he had performed in a dress and poured red paint over his face became immediately believable…. the best memories that I have of those shows is how the performance served the music, and drove home its meaning. Mike Knott was a great rock performer, perhaps exhibiting that rare star quality that under other circumstances would have promised success. However, only 25 or so people saw that show by the lake. Too bad.”

(from the Bring It Down Now liner notes)

Concert Program