He seems pretty certain there's a Spike tv movie.

Cool. Maybe if the movie is recieved well, he gets his own series.

SeanValen | June 07, 11:56 CET

That would be $50 million for the Macbeth movie? Good news for James. =)

I wonder how certain he sounds about his interpretation of the end (not that he's always right about the direction of the shows before *g*), it'd be interesting to see what the actors think of the ending.

Love his answer about the subtext between Spike and Angel, hee. Not to mention Angel/Lindsey, that was fairly blatant in NFA...

StarFaith | June 07, 14:06 CET

Is the $50 million an accurate number? Considering people like Julia Roberts get paid $50 million, I wonder if this isn't incorrect...

mchan | June 07, 14:38 CET

Wow ! what a lot James manages to pack into a Q and A session .. my head is spinning! Hope some reoports of the other actors Q and A sessions follow soon.

I'm thrilled to bits about Macbeth and about the possibilities of a Spike Movie and Harry Dresden

But mainly I'm more than a tad upset about the band thing .. I know speculation isn't helpful but what the hell has happened between the last GOTR Q and A and now? I hate to hear James saying that he can't cut it as a singer his progress in the last year has been amazing and I'm stunned that he doesn't think he'll have time for the band . GOTR gigs have been such fun and I don't want to contemplate a world where there won't be any more gigs . More than anything If this is the end of the road for the band I want them to finish the album and do one more tour, sign off properly go out on a high (And yes I know that even if James leaves the band will probably continue but it won't be the same band ) . Don't give up the music James .. a bloke needs a hobby !

Still to the positives A year ago James said that he wanted $8 million to do Macbeth and now he's got $50! (By the way mchan I think that's the budget for the whole fim not James' salary and it's actually not a huge ammount in film terms )he must think all his Christmasses have come at once . My fingers toes and elbows are crossed that the deal is safely locked down and that the film gets made .. it's his dream project and I'm chuffed to bits that it's happened so fast for him .

I loved what he said about Spike being his role and phasing out the other "Spikes" before the audition .. I cringed when I read about how unhappy he was at playing the sock scenes and I laughed at the Idea of DB's discomfort with the gay subtext and Joss's knowing this and carrying on anyway ( Yes I'm evil).

Most of all I wished I had been there to hear this ... anyone know if MR is the type of con that sells videos after the event? because I would so love to be able to hear and see his responses as well as read them

And Kudos to Alane and Laurie for the transcript .. I'm hopeless at taking notes at these things and I owe a high debt of gratitude to those who can watch James and scribble at the same time

debw | June 07, 15:18 CET

Is the Macbeth project a movie or a theater play? I thought it was for Theatrical production.
Glad to hear he's still optimistic about the Spike movie....hope it goes further than that. And I hope the Dresden thing happens too. The more James we can get the better.......

kathylovesspike | June 07, 15:57 CET

$50 million seems to be a *lot* of money. 5 Million would make more sense, actually. But hey, it's possible. *g*

I believe he's talking about a Macbeth movie and not a play.

StarFaith | June 07, 16:02 CET

yeah 50 mil sounds somewhat unrealistic. terry gilliam got so much crap for needing more than 32 million for The Man Who Killed Don Quixote (just saw Lost in La Mancha). regardless congrats to JM, i know he's had his heart set on Macbeth for a loooong time. it'd be interesting to see his take on it, especially after seeing Akira Kurosawa's Throne of Blood.

rsfayez | June 07, 16:38 CET

SOme say he might have said 15 million... I wasn't there.

twiggy | June 07, 17:49 CET

First, I am REALLY hoping the planets align, the fates smile upon him and everything else that has to happen does, so that Macbeth happens for him.

“I hear that some people were offended that I wasn’t used in a deeper way on Angel, but I didn’t want it.”
I’m pleased he said that because it was the one time I was more concerned with the actor than the character. He mentioned before how he was put through the emotional wringer quite a bit being the only naked guy, Seeing Red, etc., so I’m glad he got a break. It’s one thing to tease DB with the homoeroticism, but quite another to leave an actor feeling so, well, exposed.
Being the smart a** thorn in Angel’s side worked for the story and added another dimension to Angel. And who knows how Spike going from extra crispy to being back in the world again might scramble the guy’s sensibilities, world-saving soul possessor or not. I do think James and David had a surprising chemistry and brought out the best in each other and not being able to have that expanded upon was one of the hardest things about the cancellation.

If there is a Spike movie in the future, I would prefer it not pick up where the series ended. It ended perfectly and I think it would negate the entire thing. They probably did all die, but I don’t want it confirmed. And why would Spike be the only one to survive? He is strong and wily and lucky, but c’mon, there was a friggin’dragon!

I love, love, love reading transcripts of the Q&As with James. Especially when he talks about acting in general because he always conveys the sense that it’s something he HAS to do. That if he weren’t expressing himself he could possibly explode. I’ve never seen him in person, but am always impressed by his intelligence, deep thinking and occasional goofyness. I also appreciate other’s impressions that go beyond “He’s so hot!”

ETA:
“…what the hell has happened between the last GOTR Q and A and now?”
I don’t want to speculate either, but I think Macbeth is what happened. His dream project could finally become a reality and you can’t blame him for wanting to concentrate on that. No matter how much fun the band is, I’m sure acting comes first. His singing has progressed quite nicely if GotR’s appearance on the Sharon Osborne show was any indication of the level he’s achieved, but he seemed less than confident that it's his 'calling'. Particularly when he states "I don't feel it". He appears to feel things quite strongly and bless him for his self-awareness, even if his "self-knowledge is self-loathing".

[ edited by bloodflowers on 2004-06-07 16:57 ]

bloodflowers | June 07, 17:56 CET

$50 million seems to be a *lot* of money. 5 Million would make more sense, actually. But hey, it's possible. *g*

Possible but it's a hell of a lot more money than I expected. Still, that's the number going around, but if anyone's positive that it's a different amount, would you mind emailing me? My email address is in my profile. I just want to change the fifty million if it's incorrect, I know it can be a little hard to hear at conventions sometimes :)

faith1984 | June 07, 19:37 CET

Wow, no one else is talking about the Spike tv movie, whats all the fuss about macbeth :D

Where's the Buffy and Angel fans gone, replaced by shakespearians?:D

This is big news people. SPIKE LIKELY BACK!!

[ edited by SeanValen on 2004-06-07 18:16 ]

SeanValen | June 07, 20:06 CET

$5 million is actually kind of a piddling amount for a film, so I can't imagine it being that. Still $50 million is pretty hefty for someone who's never produced film before. $15 seems like a reasonable possibility and 50 and 15 *sound* an awful lot alike.

I wonder where the money is coming from! A big studio or a private backer? Sometimes private backers, well... back out. I certainly hope that doesn't happen here! The man desrves to work. He's a helluva talent.

And I LOLed at the image of Joss toturing DB with all the homo-erotic subtext! BWAA!

Joss' bitch | June 07, 20:19 CET

Oh I'm very happy about the chances of a Spike movie Sean. I guess everyone was so surprised about the Macbeth thing. I really hope James does do the Spike film...I just wonder who is going to do it...Joss...the networks ...what. I think we need more info and I think we should keep sending the postcards to Joss, ME and FOX. Wish it would turn into a spinoff too. The Dresden thing would be great as well....because I'm not to sure I could go 3 years without seeing James on my TV.

kathylovesspike | June 07, 20:29 CET

And as Jimmy Marsters said, don't wait too long, vampires don't age, he is, so any spike thing should happen within 2 years or never I say, then again, he's aged so well, can't believe he's 41, if he did 4 seasons of a Spike spin off, he'll be 45 by the end of that 4th season. Imagine if he started playing Spike at 29 or earlier, could of been in the role for 15 years!!!700 episodes of SPike tv!!!jesus!!LOL

SeanValen | June 07, 20:42 CET

I for one am excited about James' Macbeth project. I hope it works out. Is he going to be in it? That's one of the things I have been wanting to see, James Marsters doing Shakespeare.

As for the Spike TV movie, I'm not holding my breath until I hear it's in production. Still, go, Joss, go!

[ edited by electricspacegirl on 2004-06-07 18:52 ]

electricspacegirl | June 07, 20:49 CET

I think $15M seems more likely than $50M. The average feature film a few years ago was $55M, but there's a lot of high-end outliers bringing up that average. But since this is James' project, and not some famous director's, $15M sounds reasonable to me.

I love Shakespeare, epecially his tragedies (Hamlet and Othello are orgasmic), but I hate MacBeth. But since James is writing a new script, he has a lot of room to improve on the original.

Does anyone know what the concept for the project is, other than MacBeth.

And although I wasn't at the convention, the Spike TV movie comment sounds more hypothetical than definite.

Invisible Green | June 07, 21:51 CET

Wonderful answers. So honest. I KNEW Sarah making easy sport of him hurt him terribly...it was just there in the subtext everytime he mentioned it. So glad he's not's speaking in code anymore. He said the lead sets the tone of the show, I wonder if he felt her not supporting him enabled the crew members to laugh at him too.

It also eases my mind considerably that he enjoyed this past season. I was one of those that wanted to see Spike used in a more meaningful way; and even though this isn't my favorite Spike...to the point of never doing the scene rewind--I am very glad that it was what he needed at that point in his life. I may not have enjoyed it but at least he did.

Also so glad people were talking about this out loud...I knew there was a huge Spike contigent that felt disconnected to the 'new' ATS Spike and the question put to him was gentle...but represented the Redemptionist point of view.

So glad...to hear his take about the band...I think he really needed to express himself with music...but...he's a ballad singer, he would be great at Bertolt Brecht or a Tom Waits kind of stuff--songs he could act through...not a rock singer...and I was a little concerned about his perception of reailty when he was going gung ho on the band...and it really wasn't his forte. By him being so honest about what he can do and can't do restores my faith completely in his ability to look at himself clearly and understand what is going on around--very important traits to be a successful Producer. Especially Shakespeare.

And he has an acting gift, and an understanding of storytelling I would love to see him master. And the Scottish play could be his cosmic reward for opening his heart the way he has. SO glad, he's happy. Whatever all our different opinions may be we all have to agree he did his very best all the time. So even his take at heavens gate--I would have to agree with (from our earthly point of view). He is an artist.

After the dust has settled he sounds grounded and clear, honest but with a sense of humor too about the whole thing.

Simply cannot wait to see what he does next.

Break a leg James.

BforBeth | June 07, 23:13 CET

By the way - I asked about the audition for the Spike part question(question 30) and James went on much longer about the sex he was having at that time - he kept looking at me saying "we were having alot of sex you know? sex all the time I mean all the time you know?

And I think my jaw was on the floor because none of his answers were like that one! I did let him know that I do know all about that sex all the time phase with a partner- good times- grab em while you got em!

Passion | June 07, 23:44 CET

Also thrilled (and astonished) at the news of the "Macbeth" financing -- I've been hoping to see this project realized ever since he mentioned wanting to do it. I'm guessing his take will be similar to the production he put on in Seattle in 1996? Hopeful about the Spike/Illyria/Andrew project, at least there may be something happening there.

I laughed at the Idea of DB's discomfort with the gay subtext and Joss's knowing this and carrying on anyway

I was rather puzzled by his comment about this though. Given the frequent jokes about Angel's sexuality since S1 of his series, you'd think DB would be used to it by now. Even more so since according to him in the recently posted Flashback Weekend con report, he discussed pitching a "Some Like It Hot" type story to Joss in which he and Spike would be in drag, reputedly to get them over their macho posturing and into a more connected relationship. Seems an odd choice of storyline for someone uncomfortable with a little hoyay.

JM's newly enehanced story about getting the Spike role made me smile for another reason. I wonder how he feels about the idea of someone else playing this role once he no longer believably can?

yourlibrarian | June 07, 23:52 CET

JM's newly enehanced story about getting the Spike role made me smile for another reason. I wonder how he feels about the idea of someone else playing this role once he no longer believably can?



I highly doubt Joss Wheadon would allow a different actor to play these characters, yes the first Buffy movie wasn't awsome, but his two tv shows are, and those actors help establish those characters, if anything, Joss would move on to something different, use different characters
or MAKE ANGEL AND SPIKE HUMAN and let them age, now those two human would be interesting.

SeanValen | June 08, 00:51 CET

JM's newly enehanced story about getting the Spike role made me smile for another reason. I wonder how he feels about the idea of someone else playing this role once he no longer believably can?


I don't think Spike is a timeless character that we'll see for years and years. I think one more tv movie or something similar and he'll be retired. It's not like a Bond or something.....he's just not there.

Rogue Slayer | June 08, 02:20 CET

...OR let Spike and Angel age because they have a soul. No other vamps do, right? So there you go. Having a soul equals the getting of the wrinkles.

I don't ever want them to be human.

Willowy | June 08, 06:27 CET

Heh, I just got a visual of Angel pulling out his Kirk glasses from Voyage Home to read the menu at Merle & Willy's house 'o' blood...

Willowy | June 08, 06:30 CET

Did I miss it or did they not mention the DNA laced lollipops during their report. Also I took it as he was hopeful about a Spike TV movie like he always is about Spike not that there is going to be one. Also I think James was being bubbly partial to mask the fact that he had been deeply upset finding out Saturday that Andy had been in the hospital and his ailment, Richard Biggs had died, and Julie (his booking manager) had just had some medical issues. So in a way it felt as if he was putting on his best face. As for David being uncomfortable with the homo stuff - he wasn't bothered by it - but he knew Joss loved doing that to everyone, so he played along. They had a few Get Well Cards for Andy which the celebrities as well as guest signed and Marsters wrote on one, "Don't die, I need you." which was very sweet.

RavenU | June 08, 14:35 CET

ooops.....still not my hubby

[ edited by EdDantes on 2004-06-08 16:21 ]

EdDantes | June 08, 18:21 CET

Richard Biggs had died

Was James close to him? Is he a theatre guy, because I only know him from soaps?

Rogue Slayer | June 08, 18:21 CET

Who is Richard Biggs?

electricspacegirl | June 08, 19:44 CET

Richard Biggs was on Babylon 5 as the doctor - I think James had met and got to know him from convention appearances - Richard Biggs was on the convention circut quite a bit and I think that's how James met him.

RavenU | June 08, 20:50 CET

Oh that's right! I remember reading about that. That's pretty sad.

electricspacegirl | June 08, 21:09 CET

I've been edited off other lists for saying this, but I was really glad to read James' comments about the band and his future as a rock musician. I saw GOTR only once, but my impression was that while musically they were quite good, James was the weak link. He has the presence but not the power for the kind of rock music GoTR has been playing.

I agree with the comment above --he'd be great with Tom Waits style stuff. When we saw GoTR, my husband and I thought that in a small venue with a guitar and nothing else, James would truly sound fantastic.

I am thrilled that he's found support to try his hand with the Macbeth movie. He's been talking about it for years. How wonderful to have won the opportunity to do it!

DeniseDM | June 08, 23:47 CET

Do you mean ‘edited’ as in you were just giving an honest opinion and no one wanted to hear that James was anything less than god-like perfection? :)
That concerns me because as decent a fella as JM seems, he is only human and I’m certain he has enough pressures on him without having to live up to some idealized fantasy. He’s being honest with himself and I think it’s selfish if certain people want to make him hold on to something that doesn’t feel right. His professional and personal happiness should be most important.

bloodflowers | June 09, 00:22 CET

I'm an academic who happens to also be an over-the-hill "fan girl." Thus, in addition to some juvenile lusting which I try to keep to myself, I'm interested in meaningful critique and complex analysis. In a couple of cases (not here, by the way) my comments and questions have been misconstrued. Frankly, I don't think it is a criticism to say of JM that he's a wonderful actor who has an appealing intellectual attitude toward his craft, but he's not such a great singer..... glad this board is a bit more friendly to that observation!

DeniseDM | June 09, 01:19 CET

I would only want to see James Marsters do 'Tom Waits style' stuff if he brought in some of Waits' stage presence. He has very little when he is fronting GOTR. Which is just odd for someone who is a very capable actor. I can understand he doesn't want to bring theatrics into what I suppose is something of a 'break' for him (touring with a band, I mean), but really - it makes for a boring show.

The younger fans loved it and a lot of people were happy just to be in his vicinity, but as one of the older (20+) fans behind me said: "He is just standing there. Basking. Not doing anything. And he's loving it." (Later she added: "God, I am watching a man old enough to be my father stand on a stage doing nothing.") I was glad I wasn't the only one seeing the absurdity of it all. I go see live music regularly - I've seen some of the best performers in the world and I've come to expect to be entertained. With GOTR, I got the feeling we, the audience, were there to entertain James Marsters.

Watching a guy smirk and suck a lolly and getting off on young girls' hormonal vibe while his band play music even they should have grown out of by now is not my idea of rock and roll.

You don't have to be a great singer to be a great frontman for a band. Put your heart and soul into it. Connect. Work the stage. He played for the 50 girls right in front of the microphone and never once came near left or right of the stage, or even looked that way! The young women in front of me, who were re-applying their make up seconds before the show began, never once got eye contact with their man.

It should be give and take. As a performer, you feed on the audience's energy. And then you give back what they gave you, times two. And in between that give and take, that's where the magic happens. And that's rock and roll. It's strange that someone who comes from theatre doesn't aspire to that. That doesn't make you a musician. It makes you an actor who wants to play at being a musician. Frankly, I felt a little robbed and I felt sad that these kids in the audience, a lot of whom were attending their very first gig, got plastic when there's gold for the taking.

The stage is a holy place to a lot of artists, and I tend to see it that way too. Not making full use of your hour and a half on it comes very close to sacrilege.

Yeah, I get riled up when it comes to music and performance.

Caroline | June 09, 01:25 CET

The younger fans loved it and a lot of people were happy just to be in his vicinity, but as one of the older (20+) fans behind me said: "He is just standing there. Basking. Not doing anything. And he's loving it." (Later she added: "God, I am watching a man old enough to be my father stand on a stage doing nothing.") I was glad I wasn't the only one seeing the absurdity of it all. I go see live music regularly - I've seen some of the best performers in the world and I expect to be entertained. With GOTR, I got the feeling we were there to entertain James Marsters.


See, I disagree. I think that James has a great presence for not actually doing anything on stage. He can't dance, he tries to bop sometimes or 'feel the music' and he just looks like a dork. But when he's not trying so hard, I think he has a great magnatism, energy and charisma that comes through. Interesting that people can view him so differently when he's doing one thing!

And I think that James has an opportunity with Macbeth to feed his artistic side, whereas his band feeds his 'I wanna be a rock star' side. Hopefully he's outgrowing that part. I do feel for his bandmates, because their whole success was riding on him. But he's a big boy now, and hopefully he'll delve into more serious ventures than living out teenage fantasies. (And that's fine if you can afford it, which he could, but now he's focusing on something bigger and better for himself, so far as it seems)

Rogue Slayer | June 09, 01:33 CET

See, if you are up on a stage, you need to work for the admiration and earn it. Yes, your fans are going to love you and will respond to your charisma or whatever it is they see in you. But what about the other half of the audience? If he put some effort in, he might win new fans and earn their respect.

Caroline | June 09, 01:43 CET

In other words GOTR needs to take some lessons from the group Adam Busch is a part of Common Rotation - they know how to perform for an audience. Everytime they play they gain more fans - even non-Buffy fans. This past weekend a lot of resort vacation people who heard them play wanted to hear more from them.

RavenU | June 09, 02:23 CET

Another music lover, here...


"(Later she added: "God, I am watching a man old enough to be my father stand on a stage doing nothing.")"

Well, gee. Tell her go watch a Backstreet Boy do manufactured moves or something. Sorry, I just hate it when people imply that because somebody is a certain age, they are allowed or not allowed to do something. I guess Steven Tyler, Courtney Love, Anthony Keidis, Lenny Kravitz, and Kurt Cobain if he were still alive (he'd be 37) should all read the "This Is What You Are Allowed To Do After You Turn 25" book. Then we'll cart them off the old folks home!!!

Anyway, I second what Rouge Slayer said. It is amazing how people can see the same thing and then come away with different impressions (however, it is possible you two saw different shows, indeed).

I have seen them briefly on SO (and I thought they were good...slippy at first, but then they got into it and were great) but never in concert, however, every report I have read - even from people who didn't even like the music (which I read is true in various reports)- have commented on how he was pretty much everything you said he wasn't, the way they felt about the music aside and that it was what made it a great show. That he gives his heart and soul and that he is passionate (something I have an appreciation for in music, myself), even if they thought it wasn't good. OTOH, I have heard of people going there to give it a chance and then becoming fans, so it's wierd.

Plus if somebody is unable to let their feelings for him in the first place not cloud their judgement, then the overall analysis is going to come out tainted (and that goes for both liking and not liking him. I will NEVER understand how people who don't like somebody would pay money to see them, though. That's Marc David-Chapmin territory, if you ask me!).

Honestly, I am very pissed and embarrassed about alot of music today, so if I were to see GotR in the future, I would go in with my music hat on...if they still are going to play, that is.

"I do feel for his bandmates, because their whole success was riding on him."

Well, we don't know what he has told them and when all is said and done, we really don't know what James thinks about it in his heart of hearts untill he says it. Maybe he told them a long time ago, who knows.


Glad he is going to do McBeth. And I'll take that Spike movie with a grain of salt.


ETA: I heard Common Rotation. They remind me alot of the BareNaked Ladies.


[ edited by NirvanaPunk on 2004-06-09 01:10 ]

[ edited by NirvanaPunk on 2004-06-09 05:48 ]

NirvanaPunk | June 09, 02:54 CET

"Plus if somebody is unable to let their feelings for him in the first place not cloud their judgement, then the overall analysis is going to come out tainted (and that goes for both liking and not liking him."

Not sure who you are addressing here. Me? I have nothing against James Marsters. If I had something against him, I wouldn't have gone to see his band. I don't drool over him like I would over, I dunno, ASH for example, but I don't dislike him at all. If I am clouded in my judgement it is in my judgement of music and performance - which has been thoroughly spoilt by being associated with one of the best performers in the world. So when I go see a band, I expect a thrill - whether it is David Bowie, or James Marsters. I want extraordinary, not ordinary. I get my ticket, I show up and I am 100% ready to for transcendence.

I was fully aware GOTR weren't going to be the best band in the world, but I expected more from Marsters as a performer. I mean, this is the guy who played Spike - a mostly very cool character on a mostly very cool show. A guy who had me glued to the screen with Fool for Love. If he can do it on TV, why not in front of a drumkit?

Perhaps, as an actor, he as only as good as the material he gets to perform?

Caroline | June 09, 03:11 CET

"Not sure who you are addressing here. Me? I have nothing against James Marsters. If I had something against him, I wouldn't have gone to see his band. If I am clouded in my judgement it is in my judgement of music and performance - which has been thoroughly spoilt by being associated with one of the best performers in the world. So when I go see a band, I expect a thrill - whether it is David Bowie, or James Marsters. I want extraordinary, not ordinary. I get my ticket, I show up and I am 100% ready to for transcendence."

I was actually talking about the people who would think that he could do no wrong (as somebody mentioned being edited off a list ina post). But since I mentioned them, I mentioned the others, as well, especially since I read a report at another board (perhaps TWoP, maybe FF) where a person actually said they went but didn't like him in the first place. I don't get how somebody could spend money to see somebody they don't like, that's what I meant. I will never understand that.

I don't know what you think of him as a person, but I *do* know that even people who think he is the best actor in the world have said they didn't like the music at all, I am not accusing you of anything, just making a general point. Then some people who were indifferent to him came away liking it. *shrugs* If you don't like it, you don't like it, if you do, you do. I can tell you that I don't like just about everything they play on EmptyV...when they DO play music. However, other people can't get enough.

"Perhaps, as an actor, he as only as good as the material he gets to perform?"

Guess that goes back to Rouge Slayer's origional point of different people seeing the same thing and comming back with different impressions. I have heard that he was great, especially when it is just him with a guitar (I saw it, myself. I loved it. Stilll never saw the band live, though).

Edited cause I pressed the damn button. And then cause I suck at spelling.



[ edited by NirvanaPunk on 2004-06-09 01:34 ]

[ edited by NirvanaPunk on 2004-06-09 01:35 ]

NirvanaPunk | June 09, 03:25 CET

Yes, your fans are going to love you and will respond to your charisma or whatever it is they see in you. But what about the other half of the audience?

What is the other half of the audience, if not fans? Or do you mean fans of the actor and not fans of the music? Cuz that would kinda be me, but I can overlook the tiny issue of the music not being great to gaze upon that which is James.....

[ edited by Rogue Slayer on 2004-06-09 02:04 ]

Rogue Slayer | June 09, 04:03 CET

I think Caroline was going to the fact that the clubs they play outside of a convention most people have no clue who James is (and yes do not be shocked their are people who are out there who have never scene Buffy or Angel) and they are their just to see a band playing a gig.

RavenU | June 09, 05:00 CET

I think Caroline was going to the fact that the clubs they play outside of a convention most people have no clue who James is (and yes do not be shocked their are people who are out there who have never scene Buffy or Angel) and they are their just to see a band playing a gig.

Really? At the gig I went to, I was under the impression NO one was there except for the band(or James). I'd think that since these spots are advertised well in advance, 'regular' club goers don't even get a chance to get in the door!

Rogue Slayer | June 09, 05:11 CET

Here's my two cents. I've heard a snippet of their music and can tell I wouldn't like it but I'd be the type of fan to go just to see James Marsters in person. But I think the fact that I'd have expectations of him before I even saw him perform, I could end up being disappointed just because I was so pumped up to see him in the first place. But I wouldn't feel qualified to then judge him on music that I didn't like in the first place. But for someone who goes to clubs a lot I could see where they would expect more from the most well known member of the band and why they'd be disappointed if they didn't think they got a good performance.

And yes, there are probably a lot of people who haven't heard of him but I can't imagine these shows not having an audience filled with JM fans just because everytime one of these gigs is announced it makes the rounds on every Whedonesque type board out there and the fans seem willing to come from miles away to go to all of these things.

And I don't feel bad for the other members of his band. It was a mutual give and take thing. James got to live as a rock star and they got a big name draw to get the audience in to see them. If they are any good, they should have a fan following without him. Am I correct in saying that he wasn't the lead singer? And James can concentrate on this new big project (and hopefully more Spike stuff too).

Firefly Flanatic | June 09, 05:40 CET

Rouge that may be at their gigs in the states but in Europe it's different or at least it was last year - at their gigs - even James said in an interview that the crowds were 60-40% of knowing who he was and they were. So no not everyone in the club knew who the band was fronted by and they went to hear the music in some of the places in Europe seems the clubs are pretty open and people just go to hear an American rock band.

blwessels - the group did not exsist before James. 3 of the guys had been in another band called Power Animal (but they were no longer together as that band - think a bit above a high school band). James lived next door to one of the guys and they descided one day to make a band - viola Ghost of the Robot was born - the band was only together a year before they made their 1st album. Technically they have only been together as a band for like a little over 3-4 years.

[ edited by RavenU on 2004-06-09 04:16 ]

RavenU | June 09, 06:00 CET

Hey Rogue Slayer... ever consider changing your name to Rouge Slayer? The blush of the world needs "every square inch of its ass kicked!" heh heh ...

(I'm sorry if that sounded too snarky, I just see it all the time and it bugs the beejeezus outta me)

Willowy | June 09, 06:29 CET

Here's my two cents. I've heard a snippet of their music and can tell I wouldn't like it but I'd be the type of fan to go just to see James Marsters in person. But I think the fact that I'd have expectations of him before I even saw him perform, I could end up being disappointed just because I was so pumped up to see him in the first place.

I wasn't crazy about the music, but really, you won't be disappointed in ANY venue you see this man in live. He just has that special James energy and you can tell he totally digs the adoration, but not in a conceited way. It's just a great experience! I highly recommend it!

Hey Rogue Slayer... ever consider changing your name to Rouge Slayer? The blush of the world needs "every square inch of its ass kicked!" heh heh ...

(I'm sorry if that sounded too snarky, I just see it all the time and it bugs the beejeezus outta me)

Eh...*shrugs*....I'm used to it now. It bugged at first, but now I don't mind. But considering that I am vehemently anti-blush, I don't mind doing a little ass-kicking! ;)

Rogue Slayer | June 09, 06:45 CET

Thanks for the info on the history of the band RavenU!

And Rogue Slayer, I'm sure you are 100% correct that I wouldn't be disappointed if I saw him in person, especially after how you described him! Heck I can't stop looking at the Spike doll 'cause he's just so adorable!!

Firefly Flanatic | June 09, 07:21 CET

I watched him on the Season 6 dvd Academy panel extra.

He really geeks out. But he is also just so f'in cute I can't stand it. You can tell he really loves these people and just can't help expressing himself. If he was, say one of my friends and we were just always getting together, hanging out and such, I don't know if he'd be so appealing, but it keeps coming back to - he's SPIKE!

So yeah, no disappointment here. A little geek in a guy is endearing and sweet. And his appreciation for the fans is so heartwarming. And rare. Combine all that with his abilities as an actor and damn! I think I'll forever be in his corner.

Willowy | June 09, 08:08 CET

He really geeks out. But he is also just so f'in cute I can't stand it. You can tell he really loves these people and just can't help expressing himself. If he was, say one of my friends and we were just always getting together, hanging out and such, I don't know if he'd be so appealing, but it keeps coming back to - he's SPIKE!

So yeah, no disappointment here. A little geek in a guy is endearing and sweet. And his appreciation for the fans is so heartwarming. And rare. Combine all that with his abilities as an actor and damn! I think I'll forever be in his corner.

Yeah, he's a total geek, but so loveable. I think a well phrased word I read of him was 'adorkable'. So fitting. And I also had a discussion on another forum about who you would rather your boyfriend be: Spike or James.(yeah, I'm a geek, what of it?) I gotta say Spike because I'd have to smack James multiple times a day just to sit still and chill out! And well.....vampire stamina! ;)

Rogue Slayer | June 09, 08:39 CET

I saw that extra on the DVD too and also thought he was really sweet and nice. He was really at home in front of the audience and seemed the most comfortable of everyone up on stage with the exception of Joss (who is also endearing and geeky and cute). I like that "adorkable" word to describe him. Just also shows what an amazing actor he is. Kind of reminds of how different Henry Winkler was to Fonzie.

Firefly Flanatic | June 09, 09:17 CET

I think it's good for people to see James is not Spike. Healthy, ya know? It helps to facilitate an understanding of what it means to be an actor. He's been described as an actors actor and I think that's true. Some characters are cast for the actors personality so the director will be certain the script won't be a stretch.

That James came into that audition as Spike, indicates that he knew what to do...what particular parts of himself to tap...and what to hold back. This is what an actor does.

I think it's good for folks to see James as James to de glorify actors in our society. It's sorta like Actors with a capital 'A' are the new royalty...and it needs to be put into perpesctive as a job. It might also help us cut them some slack when they seem to fall down in our eyes.

Oh, and I would choose James over Spike. Have always enjoyed JM's portrayal of Spike...but fell down panting in 7 when he brought more of his own soul into the part. You can act 'good' but you can't pretend 'soul.' I think soulful Spike was James bringing more of 'himself' into it. Hence more risk to the actor. That's when I jumped on the Spike wagon. Kind hearted James in soulfull Spike.

BforBeth | June 09, 23:21 CET