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my loves

if you came - how are you?? how was it?? are you holding up ok? how did all of you like the shows, adorable woodstock and the rainstorm? did you have bears at your air bnb??? tell me stories please

i would post more of the epic photos right now but i am dead

these shows made me the most dead and the most alive i have ever felt in my life

dolls night 3 is over …. once again we left our souls and blood on the stage ….and i woke up exhausted and basking and with an obvious graceful solution to several problems waiting on a platter in my head.

my lost has toppled and piled up again (long story), we lost a few key members of our team this week (long story, but everyone’s ok).

i am about to be drowning in 1,500 photos and videos to organize and i am processing 10-17 long stories to weave together about what’s happened over the last few weeks and over the last few nights. i have wanted to write so badly about all of this and have had no time.

i want to WRITE

it’s also been lightly stressing me out that i don’t have a piece of content to release for november. i was going to choose a good question from the ASK AMANDA advice column and start writing in a few days when i’ve recovered from these shows and get my emails and texts up to speed and my kitchen cleaned….

then in occurred to me:

oh you fool….why the fuck not just write a big, beautifully threaded piece about the dolls and just Thing it. it’s going to take me a week or two to assemble and create that piece, especially with all the photos to sort through, and the graceful solution is to simply spend my time on what’s actually wanted to come out of my writing-head instead of to switch tacks randomly. i know i don’t need to ask for your blessing but here i am sort of asking. but while i’m at it, and especially if you were AT the shows: questions please. i will try to answer or respond to any questions, feelings or thoughts you have …. in the piece. it’ll be a long one. there is just so much to say.

hit me

hit me

hit me


i am reading the comments

but

summary:

these were the best shows of my life


and i love you.

so


much


see many of you in a few hours at the brunch - and REMINDER !!! my friend father nathan monk is going to do a book signing at the golden notebook bookstore at 1;30pm, that’s about a 2 minute walk from the venue right in the village. COME after the brunch ….or come if you’re not coming to the brunch

also if you are wondering how and why i am awake at 8am after playing a rock show that epic i will tell you

ash gets the bus at 8am and i cannot turn off my internal mother sleep schedule


i am simply fucked


xxxx a


main photo by krys fox

this one by me last night right when the doors opened



Files

Previews only

Comments

Angel Rosen

Dolls related questions: how did you choose the final set list? Is there a dd song you'd actually prefer to never play again? Did your dads enjoy the show? Has there ever been more love in one place in the world before? (my answer is no!)

Alessandor Earnest

COLON! Soz, as they say here in NZ, where I am trying to adopt the lingo. Someone had to do it. If you see something, say something. Hope it gave you a giggle. Love from Welly! 💛🍌💛 Alessandor

Rebecca Ryan

Oh mate yes, you must be so fucked. Love you. Epic !!! I’m so happy for you that you all made it happen.. thanks for sharing bits..and making my heart sing too, along with you all! loving you both so much from Australia. XO 🔥 😍

Kim Nagorka

Congratulations on an amazing set of shows!! So fucking happy for you wanting to write again.

Marley Kendrick

Hello 👋 as someone NOT at the shows, it brought me joy to see all the photos, it brought me joy to see Alex merching for dolls again 😊 my questions are could you please include in the blog what's next for the dolls? Is there going to be a new album? Will you come back to the UK?(please) xxx

AnnaLatchman

I'd love to read more about the show. The tidbits from yourself and patrons, I can feel the magic

Liv Dromen

Thank you for pouring out your soul on stage this week! I was there on Friday and absolutely loved loved loved the whole show (especially the acoustic SING-along). ❤️❤️❤️

Joni

I wish I could be there with you... I hope you found yourself on stage. I hope you found the center in the whirlwind that is life. I hope you find/remember where you fit. I hope you're more Home now than before. Most of all, I love you, and I am so happy for you (all) and this experience.

Ami Daley

It was AMAZING 😍 I came Friday with my 13 year old who is a huge Dolls lover, they have been struggling really hard with depression and recently came home from being hospitalized, to see them smile and sing, it was the best gift (and singing my heart out with them was quite cathartic as well). Thank you, thank you, thank you ♥️

Stephanie Rowe

I only attended last night and it was wonderful. The Colony is a neat venue and very intimate. Will you have the lyrics to the new Dresden Dolls song posted anywhere anytime soon? The solution I have found for the early morning parent wake up is naps. I hope you get one today!

amandapalmer

the answer is no and i’ll answer all the rest in the post. xxxxxx i am so happy you came. see you at brunch

Suzanne

Good morning Amanda dear. The whole thing has been amazing. I also can't help waking up on some sort of schedule. This entire experience has been like a surreal dream where every time I turn around some other piece of magnificence happens. It is my first vacation in decades that doesn't involve my children or responsibility for someone who has been in or came out of my body. I have put my heart and soul into my own work throughout the pandemic and finally took the time off, for me. And it has been the stuff of dreams and legends and fairy tales. So thank you for being the magnet that draws together a community like this, and makes it possible for fantasies to come true. Did I mention I've been a fan of Father Nathan Monk for a while now? Seeing and getting to talk to him like a regular everyday guy has just been the icing on the cake.

Andrea Majeski

Hiiiii, I was at the 3rd show last night. I'm still riding the high. And also up at 8am to explore before traveling home to KC. Flew in Thursday ND visited the Emily Dickinson museum before coming here. It's been a full long wknd of communing with all you poet's. (James Baldwin called all artists Poet's and I think he's right). My heart is full and warm w love. Thank you and Brian and team for an amazing show. That was number 18 for me and the magic of seeing the two of you in a room playing music never diminishes. How did the shows feel for you as the days progressed? Do they all blur or do they each feel distinct? The new song you played....I say it's a keeper. I'd jam to that again and again. It FELT like a Dresden Dolls song. Also, I *think* that was only the 2nd time I've heard you place Truce. The first was in 05, the first time I saw you while I was still getting to know the band and all the songs. Hearing it last night was a gift. Thank you, thank you. Excited to read what you have to say. It's worthy of Thinging. I love you. - Andrea

Suzanne

I am! I'm also possibly driving him to the airport since Angel and I don't leave until tomorrow.

Rebecca Reid

I was at the Thur show, and it was pure magic ✨ EPIC ✨ Loved the venue, I enjoyed wandering around Woodstock for the afternoon beforehand. Will you be sharing the lyrics of the new song soon? And I'd love to read a piece on the Dolls so go ahead write & thing it!

Pamela Kirsch

First of all. THANK YOU. Wow. Fuck. That was. Still recovering and I saw the Thursday show!! One of my absolute favorite moments was your new song. Ripped my damn heart out. But isn’t that the point? I love you so much. Fuck I need more please. Amanda you are my drug of choice 🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄💕💕💕💕💕💕

Pamela Kirsch

Also if we have videos and pictures of the show is there a good place to send?

Megan Angelino

As someone who couldn't attend the shows, I'd love to read a piece on them! And especially if that's what wants to come pouring out of your soul. Cannot wait for the time I'll share space with the DDs and hear new tunes!

Damian Masterson

Last night’s show was such a treasure. I had remembered how great you played together, but I had forgotten how special the combination of the two of you onstage is as theater. You’re so damn fun and funny together. There’s still catharsis in those songs, but the joy underneath everything lends so much elevation and momentum to the whole experience. And, it never feels performative. You both are just ultra present in the moment, nailing the songs, trying to get the other to break, and communing with the audience all at the same time. It felt like a magic trick. I had forgotten people could do that.

Robert Williams

When you and Brian tour downunder I plan to be the oldest person in your audience in Adelaide 😎 … & only have to visit, you don’t have to stay for years this time, promise 🥰

eva smith

I was at the Friday show with my dear husband (who introduced me to the Dolls many years ago) and it was amazing!!! We have attended many shows over the years and you guys just get better and better. It was the perfect tiny venue and we had the best time. Here’s to many more wonderful years and loads more music. 😍

Karen Jarboe

Bring it on! Definitely want to hear all about the Dolls show. Yep right what's on your mind. You can't force creativity, as you obviously know :) Btw, I named my doggie after the Dresden Dolls when she was a pup. Her name is Dresden and she's 15. Still kicking though! And I love it when people get the reference when I tell them her name 💜💙💚🧡❤️ Sorry, fan girling :)

Doyle Casey Ray

I was at show one and show two. They were two different shows. The first night you could almost see the adrenaline coming off you and Brian, the energy was crackling and wild. I have never seen such an intense punk rock show. It’s like you were on a mission to show what you were ready and willing to do for an audience. The second night was more playful, some of the nervousness had been tempered and you both seemed more “in your skins.” What that brought was a little more polish but you both seemed to stretch musically more…pushed beyond the muscle memory of the structures of the songs you were performing. Both shows were off the fucking hook wildly fantastic. Two of the best shows I have EVER seen by any artist (and I have seen many). I traveled from Tucson and am so grateful to have participated in what you and Brian wrought.

eva smith

Oh also the unamplified acoustic Sing was exactly the magic my soul needed. Amazing. and thank you for cueing us the lyrics so we could all sing along.

Dahlia

Best show experience of my life. Have actually never seen any band multiple nights in a row, and I was there for all 3 nights. Each one magical in its own way. You and Brian have created something incredibly special and I just feel so damn grateful and in awe. The new song Whakanewha was powerfully beautiful. You sing your soul…and I’ll stop there because I could go on and on but I’ll see you at brunch.

Dahlia

P.S. I’m exhausted and still in bed. Go ahead and make “the thing” about the shows. Why not?! There’s so much there within that and I think it’s what people want to hear about most.

Emily Alderson

Thank YOU and Brian and everyone else for an amazing weekend ❤️

Jessica Demcsak

I was blessed to be at all three shows. They were truly the most amazing shows I have ever seen. These were my first real Dresden Dolls shows since I saw you open up for Panic at the Disco once a long time ago. At the end of each night I was just so shocked and amazed at your talent and performance, humor and way you both play off each other. The intensity and the way you and Brian perform is truly magic. I had my son and daughter with me. My daughter (Matilda 12) plays piano and sings and was so inspired by you. We talked a lot about important issues that you bring up in songs. It was awesome. My son is is Brian’s drum student. He needed to see all the shows and we were happy to oblige. It was transformational for him to stand next to Brian and watch transfixed all three nights. When Brian called him out at the last show and have him a special stick/mallet, we were all so touched. We love you so both so much and thank you for the music, and shows. It was a fucking fantastic family weekend:)

Teresa Toro

It was almost too much – the welcoming band in the lobby, Charming Disaster, are dear friends of mine, and having them plus Dresden Dolls under the same roof almost made my heart burst. I went to all three shows and now I have this feeling you get after a truly delicious Thanksgiving dinner where you have really already eaten too much because everything was just too damn good, and now you're moaning on the sofa... but you're already thinking about going back to pick, in that impossibly happy, sated, foggy, slow motion kind of way. To sum up: I gorged, I loved it, and I don't regret a single bite! It would be so special to read your thoughts on this incredible experience, so please Thing it! And speaking of bites, see you at brunch for final hugs all around. XOXO

Leigh Ann Crimmings

Amanda, THANK YOU!!! I've been following you, Brian the Dolls, GFA, countless performances and amazing experiences since the Dolls won the BCN River Rave and you played at noon on a side stage.... what year was that... 2002? You blew my mind then and you blew my mind this weekend! No band / musician could possibly have touched and changed my life as much as you have. I have countless stories and memories. I saw the show Thursday night, and it was the best performance I've ever seen. Then I saw Friday's show, and it was BETTER! I hung out for a bit before last night's show and thought about trying to get in, but I was exhausted and didn't have a ticket and was okay with watching movies at home sweet air bnb. Thank you for opening your life, your heart, for bleeding, sweating and crying on us! The ripple effect is huge (as I'm watching the election results). I love you so much, my guru. Wishing you rest, and a peaceful transition from this incredible weekend to being a mom and getting Ash back to school. Its gotta be a hell of a hangover!

Francine Hibiscus

Of course tell us all about the shows!! All the things!!

Len Tower Jr.

a, yes, to a long-form woodstock dolls braided piece. you are very very good at creating writing. (i suspect it will also be a large gift to yourself.) from afar: the best three dolls shows EVAH !!! what a special venue enchanted by the dolls community. Manta's two Facebook posts insightful. the two pre-show IG lives were special, though different. sing as an acoustic singalong: brilliant! for me, there are a few more days of enjoying text, pics, & video. look forward to hearing the first of the new songs & its lyrics. Greater Kingston is an interesting part of the world. only been on the ground there once. learned a bit more about the region this weekend. love, len PS: no bear sightings in Somerville. (we have has a few coyotes the last few years up around Alewife Brook.)

Janet in Georgia

I want to hear all the things about everything happening in the dolls world!! I’m on edge waiting and hoping for the tour announcement that will bring you both back to Atlanta sometime next year. Love to you and Brian ❤️

Kate

I was at the Friday and Saturday shows and in all my years of going to see live music (including the Dolls), I’ve never experienced anything like that before. The alchemy between the two of you is truly otherworldly; it felt like you created an art-music-love vortex and we all got to live in it. The feeling of community and the passion, connection, and collective catharsis that happened during those shows was seriously transformational. I’m not sure if my soul left my body or if it finally came back in. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Emily

Hello dear, I discovered you in 2003/2004 when your music saved a very, very sad teenager on the verge of collapse. You asked during the show (Thursday but probably every day) who had never seen the dolls before and who was there from the beginning and I was so proud of myself. Hearing that music again, most of it I had never heard live because it’s hard to see a band from Boston when you’re 15 and live in NY, reconnected me to that person I have mostly forgotten about. I don’t hold onto my memories, for better or worse, but I could feel it again. I never stopped listening to the dolls but it hit so much stronger live. There’s always something new when it’s live, there’s a genuine connection, and I was so thankful to have that. I would have been there every day if i could but as it was i only got tickets for Thursday because I wanted the raw experience.

Suzanne Rittmann

Not sure why, but I want to hear you sing Age of Aquarius. Have for a while . Sing it in the shower a few times, and if it feels right, thing it.

EmVT

It was deeply nourishing, I was at nights 2 and 3, each fabulous and uniquely wonderful. Night 2 was my first time seeing the Dolls live, and I was completely blown away, I may never recover 😄 in fact I hope I don’t recover. I’m exhausted in the most satisfying way right now. Woodstock was an amazing host, did anyone else see the family of deer who hang around downtown? (Stephanie Rowe I know you got some great photos…). Restaurants, food, bookstores…what more does a person need? Amanda, thank you so much for the yoga and for your generosity with your time and attention, the yoga class and metta was a definite highlight as well. I was the one who gave you my copy of Novice to Master, though i know you don’t have time to read much, there are many moving sections. And thanks to you and Brian for the hug and signing my dolls CD last night 💜 Questions for your giant Dolls manifesto / thesis / debrief / labor of love: how do you know what vocalizations a song needs, is it just what feels right? I love the (extra-musical) performative aspects of what you, your makeup (you are playing actual dolls and embodying the idea of something precious amidst the rubble), and choices about lighting and reverb how/when do you make those choices? For me your music / The Dolls create an internal emotional dialog, a kind of self-healing machine in my heart—a compassion bot if you will! Thank you so much for your compassion and the work you do. 💜 ~ Emily from Vermont (c’est moi)

Marija Milisavljević Grdinić

As someone living in the country where you or the Dolls will most certainly never come (and rightfully so, because it is a form of dictatorship supported by the majority of people, not where anyone in their sane mind would like to be) I am living for any piece of information and experience you may give us. Can't wait to read it!

Yana

ASK AMANDA; May I ASK you write a big beautiful thing about The Dresden Dolls and just 'Thing' it! Please and Thank You ☺.

Joni

I wish I could have been there to hug you!! ❤️❤️

Victoria Rae Sook

The Thursday show and the yoga class were both epic. I rented a car and drove from Manhattan with my best friend. (We bonded over Yes, Virginia in 2006 when we met.) The show was amazing- cried during SING. I’m still glowing from yoga- I practice a lot but haven’t in a while because I’m pregnant and am basically scared to do anything. And that was the fear I shared with my partner, who is a mom of 2, and had lovely advice. Friday, in between the days of shows and yoga, my friend and I braved the rain to go to the cutest little bar I’ve ever seen. There were only 5 people there because of the storm. So we chatted all evening with new friends under the glow of a disco ball.

EmVT

Also, loved your new song!! Looking forward to the after-times Dolls record whenever it comes!

Victoria Rae Sook

Ask Amanda- I have listened to A Mother’s Confession many times. (Saw that concert both times at Joes Pub and when you came back to nyc)❤️ Any advice for a soon to be new mom?

Katja van den Doel

Yes I really would love to read your story and see pictures as being there will never happen. So I'll take the next best Thing....

Dorit

Simple request.... set list please! And excited to hear all about it.

Tamara

The obvious Thing is the correct Thing! Wish I could have been there. Cheers to mom life! Maybe you can score an epic, rockstar nap later today.

Matthias Urlichs

Pictures! Movie clips! Sound clips! or it didn't happen 😁

Cecilia Tan

I'm so sorry I wasn't there for at least one of the Dolls shows, but... this time I hared off to Singapore for a once in a lifetime concert here (long story) and so those plans won out! But I hope to see you two in action again some time in the coming year or so...?

Carolina

Yes, thank you, write the thing about the concert and how it feels. Bless

Aimsel Ponti

Checked out of my Airbnb and took a long walk around downtown including the cemetery next to the colony. Feeling very tired but fulfilled in a way that only the live music experiences of the last three days can cause. I have to go through my notes, photos and videos and will put together a big post about it within the week. I look forward to brunch. Fingers crossed for a fucking piece of French toast ❤️. And such gigantic thank you to you and Brian. All worlds fail… but I will find them. Xx

Sam Allen

You are such a community builder. I'm proud of you and, I must admit it, a little mesmerized by you. I remember picking up and moving to Portland (Oregon) after seeing a vision of you (real-life) and your little group of scallywags playing ukelele in front of a big brass/silver elephant on the Park Blocks. Portland didn't work out for me, but the vision remains. I'll sojourn sometime to see you live. And to meet my fellow patrons. Sail on <3 (hope that's okay to say)

Alison Hope Ferrara

I’m on a HIGH from last night … my gals and I right on Bri’s corner of the stage and a perfect view , being so close to you both playing felt just like ye ‘olden days !!🥰 I danced and sang and my heart and soul needed it so bad ! Now my pal and I are so excited to get down on some delicious food! I love you for your band , your art , your open heart and organizing such a wonderful fan community experience! I’ll putting some fun clips and pix on insta soon too. I can’t wait to share!

DebbieG

Of course write about the shows, since that's what is trying to get out of your head. Follow your muse! Let it out! Esp for those of us who could not be there...I want to know everything about what they were like.

Len Tower Jr.

Lindy: Have you checked out the Bushwick Book Club and/or Gemini & Scorpio? (do the web searches). -Len

Len Tower Jr.

Yoga can be done on a chair. There are yoga videos for pregnancy. Probably even classes in NYC. -Len

eva smith

Oh another thing…. I still watch the vimeo of the Return to Paradise 2017 show all the time. I would gladly purchase video of these shows (or audio, whatever I can get) if it exists. I’m sure others would as well!

Larissa Rook

Please thing this! I want to see/hear more. I am down with covid. tested positive for the first time ever on the same day BETO lost the election!! but the energy that emits from the photos and videos from the dolls shows has been like medicine!!! not just from covid. but from all the shit that is happening and has happened over the past few years. xoxo

Sean McGinley

Love the idea of you thinging a piece on these shows/the band! Thank you, Brian, & the entire crew for an amazing experience last night! 💜

DebbieG

Seeing my favorite musicians multiple nights in a row is one of the most joyous things ever. Very happy you got to experience that, and esp so with the Dolls! ☀️

Kristi

Yesterday was magical for so many reasons - from yoga to good friends to the last of the fall leaves to the crisp cool air to the most outstanding performance - my camel’s hump of hope is FULL. I’ve been fortunate enough to see you in Boulder, Houston, and New Orleans, but never the Dolls. I’m still reeling from the emotion and elation. My god, watching the two of you together is nothing short of transcendent. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am full. 🥰

Bob Wait

Yes yes yes to the band writeup, whaddya think! Friday's show was the best energy and best acoustics ever at an AFP/DD show, and so tight for a reunion gig. I'm astonished at how well you two plus contributors sang and played together after years apart. Glad to say hello to Hayley, my fellow college radio alum, after the show. Congrats - looking fwd to new album and tour!

Cyn

THING IT!!!! This will always be my answer. Take all the show video, have it edited into one show an THING IT!!!!! Write like a motherfucker (stolen from Cheryl Strayed). Pour it all out, give it a quick spell check and THING IT!!!! This is the first time in seems like decades even though it's about coming up on 3 years that any of us have been out of the house at all, and literally more the that since the Dolls reunited. THING ALL THE THINGS!!!! I'm stuck in Fascist Florida, scared out of my mind, need to leave, but I'm also in the middle of a terrific writing workshop and this my be the time to compile my giant 30 year pile of poems and make it into a book. And sleep for another year or so, but that's just leftovers. (Also looking for remote work if anything I do can fill anything your team needs.) XOXO

Bethany Olson

Do what your heart needs to do. We are here and we get it. I am so damn jealous I had to miss this. Again. When all permits, Dolls. Seattle. Brunch at my place with kiddos.

Zomino

I would really love to read some in-depth thoughts/feelings on these shows!

Kya

💗💗So happy the shows went well! I watched Sing 2 with Izzy last night and thought of you. 💃🏻 🕺🏻 Now I want you and Brian to write a Dresden Dolls space musical. 😆

Claudia Rapp

I wasn't there, so I'd love to read about the shows. Thing it!

Cameron Coral

I came to show night #1. Seriously, it was a gift from the universe to see you and Brian reunited in such a kickass, intimate venue. Stayed at Morning Glory BNB which was lovely. Woodstock is a cool little town. We traveled from our home in Woodstock, Illinois, the small town where Groundhog Day was filmed. Amanda, you gave my husband a hug and he can't stop talking about it. We adore you and Brian. The way Brian was so careful about spelling my name correctly on my poster was fucking adorable. You guys killed it and I will never forget this show!!

Angelina

My husband and I flew out from CA to see night 1. It was an amazing trip, and the night of the show was magical. It was my first time seeing the Dolls perform and it was everything. The performance, the special guests, all of it was just so wonderful to experience. The next day we woke up and realized we had an amazing view from our airbnb (we saw deer, but no bears). Went into town in Saugerties, which was adorable. I asked the question I always ask when we travel, "could you see us living here", and to my surprise he said yes (knowing it snows and all). The show, the people, the trip, the area; it was all so beautiful and touched us both. I hope you do end up writing about the shows for the next thing. ❤️

Stephanie Fleischer

Went to all three shows. Fucking incredible. Cried during sing with both fathers on stage 💕 spent Friday doing a 7 mile solo hike at Kaaterskill in the rain. It was lovely. I love Woodstock / Catskills and will be back soon! Questions about the new song: How do you spell fucking afuh, the NZ park? And the use of the word “bury” in the same song - bury the relationship or the body? How did it feel playing Half Jack in front of your father, when your relationship is in a better place now? I love you and Brian, forever, my heart is so full. I will come back to Woodstock ceaselessly to see you!

Tom Steiger

On a scale of 1 to 10, Thurs was a 17, Fri was a 32, and Sat was countably infinite.

Stephanie Fleischer

Day 1 Good day Sex changes Gravity Bad habit Backstabber Modern moonlight My alcoholic friends Missed me Dear Jenny Mrs o The astronaut Delilah - with Holly guest singer The gardener Fucking a - new song (sp?) Fight for your right to party Port of Amsterdam Mandy goes to med school War pig Coin operated boy Half Jack Girl anachronism Encore- truce Sing Day 2 Good day Sex changes Gravity Backstabber Modern moonlight My alcoholic friends Missed me The astronaut Delilah with Veronica swift Gardener Fucking a - new song (sp?) Ultima Esperanza Port of Amsterdam Mandy goes to med school Fight for your right to party Coin operated boy War pig Half Jack Girl anachronism Encore - truce Sing - full acoustic Day 3 Good day Sex changes Gravity Bad habit Backstabber Modern moonlight Alcoholic friends Missed me Mrs o Astronaut Delilah - with Veronica swift Gardener Fucking a - new song (sp?) Ultima Esperanza Fight for your right to party Port of Amsterdam Mandy goes to med school Coin operated boy War pig Half Jack Girl anachronism Encore - Truce Sing with a whole crew and both fathers

Stephanie Fleischer

Set list Day 1 Good day Sex changes Gravity Bad habit Backstabber Modern moonlight My alcoholic friends Missed me Dear Jenny Mrs o The astronaut Delilah - with Holly guest singer The gardener Fucking a - new song (sp?) Fight for your right to party Port of Amsterdam Mandy goes to med school War pig Coin operated boy Half Jack Girl anachronism Encore- truce Sing Day 2 Good day Sex changes Gravity Backstabber Modern moonlight My alcoholic friends Missed me The astronaut Delilah with Veronica swift Gardener Fucking a - new song (sp?) Ultima Esperanza Port of Amsterdam Mandy goes to med school Fight for your right to party Coin operated boy War pig Half Jack Girl anachronism Encore - truce Sing - full acoustic Day 3 Good day Sex changes Gravity Bad habit Backstabber Modern moonlight Alcoholic friends Missed me Mrs o Astronaut Delilah - with Veronica swift Gardener Fucking a - new song (sp?) Ultima Esperanza Fight for your right to party Port of Amsterdam Mandy goes to med school Coin operated boy War pig Half Jack Girl anachronism Encore - Truce Sing with a whole crew and both fathers

Marie O'Reilly

I love you. I'm glad it was wonderful. I've never seen The Dresden Dolls. I'm a more recent fan. On the Intermission tour, in York, England, you went off piste and played some Dolls songs though and I loved it... and I've got a shadow of an idea what it must be like to see you together live. I hope to see you - but until then, I would love to read your words, to feel your experience through how you tell it. And I'd love to hear from Brian too. And yes, Thing all the Things. It is all your time, your skill, your art, your heart and soul.

AmarA * jk

We came to the opening show. It was wonderful to hear you play together again! It was also great to be among the tribe: not to worry over leaving a drink unattended or our coats in a corner, to hear everyone singing together (and damn but Dresden Dolls audiences are a fine chorus). My spouse recently began transitioning to femme and I have never seen her so comfortable in a crowd before. We were disappointed by the venue - especially as compared to the pre-tour venue in Kingston a few years ago. Colony is a beautiful venue, but with so many people it was very claustrophobic, it was almost impossible to move around, there were few good vantage points. Worst was how hemmed in Brian was. He was definitely having to hold back some of his large, dramatic movements, which was disappointing. We are so excited to journey with you guys as you embark on a new album. You said that your band is powerful - you are right. You balance each other. You compliment each other. I'll never hear Delilah without hearing the beautiful, haunting voice of your vocal guest. Favorite quote of the night: '...the general fall of civilization. I met some nice people along the way.'

Scott Hanes

Kurt Gödel say that can’t be disproved. Paul Cohen say that can’t be proved. But I can prove Saturday was definitely ℵ2!!

angela b

So happy for you and all the Dolls fans who were in the room with you! Long live live music. That is the first time I have ever written live and live together in a sentence in all their heteronym-ic glory.

Maria

We drove up from WV on Thursday. First off I'd like to say that I am in awe of how powerful the band is. It was my first time in Woodstock and my first time seeing the Dresden Dolls. I was lucky enough to see them with my boyfriend on Friday and Saturday. Friday we were on the floor and Saturday in the balcony. Loved the venue because of the intimacy and the town was fun, actually felt like some of the towns in WV. Sidenote, I originally discovered the Dolls through Nine Inch Nails and our hotel view was the farm where the 1994 Woodstock was held. The NIN performance at that festival I have watched countless times since I was a teenager. It was pretty fucking cool to me. Anyway, I loved being able to experience the show from the floor and from the balcony since I am pretty short. Lots of tall people on Friday night, lol. I really loved watching not only the musicianship between you and Brian but your chemistry and love. I usually hate onstage banter but with you two it just enhanced the show even more. I loved the whole weekend, it was so special to me in other ways. I am 2 years away from my controlling ex and would have never been able to experience anything like I did this weekend. The only disappointment was that I didn't make the cut for the brunch, however we got to get back to our cats, who we had been missing, before dark. Thank you for the amazingly memorable weekend, it meant so much. 🖤🖤🖤 Also, you can Thing whatever you want. ❤️

Kirrabelle Lovell

Yeah! For all of those from far away countries that are not getting to a D.D concert anytime soon - take us there 🙂🎶

Dianne Pater

it was my first time seeing y'all in concert. my whole body was broken by the end (autoimmune condition! nowhere to sit! argh!) but it was so worth it. even my skeptical partner who listened to the dolls for the first time right before the show and said the music sounded like the most disturbed rankin-bass special ever made, came away a believer.

Ralph Abbruzzese

Dear Amanda , not sure if u’ll see this post but I wanted to tell U how wonderful and miraculous it is to see and fell u open ur heart , bare u soul and ur most private wounds through ur music and ur words. It was wonderful to just hug U and thank U. The community and experience I witnessed at the Colony is a beautiful microcosm of what this world should be. Love u and never stop creating and Thank u fr the bottom of my heart. Hugs fr Boston

Luke Jack

Thank you! Thank you thank you thank you. My pal Kevin and I had tickets for Saturday. We went to music school together in '08 and found out we both had a love for your music. The week before the concert my dog had been sick and I wasn't sure if I would be able to make it. It's a long story but Saturday morning there were definite signs of improvement, so I hopped in the car with her and DROVE. Our Air BNB folk made an exception and let my dog come to the air bnb, they were very kind. They had goat roaming their property and Luna (my fur child) thrived in the mountains :) I was blessed to run into Michael Pope during the concert. I was blown away by the show. Seeing the band's musicianship was inspirational. SEEING you and Brian interact and play off each other added new layers to these songs I've listened to for many years. I am so grateful. Thank you!

Angelina

Oh nice!! I used to live up there, but I'm in Southern CA now. Down in San Diego.

Natalie Serwan

It was so incredibly healing to be so enthusiastically welcomed by so many people at the brunch. I was overwhelmed by the love. Thank you, everyone. I'd really love to connect with the crew that took me in with them <3

Lou Carol Ruffini

It was wonderful seeing you on Thursday night. I have been absolutely swamped with schoolwork -taking prerequisites for a nursing program. Seeing you two play helped sooth the serious burnout I've been experiencing. Every chapter of my life I have found myself escaping back into your music. Highschool, College, monotonous back-breaking job, and back to college again. I took my boyfriend to the show. I also took him to a "There Will Be No Intermission" rehearsal. Actually, when we were first getting to know each other we got into an argument about you. He had an unfair, judgmental hatred. That was so long ago, and now he was excited to see you onstage a second time. Anyone who actually does their research can't keep up the sourpuss act for long, There is too much love.

Jeremy Sliwoski

Made both N1 and N2. I spent much of the day before N2 just thinking about the absolute catharsis I saw the night before on stage, and how much it resonated in my heart. I hope that you continue to use future Dresden Dolls shows to heal and to grow (both you and Brian), and to find yourself as you put it N1. I have forgotten what it felt like to be at a DD show. It feels like something I could only dream of being a part of, and N2 I felt more apart than I have ever before, and likely ever will again. Thank you for that.

Catherine Hannah

Def DEF Thing the Dolls... Those of us not at the table wanna sniff the bouquet and smash the burgers and delectify those tiny chocolate mousse surprises that always show up for the FEAST. ALL THE LOVE - MUAH

Patti Drake

Drove up from Jersey for the 3rd night THANK YOU I really needed it! My last hoorah before serious business (chemotherapy) I’m going To beat this thing and hopefully the Dolls will play again and again and again! See you cats in the future Oh yeah, THE SHOW DID NOT DISAPPOINT! You both still have that special thing we love.

Terry Green

you bet. thing the thing

Rosemarie Lorenti

My partner and I drove in from Niagara Falls, NY for the 3rd show in a 32 hour whirlwind trip start to finish. I don't know exactly what it was about this one that cracked the lock on my heart wide open, but I have never felt that way before at a concert. I cried at songs I've never cried at before. I smiled bigger than I feel like I have in years. I was surrounded by love and magic. You touched my face after I did the get-out-of-the-way-side-step-dance with Manta which made me freeze in the way even more haha. We stayed at a hotel in Kingston and joined the brunch the next morning. The hotel clerk told us at check in when we said we are here for The Dresden Dolls "oh there's a lot of you folks here today." That felt good to hear. I had wanted so badly to talk to you while you wandered around at the Brunch and thank you simply for being who you are and for everything you have given to the community. I couldn't do it. It wasn't that I was scared, it was that every time I tried to open my mouth I was just crying. At the very end as everyone filtered out my partner grabbed my hand and pulled me over to you and gave you a button for our DD inspired acoustic duo moxy cleaveland cabaret and he thanked you for inspiring us into doing what we love. I was apparently rendered speechless. You looked me right in the face and I swear to the gods you could see what I needed and wanted to say to you in my eyes. I hope that's true. I posted about this on the Facebook group because there is a Patreon member I would like to find and thank. After the brunch a petite person named Anna/Ana/Anya with wonderfully colorful hair and is from Virginia, saw me crying (okay, sobbing) and my partner hugging me. She yelled across the road if I was okay, and immediately came over and hugged both of us. I gave her the same moxy cleaveland cabaret button I gave you. That was the sort of kindness I can’t explain to people who are not in this group. A beautiful stranger saw me and knew that i needed something so simple as camaraderie and support and gave it genuinely and willingly to both of us. Anna/Ana/Anya from Virginia, if you are in here somewhere, thank you for being who you are. Amanda thank you for being who you are I see you. Both of you. Thank you for seeing me. This past weekend was one of those core-memory life changing events I will never forget.

Len Tower Jr.

You should also ask after Anna/Ana/Anya on Amanda's forum, theshadowbox. Search for the topic "Dresden Dolls, Nov 2022, Woodstock, NY Need/Offer Ticket/Ride/Couch/Buddy/Info" -Len

Kim Smith

Hello! Hi! I am the mouthbreather in Punk Cabaret yoga. The one that came to yoga without a ticket for any shows and was invited to the show that night, the Last Show of the weekend. I was repeatedly reminded at the show (to mutual delight) that I totally won the day on that one. I want to share a bit more of my story so we can all relive the magical high together. I’m trying to get to the part where I relive seeing the Dresden Dolls live for the first time, but the wins are so much sweeter in juxtaposition to the loooooosing streeeeeak that has been setting the tone all up in my life for a bit now; and, as my late great aunt CJ would say, the appropriate backstory is absolutely critical. The best listeners will find it charming. So, here it is. Lemme scale this out a bit. I am a human that lives an admittedly ridiculous bicoastal lifestyle in order to support my primal hordes in Oregon and Massachusetts. I identify as a climate activist, solo polygamist/relationship anarchist, Mad Scientist (I am a scientific observer aboard commercial fishing vessels, master of science, and have a basement lab for hobby science; the science of sustainability through personal wellness). The last few weeks the nature of all of my major emotional attachments have changed in rather explosive and traumatizing ways. My expectations for where I find “home” have been in ongoing flux for a few weeks. Wowza! We shall begin our story in earnest with the morning of Punk Cabaret Yoga! I made it in the door exactly on time. Noon on the button, thank you much. The magic began immediately. Before the door finished closing behind me, Amanda walked out from the studio and said something like “ok, you’re beautiful, once you get on a mat we’ll get started” and my mouth said some sort of thank you while my body moved through the motions of taking my shoes off, pulling out my travelers mat. I scoped out a spot next to a human with pastel pink-and-more-colors hair. I could honestly go on and on about the yoga itself. Yoga is a part of my habitual practice at home, but there is irreplicable healing power to being in a group. Sharing energy, sharing breath. That’s my shit right there. Emotional composting at its finest. We did a bit of get-to-know-ya activity, which I’m all about, and then Amanda Palmer picked the mat next to me for the yoga-ing. And that was that, folks, I won the day! No Additions Necessary. Worth the drive, what a delight. Stardust welling up in my eyes aside, I can not understate the benefit I got from the class. I was able to move my body in ways my body has been struggling to move (dat tree pose!) in the months since I sprained my ankle for my 30th birthday (did I mention I’ve been on a losing streak? Me and the rest of the world, I know.) and I do think it is the power of many energies coming together. Moar plz. The loving kindness meditation at the end was the restorative cherry atop the triple scoop wellness sunday. May we be safe. May we be happy (that one is hard for me to say so I know it is even more important that I say it). May we have ease of wellbeing. May we know that we are loved. My meditations. Her Meditations. Our Meditations. Amanda opened the floor for questions when the meditation was over. We shared knowledge. We shared gratitude. I asked if anyone else had come just for the yoga, no show ticket. Amanda said something to the effect of “oh, don’t worry about it, we’re getting you in” and then there was clapping and then I was crying for the third time that class. The next was a blur of hugs, meeting people,touching base with Stephanie Bryant about logistics, feeling enormous gratitude to Stephanie Bryant, Amanda, and all the unseen humans that got my name onto the list for the night, and settling into some different expectations for how my day, and night was going to play out. This was gonna be a good one, folks. Amanda mentioned she was glad she picked the spot next to me because I was -a breather-. I sho do get noisy for my wellness 😀 My airbnb was my minivan. Luckily, my minivan has been in tiny-home mode since the “Now is the Time we Shall Have the Divorce” (I am a solo polygamist and unmarried, but no less affected by the ongoing developments with my partners) conversation that is one of the exploding factors of my life, so I was packing sleeping pads, my ukulele ditch kit, Viggie Violet (my violet violin. The blue one in my patreon profile pic is named Amanda. I have four violins, and Viggie is the showboat for sure), sustainabubble, and a 55 gallon water tank I picked up marked "FREE" off the side of the road (like I was gonna pass that up for sleeping space, what are you, crazy?), so I wasn’t too worried about my real needs for the day, but HOW THE FUCK was I going to go to my first DRESDEN DOLLS show in my PAJAMA PANTS?!?! They weren’t even cool ones. (ok, maybe all pajama pants are actually cool) The whole thing could have been a dream, honestly; like I could have woken up in my bed at any time, black plaid pajama pants the only constant. But it was not a dream. I found a place to park and took Viggie Violet busking since I am very broke and was suddenly in need of HECKIN MERCH MONEY!!!! The magic of the day intensified and my tally of wins increased when not one, not two, but THREE hugs from unexpected friends came at me! I had the pleasure of meeting Ellia and Jeff of Charming Disaster in New Bedford a few months back when we played a Stove Boat house show (run by my partners). When they came walking towards me down the street it was one of those “oh look, a busker, how fun-WAIT WE KNOW THIS ONE” moments where we all realized we remembered each other at the same time. Hugs and laughter all around. I was graced with my third hug after I saw a devilishly handsome man walking up the other side of the street. Slick black suit. Immaculate salt and pepper hair and bear. A stellar black jeweled necklace to tie the whole look together. You play better when the scener is nice, ya know? So I’m playing my little heart out as this gentleman and his equally handsome companion stroll away from me. Suddenly, he turns around and yells over at me “wait, is your name KIM?” and I’m like “Yes? YES! IT IS!” He rushed across the street to me, and I can see it is one of the people in the gaggle I went with for my first Amanda Palmer show. We caught up for a bit, and he told me he plays with Brian Viglione sometimes now, so I’m not the only one winning in this story. Paul is a catch. Big win for Brian :). Recently acquired merch money in hand, I scuttle on to get in line for the Dresden Dolls show. My first Dresden Dolls show. The show I had convinced myself I wasn’t going to be able to see this time around since I fell asleep with the shadowbox account creation page open rather than all of the way creating an account and reaching out for ticket. The night reached out to me, instead. I asked in the way I could, and I was told I was enough. All of you held me. Thank you so much. You’re a beautiful community. I loved waiting in line in the drizzling rain with you guys. I would not trade the time for anything. Fucking making friends, man. Y’all are good friends to make. Stiltwalkers Betsy and Scott, Tiffany, Amir, Denise, Lindy, my reception line buddy Denise, Kate with the excellent floral tattoos; some people possible to recognize from the morning’s yoga, some faces entirely new to me. Now people I can enjoy thinking about seeing again and I think that is fucking fantastic. AND THEN FACEMELTING PUNK ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAahhhhhh man. I can’t throw more words at it. It won’t do it justice. What a PERFORMANCE! Good Day, Gravity, Astronaut, Ultima Esperanza, Delilah, and Sing all got me particularly feeling feels. It felt so good to FEEL the music. All together. The new one? Fuckin' a. When Amanda mentioned the divorce, and the crowd cheered, and she shrugged and said "its complicated" and someone shouted "WE LOVE YOU BOTH" and I sobbed motherfuckers because that just sums up so much of my life right now and I needed that moment. I needed that pain to be held in a group by a lot more bodies than just me. The pain that comes when we take the time to fully recognize we're not telling a story of villains and victims; we're survivors and sympathetic characters. FUUUUUUCK! After the show, I kept winning. So much win. I like this winning in particular because no one else -loses- at all, and in fact I was assured throughout the evening that my joy was hightening the experience, my joy became -our- joy. On recognizing my joy can become our joy, my joy becomes pure elation. My favorite tangible win of the night is that Brian Viglione wrote my violin’s name, Viggie Violet, on the back of my violin. Ever since my violet violin told me its name, which took some time, I will say, I have been dreaming Brian Viglione would sign the name on the back. It has been a desire my heart flutters to frequently, and then IT HAPPENED! I shall have to display it next to my Amanda autograph sometime. I will admit, I had been practicing saying “My violin’s name is Viggie Violet. Will you write Viggie Violet on the back of my violin?” since getting into the car after yoga and coming to terms with how I would be showing up to the show in my pajama pants. It was my mantra as I navigated the streets of woodstock. I had to practice it because I knew my brain was roughly the consistency of golden brown mashed potatoes, and if I did not practice I was liable to get to the front of the line and say aaabsolutely nothing. Viggie Violet’s name is worth voicing. And OH it was SO GOOD! Watching him light up and plot it out, the care in the execution, getting to hug about it afterwards. Ha-wow. OH so GOOD. Getting MORE AMANDA HUGS and to thank Amanda again for the tremendously lovely night, “of course, my mouthbreather” she holds my face in her palm. I am happy. I am held. As I’m collecting myself to leave, Manta asks if anyone wants the rest of this wine, and my mouth replies “Yes!” without any real input from the mashed potatoes cradled in my skull. I get to have some soulwarming conversation with Manta, and he signs my case. I share the last of the wine with Angel and the lovely individual to do with the chocolates whose name escapes me but who is a delight with which to share wine. I was able to wring out all possible last drops of mirth and merriment from the night with the gaggle conglomerating in front of the venue. There was some insistence that we should see how the instrument sounds now that it's been inked, and so we did. I had an absolute blast. It was so many of my favorite things all in one day. Thank you so much for being a place for so much. I love you. -Kims

Nikki D. May

I was at the first show and it was amazing! I've seen you solo three times before, but this was my first Dresden Dolls show - hopefully not my last! The highlight of my night was meeting you after, getting amazing hugs, and giving you a necklace I made right off my neck! I made a little reel from the photos my friend took: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ck3xIBqJuae

Len Tower Jr.

Kim: I glad you has such a magic night. I suggest, if you wish, you share this on Amanda's forum, the shadowbox, & in her Official Facebook group. Many other fans would love the gift of your sharing your night. (Very few of us, even attempt to read all the comments on Patreon.) All the best with all the changes you & your loved ones are going through. -Len

Len Tower Jr.

Niki: I glad you had such a magic night. I suggest, if you wish, you share this on Amanda's forum, the shadowbox, & in her Official Facebook group. Many other fans would love the gift of you sharing your night. (Very few of us, even attempt to read all the comments on Patreon.) All the best! -Len

Lisa Howe

Write that piece and Thing it. For sure.

ctine marie

catching up on old posts and didn't realize you knew nathan!!! we used to be buds back when i lived in pensacola, i hope everything went great!