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(posted 10/22/03)
Questions for Tuscaloosa musicians … answers from Troy Thompson, T Minus Band
These musicians have answered our local music questionairre about the closing of the Chukker.
If you'd like to submit your comments, click here.

Troy Thompson is the T Minus Band. This former Tuscaloosa musician
appeared in Rolling Stone magazine in 1992 as a member of Kilgore Trout.

Druid City Online ... What was your first experience with the Chukker as a patron? as a musician?

Troy Thompson, T Minus Band ... as a patron: not sure, but I remember buying mushrooms on the roof one afternoon in 1990. As a musician it was being one of the first bands to play at Wonkafest which means we played at about 3 pm in the afternoon while workers were still building stuff in the courtyard. Maybe 5 people saw the show and our singer Drue faced the drummer the whole time.

Who is the first band you saw at the Chukker and what do you remember about that night?

I don't remember, unfortunately. One of the things I hate about myself is my crappy memory. It's not helpful when trying to answer these questions either.

Who is the best and worst band you’ve seen at the Chukker and what do you remember?

Best band? - that's tough. Maybe Southern Culture on the Skids. Worst is tough too. I've seen more bad than good. Basically my memory sux (see above). I really didn't care for that band where the lead singer made his head bleed... were they called Anti-Scene?

Name as some of the best local bands you saw at the Chukker. Include any information you can remember about those bands.

Opus Dopus was great and one of the first local bands I loved. The DTs were great but I associate them more with Egans. Many people I know played in many bands at the Chukker but I don't want to try to name them all. I'll end up leaving someone out (that memory thing again). I will say that I've been to see many local bands at the Chukker and overall I felt it was a positive experience. I had some great times going out to support my friends and fellow musicians. There was time when it felt like Tuscaloosa had a music scene. It may still have one but I'm skeptical.

What was your best experience on stage at the Chukker?

Another tough question due to the blur of my memory. Had so many great times. One moment I remember was having Wade Ollis, Chuck Thompson and seems like some other people all on stage singing CCR's "Fortunate Son", and that was in in 1995. I look back on playing the Chukker with the most fondness when I think of the period that Kilgore Trout was playing though, which was from 1990-93. Ahhhh Youth!

Where will you go to see music once the Chukker is closed?

In Birmingham, where I live.

What’s the strangest sight or experience you can recall from the Chukker?

Wonkafest. I wonder if Walter Alves will show up on the final night.

How would you describe the Chukker under its final ownership?

Good intentions that resulted in swan song/sucking wind.

When you hear the name Ludovic Goubet (former owner), what comes to mind?

"that frenchman loves to party..." The words "asshole" and "sleazy" come to mind. I don't remember having any real conflict with the guy, but for some reason I don't really have anything good to say about him.

What will Tuscaloosa lose when the Chukker closes on Halloween?

A landmark and a part of my past. however, it might be a mercy killing.

What do you plan on doing on the Chukker’s final night?

Possibly going to the Chukker to try to relive the glory days. My fear is that it will be disappointing. That's how I've felt the last few times I've been. It's interesting seeing people you've not seen in years, so that might be fun.

Troy Thompson is/was a member of these and other Tuscaloosa bands ...
T-minus Band, Kilgore Trout, The Nooners, Camp David

The Chukker closed forever Halloween weekend 2003. Music for the Last Stand of the Chukker was provided by the Woggles, Club Wig, Model Citizen, Sweat Bee, DC Moon and his Atomic Supermen, and The Last Gunslinger. Click here to read more about the history of the Chukker.

click here for the official T Minus Band website

The Chukker closes forever Halloween night 2003. Music will be provided by the Woggles, Club Wig, Model Citizen, Sweat Bee, DC Moon and his Atomic Supermen, and The Last Gunslinger. Click here to read more history about the Chukker.

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