by Ivan Trevino
The craziest thing happened in Central Park today. We're in the middle of a set, playing Circles I think, loud and hard as usual. We're building up a fairly nice audience for such a hot day. I look over at Chris, who's playing with extra energy. Two Red Bulls and a visit from a secret admirer make Chris a happy guy...
So anyway, we're laying down the beat. I've got my eye on Chris' bow, making sure we're together. Suddenly, I hear a loud pop, and simultaneously see pieces of cello fly in all directions. Chris' cello explodes.
That's right. Explodes.
We stop playing and take a minute to process what just happened. Chris' tail piece and bridge are on the ground, and his strings dangle from the pegs like an accordion. Blank faces, disbelief, silence.....
Then, the clapping starts.
In true rock and roll fashion, the crowd begins to applaud, finding some appreciation in the moment. After all, we've all seen musicians intentionally smash their instruments into bits, but never while actually playing. Chris was rocking out so hard, his cello literally collapsed. It was a true Hendrix-like moment, and on June 17th no less, the eve of the anniversary of "the guitar on fire" concert.
Fortunately for us, Chris didn't light his cello on fire, so it's repairable. I don't think Chris would do something like that....although sometimes I wonder....
