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On Thursday night, I walked into the Gramercy Theater not knowing what to expect. Having been called on at the last minute to cover Alt-Rock veterans Filter, I hadn’t had the necessary time to preview the catalog of the opening acts, Evan Russell Saffer & MENEW. As it turns out, I’m glad I didn’t.

The venue: small. The crowd: stiff and cold. Half of the concert-goers were already drunk and itching for Filter’s headlining set, early in the night. The first act comes on, an unfamiliar act by the name of “Evan Russell Saffer”, which turns out to be basically a one-man band. As always, I throw all judgments aside and open up my mind and ears. I found it enjoyable, despite the crowd’s predominantly disinterested demeanor.

Pioneers of modern alternative rock FILTER continue to inspire and reach out.

In a recent phone interview, Tri-State Rock had the privilege of talking to Filter frontman, Richard Patrick. When a band has as much success and influence on the music scene as Filter has, the members sometimes seem a bit “holier than thou”. Patrick, however, was a perfect example on how good guys indeed can have success while remaining humble and awesome!