Newton is careful to point out that he and his bandmates love what they do. When we go on tour, I’m the one advancing all the shows. Things other bands have a manager or tour manager or travel agent for, we still do. “The band has grown a lot,” says Newton, “but we still do everything ourselves. It’s a lot of work, even for hyperactive, young punk kids - and Newton and his bandmates aren’t exactly kids anymore, which complicates things for a band that is on the road half the year. The band is on tour nearly nonstop, playing its manic amalgam of metal and hardcore all over Europe and the United States. Converge has been going strong for 25 years, garnering more attention with each of its eight full-lengths and numerous other releases. Of course, the real reason that Newton and his band are coming to Denver this month is to perform. Just seeing them together will be enough.” It’s like seeing Morrissey and Johnny Marr again. I think there’s going to be something amazing about seeing Doyle, Jerry and Danzig on stage again.

And I saw them when Danzig did shows with Doyle. I felt like I was twelve years old again. “They nailed the whole vibe they were amazing. “I saw them when they did the reunion shows with Michael Graves singing,” says Newton. But having all the original members back together is clearly a dream come true. I won’t believe it until I see it, until they’re on stage.”Īs a fan, Newton never turned his back on the band, even through all the infighting among members and questionable lineup changes. That’s just something I never thought I’d see. “I have to say, I’m pretty excited to see the Misfits,” says Newton, a self-professed lifelong fan of the original horror-punk outfit, which will be fronted at Riot Fest, for the first time in decades, by Glenn Danzig. He’s a big fan of the Smiths and doesn’t hesitate to say that he’ll fly halfway around the world to see the band play together again, no matter where or when that might happen.Īnd it just so happens that his other favorite band, the Misfits, is playing on the same day as his band at this year’s Riot Fest, the fourth iteration of the annual end-of-summer festival at the National Western Complex. And finally, I’ve never heard of a four-star long snapper.It’s easy to forget sometimes that the people who play music are also usually big fans of other bands.Ĭonverge bassist Nate Newton isn’t afraid to wear his adoration on his sleeve. Look, I understand that there are a lot more important games left on the schedule, but when teams make a commitment to a schedule it would be nice to fulfill that commitment. That says a lot about the high school girls playing soccer in freezing Friday night temperatures on Friday night, and in shorts! Midland College athletic director Forrest Allen said because of the cold weather, both teams decided to leave early. What’s up with Angelina College and Trinity Valley Community College bolting early from the Midland College/Odessa College Permian Basin Invitational early? It’s obvious that their minds and heart will be with Glover during the postseason and going forward. Probably the feel-good story of the playoffs will be the Lee Lady Rebels, who overcame a lot this season, including the death of former teammate Essence Glover at the beginning of the school year, to make the postseason. You either going to make this thing about Dak for real or either you’re going to move on.” Now Dak is in his fourth year and you don’t get a fifth-year option. As you saw in the Super Bowl, as you saw in the playoffs, it’s about your quarterback. “The only thing I care about is the quarterback,” he said. He added that he didn’t have much of an opinion about the team moving on from offensive coordinator Scott Linehan.

Newton did suggest that most of the moves the team makes going forward should be about helping quarterback Dak Prescott succeed. Although that idea probably wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibilities considering that contracts for Payton and Garrett are up after next season. He said he’s not for any stupid nonsense from fans and callers, such as the ones who think Saints coach Sean Payton will leave New Orleans for Dallas. That’s why he’s in demand to contribute to radio, television and Internet programs regarding the Cowboys. In case one doesn’t know Newton, he’s not one to sugar-coat or put a spin on things. They have the talent now and they have the coaches in place. The last four years I wouldn’t give preseason predictions, but now I’m of the belief that 10-plus wins is what the Cowboys should look forward to in the next three or four years. “Now it’s time to coach them up and to turn them loose on the field. “I’ve been the biggest Jason Garrett supporter and now he has good coaches, and good up-and-coming players that can only get better,” said Newton about the Dallas’ head coach.

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