Where's Cat?

[mitch]

I went to the GPN show at Saratoga Mountain Winery a couple of nights ago and was just blown away. I only have two negatives:

1. WTF didn't I discover this band earlier????

2. No Cat Popper

I noticed a reference on the board to her not being back yet, but no indication of why she's gone in the first place. The band showed plenty of versatility by covering for her instead of bringing in a sub. Grace introduced Scott Tournet as "lead guitar, bass guitar, harmonica, and a whole bunch of other shit". Can anyone fill me in on the story here?

[eric]

hey Mitch welcome to the forum and glad u got to see that show, it sounds like it was a really special one. Cat plays most of the shows with the Nocturnals but she takes some breaks from Grace Potter's very demanding travel schedule, as necassary. Cat has a lot happening here on the east coast, and Grace will pretty much never turn down a gig. She plays 200+ shows a year. Cat plays most of them, but not all.

Those of you that have seen the electric 4-piece recently have been treated to something very special! many of us will never see that lineup.

[Karen_J]

Cat has a lot happening here on the east coast

I don't believe that Cat is skipping any GPN shows to work with other people, in New York or anywhere else. I don't think she would or could be in this band if she hadn't made a commitment to make it her first priority. Obviously (at least to me), Grace wouldn't put up with anything less than every band member's best effort all the time. And she holds herself to the same standard.

As most of us already know, Cat takes insulin. If you have ever known anyone personally who deals with diabetes at that level, then you know that it can sometimes be hard to manage the condition even if you have a normal job and live in one place all the time. I can barely imagine someone dealing with all those medical complications while living on the road and performing long, intense, high-energy shows every night. It has to be tough.

On the other hand, this particular challenge has been met before with great success. Brett Michaels' (front man for Poison) well-known struggles with diabetes have caused him to cancel a few concert dates over the years, but he has had a long career anyway, in music and TV. (not a fan of his VH1 reality shows, but that's beside the point)

As long as Cat is able to travel and work 95% of the time, I don't expect anything to change. While there was a GPN for several years before Cat, it has become hard to imagine a GPN without her. She is such a perfect fit in every way!
:cool:

Knowing this story just gives me one more reason to admire her. A lot of people would just say "I can't do it". And they wouldn't even try.

[toofarnorth]

Karen J . . beautifully said.
My son had a close friend who lost his battle with diabetes way too young, we have some understanding of, and immense respect for, how strong and dedicated Cat has to be to do what she does.

[eric]

I don't believe that Cat is skipping any GPN shows to work with other people, in New York or anywhere else.

that's not what i meant. and her commitment to the Nocturnals is self evident

[marknga]

Looking forward to seeing her back with the band soon.
My little sister has been insulin dependant for the last 20 years, it is a daily battle but can be won. Just have to play within the rules.

[Karen]

Those of you that have seen the electric 4-piece recently have been treated to something very special! many of us will never see that lineup.

I agree with all who have said how difficult it can be to control diabetes - Cat is a real trooper to be able to manage it while being part of a rock band.

And I was thinking the exact same thing as you, Eric. I would love to have seen some of the performances others have been describing. There is no disrespect to Cat to feel that way. But here's hoping she always comes back.

[Xaphan]

As someone who has been on insulin for over 10 years, I am very familiar with the struggle. Grace describes the road as "the grind". Travel can wear you down, and make the management of diabetes more than difficult. I am so glad I got to see Cat at Headliners. I wish her all the best.

[kcortez]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Kj1Fsf9a2U

[Karen_J]

that's not what i meant.

Okay.

And also, I should have mentioned BB King as another example.

[DHBucker]

Being diabetic myself, I wish I could tell Cat that she has my empathy and even more support than before. The high energy shows can actually help maintain her blood glucose, but of course being on the road would wear on anyone and I'm so proud of her for being a diehard rocker! When I think I couldn't respect this band any more, I learn something that makes me go wow! God bless you Cat and I hope this isn't a health issue. I'll say a prayer for you.

[tipiboy]

"I wish I could tell Cat that she has my empathy and even more support than before." Think you just did!!! The Wows never end!

[Xaphan]

I just saw a "Tweet" from Cat. She was talking about Burning Man being sold out, and then another msg being her same ol' sassy self.