Death of Samantha seemed to exemplify all the great traits that the Cleveland music scene had over most other cities at the time. Like many other Cleveland bands, they realized that their audience was largely the same people each night, whether they played the Phantasy, Peabody's, or Cincinnati. They made sure that each show was uniquely different from the rest of their shows, not relying or resting on one setlist or running gag. This was unique to Cleveland, something Chicago, LA, and Boston bands seriously lacked. Some memorable highlights - Stevo being brought to the stage in a coffin, Get your picture taken with Stevo night (and get a safety pop), Doug's monster platform shoes, and John's unique ability to heckle most other bands. A cornerstone in Cleveland music history. (Anon.)
Death Of Samantha, nothing but great memories of seeing those guys.
The Cleveland Underground - John with a crazy look in his eyes, ranting about not getting through a checkout line because he had one item too many, or lighting his arm on fire like twenty times during a song. (Penn and Teller eat your heart out). Doug Gillard blazing away on guitar, Steve-o dresesed as a female Elvis impersonator, falling into his kit, and David James steady on bass looking like "What the fuck am i doing here?" At one show at the Phantasy, I got so caught up in the frenzy that while headbanging I busted my head open on the monitor, requiring six stitches. I told the nurse it was a dance related injury. What more can you ask from a rock and roll show, kick ass edgy tunes, fire, blood and a trip to the emergency room. Death of Samantha is the one scar on my head I'm most proud of.
(Floyd)