Okay, so this just gonna be a quickie Watershed overview from last night at Natalie’s, rather than an in-depth review, cuz I’m writing it less than 12 hours after the show and I’ve gotta have it done in a coupla hours. (There WILL be what I consider lotsa cool photos at the end.)
First off - and most importantly - this (and the June Comfest show) were Watershed ALL-TIMERS. I’ve been a Watershed roadie since 2005 (HEY, it’s my 20th anniversary with the guys). Before that I was a fan since 1990 when I worked for Willie Phoenix & the True Soul Rockers and Watershed would open shows at Ruby Tuesday’s. In that time I’ve seen HUNDREDS of Watershed sets. I would say the Watershed set at this year’s Comfest was one of the THREE best shows I’ve ever seen, and last night at Natalie’s was top five, easily.
Plus, the show was just so incredibly LONG! Not BAD long, mind you (like a Grateful Dead set) - more “Jesus Christ, even I’VE forgotten just HOW MANY great songs Watershed has, and I work for the band” long. At more than two hours, it just might be the longest show I’ve ever seen the band play. I couldn’t even begin to list the set. Simply, though, if Watershed didn’t play your favorite song last night, I can’t comprehend how they missed it. (Plus, having both Herb and Dave playing drums this summer has been a genuine treat.) Maybe I can get a set-list from Colin later, but the band took right off for Saline, MI, to record some new stuff with Tim Patalan producing.
And that’s kinda exactly the point; Watershed HAS never, and STILL never just rests on their laurels and their extensive back catalog of great tunes. I mean, endless “farewell shows/tours” by Classic Rockers and the Tribute Band Mania currently choking/strangling/killing rock & roll are - I suppose - all well & good, but goddamn it’s cool to hear a band looking forward and not just looking back. (Cue “Lookin’ Back” by the King of Classic Rock Radio, Bob Seger, here. I’ve loved Seger since I was 13 in 1966 and “Heavy Music” blasted out of my little AM radio, but damn I wish he’d listen to his own tunes sometime.)
And let’s face facts; how many rock & roll bands are in the fine, fine, superfine playing & songwriting shape that Watershed is in their 40th year of existence? Colin, Joe, Herb, Biggie, Dave and Rick; thank you for the music.
ps. BTW, we sold what can only be described as a fuckload of merch last night; my thanks to each & every patron of the band. Sincerely, thank you.
Pics from Natalie’s, 8/15/2025
Natalie’s empty, after load-in, before doors.
(There was supposed to be a Natalie’s full pic from before the encore, but I forgot. Senile rock & roll dementia.)
Show Pics, Side of the Stage
Front of House pics
I just this moment realized I managed not to get a single shot of Herb playing drums. My apologies.
A coupla shots with Biggie’s screen-projections.
Ricki C. is 73 years old. He has been involved professionally in rock & roll in some capacity - performer, roadie, rock writer - since 1968 when he sang his first song for pay in public; “Magic Carpet Ride” by Steppenwolf at a classmate’s birthday party. Today he takes a great new song wherever he can find it.