I think it started in Berlin in 2005 with a drunken "Hey, you should tour Korea!" Or maybe it was the sober request when I saw them play again less than a year later in Cologne that did the trick. Either way, I never actually expected Digger and the Pussycats, a two piece garage punk band from Melbourne, to make the trip to our corner of the world. After about a year of sporadic emails they finally caved and decided to tack a Korea trip on to the tail end of their US tour, which consisted of about 25 shows and a few festivals. They asked me if I could put a few shows together and I gladly said yes, even though I had no experience whatsoever in said subject. At that point I started asking anybody I could for advice and everything was downhill from there. A few people donated money and Grant did most of the promotion for the shows.

I met Sam, the guitarist, and Andy, the drummer, at the airport on Wednesday, the 31st of October. I foolishly assumed that two guys who left all of their equipment behind would be traveling light. I'd soon find out how wrong I was. On their US trip they managed to pick up about a grand worth of records, which can get pretty heavy and awkward to carry. They had two full carts worth of baggage and due to my poor planning had to load all of their crap onto the airport shuttle to Hapjeong. That part was easy compared to fitting the three of us plus the baggage into a taxi to get to the guest house. There was literally no room left to move and the taxi driver was pissed!

After they got settled in to their accommodations I took them to Hongdae park to meet some friends and get dinner. It was there that we found our friend and saviour, Jong Hee of Rux. After I told him about our shuttle and taxi ordeal he volunteered his services along with the Skunk van for the next 6 days. I should have just called him in the first place but didn't think about it. We spent the next day and a half hanging out in Seoul with Jong Hee, who provided the transportation for all of their tourist needs.

Friday came and it was time to pack up and drive to the first of three shows scheduled for their mini Korean tour. Our first stop was Gwangju, about a 4 hour drive south of Seoul. Accompanying us was Paul, fresh off of his almost heart attack inducing mile run for the Army, and Grant. By the way Paul ran the mile in 7:30 with the assistance of his friend, me! We arrived at Mike and Dave's Speakeasy, which is the local hangout for the Gwangju foreigner community, as well as for Koreans who want to practice their English (I assume). It's not a place built to hold shows, but their set-up was definitely adequate enough to handle the task. First up was some Canadian acoustic guitarist who used a DAT machine for his band. All in our party agreed that the guy was terrible and that's all you need to know. We all applauded simply because we felt sorry for the guy. Next up was Betty Ass, a Gwangju skate punk band who plays regularly in the area. They were surprisingly good but only played about six songs, including a NOFX cover. Finally it was Digger's turn to show the expats of Gwangju what they were made of. From the first note people seemed to enjoy what Digger had to offer. I was happy to see that most of the people up front were younger Koreans who I'm guessing came with or to see Betty Ass. The downside was that the club manager insisted that Digger play two sets. Supposedly this was to provide more entertainment value to the people who paid 5,000 won to get in. They ended their first set and many people headed for the door, believing that the show was over. When they went up to play their second set about half of the people had gone. Those that remained continued to have a good time until the end. There were 62 paying customers and the band received all of the door money, so I'd consider this a successful show. They made enough money to pay for a lot of their expenses for the remainder of their trip.

The next morning we headed back up to Seoul for the Skunkhell and Spot shows. We took them to Skunk a few days earlier and they were really excited to play there. The Skunk show was the one that was most important to me and I tried to get my favorite bands to play that show. Opening for them was Rux, Bad Idols, and Galaxy Express. My intention was two fold. First, it was to choose bands that I knew would attract the most people. Second, I wanted to show the visiting Aussies what the Korean punk scene was about and maybe encourage other bands to visit. They enjoyed the Rux and Bad Idols set but were blown away by Galaxy Express, as was I. GE seems to get better and better every time they play and this was no exception. Sam mentioned that they were one of the best bands they had seen all year during various tours. During the first three bands Sam and Andy progressively consumed more and more booze, which made for an interesting set. Right as they started playing I knew they were hammered! Sam had been having issues with his guitar strap and sure enough it came loose during the first song. Andy struggled from time to time on drums, consuming more and more of Jesse's soju and orange juice concoction. They tore through their set and proceeded to lay waste to the Skunk stage. While not their best musical performance of their tour, it was by far the most exciting and enjoyable to watch.

Last up was the Spot midnight show. Opening was BBLT, Couch, and a few other bands I can't remember. They had some dinner, a nap or two, and no alcohol before the show. This was their best sounding performance of the tour and they mentioned that the sound at Spot was great. There were a lot of people there and I'm told that the club actually sold out of beer. After the show we all dispersed and that was the end of their Korean tour.

Sam and Andy spent the next few days traveling around Seoul. Andy actually went back to Gwangju in hopes of getting married and settling down, but that didn't happen. Everybody involved had a great time and I'd like to thank everybody that helped. Even though setting things up for a two man band is nothing like putting shows together for a full band, I could never have done it alone.

Here is a short interview with Sam done after their trip:

Mike: What was your impression of the Korean punk scene? Did you have any preconceived notions about what to expect?
Sa

M: I really really loved the scene. People were really cool and into music and they welcomed us with open arms. It was nice to be part of it all for a couple of days.

M: Based on what you experienced, do you think that the Korean scene will gain (or does it deserve) any sort of international recognition?
S: I think any scene in the world will grow and get recognition if people continue to be passionate about it and keep on doing creative stuff. Thats what drew attention to places like Seattle in the 90s. Just heaps of dedicated people doing what they love.

M: Which venue/show did you enjoy the most (or least) and why?
S: I loved Skunkhell. The crowd was great and the place has a got a really great vibe. I'd come back there anytime!!!

M: Do you have any advice for foreign bands that may be thinking of playing Korea?
S: Get ready to eat the best food of your life!!!!!!

M: How did you feel about traveling to a far off land only to play in front of a bunch of expats? S :I guess I am happy to go anywhere and play for anyone as long as they really wanna see the show. Sometimes expats come cause they wanna see something from their home country which is kinda weird if they wouldnt check that out at home. Still it's nice to play to a big audience.

M: Can you offer a short review of the Galaxy Express EP? How has it been received by people that have listened to it?
S: I am really into the Galaxy Express EP. I have played to a few people in Melbourne and everyone has been blown away with it. Such an impressive and wild band.

M: How did Andy's Gwangju trip turn out?
S: He had a really really great time. He didnt get married but there is always next time!!!!

M: That's about it. Feel free to add anything you'd like to convey to to masses here.
S: PLEASE INVITE US BACK TO KOREA SO WE CAN PLAY AGAIN!!!!!