Updated from an earlier version of this post. But check back later and I may get a wild hair and find some more photos and backstage quotes from my notes.

Bob Bennett, the drummer from the Sonics' classic lineup, lives in Hawaii, creating logistical problems for practicing with his old band mates and playing any of the reunion shows this year. But the guy was rumored to be making a cameo at last night's Halloween show at the Paramount; and lo and behold, there he was, one of the most idolized drummers in Northwest rock history, standing in the aisle and enjoying the action during the early portion of the Sonics set. A big thanks to Tacoma artist Teddy Haggarty, who was on site filming for a documentary, and who pointed Bennett out. Like most of you, I wouldn't have recognized him since all the photos I've seen are from 40 years ago. And now you all know what he looks like today, too.
ERNEST A. JASMIN

Bennett was onstage for the finale, publicly reuniting with band mates Rob Lind, Larry Parypa (right) and Jerry Roslie for the first time in 3 1/2 decades. The last time was a short set for a benefit show on that very stage; so even though it's a bit disappointing that the Sonics didn't choose its old Tacoma stomping grounds for their homecoming show, last night's setting still brought things full circle in a way. And the band did cater to the folks from Grit City who supported them 40 years ago, as when the Wailers' Kent Morrill joined the Sonics for his band's track from 1959, "Dirty Robber" -- billed as "a Tacoma song" and dedicated to all the T-town faithful.
The other special guest was the E Street Band's Little Steven Van Zandt (center in second photo, also of "Sopranos" fame, but you knew that) who helped out with "Have Love Will Travel" midway through the Sonics set and, in this photo, pitched in for a tough as leather version of "Louie Louie" and fan favorite, "The Witch," during the encore. He was instrumental in coaxing our boys out of retirement, and when I got a few seconds with him back stage, he referred to "flying them out" at some point to rehearse before the comeback tour was official. Van Zandt also hosts a garage rock radio show called Little Steven's Underground, and when I asked him about his enthusiasm for the Sonics he said, "Garage rock as we know it definitely began there in Tacoma with the Wailers, the Ventures and the Sonics." Hey, Tacoma may get treated like an ugly stepchild a lot of the time, but at least the people who know what they're talking about give Grit City the respect it deserves.
ERNEST A. JASMIN

Despite health problems that have slowed him down in recent years, Jerry Roslie (top) -- the most reclusive Sonic and the only one who still lives in Tacoma -- still has a decent howl. He really seemed to get loose towards the end of the set on "Strychnine." Larry Parypa (middle) staked his claim as a Northwest guitar god. And Roslie delivered a few hot solos of his own, also sharing a load of the vocal duties with Roslie and new bassist Don Wilhelm. I asked around, and Larry's bro, Andy, was apparently not on site, though he lives in Seattle.
ERNEST A. JASMIN

Speaking of bands representin' for the 2-5-3: "Oklahoma City can buy Seattle's Sonics, but they'll never buy Tacoma's Sonics," declared Girl Trouble front man Kurt Kendall, dressed in a dapper blazer for the occasion. Which he eventually lost, Iggy Pop-stye, of course. It was great seeing the Girl Trouble crew (also Bill "Kahuna" Henderson, second photo, Bon Henderson and Dale Philips) playing a bigger venue, even if it meant Kendall couldn't jump into the crowd as easily for his usual fits of go-go dancing. Speaking of which, he sang a song about Sylvia Eads, a.k.a. Granny Go Go, who used to dance with the band before she died in 1996. Her birthday was on Halloween and she would have been 98, he said. And the band finished with -- what else? -- "My Hometown," one of the greatest songs ever penned about T-town. And the night's free prize (a staple of Girl Trouble shows, if you didn't know): Twizzlers.
ERNEST A. JASMIN

I didn't know much about the first opening act, Kate Tucker & the Sons of Sweden, until the show. They made a good impression, though at first the Seattle outfit seemed and odd choice of opening act since Tucker's dreamy brand of pop is more akin to, say, Mazzy Star than the Sonics. Tucker's star is on the rise, and among her set's highlights was a lushly re-imagined "I'm on Fire," which the singer-songwriter told me backstage that she performed without knowing that Steven Van Zandt, the guy who played the guitar on Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band's original version, was on site. Tucker also mentioned that her version of the Springsteen hit, one of her favorite ballads, will be featured on a forthcoming love song compilation that will also feature cuts from Death Cab for Cutie and Portland's M. Ward.
ERNEST A. JASMIN

Just got back from a killer Sonics reunion gig at the Paramount Theatre. Jerry Roslie, sax player Rob Lind and new bassist Don Wilhelm split vocal duties, with Roslie really getting loose during "Strychnine." And Little Steven Van Zandt, the Wailers' Kent Morrill and drummer Bob Bennett made cameos. Bennett made the trip all the way from Hawaii to sit in with his old band for the first time in 3 1/2 decades (publicly, at least) during the encore. Could this mean he'll become more involved with future gigs? No disrespect to Ricky Lynn Johnson, who has been a solid replacement for the reunion concerts, if this show is any indication. But let's hope so. That guy's golden on those old recordings!

Before the headlining set, Wailers bassist and Sonics manager Buck Ormsby came out and read a letter from Eddie Vedder, who had planned to join the band for "Don't Believe in Christmas," a song Pearl Jam has performed in concert. But he couldn't make it because he's occupied with his newborn child, Ormsby read.

Anyway, I've got tons of photos and notes to post about the stage and the scene backstage. But meanwhile, here's a set list for you. Stay tuned:

The Sonics set list
The Paramount Theatre, Seattle
Oct. 31, 2008

He’s Waitin’
(Money) That’s What I Want
Cinderella
Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark
Boss Hoss
Keep on Knockin’
The Hustler
You’ve Got Your Head on Backwards
High Time
Have Love Will Travel (with Steven Van Zandt)
Werewolves of London
Strychnine
Lucille
Walkin’ the Dog
Don’t Believe in Christmas
(Night Time Is) The Right Time
Shot Down
Dirty Robber (with the Wailers’ Kent Morrill, dedicated to Tacoma fans)
Psycho

Encore:
Louie Louie (with Bob Bennett and Van Zandt)
The Witch (with Bob Bennett and Van Zandt)

Opening acts:
Kate Tucker & the Sons of Sweden and Tacoma’s own Girl Trouble