Page "Big Black" Paragraph 19

Tensions were also mounting within the band.

Albini did not drink alcohol, so Riley and Durango became drinking buddies on the road while Albini was doing interviews and handling the band's logistics.

Riley, however, was drinking to excess, and his behavior ruined several of the band's performances.

During a key show at CBGB, he drunkenly smashed the drum machine.

Albini also accused Riley of a number of other shortcomings including lateness to rehearsals, always needing rides, and " flashes of brilliance offset by flashes of belligerence.

" However, though he made a number of threats, Albini never fired Riley.

Another problem facing the band was that Riley was now in college and both Albini and Durango had to keep day jobs, which limited Big Black's ability to tour.

When Durango announced that he intended to enter law school beginning in the fall semester of 1987, the band decided to keep going until he began school and then call it quits.

Despite enjoying increased press, radio airplay, record sales, and concert fees, the band did not regret their decision and eschewed the idea of commercial success.

According to Riley, " Big Black was never about that.

For Big Black to make any money, it wouldn't have been Big Black anymore.

" Being a lame duck band was also liberating, as the members no longer had to be concerned with the group's future.

Albini wrote that he was happy to be breaking up the band before it grew too big: