311 Day 2014

How does one describe one of the best experiences of their lives?
My brother and I just got back from four days in New Orleans where we did nothing but celebrate peace, love, unity and beers the size of our heads.  Thousands of 311 fans from every state in the US and something like 18 different countries descended on the town for the infamous 311 Day festivities and friendships were forged between members of the 311 Familia that will last a lifetime.  The best part was that my brother had the opportunity to experience it as well.
We landed late that Sunday morning, dropped our bags off at the hotel on St.  Charles Avenue, and walked about three blocks to what was to become our favorite day time bar, a place called Lucky's where you could have a drink, grab something to eat or do your laundry.  (A brilliant concept in my opinion.)  From there we walked around the town, killing time before we could check into our hotel, then stopped for beer and some amazing fish tacos at a place appropriately called Beer and Tacos.

My brother and I on Bourbon Street.

Once we sated our appetites, we got cleaned up and took the trolley halfway across town to meet up with my cruise buddies at the house they were staying in.  How awesome it was to be reunited with the people I shared yet another amazing experience - the 311 cruise last year - with.  We then headed to Bourbon Street and partied the night away.
It's really hard to describe the feeling of elation as you walk through the streets of an amazing town, waving at, saluting, and exchanging a "Happy 311 Day!" with complete strangers.  It kind of reminds you that there is still good in this world.  The fact that five guys from Omaha have put their heart and soul for the past twenty years into creating music that spreads the message of peace, love and unity just blows my mind.  And they're not finished yet.

Hammie and I with my cruise buds.

We must have waited in line to check out the merchandise for four or five hours on that Monday, but did we
really care?  No, because we were with like minded folks.  When drinks needed refilling someone would volunteer to step into the nearest bar.  When someone needed something to eat, another would accompany them to the nearest eatery to satisfy their hunger.  We laughed, we got to know total strangers, and had a damn good time.  We met people from all over the country - it was basically a giant tailgate minus the cars.
Bourbon Street was in a constant state of "Stay positive and love your life!" during our time there.  You could hear 311's music being cranked out of every bar you walked by - to me, that's a little slice of heaven.
Why?  You may ask.  What's so special about this silly band?  I can't really explain.  It's a passion for most of us.  Some get it, some don't.  Everyone who knows me says they think of me whenever they hear 311 on the radio.  Just last night Philip texted me to tell me that he was thinking of me while shooting pool and so he played Don't Stay Home on the bar's jukebox.

Homemade shirts are the way to go.

The concert at the New Orleans Arena on March 11 was nothing short of extraordinary.  The band played three sets totaling five hours and 66 songs, at times accompanied by either native jazz musicians or a small orchestra.  I don't know of many artists that do that for their fans anymore.
I plan on keeping this experience I was blessed enough to have tucked deep inside my heart for the rest of my life, and look forward to many more like it....I should probably open up a new savings account titled "The 311 Experience," being as that I will be on the boat again come 2015.    

11 Days and Counting

It's official kids - I AM GOING ON THE 311 CRUISE.  What is this, you ask?  Only the most exciting thing to happen to me since the birth of my nephew.  My most favorite band on this planet hosts a 4 day cruise in the Bahamas, complete with concerts, parties, events, and performances by several other artists.  It's a 4 day party with the greatest fans in the world, and I am going to be right in the middle of it.
I've never been anywhere tropical outside of this country.  I've never even been out of the country, much less on a cruise.  I'm so excited I could just...pee.
I'll be flying down to Miami on February 27th and we set sail March 1st.  I can't believe that one of my dreams has become a reality.

You Can Still Be A Sexy, Crazy Bitch In Comfy Clothes - Buckcherry at Xfinity Live! Philadelphia

Last night I was sitting on the couch in yoga pants and a hoodie watching Happy Feet with my nephew and scrolling through my Twitter feed.  I happened to come across a tweet from Buckcherry and learned that they were playing a free show at Xfinity Live! Philadelphia.  "What?!  How did I not know about this?!"  Jay was on his way over because the plan was to veg out and watch scary movies.  That changed real fast.  I shot him a text - "So Buckcherry is playing at Xfinity - let's go!"  "Ok."  I love that he goes with my flow.

So I threw on long johns under a pair of jeans, (the show was outside,) my Doc Martens, and ran a brush through my hair.  There was no time to slut it up, being that we live about a half an hour from the sports complex, the gate had already opened, and it was cold outside.  We missed Lit, but made it well before Buckcherry went on.

We got there around 9:30, and on top of free admission it was free parking.  Score!  Was I thankful for the long johns I had put on?  Yes.  It was quite humorous watching all those women freezing their asses off and having trouble walking around on the brick/concrete ground.  For as crowded as it was, it was pretty easy to get to the bar as well.  Another score.  And I really can't say I minded spending over $6 for a Coors Light when I didn't have to pay an outrageous amount of money to park or see one of my favorite bands up close and personal.
The show itself was great - Buckcherry rocked the house.  I expected no less, dancing around in my Docs, the previous night's makeup, and showing my support for Concord high school's football team with my hoodie.  I think the last time I saw these guys was back in 2010 at the Wells Fargo Center.

It just goes to show you never when your night will take a turn for the awesome.  I was planning on laying on the couch in sweats while watching movies.  I ended up seeing one of my favorite bands, for free, and getting the chance to say hey to Josh Todd and Stevie Decanay.  Pretty fucking cool.  They love their fans and know how to make us all feel sexy, even in comfy clothes.

You never forget the first rockstar to reach down your shirt and cop a feel.

Guitarist and photographer extraordinaire, Stevie Decanay.

Go Ahead, Make A Bad Decision

One of my favorite bands, The Last Vegas, released a new album on August 28th.  For a good dose of sleaze rock, my suggestion is buy it.  It's available on Amazon and for download from iTunes.  

I've kept close tabs on this band since 2009, when I saw them open for Motley Crue on the Saints of Los Angeles tour, and have even been lucky enough to hang out with them a few times.  All I can say is theirs is the kind of rock & roll this world needs more of.  They offer up a heavy combination of glam, sleaze and metal, along with a stage presence that oozes sex.  While you can pick up on their old-school rock influences, the music is a breath of fresh air compared to today's mainstream garbage that is over processed,  over tweaked and over auto-tuned to the point where it can hardly be defined as music by the time it hits the listeners' ears.  The Last Vegas knows what true rock is all about and have a damn good time spreading the word.

The boys at Rebel Rock Bar in Philly, August 24th, 2012.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 So while you're having fun making a few Bad Decisions, I highly suggest picking up...whatever else you can get your hands on by this smokin' hot band, most of which is available on iTunes.  You won't be disappointed, I promise.

Follow The Last Vegas on Twitter here.
Like them on Facebook here.

Holy Shit We're In the Second Row

My second 311 show of the summer was at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey, about two hours from my house and 45 minutes from one of my best friends who lives in Clifton.  Since VIP packages were not offered for the Philly show, I went scored them for this one and paid out my ass for Platinum VIP tickets for her and I.  Included was a meet & greet, pictures, front row seating and merchandise.
It was the day before my 29th birthday, so I considered this show a continuation of my birthday celebrations.

Jenny and I in the parking lot.

I got to Jenny's early in the afternoon and we headed down to the pavilion to get in some tailgating before the show.  (I was surprised to learn that Jenny really isn't into tailgating, but the both of us had a lot on our minds at the time so it wasn't a big deal.)  It was also one of the hottest days of the year, and I was so paranoid about giving sweaty hugs to all of the band members.

I kept getting more and more nervous as it came time for us to meet the band.  This was the first time I was coming face to face with the people who create the music that has been the soundtrack to my life for over ten years.  I was afraid I would start gushing and not be able to control it, I was afraid of making a fool of myself, even a little concerned that I might throw up.

"Holy shit I can't believe we're about to meet this band!"
"I know, right?"
"I think I'm going to puke."
Jenny looks at me incredulously.
"No, you're not.  But there is a trash can over there."

Tim Mahoney signing Jenny's poster.

The entire time we're in line I'm reminding myself to breathe.  And I'm sweating.  Like a whore in church.  We're all sweating.  I could feel it dripping down my back and between my boobs.  Nice, I'm going to meet 311 and drops of my sweat will be smearing the sharpie ink as they sign my poster.

I had managed to collect myself enough to not act like a fool once I got up to the table.  Surprisingly, it didn't all pass by in one big blur.  I walked up to the table, put my poster down, and just grinned at Tim Mahoney.  He grinned back, but I couldn't find my voice.  How do you tell someone who has no idea you even exist that you adore them without sounding like a weirdo?  Luckily he broke the silence that was about to become awkward.
"Hey!  I'm Tim!"
He holds out his hand and I take it, shaking hands with my second rock legend in less than a week.
"I...I know who you are!  I...I'm Dana!"
As he signed my poster, I thanked him for all he does as a musician and that the band's music has been such a huge part of my life.  He looked up and saw how overcome with emotion I was, then promptly stood up and gave me a huge hug.

Nick, Chad, SA and Pnut.

Nick Hexum was sitting next to Tim, and I told him the same thing, that I can't believe I got the opportunity to stand there and tell the band I love how much their music means to me.
"You guys are what make it possible for us."
Chad Sexton was sitting next to Nick, and I went through the same spiel, thanking him for doing what he does, and grinning like a fool while he signed my poster.
"Your friend said you're going to throw up.  Please don't."
"I think I'll be okay, I've made it this far."
"Ok, good."
By the time I got to SA I was on the verge of squealing like a fangirl.  My face hurt from grinning so much.  I did manage to tell him that my brother and I see them in Philly every summer to celebrate our birthdays.
"That's so cool, when is your birthday?"
"It's...um...Oh my God!  It's tomorrow!"
Yes, I had actually forgotten that my birthday was the next day.  The guys all wished me a happy birthday and SA wrote it on my poster.
I turned to Pnut and he gave me a big, goofy grin.  We shook hands and as he added his signature to my poster I gushed on, again, thanking him for all the band does, the music, the shows, the all-around positivity that they promote.  That's when I started getting emotional and could feel tears welling up in my eyes.  I actually just stopped talking mid sentence, Pnut abruptly stood up and gave me a huge hug.

We then took our places in line again to have our pictures taken with the band.  Since Jenny and I were the second to last for the signing, we were second in line for pictures.  Much to my delight, Tim latched onto me as soon as we walked over.  (I have a special place in my heart for that man.)

Nick, Jenny, Chad, SA, me, Pnut and Tim.

What I call the blooper photo.

As you can tell, I was in Heaven.  I mean, all you can see is my teeth.  It was by far one of the best nights of my life.

Please Don't Ask My Brother If He Wants To See Pictures of Me - 311 at Festival Pier

I never got around to recapping my 311 experiences this summer, so I'll start with the show at Festival Pier on Penns Landing in Philadelphia on July 27, 2012.  This was the annual birthday celebration for my brother and I, of course.  My friend T was able to join us and the three of us had a blast.  It made me happy to see the both of them, stressed over work and family life, be able to let loose and genuinely enjoy themselves, even if only for a few hours.
We drove up to Philly in my car, my brother in the passenger seat and T in the back, drinking his Captain and diet Coke.  I was nervous about Hamilton meeting T; I'm always nervous having my brother meet a guy I'm either seeing, sleeping with (whether he's aware or not...but he's not stupid,) or even just friends with.  I've been over how protective Hamilton is, not to mention the fact that T is significantly older than I.  I had a feeling they'd hit it off and I was right.  They talked shop the entire drive up, I couldn't get a word in edgewise and once the benevolent ball-busting started, I relaxed.

We tailgated for a bit in the parking lot next to Dave & Buster's and my excitement over getting ready to see my favorite band for the umpteenth time kept growing, along with the urge to pee.  I was getting drunk and my pride was disappearing so I finally opened the back driver's side door and T, God love him, stood in the gap between it and the car next to us while I relieved myself for what seemed like an hour.
"Can you stop staring at me?  You've seen it before."
"Yeah, but not in a public parking lot overlooking the river with your brother standing twenty feet away."
"Well have him make sure no one comes back here...holy shit, I can't stop peeing...hey, um, you might want to move your foot."
"Are you done yet?"
"No!  It won't stop!"
He's laughing his ass off, and I am too.  High class trash is what we call it baby, high class trash.  Needless to say, I didn't have to go to the bathroom for the rest of the evening, anything liquid I consumed I sweat out almost immediately.

The show itself was fucking awesome, what can I say?  I love 311 with all my heart, one of the main reasons being that they put all of their heart into their music and their shows.  Hammie even hoisted me on his shoulders for a few minutes so I could get some good shots while T held my purse.

It was a hot night, the setlist was mind-blowing.  "Watching you dance and having the time of your life..."  And dance I did, with either my brother or T twirling me around the whole time.  When it was over I felt that familiar sense of satisfaction and joy that I get after every 311 show.  The three of us ended up back at a private club, played some pool, had a few beers then eventually called it a night.  And my satisfaction never stopped coming.  ;-)  

...and this is where my shirt ended up.

Decisions, Decisions

311 just added a show to their spring tour in Las Vegas.  On February 19th, of course.  Because that's the same day as Buckcherry in Philadelphia.  And the same weekend my brother and sister in law decided to have the Mid-Winter Classic down at her parents' beach house.

It's not like I can afford to fly out to Vegas right now anyway.  (When I say I don't regret anything I've done, like blowing my money on various trips and concerts around the country too much, too fast, it becomes a little more of  lie every day.)

But going to see Buckcherry would be a lot less expensive than a night in Atlantic City.  And flying to Vegas.

Good things come to those who wait though, right?  To those with patience, and those who make a valiant effort to get their shit together, even though it's going to take a long time?

Hopefully.

"Just Keep Your Pants On"

So one of my boys put it into some sort of perspective for me the day my dirty laundry was aired to my Mama.


Me:  So after our conversation at the diner yesterday I now realize how much of a trainwreck I am.
Him:  Why baby??
Me:  Cuz you're right...I got my issues and my craziness and if I keep on going this way it's only gonna get worse.
Me:  -That one- got his official welcoming to the band last night.
Him:  Awwwwww
Him:  Listen this -anonymous- shit taught me NOT to second guess myself. You KNOW you. No one else does.
Me:  That's the problem. I USED to know myself. It's hard to believe but I used to have my shit together!
Him:  Well my darling, it's NEVER too late to make ANY changes you want or need.
Me:  Easier said than done. While it's all fun and games in the moment at the end of the day it kind of sucks.
Him:  -sad face-
Me:  Don't you feel that way sometimes?
Him:  Yea....I do.
Him:  A lot actually.
Me:  I wanna be a lil rockstar all the time and drink and fuck and party but it seems I can't do that and have any self respect at the same time.
Me:  Does that make sense?
Him:  Yes, it does, just STOP the whore-y stuff. Hang out with us and JUST be our drinking rock 'n roll friend. :)
Me:  Ha! I thought that was part of my charm! lol jk
Him:  No! We LOVE YOU! For YOU! You're one of US! Forever baby, forever!
Me:  Do you know how sweet that is?  It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside haha.
Him:  I'm NOT kidding, I'm DEAD serious.  You ARE -his band's name here- JUST like us.  Seriously!
Him:  You're NOT a fan, you ARE a part of our organization.
Me:  I'm not kidding either!  I LOVE being a part of the band!  Why else would I trudge my ass all over the tristate area when you guys play?
Him:  :)  You found a HOME baby :)
Me:  I did.  :)

The real test will be just being the drinking rock 'n roll friend.  Stayed tuned...

Oh, You're Such A Dirty Sexy Pig

I discovered this band last March at the Croc Rock up in Allentown, PA when they opened for Charm City Devils.  They're a rock and roll quartet out of New York City, and it wasn't until I saw them play again the day after Thanksgiving down in Baltimore that I realized I was missing out, so I bought both of their albums, (as yet unreleased under a major record label,) and a tee shirt as I chatted up the band's manager.



Rockin' my Sweet Cyanide tee. And yes, I'm in the bathroom of a strip club.



Dane's Discography Breakdown

Their first self-titled release under Breakdown Lane Music is edgy and catchy at the same time.  Vocalist Sal Soca has a voice that fits the rock and roll genre perfectly.  The band's musicianship is tight, and in my personal opinion, they just fucking rock.

"And all I'll say is don't let her get in your head -

cuz when she goes down

She's a suicide love machine

Like it or not she'll do what she pleases

She's a suicide love machine

living it up in daddy's big dream"

Songs worth a listen - SLM, Black & White, and Between Us (which puts the relationship I have with my Drugstore Cowboy into wonderful, musical perspective.)

Their second release, Sweet Cyanide II, under Breakdown Lane Music is just as good, if not better, than the first.  The intro, Pay the Piper, sets the mood for the rest of the album and leads flawlessly into the second track.  The same tight musicianship can be found on this album as well.  Some of the songs are lengthy, but they don't get boring or repetitive.  They experiment a little more, and it enhances the listener's experience, like the ending of Walk On Water.  It's a little darker, lyric-wise, but still catchy and addictive. (I've been stopped in my tracks several times while listening to their music because there are songs that hit me right in the gut.) Seriously, it's the first thing I listen to when I get into the car to head to work before the sun comes up.

"Pull, pull, pull the trigger

Shoot me down when I need it

The hardest part of this

Is saying no"

Songs worth a listen - Bad Jesus, Cooler Than A Car Crash, and Dirty Sexy Pig.

I'm a big fan of multiple tempo and key changes within a song, and Sweet Cyanide do a very good job in this department.  They don't tamper with as many key changes, which is fine because I think that's a music tool that should be used sparingly, but they nail pulling off changing up the tempo in a song with grace.  311 is another band who uses this technique, and uses it well. 

Now, if you know anything about me, you wouldn't be surprised to learn that I noticed this guy first.  I had never heard of the band before, but that's one of the reasons I love to go to shows/concerts.  The opening acts usually spark my fancy and new music is immediately added to my collection.

The first time I saw Sweet Cyanide play live, I wasn't really paying attention.  Okay, okay, my girl and I were busy getting drunk, scoping out the scene and gearing up for Charm City Devils (who are definitely worth a listen.)  After their set I had my eyes on the bass player, (more like my hand on his crotch, but it's all the same isn't it?) and I chatted with the drummer and their manager about the band and the upcoming show they had in Dewey Beach, which is my stomping ground. 



Mike Bambace (drums,) me, and Angelo Fariello (bass)



My second show at Rams Head Live sealed the deal for me.  And yes, I did tell the bass player that I would like him in my pants.  Can you blame me?  Look at this motherfucker!  Those dark, Italian eyes?  That hair that's just begging to be pulled?

Bottom line is, check them out.  With all the bullshit we hear on the radio these days, I'd say Sweet Cyanide is keeing it real in the world of rock and fucking roll.

Someone Read My Mind

Since I am such a head case, I always have to make sure I have things planned that I can be excited for.  Otherwise my mind starts to idle and the demons inside come out to play.  So I thought I'd share that I am going to this come hell or high water.  I mean, how can I not when it combines two of my favorite things, Buckcherry and Jagermeister??

Also, Sweet Cyanide has a show in NYC this Saturday night that I really, really,  really want to go to, but I'm not hiking up there without a partner in crime, and my friends, well, can really suck sometimes.

Don't Piss Off the Wrong One

I'm living two separate lives over here.  Dr.  Jekyll and Mr.  Fucking Hyde.  How long am I going to be able to keep up this facade?  I go from one personality, The Angel, to the other, The Devil, in the blink of an eye.

To break it down, we have -

The Angel

• Typically hangs around during the week
• A school portrait photographer that works with the kiddies and gushes all over them when they are absolutely precious
• An aunt that adores her nephew and plays with him, sings to him, and smothers him with kisses whenever he's in her arms
• Wholesome and nice
• Tee-shirt and jeans or sweats, minimal makeup and jewelry, hair pulled up 90% of the time
• Frugal with her money and balances her checkbook to the penny
• In bed by 10 or 11
• Generally unrecognizable to those who are more acquainted with The Devil

The Devil

• Comes out to play at night, usually on the weekends
• A trashy, brass, and generally slutty rock & roll groupie
• Will sleep with the guitar player, or the bass player, or the drummer, or all three at the same time
• Loud and obnoxious with a drink always in her hand
• Dressed to kill, in stilettos 24/7
• Makeup and hair done to a T, loaded down with jewelry that usually gets lost or left on someone's nightstand
• Did someone say shots?  Can be found stuffing money down the bartender's pants or throwing dollar bills at the ladies
• Stumbles in the front door around 5 am
• Generally unrecognizable to those who are more acquainted with The Angel

This past Saturday night I engaged in absolute debauchery with a few band members after the show.  (Gimme some credit though, I've known these guys and have been partying with them for a while now.)  Then I stopped off at another one's house for some more even later night action.  The other night one of the regulars at the bar did a double take after asking me my name for the 100th time because I was wearing yoga pants, a hoodie, my glasses, very little makeup, and my everyday jewelry.  *shrug* It happens.

Welcome To This Groove

I can't get enough of 311. Their entire catalog is on my iPod, and I love shuffling through strictly 311 tunes. I could be in the shittiest mood, but if I put some 311 on, it improves immensely. Especially their new album, Uplifter. As corny as it sounds, that's exactly what it does - it's a damn uplifting album.

311's music invokes summertime memories of laying on the beach with my toes in the sand, nights spent with my dearest friends getting trashed or staying sober, the sun on my back and the smell of earth on my skin.

Their music plays throughout the soundtrack of my life. The night in Chula Vista with Jenny, watching them play in an amphitheatre set in the hills of southern California. Sweating through the entire Sprite Summer Music Festival in Virgina with Tara just to see 311 headline, on the hottest day of the year. Countless nights crammed into the Electric Factory with tons of other crazy 311 fans. And of course the nights under the stars at the Festival Pier on the Delaware River, dancing in the midst of people who feel the same way I do about 311's music.

It's a completely different love affair for me. This band doesn't fit into my dirty rock & roll category. Yes, Nick Hexum has a smile that can melt me from a million miles away, but for me, it's strictly about the music.

"Groove as your soul sings...spinning all around as we dust a melody...groove as your soul sings..."

311: What It Means To Me

I have a very hard time putting into words what the band 311 is to me. I've been a dedicated follower for about 12 years. I've seen them in concert 14 times in the past 9 years, and as long as they tour, I will keep on going to their shows. Whenever I bring up this band, people either love them or hate them. There doesn't seem to be much of the in-between. I remember when I bought their first album, Music, down in Ocean City, New Jersey, when I was 16 or so. My life was changed from that minute on.

My favorite song of all time: Do You Right, off of Music

My first 311 show was in Holmdel, NJ at the PNC Bank Arts Center with Incubus. It was Father's Day 2000. Me, my brother, and two friends of our's drove up to central NJ in a guy's 1969 Firebird. Our seats were third row, stage left. And it was just amazing. The energy flowing through the crowd was electric.

It doesn't matter how many 311 shows I go to, I still get the same feeling in my belly when the lights go down and the band's intro starts up, and I can see Nick's, SA's, P-Nut's, Tim's and Chad's silhouettes moving into position on the stage. It's devastatingly uncontrollable excitement. Depending on the tour, the time of year, and which album has just been released, my brother and I usually can pinpoint which song they open with. This is a group of five guys from Omaha, Nebraska, who share some of the tightest musicianship I have ever seen. They feed off of each other's energy and inject it directly into their performances. Sometimes I just stop dancing in my spot just to stare in awe and take the whole experience in. It's better than any high I've ever had.




I've seen the band live in Southern California, Virginia, Washington, DC, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. I remember when tickets cost about 20 bucks and they were still playing at the Electric Factory in Philly.



One of the beautiful things about 311 fans is that we all know why we are there. We all know about the affinity we share for the music being played onstage. I can turn around in the crowd at any given moment and seeing hundreds of people all singing along to the same song. When the infamous drum solo begins during Applied Science, everyone goes still, and all eyes are focused on the stage. I don't care what anyone says, Chad Sexton is one of the best dummers of all time.



And if you don't know about the team-effort drum solo, then look it up on YouTube. It is show-stopping.






"My yin hates my yang but what the hell ya gonna do? It's a rocky-ass path but that's how I like it, Life's a bowl of punch, go ahead and spike it"

The Concert Timeline

My very first concert was at the Spectrum in 1997. Lauren's dad took her, Andrea and I to see Bush and Veruca Salt. We were thirteen.

When I was 14, my dad took my brother and I to the now non-existent Stone Balloon to see Reel Big Fish. They were one of my favorite bands, and still remain in the top twenty. They played at the Stone Balloon again the following year and I went with Samantha to see them.

At the end of my freshman year of high school, my friend Samantha had an extra ticket to the Y100 Feztival, so we got to leave school early and go to the E-Center in Camden to see Everclear and Green Day.

When I was 15, Samantha, Lisa and I went to see SILVERCHAIR and Lit at the Trocodero in Philly. We were so excited we couldn't help but act like retards. Samantha's mom dropped us off in Chinatown and we waited in line freezing our asses off for what felt like an eternity, smoking bootlegged cigarettes thinking it would help keep us warm. (See what I mean about retarded?) I remember having to pee so bad that Sam and I ran across the street to a Chinese restaurant to see if we could use their bathroom and when the hostess refused Sam started crying and she let us in. I'll elaborate more on Silverchair in another post.

My first 311 show was right after my junior year. One of the best.

That same summer I went to Warped Tour 2000 that was held in the parking lot of the E-Center in Camden, NJ with Bridget and her two younger brothers. It poured down rain as we were waiting in line to get in, and then didn't rain for the rest of the day. There were so many bands on the bill that I can't remember everyone that played. I do remember getting to see The Long Beach Dub Allstars, which I was ecstatic about because I never got to see Sublime live. Green Day was one of the headliners as well.

Oh so many concerts...I'm having a hard time remember them all. Taproot, Linkin Park, Disturbed, Incubus, Dave Matthews Band, Trey Anastasio, Liz Phair, tons of music festivals, tons of 311, Motley Crue, Buckcherry, and not to mention all the local rock bands that I go out to see every chance I get.

Stay tuned for posts about each of my concert experiences...

The Groupie Label

I'm sure I tend to come off as just another groupie. At least I'm a groupie who KNOWS the music. Who understands the muscianship between 3, 4, or 5 people playing together on a stage. One who has the albums from 10 or 20 years ago.

I picked up on Incubus when I was 16, before they hit it big. I'm not dissing or intentionally offending people who start following musicians when they hear a hit on the radio for the first time. I've done that too. As soon as I heard "Pardon Me" by Incubus I went out and got the album, along with previously released ones. I learned the music. I listened to it over and over again. I familiarized myself with Incubus's style, and their evolution as a band, from Fungus Amongus up to Morning View. Yes, I thought Brandon Boyd was incredibly hot. But what made him even more attractive was his songwriting. I met him at the Electric Factory after a show one night, and we held a full blown conversation amisdt the crowd of people that had gathered. I told him how much I loved the music. How it captivated me, and that I thought his style was unique. He listened intently, nodding and expressing his genuine appreciation of my fanship. There was no "Yeah, thanks, do you have a pen?" Other girls were grabbing at him as were talking and he completely ignored it. I wasn't gushing over his looks, I was tapping into a love we both shared, a love of music. I wasn't giving empty compliments either, and he picked up on that, which is why I think he gave me a few minutes of his time. The same goes for the rest of the band. Incredibly nice guys who were probably still in awe of their newfound fame. DJ Kilmore was an absolute sweetheat, joking with me and flashing a beautiful smile. They were happy to pose for pictures and sign autographs. I have a framed poster hanging on the wall that each member had signed, minus the drummer because he didn't come out.

Me with Brandon Boyd, circa 2001

I was at Incubus concert at Hershey Stadium in Pennsylvania a few years ago with two of my best girls, Jenny and Dara. The three of us were avid Incubus fans. We sang along to all the songs. And in between songs could not help but get a little excited over Brandon Boyd, especially when he took his shirt off. It was fucking sexy! There were three bitches behind us talking shit the whole time. I guess they thought the only reason we were there is because we were teenyboppers? Jenny and Dara managed to talk me out of turning around and slugging the ringleader of their little group.

I usually don't mind being called a groupie. Or a groupie slut. It's not hard for me to leave my mark if I feel so inclined when I'm at a concert, except it's quite difficult when the band is relatively mainstream or has a huge following like 311. Yes, I am a 311 groupie. But I do not want to sleep with the guys in the band. I would die for a chance to interact with them as humans, not false gods. The same goes for Billy Corgan.

I've got typical groupie stories. I fucking flew to Chicago for one night just to see The Last Vegas. And went broke to get the chance to meet Buckcherry. And stood outside of the Electric Factory to catch glimpses and autographs of various other bands. And I bought another copy of a Liz Phair CD so that I could meet her. I've lost count of how many times I've had my tits signed by musicians. It's all in so much good fun. Sometimes it borderlines obsession, (okay, sometimes it IS obsession) but I love my music, and I love when a musician can reach into my soul, or my pants haha, and grab it by the throat.

IT'S ALL FOR THE LOVE OF ROCK AND ROLL.

High Class Trash

It was during a Motley Crue concert, at the Borgata in Atlantic City, that I discovered The Last Vegas. Thanks to Guitar Center and Nikki Sixx, this band won a contest granting them an opening slot on the 2009 Saints of Los Angeles Tour. I had never heard of them before, but when they took they stage, and Chad Cherry started swinging his sexy ass around on that stage, I was hooked.

I kept saying to my friend, "Who the fuck are these guys? Why have I never heard them?" Their delightfully trashy and glamourous brand of filthy rock and roll sucked me in immediately. Catchy guitar riffs thanks to Johnny Wator and Adam D'Arling and the distinctive voice of Chad Cherry were mostly what caught my attention. And the fact that Chad moved around on stage so well that eventually I turned to my friend and added, "After the show is over, I swear I am going to GET him." That was the beginning of my love affair with THE LAST VEGAS.



Sure enough, after I walked out of the concert hall of the Borgata when the show was over, there were the members of the band hanging out on the casino floor. I went straight up to Chad, grabbed his crotch, and asked him if I could suck his dick. I got some inaudible response. My friend and I ran upstairs to our room to get changed, and when we went back down to the floor, the band was still there. I was bullshitting with Adam and Nate, the drummer, and still trying to get Chad up to my hotel room, when a member of the band's entourage literally dove in for the kill. It was explained to me that Chad was so drunk that he didn't even know his own name. He introduced himself to me, and I immediately thought, "To hell with Chad!" I did try to get the both of them up to my room at one point.

And....we'll just leave it at that.