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| Time for a December update! And what a month it was!!
The beginning of the month I drove to Syracuse to see My Darkest Days and Default with Hinder. Upon arrival we discovered that Default would not be playing that night, as their bus had broken down on the way to Syracuse and they were not able to get the part in time to fix it and make it to the show. Too bad, but nothing anyone could really do. So we rocked out to My Darkest Days! After the show we went to say hi to the guys, and hung out for a little while before going back to watch the other bands. After Hinder finished, we went back to see the guys in MDD again. Joey, their tour manager, told us that he'd had passes for us! So we got backstage passes from him, and hung out back there for a little while. I was talking with Brendan about how messy their dressing room was compared to all the other ones. "Look at Default's! It's immaculate!" Haha!! We decided we should trash their dressing room, but we ended up just sitting on the couch instead. We got a picture of us in their room flipping them off, which I sent to Jeremy (Default's guitarist) as a joke. Haha! We then hung out on the bus for a little while before heading for home. Had some minor problems driving home in a snow storm, but we made it!
Not much happened for the next couple weeks, but then it was time for a My Darkest Days show back in Canada!! Norma Jean's in London. The guys had a total of 7 shows in 11 days with the band Bleeker Ridge, and we went to all of them! The first show was great! During "Move Your Body" Matt hands out Jager bombs to some of the people in the crowd, and tonight I got the first one! The bands all rocked, and we hung out for a little while before heading for home.
The next night was in St. Kitt's. We got there and hung out with the guys for a little while before. We also got in trouble for buying tickets, and were told to never buy tickets again as we were permanently guest listed. Haha!! The guys complained out how they could never hook us up, and then Chizzy said "but we can kidnap you!" and picked me up and ran out the door and halfway across the parking lot before putting me down!! Haha!! The show was another great one! Taylor (lead singer of Bleeker Ridge) sang to me a bunch of times since I knew the songs and was rocking out! He also dedicated "You Would've Liked It" to us since we were at last night's show too! My Darkest Days rocked it out too! Sal's guitar cord got caught at the end of the show, and when he tried to jump over the monitor, he ended up falling down!! He was okay though, which was a very good thing! The guys in Bleeker Ridge left early, but I got pictures with all the guys in MDD before heading home.
The next night was in Toronto! Three shows in a row! All the guys rocked it again, and it was a great night! More hanging out afterwards and chatting with the guys. Wished them all a Merry Christmas, then headed for a home.
We had a couple nights off, then it was time for the show in Brantford! I received a message from a friend that Reid and his girlfriend needed a ride to the show, so I drove to Guelph to pick them up before heading to the venue. Got there early and hug out with a friend and watched soundcheck. Then went to the hotel for dinner, and a fake interview that was set up as a prank on the guys. The girl interviewing them pretended to be a total bitch to them just to get under their skin! Haha! But the guys were very professional, and didn't flip the table like we all thought. Haha! When they found out it was a prank, they all started laughing and thought it was great. Then we headed back to the venue for the show. Bleeker rocked, and I got sang to some more. Haha! And MDD also rocked!! Got the first Jager bomb again! We hung out some more after the show, then gave Reid and his girlfriend a ride home.
The next night was a show in Peterborough! Home town for these guys! It was an all ages show, so the crowd wasn't too crazy, but was still awesome! Bleeker rocked it! Dustin dropped a drumstick, and Dan picked it up and played his guitar with it for a bit before handing it to me! MDD rocked it again! Love seeing these guys live! After the show, we went downstairs/backstage and hung out for a little while. It was Matt's birthday the next day, so we wished him a happy birthday before heading home.
Night off, then a second show in Peterborough. This time it was a 19+ show, so the crowd was crazy, and it was AWESOME! I've missed seeing MDD at shows like this while they've been in the states. Both bands rocked! I got a t-shirt from both bands tonight. Thanks Chizzy for the free shirt! Also got a picture with Bleeker Ridge since I hadn't gotten one yet. When I told them I hadn't gotten a picture yet, they were like "What?! We have to fix that!!" Haha! Went downstairs/backstage again and hung out for a while. Brendan offered for us to crash at his place if we were too tired to drive home, but we both had to work the next morning. Chatted with everyone for a bit before heading home.
Another night off before the last show. New Year's Eve in Oshawa!! Reid got up and sang a song with the opening band Citizen Hollow, and also crashed Bleeker's set wearing nothing but a pair of Bleeker Ridge panties! Haha!! During their set Taylor mentioned how he saw some familiar faces in the crowd from being out at some of the shows, then looked at us and said "and ALL of the shows!" Haha! They also brought Chizzy up on stage since it was his birthday to sing Happy Birthday and give him a cake! They rocked again, and then it was time for MDD to rock it! They played two songs, then jammed a bit before it was time for the countdown! After midnight, we rang in the new year with "Move Your Body" Another great night! After the show we hung around for a bit, and chatted with the guys. Said goodbye to Bleeker Ridge and told them we'd see them again with March when they're out with Papa Roach and Buckcherry. Going to miss them until then! Hope they announce some more shows! Hung out with MDD for a while. Had some birthday cake. They lost the keys to their trailer for a bit, and I told them they'd have to give me a spare set since I'm at so many shows! Haha!! They did find their keys in the end though. A group of us helped clean up the bus by throwing out all the garbage. Reid saw me helping and told me I was the last person he would ask to clean up the bus and told me to stop it. Haha! Later that night I found his jacket, and he told me that I'd done so much for the band and he didn't even know how to begin to thank me. Then he said that one day he'd have to give me a million dollars! Haha!! We chatted for a bit before saying goodbye to the guys and heading home.
I hate going home from tour! I always have so much fun when I go out. I'm going to miss these guys until I see them again! But it was such an amazing way to end 2010 and bring in 2011. I'll never forget it! Thanks guys for all the memories!
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| November post! November was a great month for me.
The first weekend of November was a road trip weekend! Drove up to Hamilton to see Crash Karma. Got there early, and went it to see soundcheck. Found our they were soundchecking one of my favourite I Mother Earth songs, Used To Be Alright! For those who don't know, Crash Karma has the lead singer from I Mother Earth (Edwin), as well as the guitarist from Our Lady Peace (Mike Turner), drummer from The Tea Party (Jeff Burrows), and the bassist from Zygote (Amir Epstein). I hung around a listened to them play, since no one told me I couldn't. Haha! After they finished, I went up to say hi to Edwin. We chatted for a little bit, and then he asked me if I was there alone. There's a group of us that come out to the shows all the time, but I was the only one there at the time. Edwin told me to come hang with the band for a bit, so I did. Chilled out on the bus with the band and a couple other people until show time, then I headed out to check out the opening band and find my friends.
The show was fabulous, and it was great to hear some new songs! After the show I hung around to talk with the guys for a bit. Always such sweethearts. After a little while, I had to head out because I was giving Amir and Edwin a ride to someone's house so they could shower. The owner of the house told us to help ourselves to some leftover spaghetti in the fridge, so Edwin and I had some delicious spaghetti! Then I drove them back to the bus, and headed for home.
The next day it was off to Sudbury to see them again! It was a long drive, but I'm so glad I did it. Whoever was promoting the show did a terrible job, and there was a hockey game going on that night. There was maybe a handful of people at the back of the bar, and in front of the stage there was 3 of us. Literally, 3 of us - me, my friend, and some girl who decided to come and stand there because we were there. The guys still put on a fabulous show, and earned a ton more respect. It would've been so easy for them to half-ass that show, but they didn't. They even played Not About Anger for us, and they never play that song! Haha!
After the show we stayed to talk to the guys, and the drummer with the opening band was buying me drinks. Definitely got a little drunk that night. Haha! Talked to Mike for a good while, and told him that the show in Sault Ste. Marie the next day would be the furthest I've traveled for a concert. He told me that deserved 6 high-fives! Haha! (My friend had been talking earlier about how for buying the opening band's CD, she got 5 high-fives.) Chatted with Jeff for a bit (can't remember what about...too many drinks, haha!) and then went to say hi to Edwin. He could tell I'd had a few drinks and told me to sit down. We ended up chatting for a bit, and then the bar closed so we all had to leave. Went out to the bus for a little bit and watched a video that the guys had from their performance overseas. The band all thanked us for coming out to the show, since we were the crowd. After that, my friend and I drove Edwin to the hotel to get a shower, and then dropped me off at my hotel before taking him back to the bus.
The next day it was time to drive to Sault Ste. Marie! At 845 km, officially the furthest I've been for a concert! Checked into the hotel, and then went to find the venue. Met up with my friend, and then went inside to watch soundcheck. After that, we decided we were hungry, so we went upstairs to the restaurant to get some food. The band ended up at the next table having a "meeting" or something. Edwin and Amir came a sat with us for a bit. We chatted for a while, and then they decided they wanted some coffee, so we drove them to get some coffee. When we got back, Amir went to the bus, and Edwin stayed and chatted with us for a bit until he had to get ready for the show. We went inside, and thankfully there was a bit more of a crowd tonight.
The band put on another great show, and of course we stayed and chatted for a bit afterwards. Jeff had bought some new drum heads for his drums, and gave us a couple of the old ones. Edwin was hungry, so we took him to go get some food at a little cafe that the DJ of the club had recommended. Sweethearts that he is, he bought us supper. We chatted for a bit while we ate, them drove him back to the bus. Said our goodbyes, and I left for my hotel.
Couple weeks later, it was time to head to Pontiac, MI to see Default and My Darkest Days with Hinder! Said hi to a couple of the guys before the show. We ended up second row slight off center. Default was up first, and it was great to see them again! Dallas waved to me from the stage when he saw me in the crowd. And they played one of my favourite songs! When they introduced it, I cheered loudly, and Dallas and Dave both looked at me and laughed.
My Darkest Days was next, and were amazing! Chizzy gave me a Jager bomb during their set. It was so great to see people around me singing along!! I was down at one of their first shows in the states, where no one knew who they were. So great to see them building a fan base!
After their set, we left the crowd to say hi. Hugs all around, and chatted with them for a little bit. Also chatted to Dave from Default for a bit. We watched Hinder put on a great show, and then hung around after to chat some more. Talked to a couple of the guys in MDD for a bit, and talked to Jeremy from Default. I mentioned to Jeremy about how they should play Crossing The Line (my favourite!) and he joked and said they should just come play it at my house. I asked him if Dallas and Danny were still around, as I hadn't said hi to them yet, and he told me they were out on the bus, and to just go knock and say hi. We chatted for a bit longer, talked to some guys in MDD some more, and then headed over to Default's bus. We caught one of their crew guys, and asked him to get the guys for us. Danny came out and saw it was us, and told us to come on the tour bus. So we chatted with them and a couple other people for a little bit. I talked to Dallas about Crossing the Line, and he told me next time they headlined in Ontario to send him a message and he'd try to convince the others to play it!! Would make my entire life if they did!! We said our goodbyes, and then headed for home.
Last day of November, and last Crash Karma show of the year! This time in Kitchener. Got there early, and met up with my friend and watched soundcheck. Chatted with the guys for a bit before the show, before they headed out. Met up with a couple more friends, and checked out the opening act. Crash Karma came and put on another amazing set. I love these boys. Not sure what I'm going to do when they're in the studio and not playing shows!! Haha!!
After their set we hung around and chatted for a bit again. Talked to Mike for a while before talking to Edwin. He was heading home, so we said goodbye to him, then went downstairs to say bye to Mike and Jeff. Ended up down there for a good hour and a half talking to Mike!! Around 3 am we finally said our goodbyes and headed home.
November was a great month! I'm really going to miss Crash Karma while they're in the studio! But I'm so glad I've got so many great memories from all the shows this year.
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| Okay, so October! It was a great month for concerts!
The month started off with a road trip to see My Darkest Days on their tour with Skillet and Papa Roach. First show was in Clifton Park, NY. We got there, talked briefly to the bassist, Brendan, but they were busy unloading their gear, so we went and hung out in line. We weren't right up front for the show, but we were fairly close. We only stayed in the crowd for them, and then we went back to the merch booth to say hi to the guys. We were hanging around outside the venue, and saw Brendan and their tour manager, Chizzy. They were heading to pack up the gear, so we offered to help. However, security would not let us back to the buses because we didn't have passes. So we ended up going back to the front of the venue. After a bit, the guitarist Sal came and we were talking to him. He asked us if we'd seen the new bus (since they'd just gotten an RV to act as their first tour bus). We told him we hadn't, and that security wouldn't let us back cause we didn't have passes. Sal would not take that as an answer, and took us back anyways. When security tried to stop us, Sal told him "These are our good friends from Canada, and I'm just taking them right back to our bus". He just walked us right past security and took us right on the bus. Haha! So we hung out with the guys for a while, and talked to their sound guy, Joey for a while. Watched part of a movie with Chizzy. Then we headed back to our hotel and slept.
Next show was in Worcester, MA, and just happened to be on Thanksgiving! (In Canada, it's in October) So we found a grocery store down the street from our hotel and bought the guys some fully cooked chickens, potatoes, gravy and pie, and took it down to the venue with us. We saw their bus parked to the side, so we went up and knocked on the door and took them Thanksgiving dinner. The guys were so thankful! The looks on their faces said it all. I was so happy we could do something like that for these people, as they've been so great to us in the past. Then it was time to go in for the show. We stayed in the crowd for them, then headed back to the merch booth to say hi again, and they all thanked us for dinner. They headed back to the bus, and we hung around for the other bands. I also ended up working their merch for about half an hour selling a couple CDs! Haha! We wandered back up front to watch some more bands, then got a text from Brendan telling us to come say bye! They had to leave early for press in NYC, so we went back to the merch booth and said bye to the guys before heading back up to watch the last band.
Last show was in Rochester, NY. We got there early so we could be first in line and be right up front for one show. We stayed up front for most the show, leaving the crowd after one of Papa Roach's songs because the crowd was rough and I didn't have the patience for it. Haha!! After the show we said hi to guys again, and went back to hang on the bus for a bit. Matt was shooting pellets from their air gun into Sal's bed, and there had to be atleast a hundred in his bed by the end! Haha! We hung out and chatted for a bit, and then decided to go get food, as we had all heard about these Rochester "garbage plates" that we had to try! So us and most of the guys went to go get some. Delicious! Afterwards we went back to the bus, dropped the guys off, and pick up Doug's girlfriend since we were giving her a ride home. All in all, a great road trip, full of great memories!
Skip ahead about a week, and I'm in Kitchener to see Bleeker Ridge and Default! Met the guys in Bleeker Ridge after their set, and they were all pretty thrilled that I knew the words to all the songs! I have the CD, and listen to it a ton, but their just getting started, so they thought it was great to see someone who knew the music! Default was completely amazing, as usual! Dallas waved to me from stage! Haha! After the show, I hung around to say hi, and talked to the guys for a little bit. Total sweethearts! Dave took a picture of my tattoo (since I have lyrics from one of their songs tattooed around my arm). Said my goodbyes, and told them I'd see them next month, and then headed for home.
October was full of great memories for me!! Now it's December, so I'll have to do a November post soon! Haha!!
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| Wow! Been a while since I've written on here. Not that there's been a lack of anything going on! I just completely suck at keeping any sort of diary/blog. I'll do a couple updates with everything that's been going on.
Let's start at the beginning. Back in September I went up to see Crash Karma and Default in Barrie. Such a great show! I took my little brother with me, and it was his first time seeing Crash Karma. The guys were great! It's was an amazing show, as always. After their set, we decided to leave the crowd so my little bro could meet Crash Karma. So he got a picture with them, and I chatted to the guys for a little bit.
We wandered back towards the crowd when Default hit the stage, and of course they were fabulous! And they played Goodbye again!! After the show we went to talk to them for a bit, and I got my last Default CD signed. Danny asked me how many copies I had, since I seem to be getting something signed at every show. Haha!! I told him I only had one copy of each CD, and that this was the last one I didn't have signed. Dallas asked me where I was, since I wasn't right up front as usual. Too cute. These boys are total sweethearts! Chatted with them for a little bit, but then it was time to drive home. Another great night, with two fabulous bands!
The next day, I was in Peterborough to see Crash Karma again. They played another great set! My friend got in a fight with this annoying drunk guy during the set, and ended up punching him in the face! Security did nothing though, but he ended up backing off enough that we could enjoy the rest of the show. Afterwards, Amir got a picture of the group of us fans that come to all the show. The "biggest Crash Karma fans" according to him! There's 4 of us that come to every show, and one that drives up from the states whenever she can. We hung around and talked to Mike for a bit, then chatted with Edwin as well. He gives the best hugs! I also talked to Edwin for a bit about their song "Fight". That one's my favourite, and completely describes my relationship with my mom. Lots of hugs from the guys, and then it was time to head home. Edwin was a total sweetheart and watch to make sure I got to my car okay, since we were parked in separate parking lots. It was another great night, and I feel so lucky to be able to go to all these shows and chat with the bands. Also so thankful that these guys are sweethearts, and not complete assholes. It's always better when the band is nice to the fans.
Another entry with an October update will come later. Haha!!
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| At the Default show I went to Friday night, I told Dallas that they should play "Crossing The Line". It's my favourite song, and I even have a line tattooed around my arm. That song is my life. I swear, they could've written it for me. They never play it though, and haven't played it in years. I showed Dallas my tattoo though, and he thought it was pretty cool. The next day I wrote on his facebook profile that since my chances of hearing it are non-existent, they should play "Goodbye" in Sarnia. That one is my second favourite song, but it always gets cut if someone's not feeling well or they run out of time. He said he would!
So Sunday afternoon I headed up to Sarnia for the show with My Darkest Days! Hinder was also playing. I took my little brother with me since it was all ages and he likes all 3 bands.
Before the show we chatted with a couple of the guys in MDD. A bunch of fans ran over to talk to the guitarist, Sal, and we just sort of hung back. Didn't want to rush the guy! Haha! After he finished talking to a couple of us, he called us over to talk. Pretty cool that we didn't have to run up to him, just got called up. Haha!
When the gates opened we got a spot right up front. My Darkest Days were absolutely amazing, as always! It's always a great time at their shows!
Up next was Default!! Dallas and Dave looked over our way quite a few times. At one point there was this bat thing flying around the stage. Not entirely sure what it was, but you could see it from the crowd. Then it flew straight at Danny and he had to scare it away with a drumstick! Crazy! Near the end of the show, the intro for "Goodbye" hit, and I'm pretty sure I was the loudest person in that park! Dallas looked over at me, smiled, and nodded. Then he patted his arm right where my tattoo was! He totally played it for me! And it made my entire night! After their set we left the crowd to go say hi. I had to give Dallas a hug for playing "Goodbye"!!
So then we just hung around in the back and listened to Hinder. They were pretty good. Not as good as I remembered them being from all the other times I'd seen them. We chatted to a couple guys in MDD a bit, and then it was time to go. We hung around near the backstage area for a little bit to say hi to some of the other guys, but then it was time for the long drive home.
Another great night! And it was so cool to have Default play a song for me!! Love those boys
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