Bucky's Best Moments of 2018

Hi everyone!

With just a few more hours left in 2018, it's time for me to reflect on some of the better days of 2018. The year had its ups and downs, just like any other year. It was busy, but a lot less stressful than the year before. Here are some of my favorite memories of 2018:

1. Spending time with my friends from Holland at a Prince DJ tribute show at the legendary First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis in June. My friends Andy and Lynn were making a two-week tour of selected cities in the U.S. They spent time visiting Paisley Park, and I was honored to finally get to meet them. I made my way to their hotel and had just sat down to hear the sounds of Prince's hit song "When Doves Cry" over the bar speakers when I met my friends. We spent several hours catching up, laughing and listening to music. Definitely one of my favorite moments of the last several years. Guess this means I have to visit them in Holland some time!

2. Attending Rock USA for the first time in Oshkosh, WI this summer was eventful. I shared a hotel room with a good friend, and we got to see a lot of good bands. I got to see bands like Godsmack and Shaman's Harvest, and catch great performances by Trivium, Bush, Shinedown, Gemini Syndrome, Nonpoint, 10 Years and my favorite band Sevendust, to name just a few. I was front row center for Sevendust's six-song set on the main stage. Bassist Vince Hornsby threw me a pick that landed right at my feet! Lead singer Lajon Witherspoon spotted me right away, and asked me how I was doing. I was fortunate to catch up with him later on after a radio interview. He made a beeline for my friend and I right away, and it was good catching up with him for a while.

The only downside to the festival were the Friday rains that delayed and cancelled a few performances. The next day was better, despite the muddy grounds. My friend and I roadtripped to Belvidere, IL on my birthday that Sunday, to catch live music from Fozzy, Wayland, Powerman 5000, Vyces and 10 Years. I received a signed photo as a birthday gift from my friends in Vyces and had a nice chat with 10 Years frontman Jesse Hasek after seeing them perform for the second day in a row.

3. Catching up with my friends in Scarlet Canary. I was able to watch my friends in the Denver band Scarlet Canary twice in 2018, at the Standing Alliance CD release show at Route 47 Pub & Grub in Fridley in June and again at the Sword Metal Festival at Niesens in Savage in August. I was really surprised that the band drove 12 hours from Colorado and back for the Sword Metal Festival, but since they didn't have to bring all of their gear, I guess it was a good way for them to get more exposure. Unfortunately, the band is calling it quits after tonight, but I'm happy for the friendships that I've made with the band members. Watching them play live and standing around outside Niesen's talking with them and Stef from the band City of the Weak this summer are highlights of this year's concert season.

4. Sevendust arrived in Minnesota! I got to see my friends in Sevendust for the 23rd time when they started their tour opening for Clutch at the Myth in Maplewood, MN in September. This was the first day of the tour, and I could tell the band was pumped. I attended the VIP meet and greet before the show, and we were treated to acoustic performances of the classic songs "Trust" and "Angel's Son." After the last song, lead guitarist Clint Lowery tossed the guitar pick he was using towards us. It bounced off of my baseball cap and landed right in my lap! I enjoyed chatting with drummer Morgan Rose later on about the upcoming Headbangers convention in Portland, Oregon and with rhythm guitarist John Connolly about his triathlon training. The band played a tight set, and I stayed around in the front row to hear Clutch for the first time with some good friends from the Cities.

5. Meeting Mark Tremonti was another highlight of the year. I bought the VIP meet and greet session so I was back at the Myth early for their October show. We were ushered in for soundcheck, and were able to get autographs and photos with the band. Mark is one of the nicest dudes I've ever met. His drummer Ryan is a big Vikings fan, and we talked sports for a bit. Tremonti's solo band were opening for Seether, and they put on another solid performance. I stood back in the crowd with my friends during Seether's set, because this was my fifth time seeing them live. Besides, I wanted to get a selfie with Mark. He was nice enough to take the photo-mission accomplished!

These are just some of the many great concert moments I was able to experience this year. I didn't get to a lot of shows, but the ones I did attend were all very memorable. I'm already looking forward to 2019's concert slate. I don't know for sure yet what my first concert will be, but I know one of them will be somewhere I've never been before-you'll just have to stay tuned for that!

Until next time, Happy New Year, everyone!