Hi everyone,
Sorry for not blogging more often lately, but I've been focused on my primary goal of finding a full-time job. Had some great interviews lately, and I feel like the right opportunity isn't too far away. Please keep your fingers crossed for me!
I spent the last 2 Saturdays going to my first rock concerts of 2024. Incidentally, both of them were end of tour shows and both of them were sold out. On May 18th, I made the familiar drive to Maplewood for Sevendust's final stop on the Machine Killer tour. I got to the city a bit early for lunch and to see my uncle, who lives a couple of miles from the venue. We spent a couple of hours out on his patio catching up and watching the local wildlife before I had to leave for the meet and greet.
I noticed Lajon Witherspoon as soon as I parked near the Myth. Of course, I had to stop and chat with him for a bit. I also talked with other members of the Sevendust family while I was there.
A few minutes later, drummer Morgan Rose stopped to say hello to everyone who had gathered. I got to talk sports with him for a while, and mentioned that I'd just seen his Yankees defeat my Twins at Target Field the Thursday before.
I've never been to a rock and roll meet and greet that's ever been on time, but I didn't mind the delay. I'm quite used to it by now. Before too long, we were ushered into the Myth in time to see Sevendust play "Disgrace" and "Disease from the Seasons album. Neither of those tunes were in their set for the evening, so it was a nice treat to see them played live before the photo op.
After the VIP session, we were ushered back outside the front door. I don't know why we had to go through the metal detector once again, but it didn't take as long as expected. I found a good spot to stand front and center for Lines of Loyalty's sound check. I'd seen them before during a tour stop in Iowa last fall, and they didn't disappoint.
Dope's set was also good, but I was eagerly anticipating Sevendust's set. They performed a nice mix of hits from the past, as well as three songs from their latest release, Truth Killer. I didn't anticipate so many crowd surfers during their set. That was the only downside, but I was still happy to see my favorite band once again.
I retreated from my front row perch after Sevendust's performance, and found a good place to sit along the left side of the building with some friends for Static-X's set. This was the first time I can remember that I've seen their entire set, and it was just as good as advertised. I also bought a pair of Sevendust pick tins from my buddy at the merch table and left the show with a smile on my face (as usual).
Last Saturday, I made my way mid-afternoon to the Turf Club in St. Paul. I was looking forward to seeing my friends in Cold once again. I stood outside the venue for a few minutes when I heard someone come up behind me. It was Cold bassist Lyndsay Manfredi, who made a point to tuck in the tag of my T-shirt that had gotten loose in the day's wind. It was nice to see her again, as well as other fellow Cold fans that I'd seen at previous shows.
Before the evening began, us VIP attendees were rounded up and led to the Clown Lounge downstairs. I had the band sign a poster and my copy of their latest release, The Things We Can't Stop, before getting another picture with them. I was also given a Cold drawstring bag that had a guitar pick, laminate and sticker inside.
I stayed in the lounge afterward and ordered dinner. While I was waiting for my food to arrive, I struck up a good conversation with singer Sierra Swan, who sang on a few of Cold's classic songs. She usually shows up at Cold shows in Minnesota. It was nice catching up with her, and by the time I'd finished with my cheeseburger and onion rings, the first act, I Ya Toyah, was about to begin.
I didn't know anything about this solo performer, but she definitely gave off some major Eighties vibes during her set. The next act, Horizon Theory, was pretty good. They'll be touring with Sevendust for their Seasons shows this fall.
Finally, it was time for Cold! The group played 14 songs across their entire career. Swan got onstage with the band to sing "Suffocate" and "No One" with them. The final song was the Year of the Spider tune "Wasted Years," a song that has a lot of personal meaning to me. Frontman Scooter Ward went into the front of the crowd to sing that song surrounded by others who had also been personally affected by it.
I didn't stay for too much of Orgy's set, because I'd already heard most of it during their sound check that occurred at the same time as the Cold meet and greet. I ran into Ward outside the Turf Club before I left and I got to thank him for a great show. He insisted on a friendly hug before I made my trek back home.
I don't know as of yet what my next concert will be. I'm just glad that I'm able to attend the shows that I can. I always have a good time, and live music itself is very therapeutic. I strongly recommend that you make an effort to attend a show or more of your choosing when you can. You'll definitely be glad you did!
Well, that's all for now. Until next time, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another.
