I've written hundreds of articles over the years on a wide variety of subjects. There are very few topics that I won't touch. One of them is religion. Another is politics.
I'll be honest: I don't like Donald Trump. I made this decision long before he ever ran for office. I just don't like how he treats people at times. It's disrespectful. However, I have no problem with people who voted for him. He has done some good things like improve relations with North Korea, sign legislation that helps musicians make a better living and restoring funding for the Special Olympics. However, he has also done and said things that just defy common sense and logic.
I try to stay out of political discussions whenever possible, but I do get sucked in from time to time. Earlier this week, I made the mistake of presenting a rational argument against a couple of die-hard Trump followers. I stated that most illegal immigration in the U.S. is due to people coming here legally through travel visas and then overstaying their visa periods. I supported my argument with five articles on the subject from national news organizations. The Trump fans called me "stupid" and an "idiot," and dismissed my articles as "fake news" (keep in mind, they were from NBC News, NPR and other sources). I stated my case in a calm, rational manner and didn't stoop to their level of ignorance, insults and name-calling. Those are bullying tactics that only make bullies look bad.
No politician is perfect, but I can't remember ever seeing such division over one president before. I hate seeing political arguments in my social media news feed every day. I also see repeated stories from people in other countries who feel bad for us as a nation in having Trump as our leader. I also don't understand how people can be so blindly loyal to Trump. I mean, this is the person who stated that windmill noise causes cancer! It really doesn't seem like he thinks before he speaks a lot of times.
After this week's effort, I decided that politics just ain't for me. People are going to believe what they want to believe, no matter what someone else may say or do. I just wish that politicians would work together to address problems like homelessness, affordable health care, quality education, protecting our environment and living wages for everyone. There's too much disparity. Politics is the only industry I can think of in which it's socially acceptable to bash your opponent, and they spend millions of dollars a year doing this every campaign season. Oh well, I'm out. Besides, I'd rather rock, anyway!
Until next time, have a great week, everyone!
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
Saturday, April 13, 2019
It's Not Easy Being A Star Wars Fan
For us Star Wars fans, seeing the first preview for Episode IX was the highlight of our day yesterday. We can't wait to see The Rise of Skywalker when it reaches theaters on December 20th! One thing I've noticed in the Internet age is that for every positive reaction, there are always a handful of negative reactions. I've seen this more and more with every movie that's come out since the prequels.
I was five years old when the first Star Wars movie came out in 1977. It was the summer before I started kindergarten, so I was really too young to appreciate it. I didn't get into Star Wars until 1980. My mom bought me my first Star Wars action figures for Christmas that year: Chewbacca, Yoda and C-3PO. By then, I was hooked! My dad took me to see The Empire Strikes Back for the first time the following August, the day after my brother was born.
I was eleven when Return of the Jedi came out. I remember seeing some mixed reviews by movie critics. Some of them thought the Ewoks were silly, and roasted George Lucas about having a second Death Star. As an adult, I can see their points. Back then, however, I was so enamored by Star Wars that I just didn't care. I proudly wore my Star Wars shirts to school and played with my action figures and read the Marvel comic books at home.
The Empire Strikes Back is still my favorite movie of all-time. It has great themes of hope and betrayal. It also gave us Hoth, Dagobah, Cloud City, carbon freezing, Lando, the bounty hunters, Yoda, and "Luke, I am your father!" I refused to believe that Vader was Luke's father until Return of the Jedi. I see a lot of the parallels between Vader and Luke in other personal relationships at times.
Star Wars isn't the only science fiction series that I enjoy. I remember watching the original Star Trek series and some of the movies with one of my cousins when we were kids.(I could never get into the Next Generation or any of the other Star Trek series that followed, though.) I also enjoyed Gil Gerard's Buck Rogers show and the miniseries and TV show V. I read the Marvel Star Wars comics and the ROM: Spaceknight and Micronauts series that were based on toy lines. The writing and artwork were what captivated me.
I went to the special edition screenings of A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, and was excited to hear that the prequel movies were happening. They weren't as great as the originals, but they did give us some cool things like Jango Fett, Yoda wielding a lightsaber and Anakin Skywalker's transformation into Darth Vader. The Gungans were kind of annoying, and the whole Trade Federation was confusing for a lot of viewers. Hayden Christensen wasn't that great as an actor, either.
A lot of people have heavily criticized The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. I didn't like the fact that Han and Luke died, respectively, but I also knew that these movies were part of a nine-movie series that has to end eventually. They're setting the stage for new generations of heroes, just like Obi-Wan and the Jedi Council set the stage for Luke, Han, Chewie, Leia, Lando, the droids and the Rebels to be the focus of the original movies.
I've also heard a lot of people complain about the stand-alone movies Rogue One and Solo. Rogue One was one of the best Star Wars movies ever, in my opinion. It sets the stage for A New Hope nicely. Solo wasn't the best movie in the world, but it was a fun movie that was nicely done by director Ron Howard. It helped us establish how Han won the Falcon from Lando and how he met Chewie, among other things. That's what us diehards care about more, anyway.
I'm eagerly anticipating Episode IX. It was great to see Billy Dee Williams back onscreen again in the trailer, and a lot of us are wondering if the insidious laugh at the end means that Emperor Palpatine will be back. I'm also wondering how they will incorporate footage of the late Carrie Fisher. I take all movies with a grain of salt: they're an escape from reality for a few hours that we all need at times. I'm sure I'll see this one at least a couple of times in the theater so that I can absorb all of the nuances and pick out favorite moments. I'll do the same when I buy the movie on DVD too.
Well, that's all I have for now, so until next time, have a great week everyone - may the Force be with you!
I was five years old when the first Star Wars movie came out in 1977. It was the summer before I started kindergarten, so I was really too young to appreciate it. I didn't get into Star Wars until 1980. My mom bought me my first Star Wars action figures for Christmas that year: Chewbacca, Yoda and C-3PO. By then, I was hooked! My dad took me to see The Empire Strikes Back for the first time the following August, the day after my brother was born.
I was eleven when Return of the Jedi came out. I remember seeing some mixed reviews by movie critics. Some of them thought the Ewoks were silly, and roasted George Lucas about having a second Death Star. As an adult, I can see their points. Back then, however, I was so enamored by Star Wars that I just didn't care. I proudly wore my Star Wars shirts to school and played with my action figures and read the Marvel comic books at home.
The Empire Strikes Back is still my favorite movie of all-time. It has great themes of hope and betrayal. It also gave us Hoth, Dagobah, Cloud City, carbon freezing, Lando, the bounty hunters, Yoda, and "Luke, I am your father!" I refused to believe that Vader was Luke's father until Return of the Jedi. I see a lot of the parallels between Vader and Luke in other personal relationships at times.
Star Wars isn't the only science fiction series that I enjoy. I remember watching the original Star Trek series and some of the movies with one of my cousins when we were kids.(I could never get into the Next Generation or any of the other Star Trek series that followed, though.) I also enjoyed Gil Gerard's Buck Rogers show and the miniseries and TV show V. I read the Marvel Star Wars comics and the ROM: Spaceknight and Micronauts series that were based on toy lines. The writing and artwork were what captivated me.
I went to the special edition screenings of A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, and was excited to hear that the prequel movies were happening. They weren't as great as the originals, but they did give us some cool things like Jango Fett, Yoda wielding a lightsaber and Anakin Skywalker's transformation into Darth Vader. The Gungans were kind of annoying, and the whole Trade Federation was confusing for a lot of viewers. Hayden Christensen wasn't that great as an actor, either.
A lot of people have heavily criticized The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. I didn't like the fact that Han and Luke died, respectively, but I also knew that these movies were part of a nine-movie series that has to end eventually. They're setting the stage for new generations of heroes, just like Obi-Wan and the Jedi Council set the stage for Luke, Han, Chewie, Leia, Lando, the droids and the Rebels to be the focus of the original movies.
I've also heard a lot of people complain about the stand-alone movies Rogue One and Solo. Rogue One was one of the best Star Wars movies ever, in my opinion. It sets the stage for A New Hope nicely. Solo wasn't the best movie in the world, but it was a fun movie that was nicely done by director Ron Howard. It helped us establish how Han won the Falcon from Lando and how he met Chewie, among other things. That's what us diehards care about more, anyway.
I'm eagerly anticipating Episode IX. It was great to see Billy Dee Williams back onscreen again in the trailer, and a lot of us are wondering if the insidious laugh at the end means that Emperor Palpatine will be back. I'm also wondering how they will incorporate footage of the late Carrie Fisher. I take all movies with a grain of salt: they're an escape from reality for a few hours that we all need at times. I'm sure I'll see this one at least a couple of times in the theater so that I can absorb all of the nuances and pick out favorite moments. I'll do the same when I buy the movie on DVD too.
Well, that's all I have for now, so until next time, have a great week everyone - may the Force be with you!
Saturday, April 6, 2019
Bucky's Top 17 Sevendust Songs
Hi everyone,
I've been on a bit of a writing kick lately. As some of you probably already know, I started doing some freelance writing a few months back. I've written hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics. Some of them have involved music and coming up with a greatest hits list of songs by different artists.
It's always hard for me to narrow down an artist's work to just ten songs, because there are so many other deserving tracks that just narrowly miss the cut. When it comes to my favorite band Sevendust, there's no way I could possibly pare my list down to just ten songs! I decide to come up with this list of 17 songs for the following reasons. Enjoy!
17. Waffle - Home. A gritty song with another positive message. It makes me think about how important it is to have something to keep me going when I'm going through a lot in life. It's also a killer track when played live!
16. Dirty - All I See Is War. Producer Elvis Baskette helped the band continue to evolve their sound, and this was the first song that most of us heard that showcases that. It's not aggressive as some of their older albums, but it still rocks hard. This tune really gets all five members of the band involved in the vocals and put all of their musical talents in the spotlight.
15. Pieces - Next. This one usually gets the people in the pit riled up at their shows. It's a fast-paced, fun song that has also been used to open their sets at different times. I love the energy that the band and their fans give off when this one's played live!
14. Hope - Chapter VII: Hope and Sorrow. Some people have panned this album as being Sevendust's weakest effort. I enjoyed this one just as much as all of their other albums. This song in particular really stands out for me. I love the contrast between Lajon's soulful vocals and Morgan's intense screams. They really balance each other out rather well and handle the different emotions that the song encompasses.
13. Too Close to Hate - Sevendust. This was one of the first Sevendust songs that I really started to enjoy. The dark undertone of the guitars and lyrics really kept my attention after listening to the album a few times. It's been one of my favorite tracks for well over a decade.
12. Decay - Black Out The Sun. This album took Sevendust in a new direction musically, and it was one that a lot of us fans really enjoyed. The percussive style of the guitars meshes seamlessly with Morgan's drums. Even the lyrics have a bit of percussion to them.
11.Sickness - All I See Is War. The first song from the newest album that I was drawn to. Everything about this song is sick: the lyrics, Morgan's screams. and that incredible guitar solo during the bridge! Another subtle message about people who have done others wrong.
10. Live Again - Animosity. Another powerful song from Animosity with an inspiring message. One of only two songs on the album that I haven't heard the band play live yet. (The other is T.O.A.B.) It gives hope to people who are at their lowest point. LJ's extended vocal during the outro is amazing, too!
9. Corrected - Scorpion King soundtrack. Vinny's opening bass line is what initially drew me in to this song. It's a soundtrack song that could have easily been included on Animosity or Seasons. A rare gem that would be wonderful to hear live one of these days.
8. Driven - Alpha. Alpha is such a heavy, aggressive album and "Driven" is a prime example of that. It's been a very motivating song for me when I've been stuck in a rut. It keeps me going and moving toward my goals.
7. Shine - Animosity. I love the positive message in this song. I'm glad the guys have brought this tune back into their sets in recent years. "Trying to find myself" really has been "the hardest thing I've ever done" sometimes. Another tune that flat-out rocks from my favorite Sevendust album, and one of my favorite records of all-time.
6. Gone - Time Travelers and Bonfires. The original version on Seasons is good, but the reworked acoustic version is my TTBF jam! I loved this rendition ever since I first heard it. Lajon's vocals are crisp and I love how they mixed in some electric guitar. After I heard it for the first time, I thought to myself, now, THAT's how you rock an acoustic song!"
5. Thank You - Kill The Flaw. I've heard this song at my last 11 Sevendust concerts in a row, and I'm perfectly fine with that. It brings me back to the Kill The Flaw listening party I attended at Architekt Studios in Butler, New Jersey a few years ago and the magnificent weekend I had, getting to see the guys play live three times in three days on the East Coast. It also reminds me of all the great family members and friends that I'm very fortunate to have in my life.
4. Face to Face - Seasons. A great "fuck you" song that's a big middle finger to anyone who's ever screwed you over in life. Lots of anger in this song, and Morgan's lyrics are brutal. I usually sing along to his lyrics alone when I'm rockin' out to this song in my car. The "swing batta batta swing" lyrics also remind me of all the times I've talked baseball with Morgan after shows. It's a perfect track for those days when you're pissed off by what someone did to you, no matter if it was today or ten years ago. It's no wonder that Sevendust usually ends their encore with this one. It epitomizes the pent-up feelings that a lot of us have had at one time or another.
3. Angel's Son - Animosity. The song was written as a loving tribute for their fellow musician Lynn Strait from the band Snot, whose life was tragically cut short in a car accident several years ago. The song took on new meaning for me at my first Sevendust show. That was the night that LJ's brother lost his life. The guys continued on with an abbreviated but powerful set that included this song. Since then, this has been my go-to song every time I hear of a friend or family member who has passed away. I can't help but get goosebumps when Clint sings "I know you never said goodbye, I had so much left to say" during his second chorus. An inspiring song that gives me hope and strength every time I hear it.
2. Denial - Home. This is unquestionably one of the best metal drum songs ever! Morgan kills it on the kit, which is why I was upset when I saw that the official music video for this track cuts his spectacular solo. The lyrics "the more you spit out your mouth, the less I believe" also remind me of certain people that I no longer associate with. A very heavy song that should be in any Sevendust playlist.
1. Black - Sevendust. This is the first song off of Sevendust's self-titled 1997 debut, and was also the very first song that I heard them play live back in 2002. The band sometimes leads off their sets with this tune, and it's very easy to see why. The iconic guitar riff and rhythms throughout keep me banging my head along with every note. The lyrics "I'm minding my own business, I ain't doin' nothing wrong" are also how I try to live my life.
These are my top 17 Sevendust songs right now. The first four are set in stone, but the rest vary depending on the day and the kind of mood I'm in. I could have easily listed another 20-30 songs or more, but I wanted to keep this list relatively short, because I didn't want to bore you guys. I may do a top list of Sevendust moments, but that'll have to wait until after my next Sevendust concerts this spring. May is shaping up to be a busy month!
That's all I have for now. Until next time, have a great weekend, everyone!
I've been on a bit of a writing kick lately. As some of you probably already know, I started doing some freelance writing a few months back. I've written hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics. Some of them have involved music and coming up with a greatest hits list of songs by different artists.
It's always hard for me to narrow down an artist's work to just ten songs, because there are so many other deserving tracks that just narrowly miss the cut. When it comes to my favorite band Sevendust, there's no way I could possibly pare my list down to just ten songs! I decide to come up with this list of 17 songs for the following reasons. Enjoy!
17. Waffle - Home. A gritty song with another positive message. It makes me think about how important it is to have something to keep me going when I'm going through a lot in life. It's also a killer track when played live!
16. Dirty - All I See Is War. Producer Elvis Baskette helped the band continue to evolve their sound, and this was the first song that most of us heard that showcases that. It's not aggressive as some of their older albums, but it still rocks hard. This tune really gets all five members of the band involved in the vocals and put all of their musical talents in the spotlight.
15. Pieces - Next. This one usually gets the people in the pit riled up at their shows. It's a fast-paced, fun song that has also been used to open their sets at different times. I love the energy that the band and their fans give off when this one's played live!
14. Hope - Chapter VII: Hope and Sorrow. Some people have panned this album as being Sevendust's weakest effort. I enjoyed this one just as much as all of their other albums. This song in particular really stands out for me. I love the contrast between Lajon's soulful vocals and Morgan's intense screams. They really balance each other out rather well and handle the different emotions that the song encompasses.
13. Too Close to Hate - Sevendust. This was one of the first Sevendust songs that I really started to enjoy. The dark undertone of the guitars and lyrics really kept my attention after listening to the album a few times. It's been one of my favorite tracks for well over a decade.
12. Decay - Black Out The Sun. This album took Sevendust in a new direction musically, and it was one that a lot of us fans really enjoyed. The percussive style of the guitars meshes seamlessly with Morgan's drums. Even the lyrics have a bit of percussion to them.
11.Sickness - All I See Is War. The first song from the newest album that I was drawn to. Everything about this song is sick: the lyrics, Morgan's screams. and that incredible guitar solo during the bridge! Another subtle message about people who have done others wrong.
10. Live Again - Animosity. Another powerful song from Animosity with an inspiring message. One of only two songs on the album that I haven't heard the band play live yet. (The other is T.O.A.B.) It gives hope to people who are at their lowest point. LJ's extended vocal during the outro is amazing, too!
9. Corrected - Scorpion King soundtrack. Vinny's opening bass line is what initially drew me in to this song. It's a soundtrack song that could have easily been included on Animosity or Seasons. A rare gem that would be wonderful to hear live one of these days.
8. Driven - Alpha. Alpha is such a heavy, aggressive album and "Driven" is a prime example of that. It's been a very motivating song for me when I've been stuck in a rut. It keeps me going and moving toward my goals.
7. Shine - Animosity. I love the positive message in this song. I'm glad the guys have brought this tune back into their sets in recent years. "Trying to find myself" really has been "the hardest thing I've ever done" sometimes. Another tune that flat-out rocks from my favorite Sevendust album, and one of my favorite records of all-time.
6. Gone - Time Travelers and Bonfires. The original version on Seasons is good, but the reworked acoustic version is my TTBF jam! I loved this rendition ever since I first heard it. Lajon's vocals are crisp and I love how they mixed in some electric guitar. After I heard it for the first time, I thought to myself, now, THAT's how you rock an acoustic song!"
5. Thank You - Kill The Flaw. I've heard this song at my last 11 Sevendust concerts in a row, and I'm perfectly fine with that. It brings me back to the Kill The Flaw listening party I attended at Architekt Studios in Butler, New Jersey a few years ago and the magnificent weekend I had, getting to see the guys play live three times in three days on the East Coast. It also reminds me of all the great family members and friends that I'm very fortunate to have in my life.
4. Face to Face - Seasons. A great "fuck you" song that's a big middle finger to anyone who's ever screwed you over in life. Lots of anger in this song, and Morgan's lyrics are brutal. I usually sing along to his lyrics alone when I'm rockin' out to this song in my car. The "swing batta batta swing" lyrics also remind me of all the times I've talked baseball with Morgan after shows. It's a perfect track for those days when you're pissed off by what someone did to you, no matter if it was today or ten years ago. It's no wonder that Sevendust usually ends their encore with this one. It epitomizes the pent-up feelings that a lot of us have had at one time or another.
3. Angel's Son - Animosity. The song was written as a loving tribute for their fellow musician Lynn Strait from the band Snot, whose life was tragically cut short in a car accident several years ago. The song took on new meaning for me at my first Sevendust show. That was the night that LJ's brother lost his life. The guys continued on with an abbreviated but powerful set that included this song. Since then, this has been my go-to song every time I hear of a friend or family member who has passed away. I can't help but get goosebumps when Clint sings "I know you never said goodbye, I had so much left to say" during his second chorus. An inspiring song that gives me hope and strength every time I hear it.
2. Denial - Home. This is unquestionably one of the best metal drum songs ever! Morgan kills it on the kit, which is why I was upset when I saw that the official music video for this track cuts his spectacular solo. The lyrics "the more you spit out your mouth, the less I believe" also remind me of certain people that I no longer associate with. A very heavy song that should be in any Sevendust playlist.
1. Black - Sevendust. This is the first song off of Sevendust's self-titled 1997 debut, and was also the very first song that I heard them play live back in 2002. The band sometimes leads off their sets with this tune, and it's very easy to see why. The iconic guitar riff and rhythms throughout keep me banging my head along with every note. The lyrics "I'm minding my own business, I ain't doin' nothing wrong" are also how I try to live my life.
These are my top 17 Sevendust songs right now. The first four are set in stone, but the rest vary depending on the day and the kind of mood I'm in. I could have easily listed another 20-30 songs or more, but I wanted to keep this list relatively short, because I didn't want to bore you guys. I may do a top list of Sevendust moments, but that'll have to wait until after my next Sevendust concerts this spring. May is shaping up to be a busy month!
That's all I have for now. Until next time, have a great weekend, everyone!
Sunday, February 24, 2019
Advertising is Everywhere
In the civilized world, it's very difficult to go a day without seeing some sort of advertising. Ads are on TV, radio, at the movie theater, on billboards, in magazines, newspapers, and comic books. I graduated from college with a marketing degree, so I understand why advertising exists. It can be a great way to reach your target markets, and there are some ads that win local and national awards for their messages and creativity.
Repetition is key to getting your message across, but sometimes companies take things too far. It seems like we're inundated with ads. Even videos we watch that are only a minute or two long have ads embedded in the middle of them. This leads to burnout. People get tired of being advertised to. That's why people switch to satellite radio and streaming television and movie services. They're well worth the price for those who don't like to be advertised to.
Advertising has increased more and more on social media in recent years. A couple weeks ago, I was on vacation in Florida. I woke up one morning looking forward to spending time with friends. One of the first things I did when I got up was check my Facebook page. I was annoyed to see that every third or fourth post was an ad. Even with my settings set to very restricted levels, I still usually have at least one day a month where I get an influx of ads on my Facebook news feed. When it happened again a week later, I decided to check my account settings.
It turns out there were over 1,400 companies that acquired my contact information. Many of them were realtor offices and automotive dealerships that are not anywhere close to where I live. I spent the better part of a day hiding ads from them or blocking them. I even complained on a few of their pages. Some of them offered an apology in response. Ever since, I've still had about 30 new companies a day to block or hide ads from.
I'm not going to delete my social media pages, but I have been a lot more careful about my settings and the information that I post. Even though advertising is everywhere, I take intentional steps to limit my exposure. I'm at a stage in my life where I'm content and don't want to be annoyed by things that just don't matter.
Advertising rarely ever affects my buying decisions. I usually know what I want to buy and where I can purchase items for the best price and value. I've been watching more movies on DVD, listening to music on CDs and off of my computer and reading more books. I've always loved reading ever since I was a child. If they start putting ads in books, I don't know what I'll do!
I do write for some sites that may contain ads. That's beyond my control. If this blog site ever starts running ads, I may move it to another site. I want this to be fun and as enjoyable for both myself and you readers out there.
Well, that's all for now. Until next time, have a great week, everyone!
Repetition is key to getting your message across, but sometimes companies take things too far. It seems like we're inundated with ads. Even videos we watch that are only a minute or two long have ads embedded in the middle of them. This leads to burnout. People get tired of being advertised to. That's why people switch to satellite radio and streaming television and movie services. They're well worth the price for those who don't like to be advertised to.
Advertising has increased more and more on social media in recent years. A couple weeks ago, I was on vacation in Florida. I woke up one morning looking forward to spending time with friends. One of the first things I did when I got up was check my Facebook page. I was annoyed to see that every third or fourth post was an ad. Even with my settings set to very restricted levels, I still usually have at least one day a month where I get an influx of ads on my Facebook news feed. When it happened again a week later, I decided to check my account settings.
It turns out there were over 1,400 companies that acquired my contact information. Many of them were realtor offices and automotive dealerships that are not anywhere close to where I live. I spent the better part of a day hiding ads from them or blocking them. I even complained on a few of their pages. Some of them offered an apology in response. Ever since, I've still had about 30 new companies a day to block or hide ads from.
I'm not going to delete my social media pages, but I have been a lot more careful about my settings and the information that I post. Even though advertising is everywhere, I take intentional steps to limit my exposure. I'm at a stage in my life where I'm content and don't want to be annoyed by things that just don't matter.
Advertising rarely ever affects my buying decisions. I usually know what I want to buy and where I can purchase items for the best price and value. I've been watching more movies on DVD, listening to music on CDs and off of my computer and reading more books. I've always loved reading ever since I was a child. If they start putting ads in books, I don't know what I'll do!
I do write for some sites that may contain ads. That's beyond my control. If this blog site ever starts running ads, I may move it to another site. I want this to be fun and as enjoyable for both myself and you readers out there.
Well, that's all for now. Until next time, have a great week, everyone!
Saturday, February 9, 2019
Bucky's First Spring Break
When I was younger, spring break was a foreign concept. It didn't exist when I was in grade school or high school. There were spring and other semester breaks in college, but I was usually busy working at the time. Last week, I had the opportunity to take my first spring break and escape the wintry confines to visit my friends in Florida. It turned out to be one of the best vacations I've ever had!
I flew to Tampa last Monday night, where my friend Scott was kind enough to pick me up from the airport. From there, we went to a nice little Italian restaurant in Saint Petersburg where my hosts Michelle and Joe (aka "Uncle Rudy") were dining. It was nice to finally meet them and see our mutual friend Christina who had just come off of the ShipRocked cruise.
We went back to my friends' place to talk and get settled in before the first fun event: an outdoor concert featuring our friends in Sevendust on Tuesday night! I was happy to be there, and that I was able to enjoy the warm weather. I was finally going to wear shorts in winter for the first time!
On Tuesday morning, a few of us went to the local Waffle House for breakfast and started to decompress before the Sevendust show. Another Sevendust friend Misty was making her way to St. Pete after having been in Fort Lauderdale the night before for Sevendust's show. Once she arrived, we made our way to downtown St. Pete for the show.
We had to arrive at the venue early for the pre-show meet and greet with Sevendust. Joe and Michelle brought her 84 year old father to the meet and greet. While we waited in line, lead guitarist Clint Lowery walked by after the guitar clinic, so some of us got to stop and say hi and pose for a few pics.
Before too long, we were allowed into the venue for the meet and greet. We were treated to a two-song soundcheck. The songs "Dead Set" and "Reconnect" were played by the band before we were able to get a group photo with the band and a signed commemorative poster. When it was my turn for the photo, the first thing that bassist Vinny "The Boss" Hornsby said to me was, "what the heck are you doing here?" He was used to seeing me at their shows in the Upper Midwest.
Afterwards, a bunch of us gathered at a nice Mexican restaurant a few blocks from the venue. It was good to catch up with other social media friends that I got to meet in person for the first time. It was a beautiful night for an outdoor show.
Shortly after 6 pm, my friends and I returned to the venue. On our way, we ran into the infamous "Mosh Pit Jesus" and Sevendust drummer Morgan Rose. We stopped to talk with Morgan for a bit and of course pose for photos before the show.
Once we got in, I made my way with my traveling companions to the venue entrance for the suite that was reserved for us. It was in the back of the concert hall, and gave us a prime viewing area for all the action. It was also very well-stocked with food and beverages for the night. We had plenty of time to chat and connect during the sets by opening acts Kirra, Lullwater and Cane Hill.
I went to the suite balcony with my friends to watch Tremonti's performance. This was my third time seeing the Alter Bridge lead guitarist's solo band live, and they put on another impressive performance. Most of his set featured songs from his latest album, A Dying Machine.
Shortly after 9:30 pm, it was time for Sevendust to arrive! They started their set with another awesome performance of the hit "Black." Although they only played one song ("Dirty") from their latest release All I See Is War, my friends and I agreed that it was a great set full of just some of the many songs we've all grown to love. I was also kind of glad that I wasn't in the pit for this one, as a fight broke out during the song "Angel's Son." Afterwards, frontman Lajon Witherspoon commented that he'd never seen that happen during that song before.
Sevendust finished their set with the encore songs "Splinter" and fan favorite "Face to Face." Venue staff didn't let us linger too long, but we were able to buy a few souvenirs and catch up with some friends before heading back to my friends' place. There we got to relax and share our favorite moments of the show.
The next day, I returned to the Waffle House with my friends for breakfast before we went to bring Christina to the airport. We had such a fun time, it was hard saying goodbye. After a few hours chilling at my friends' home, our remaining group headed to Madeira Beach in St. Pete for the afternoon. I ended up getting some sunburn, but it was worth it. It was a magnificent weather day, perfect for walking in the water from the Gulf of Mexico and a great opportunity to collect a few sea shells and soak up some rays. After a while, we retreated to a nice seafood restaurant. We ate outside with a perfect view of the water.
Later that evening, we returned to Michelle and Joe's house before bidding our friend Misty goodbye, as she was heading back to Fort Lauderdale to make her return flight home on Thursday morning. I ended up relaxing with my friends and their dogs, eating pizza and watching NHL hockey on TV in anticipation of attending my first hockey game with them in Tampa the next day.
Thursday began with a walk with my friend Michelle to the park near their house. It was great exercise and a wonderful way to start another glorious day in Florida. We even saw an alligator in the water on our way around the park trail. Later on, we went with Joe to Clearwater, Florida. We stopped at his job site for a bit before finding a nice outdoor restaurant to eat at.
A few hours later, we were on our way to Amalie Arena in downtown Tampa to see the hometown Tampa Bay Lightning take on the visiting Saint Louis Blues. Joe had attended Tuesday's game, a tough shootout loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, and had brought back a T-shirt for me to wear.
After going through security, we made our way to the second floor's gourmet buffet. There Michelle, Joe, Scott and I feasted on steak, crab legs, turkey, mushroom-stuffed pasta, fresh fruits and veggies and many more delectable selections. They even had a dessert bar full of tempting treats and ice cream made with nitrogen.
I was introduced to some more of Joe and Michelle's friends along the way before the 7:30 pm tipoff. The game was a defensive battle, and the teams matched up against each other rather well. During the first period intermission, I headed downstairs to guest services where I received a complimentary pin and certificate for attending my first Lightning game.
Following another scoreless period, I met up with my friends for a photo op. I've followed hockey for a while, but attending my first game really helped me appreciate the sportsmanship and work ethic of the players on the ice. It also helped me root against the refs when a penalty was called against the home team.
Although the Lightning eventually lost on a lone goal with a minute left in overtime, I still had a great time at the game. Many of the home team fans were disappointed, but the Lightning is one of the best teams in the league. They have a ton of talent, and just need to work on finding more opportunities and playing the game the way that's allowed them to excel. We returned to my friends' home and got to chat for a bit more before calling it a night.
On Friday, I got to spend some time at my friends' home watching their dogs scamper about before I went back to downtown St. Pete with Michelle and Scott. We hung out at the Canopy, which is a very nice bar/restaurant that overlooks the water and the city. Joe joined us later, and we got to enjoy another spectacular day in Florida before it was my turn to fly home.
I arrived home from the airport and airport shuttle in the wee hours this morning. After weather in the 70's and 80's, coming home to below zero temps and a bunch of snow on my car was quite an adjustment. I had a great time in Florida. I got to enjoy some fun activities, eat some great food and enjoy amazing weather. The thing I enjoyed the most was how nice everyone was. All the people I met were very friendly. I got to make new friends, meet some social media friends in person for the first time and get to know some friends a lot better.
This was my first spring break, and if all goes well, it may even be an annual occurrence. There's so much to see and do in Florida. I've barely scratched the surface. It was easily one of the most enjoyable and memorable trips I've ever had in my entire life. Can't wait to do it again sometime soon!
That's all I have for now. Until next time, have a great weekend, everyone!
I flew to Tampa last Monday night, where my friend Scott was kind enough to pick me up from the airport. From there, we went to a nice little Italian restaurant in Saint Petersburg where my hosts Michelle and Joe (aka "Uncle Rudy") were dining. It was nice to finally meet them and see our mutual friend Christina who had just come off of the ShipRocked cruise.
We went back to my friends' place to talk and get settled in before the first fun event: an outdoor concert featuring our friends in Sevendust on Tuesday night! I was happy to be there, and that I was able to enjoy the warm weather. I was finally going to wear shorts in winter for the first time!
On Tuesday morning, a few of us went to the local Waffle House for breakfast and started to decompress before the Sevendust show. Another Sevendust friend Misty was making her way to St. Pete after having been in Fort Lauderdale the night before for Sevendust's show. Once she arrived, we made our way to downtown St. Pete for the show.
We had to arrive at the venue early for the pre-show meet and greet with Sevendust. Joe and Michelle brought her 84 year old father to the meet and greet. While we waited in line, lead guitarist Clint Lowery walked by after the guitar clinic, so some of us got to stop and say hi and pose for a few pics.
Before too long, we were allowed into the venue for the meet and greet. We were treated to a two-song soundcheck. The songs "Dead Set" and "Reconnect" were played by the band before we were able to get a group photo with the band and a signed commemorative poster. When it was my turn for the photo, the first thing that bassist Vinny "The Boss" Hornsby said to me was, "what the heck are you doing here?" He was used to seeing me at their shows in the Upper Midwest.
Afterwards, a bunch of us gathered at a nice Mexican restaurant a few blocks from the venue. It was good to catch up with other social media friends that I got to meet in person for the first time. It was a beautiful night for an outdoor show.
Shortly after 6 pm, my friends and I returned to the venue. On our way, we ran into the infamous "Mosh Pit Jesus" and Sevendust drummer Morgan Rose. We stopped to talk with Morgan for a bit and of course pose for photos before the show.
Once we got in, I made my way with my traveling companions to the venue entrance for the suite that was reserved for us. It was in the back of the concert hall, and gave us a prime viewing area for all the action. It was also very well-stocked with food and beverages for the night. We had plenty of time to chat and connect during the sets by opening acts Kirra, Lullwater and Cane Hill.
I went to the suite balcony with my friends to watch Tremonti's performance. This was my third time seeing the Alter Bridge lead guitarist's solo band live, and they put on another impressive performance. Most of his set featured songs from his latest album, A Dying Machine.
Shortly after 9:30 pm, it was time for Sevendust to arrive! They started their set with another awesome performance of the hit "Black." Although they only played one song ("Dirty") from their latest release All I See Is War, my friends and I agreed that it was a great set full of just some of the many songs we've all grown to love. I was also kind of glad that I wasn't in the pit for this one, as a fight broke out during the song "Angel's Son." Afterwards, frontman Lajon Witherspoon commented that he'd never seen that happen during that song before.
Sevendust finished their set with the encore songs "Splinter" and fan favorite "Face to Face." Venue staff didn't let us linger too long, but we were able to buy a few souvenirs and catch up with some friends before heading back to my friends' place. There we got to relax and share our favorite moments of the show.
The next day, I returned to the Waffle House with my friends for breakfast before we went to bring Christina to the airport. We had such a fun time, it was hard saying goodbye. After a few hours chilling at my friends' home, our remaining group headed to Madeira Beach in St. Pete for the afternoon. I ended up getting some sunburn, but it was worth it. It was a magnificent weather day, perfect for walking in the water from the Gulf of Mexico and a great opportunity to collect a few sea shells and soak up some rays. After a while, we retreated to a nice seafood restaurant. We ate outside with a perfect view of the water.
Later that evening, we returned to Michelle and Joe's house before bidding our friend Misty goodbye, as she was heading back to Fort Lauderdale to make her return flight home on Thursday morning. I ended up relaxing with my friends and their dogs, eating pizza and watching NHL hockey on TV in anticipation of attending my first hockey game with them in Tampa the next day.
Thursday began with a walk with my friend Michelle to the park near their house. It was great exercise and a wonderful way to start another glorious day in Florida. We even saw an alligator in the water on our way around the park trail. Later on, we went with Joe to Clearwater, Florida. We stopped at his job site for a bit before finding a nice outdoor restaurant to eat at.
A few hours later, we were on our way to Amalie Arena in downtown Tampa to see the hometown Tampa Bay Lightning take on the visiting Saint Louis Blues. Joe had attended Tuesday's game, a tough shootout loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, and had brought back a T-shirt for me to wear.
After going through security, we made our way to the second floor's gourmet buffet. There Michelle, Joe, Scott and I feasted on steak, crab legs, turkey, mushroom-stuffed pasta, fresh fruits and veggies and many more delectable selections. They even had a dessert bar full of tempting treats and ice cream made with nitrogen.
I was introduced to some more of Joe and Michelle's friends along the way before the 7:30 pm tipoff. The game was a defensive battle, and the teams matched up against each other rather well. During the first period intermission, I headed downstairs to guest services where I received a complimentary pin and certificate for attending my first Lightning game.
Following another scoreless period, I met up with my friends for a photo op. I've followed hockey for a while, but attending my first game really helped me appreciate the sportsmanship and work ethic of the players on the ice. It also helped me root against the refs when a penalty was called against the home team.
Although the Lightning eventually lost on a lone goal with a minute left in overtime, I still had a great time at the game. Many of the home team fans were disappointed, but the Lightning is one of the best teams in the league. They have a ton of talent, and just need to work on finding more opportunities and playing the game the way that's allowed them to excel. We returned to my friends' home and got to chat for a bit more before calling it a night.
On Friday, I got to spend some time at my friends' home watching their dogs scamper about before I went back to downtown St. Pete with Michelle and Scott. We hung out at the Canopy, which is a very nice bar/restaurant that overlooks the water and the city. Joe joined us later, and we got to enjoy another spectacular day in Florida before it was my turn to fly home.
I arrived home from the airport and airport shuttle in the wee hours this morning. After weather in the 70's and 80's, coming home to below zero temps and a bunch of snow on my car was quite an adjustment. I had a great time in Florida. I got to enjoy some fun activities, eat some great food and enjoy amazing weather. The thing I enjoyed the most was how nice everyone was. All the people I met were very friendly. I got to make new friends, meet some social media friends in person for the first time and get to know some friends a lot better.
This was my first spring break, and if all goes well, it may even be an annual occurrence. There's so much to see and do in Florida. I've barely scratched the surface. It was easily one of the most enjoyable and memorable trips I've ever had in my entire life. Can't wait to do it again sometime soon!
That's all I have for now. Until next time, have a great weekend, everyone!
Monday, December 31, 2018
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!
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!
Friday, September 21, 2018
Another Sevendust Family Reunion
On a recent concert DVD, Sevendust frontman Lajon Witherspoon says that the band doesn't really have concerts, they have "family reunions." That sentiment is very true! I have now been to 23 Sevendust shows in six states (Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Massachusetts), and every time I run across friends who are also avid Sevendust fans. A lot of us have become close enough to be considered family. I have friends around the world because of Sevendust, and I have to step back at times and admire the connection that we have made because of these five humble musicians.
My most recent Sevendust show was this past Tuesday at the Myth Nightclub in Maplewood, MN. I bought the pre-show VIP meet and greet pass with the band, and arrived at the venue shortly before 3 pm. No sooner did I arrive when I ran into a couple of Sevendust friends of mine. The dozen or so of us participating in the VIP session were rounded up by support staff and led upstairs to the second floor of the concert venue. There waiting for us were the guys in Sevendust! They greeted us all with hugs and wide smiles. This was the first night of the tour, and it was obvious that the guys were ready to get back onstage again.
We soon sat down and listened to the band perform acoustic versions of the songs "Trust" and "Angel's Son." It was great to seeing the guys have a lot of fun, as they were laughing and joking between songs. At the end of "Angel's Son," lead guitarist Clint Lowery tossed the guitar pick he was using up into the air. It bounced off the top of the baseball cap I was wearing, and landed gently in my lap. Another concert souvenir, before the real concert had even started! Each of us VIP session attendees later lined up for a photo with the band, and I got to have a few brief chats with drummer Morgan Rose and rhythm guitarist John Connolly before it was time to go grab a signed poster and head downstairs to buy merch before the doors would officially open for the show in a few hours.
About an hour later, it was time for Sevendust to arrive! The band kicked off their eight-song set with the hit single "Pieces," and the Sevendust family in attendance were ready to rock out! Although there was a strict no crowd surfing policy posted on the doors of the Myth before the show, that restriction didn't stop my friends and I from enjoying the show. Sevendust's fourth song was the new song "Unforgiven," and it was an unforgettable performance! The guys were feeding off of the energy from the crowd and themselves. They were also having fun onstage. At one point, Lajon mockingly complained about the size of Morgan's drum kit, saying that Morgan had toned it down by eliminating "one cymbal and a tom." By the time Sevendust finished their set with the fan favorite "Thank You," the crowded house was eager for more!
Shortly before 10 pm, it was time for headliners Clutch to hit the stage. While I didn't know much about the band except for the songs from their new album Book of Bad Decisions (which I received a CD copy of in the mail free with my concert ticket purchase) and the song "Electric Worry," I found myself singing and swaying along to their songs throughout their 90-minute set. I was surprised to see the crowd in the pit a lot more active and animated than they were during Sevendust's set, but I realized that a lot of people were there to see the headliner. This was my first time seeing Clutch live, and I assure you it won't be the last. I grew to admire their bluesy alternative rock sound. I still find it hard to believe that both Clutch and Sevendust were tour openers for Limp Bizkit 20 years ago!
The show ended shortly after 11 pm, and I made my way to the Clutch merch table with a few friends who had also been hanging out along the front rail. I made my way home in a light rain a half-hour later. While I didn't get to spend a lot of time with my friends, and there were a few friends there that I didn't even get to see, I felt good in knowing that everyone who did attend had a great experience. It was another fantastic Sevendust family reunion!
My most recent Sevendust show was this past Tuesday at the Myth Nightclub in Maplewood, MN. I bought the pre-show VIP meet and greet pass with the band, and arrived at the venue shortly before 3 pm. No sooner did I arrive when I ran into a couple of Sevendust friends of mine. The dozen or so of us participating in the VIP session were rounded up by support staff and led upstairs to the second floor of the concert venue. There waiting for us were the guys in Sevendust! They greeted us all with hugs and wide smiles. This was the first night of the tour, and it was obvious that the guys were ready to get back onstage again.
We soon sat down and listened to the band perform acoustic versions of the songs "Trust" and "Angel's Son." It was great to seeing the guys have a lot of fun, as they were laughing and joking between songs. At the end of "Angel's Son," lead guitarist Clint Lowery tossed the guitar pick he was using up into the air. It bounced off the top of the baseball cap I was wearing, and landed gently in my lap. Another concert souvenir, before the real concert had even started! Each of us VIP session attendees later lined up for a photo with the band, and I got to have a few brief chats with drummer Morgan Rose and rhythm guitarist John Connolly before it was time to go grab a signed poster and head downstairs to buy merch before the doors would officially open for the show in a few hours.
I returned to the Myth shortly after 5 pm, and was fortunate enough to hear the guys in Sevendust performing the new song "Unforgiven" and a bit of the hit "Waffle" during soundcheck. They were loud enough for me to hear outside the building! I ran into a few more friends while waiting in line, and quickly made a beeline for the front rail once the doors opened for the public a little before 7 pm.
At 7:30 p.m. the first opening band, Nashville natives Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown, started the show. I didn't know much about this twenty-something quartet, but they did a good job of rocking their original songs to keep the growing crowd entertained. They had a kind of classic/blues rock feel to their sound that made me take a mental note to check out more about them online later on.
Shortly before 10 pm, it was time for headliners Clutch to hit the stage. While I didn't know much about the band except for the songs from their new album Book of Bad Decisions (which I received a CD copy of in the mail free with my concert ticket purchase) and the song "Electric Worry," I found myself singing and swaying along to their songs throughout their 90-minute set. I was surprised to see the crowd in the pit a lot more active and animated than they were during Sevendust's set, but I realized that a lot of people were there to see the headliner. This was my first time seeing Clutch live, and I assure you it won't be the last. I grew to admire their bluesy alternative rock sound. I still find it hard to believe that both Clutch and Sevendust were tour openers for Limp Bizkit 20 years ago!
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