ACL Simulcast of Coldplay

I've been in Hogg Auditorium for a number of occasions in my 4 years at UT: Bid Day for sorority rush, final exams, and speakers, to name a few. Yesterday I added a new first: Austin City Limits simulcast. Coldplay (the band I've been known to obsess over) made it back to Austin to be part of the famous Austin City Limits show. How cool that they were here, on our stomping grounds. Kway said it best, "I'm not going to just sit here like I have no control over the situation....I'm gonna do whatever I can to see them here."

The studio only holds about 150 seats, so having one of the biggest bands in the world here, the ACL folks knew the demand would be high. There were only two ways to get tickets: win them from the radio or you have to know someone. Kway and I tried to win them, but we work full time and couldn't be glued to the radio all day. But then, at 3:00pm the day of the taping, a glimmer of hope shined our way. Her office mate, who always gets cool perks from clients, was offered two tickets to the show but he wasnt sure he would go or not. So Kway went over to him and begged for them, offering to give him $100 for tickets he would get for free. He eventually realized he wouldn't be going and was going to give them to us for free, but it turned out that he was too late to get back to his friend and the tickets were given away. WE WERE SO CLOSE!!!

But luckily we weren't totally out of luck. This was the first time they would be doing a live simulcast of the taping a block away from the studio. I wasn't sure I could handle being rejected from a crowd at Hogg auditorium (assuming that when we got there at 6:00 that we wouldnt get in after a line that started at 3:00). But luckily the cold weather and minimal advertising were on our side. There were only 30 hardcore fans that were waiting in the line ahead of us. So we were golden.

We sat at the edge of the balcony in Hogg with a huge screen on the stage broadcasting the famous Austin city skyline backdrop of the studio. It was a surreal experience because it felt like we were in the same room as the band with the jumbo tron just right in our faces, but they were actually down the street. The sound quality was so real that we sometimes got confused whether applause was coming from our auditorium or the studio on the screen. Our chairs would vibrate like we were at the show. The ony thing that really made me feel separated was that we were sitting down -- which I would never do at a show. (I even stood up when I saw Phish at the movie theater 3 years ago).

(this of course is not from the show -- but it is from ACL Festival in September. They recreated this Johnny Cash moment playing "Till Kingdom Come" and "Ring of Fire").

You'd think taping a show would put so much more pressure on the band (and they said they were nervous at first) but they were able to re-do a song if they thought it was crap. The best was at the end of "Fix You" when Chris tried to go into "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" but totally botched it and couldn't stop saying fuck everytime he tried to get back into it. This was the end of the show, and it was apparent they had become much more comfortable on that small stage by then. But that studio barely could hold the lead singer with ADD. When he would try to move around the audience he'd get stuck in the branches of the fake trees.

Chris was very comfortable interacting with the audience. This one spoiled 11 year old caught his eye early on and he kept joking with him about being so young and making comments like "oh I cant say this joke because you're 11" and "good luck with girls....call my sister, she's 14". I hope that kid appreciates the fact that he was front row center at that taping. I hope everyone in there appreciated where they were -- some of them didn't show it. Chris even pointed out a guy who looked like he was either ill or bored -- thats embarassing!! I'd kill to be in there!!

But the show they put on was great. Of course it was a lot from X&Y which is what they are promoting and most songs they played were highly predictable. But I was surprised by them playing the song X&Y -- one of my favorites from the new album. All they played from Parachutes was "Yellow" and from AROBTTH "Clocks" and "In My Place". But the ultimate treat Chris was pumping us up for was bringing out Michael from Atlanta (not Michael Bolton, but REM's Michael Stipe). They have covered a song called "In the Sun" (which they had to do two takes) and then they played the best REM song, "Nightswimming". Kinda funny that Stipe needed the lyrics for a song he wrote himself.

If I could have been in the studio, I would have gone straight for the right side of the stage. That's Guy's side. There were a few good camera shots that distracted me from the music!!! He's very mysterious and shy on stage, which is fine because I dont need competition for his attention. Let everyone fawn over Chris, I'll have Guy all to myself!! Just keep going back in the shadows!

We considered stalking the band at the Four Seasons but figured that would be a waste. If I ever meet them, I dont want to be a star-crazed fan. I want to be the cool girl that just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

The great things about this experience: finally got to witness a taping of ACL before the editing, got to be part of the first simulcast, saw Coldplay as 4 casual and grounded guys who love playing music together, and got me pumped up to pay $100 to see them in Houston if I'm lucky enough to find a ticket!!!

Show airs December 17th on PBS.

Bono, Me, and the Garden

Yes, Bono, you’re right – people do have the power… and you are one of the most powerful people on this earth. Bono’s demi-god presence can make people speechless, burst into tears, and go weak in the knees – we witnessed this first hand yesterday at Madison Square Garden before and during the U2 show (the sixth of 7 shows at MSG this tour). And what a show it was!!

I know I said that Coldplay at ACL Fest this year had now topped out U2’s Elevation tour, but Bono and the boys have regained their number one spot in my heart. Chris Martin still can learn a bit from Bono as far as being an entertainer goes. Both bands are incredibly talented and make amazing music, but U2 has always had a creative confidence when it comes to their performance.

Chris and CJ and I got to MSG at noon and were just within the first 100 people there (some silly people got there at 10pm the night before – so not worth it). We sat on the sidewalk of 33rd street for 6 hours and made some cool friends with folks -- Fran does wardrobe on Broadway currently for Sweet Charity, and Daniel is a freelance TV editor, then we made friends with Josh and Caroline who just moved to NYC from Austin and we stood with them the entire show. The logistics of “the line” kind of fell apart but it turned out ok. Although none of our tickets earned the “VERTIGO VERTIGO VERTIGO!” to be randomly chosen to go into the inside of the ellipse, we think we had better spots than most of those folks around us who did. We hauled ass into the arena (I lagged behind a bit since I had to be the mom with the bag full of all our crap) but we got on the rail on the right side, Adam’s side, and it turned out to be a winner spot because most of the traffic on the ellipse was right in front of us!

The legendary Patti Smith was the opening act. It was great to see her, but she needed to choose whether to do a mellow or rockin’ set – half and half didn’t win me over. But come on, “Because the Night” is a classic!! It was entertaining to see her cover “Vertigo” because she had to read the lyrics off a sheet of paper and proceeded to totally botch it!! I’m glad we weren’t in the front row for her set because she kept hacking loogies on the stage and I read reviews from some people that they got hit by them. EWW!

As the crew was changing the set for U2, the intermission music mix was awesome – Bloc Party, Radiohead, and “Wake Up” from Arcade Fire ushered in the show. (And Dallas, Edge’s guitar tech, threw us his guitar pick as he walked by.)

This was more Bono-centric than the shows I saw last tour, but its ok because he was so on his game and in front of us so much. Adam, Larry and Edge all made their way out on the catwalk and had some solo spotlights but they seemed content to be on stage letting Bono do his thing – they just love what they do. Adam always wore his signature smirk and Edge did his Popmart shuffle and skipped and twirled down the catwalk. Larry just chilled at his drum set loving his mullet look (yeah Larry, that thing has got to go, man!!) And I have to say --- for being in their forties, they are still so sexy!! Edge is the only man who can wear glitter, sequins, and tie-dye and still be hot. And Bono, he danced around like a cat, it doesnt get better than that!! And his stamina to kick ass for 2.5 hours - WOW!

U2 shows have always been very energetic and engaging with their lights, set design and sing alongs. Plus their catalog has a lot of great concert-type music. I wish we had seen Electric Co. and Zoo Station live like the Chicago DVD. Ours was a little too much of the Joshua Tree hits, too little Boy, and none of Pop which was disappointing. That said, it still was a kick ass show!!

As “Wake Up” faded out, the lights went down and “City of Blinding Lights” kicked off the show, which of course is appropriate since it was written during the Elevation Tour at MSG in 2001. We are all staring at the stage and then BOOM! Bono is at the tip of the ellipse and confetti starts falling from the ceiling. An amazing start. I forget how much pain my legs are in from standing all day and my heart starts pounding like it might just fly out of my chest as Bono makes his way to the stage right by us!!! We could have reached out and tripped him if we wanted to! Damn, it was awesome.

Next was our Spanish lesson in “Vertigo”. You think that song kicks ass on the radio, see it live! Bono did come out on our side again for this song and then went back for “I Will Follow”, the only track from “Boy” that they played. In honor of the Rattle and Hum version of “Still Haven’t Found” when they brought out the Harlem choir, the audience was singing along the entire time. “Sometimes in life you are given opportunities – you should have taken that one” said Bono.

In ninth grade, my friends and I would play the game Song Connection during lunch every day. U2 would have kicked our asses! They are so great at incorporating little clips of other songs into their own --- sometimes they even snip their own songs!! For “Beautiful Day” they blended the Beatles’ “Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “Blackbird” and it was seamless, as was "Stories for Boys" into "Vertigo".

Their newest single (my guilty pleasure from HTDAAB album), “Original of the Species” was great. I love when he points to himself during “some people got way to much confidence, baby”. Bono, to me, is the definition of charisma. Somehow he has an enormous ego because, yeah he rocks, yet he knows it and can still be grounded by it too and maintain a sense of humor.

Then they did “Sometimes you Can’t Make It” as a tribute to Bob Hewson, Bono’s dad. Another great thing about U2 shows is that they are like VH1’s Storytellers – they explain the origin or tell stories about their songs. For this one, Bono introduced it saying “For the past ten years, every conversation with my father began the same way. He’d always say ‘Take those fucking glasses off’. So for him, I will do that right now.” Bono shed his shades to reveal those beautiful blue eyes of his and then sang straight to us from the right side of the ellipse. So powerful I loved it!! And got tons of pictures of him too.

Larry finally comes out of the woodwork and pounds out that sexy intro to “Love and Peace” on a single drum at the tip of the ellipse. This begins the political portion of the set. Bono eventually comes out to meet him and then takes over the drum for the transition into “Sunday Bloody Sunday”. Just before he takes the sticks, he gets a bandana from a crew guy that shows the Islamic, Jewish, and Christian symbols all equal to each other, which he will go into later ("Jesus is Jew. Mohammad its True. All are sons of Abraham"). Once he makes it back to the stage, he pulls this 9 yr old kid up there to sing the “no more” part of Sunday. I read a post by his dad who was so glad he brought his son to the show – I know they’ll never forget it. “Rock the Casbah” was a great incorporation too. Then continued with "Bullet the Blue Sky" where Bono blindfolded himself with the bandana, knelt down and crossed his arms above his head as if he was tied up to be tortured and then stumbled around to find his mike again. The imagery is unmistable.

Miss Sarajevo – the unbelievable highlight of the show. He described the girl in war-torn Sarajevo who was holding a beauty pageant to fight back with lipstick and how he couldn’t resist writing a song about it. I didn’t get too many pics of this moment because I was so blown away. Luciano Pavarotti recorded the opera part of the song and Bono surprisingly held his own – Bob Hewson, a lover of opera, would undoubtedly be proud. He held that note so long and strong I literally put my hands to my mouth in shock and pride. He definitely was on his mark tonight.

Not too much to note about the rest of the regular set since they play these hits all the time. The ONE campaign was discussed before playing “One” but I wasn’t listening – I was talking to Shawn because I called to let him listen to part of the show.

The ENCORES: A throw back to their Zoo TV tour for the Actung Baby album. And then, I didn’t think he’d do it, but Bono did bring up a girl for “With Or Without You”. It’s kind of old but if it were me my dream would have come true!! So I’m glad it happened for that girl. This was the first time I had seen “The First Time” live and they did a fantastic job of it. A forgotten favorite from the Zooropa album and the Million Dollar Hotel Soundtrack. And as a tribute to playing in MSG, Patti Smith came back out for John Lennon’s “Instant Karma”. U2 will always shine on!! They were unsure how this would turn out but it sounded great to me. And a personal favorite of mine, “Bad”, closed out the show in typical U2 fashion. Kicked ass and then left the stage with the audience chanting “People have the power!”

Hands down best show I've ever seen and best $50 I've ever spent in my life. Doubtful anything can top it. Wish you were there with me. You can virtually be there by checking out my Yahoo photos page for the rest!

Here is the complete set list:

11/21/2005 Madison Square Garden - New York, New York

City Of Blinding Lights, Vertigo / Rockaway Beach (snippet), Elevation, I Will Follow, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, Beautiful Day / Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (snippet) / Blackbird (snippet), Original Of The Species, Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own / Torna A Surriento (snippet), Love And Peace Or Else, Sunday Bloody Sunday / Rock The Casbah (snippet), Bullet The Blue Sky / Please (snippet) / The Hands That Built America (snippet) / When Johnny Comes Marching Home (snippet), Miss Sarajevo, Pride (In The Name Of Love), Where The Streets Have No Name, One / Ol' Man River (snippet)

Encore 1: Until The End Of The World, Mysterious Ways, With Or Without You / Love Will Tear Us Apart (snippet), Encore 2: The First Time, Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of, Instant Karma! w/ Patti Smith, Bad / People Have The Power (snippet)

Seth Cohen was there in spirit

I love to see indie bands making it big but still maintaining the indie spirit. Death Cab for Cutie is one of those bands. You can tell they haven't gotten all caught up in their new found fame when you stand next to the bassist during the entire opening act and don't bug him because he obviously is hoping to blend right in -- which he did to everyone else. Our group was pretty observant. We didn't bug him too much but we did acknowledge that he rocks. As I reached across him to throw away my beer can I quietly said "hey, good luck tonight. I'm really looking forward it." He just smiled at me and said thanks. Then when the Stars were getting us pumped for Death Cab to come out next, we looked at him and joking said "too bad the bassist sucks!" He just laughed.

But I wasn't totally distracted by Nick Harmer's elbow bumping my arm -- I did pay attention to the Stars and really enjoyed their set. I'm gonna download some of their stuff after I finish this blog.

DC4C opened with "Marching Band in Manhattan" which is probably my favorite off the new album, Plans. They had a great mix of rocking tunes like "Soul Meets Body", "Title and Registration" and "New Year" with their more mellow ones like "I'll Follow You into the Dark". My favorite live song is "We Laugh Indoors" because everyone gets into the "I love you Guinivere" part.

Besides being a better performance than at ACL Fest, this night was a great way to extend my birthday festivities. Kway and I were champs keeping up with the boys beer runs. We love TECATE!!! Tecate is the Stubbs concert standard. Too bad the limes were so huge! It was a workout trying to jam them into the can. But keeping up with the boys on a very small dinner (I had easy mac whereas the boys had just had Hyde Park Grille) Kway and I were buzzing pretty early on. Made for an interesting time just between us. We got a little ridiculous and annoyed some girls in front of us. But the real annoyance that night was the gorilla guy. This white boy who was literally 7 feet tall felt it was ok to just stand right in front of us short girls. Luckily the crowd shifted enough that he didnt block the entire stage the whole night. But Kway and I kept gesturing that we were stabbing him in the back and calling him an ogre, as seen here. "Get your dagger out of my heart, ogre!!"


Overall a great night!! (Four years to the day of the U2 Elevation show in Austin!)

Its good to know someone is fighting the foo

Foo Fighters + Weezer = Rocking good times!

What a combo!! Everyone I knew going to the show was divided on who they were really there to see. I personally was pumped to see Foo Fighters after hearing about their last show in Texas. Weezer I figured would sound pretty much like their album -- I wasnt too far off.

But still, Weezer was great. I love the new album ("Perfect Situation" is the best) and the set list was a lot of my favorite songs from the past ten years. Deeper into the set Rivers seemed to really get into it. And their set design was crazy -- a mock up of their album cover. Very eye catching. The greatest aspect of their show was the sing along. Everyone around us knew every word to every song. Super cool.


Dave Grohl -- what a crazy bastard he is. I hope
his stage persona is different from how he is at home, otherwise I am going to worry about his unborn child. But I am still glad I had a seat for the show instead of the floor -- I'm tiny and might have gotten killed down there. The Foos really know how to entertain. I honestly don't know how Dave maintains his voice. He must smoke a lot to keep up that scream. And he was hilarious talking about the "blond slut from Real World" aka Melinda. He is like a frat boy that never grew up. I love it. Taylor Hawkins, although a badass drummer for their band, is still no Dave Grohl from Nirvana. That was neat to see them switch places.

My favorite songs were the extended kick ass version of "Stacked Actors" (one of my all time favorites) and then the one-man version of "Everlong" from the back of the Erwin Center. Awesome!!

Another great concert under my belt this year!!

The city may have a limit, but luckily the festival doesn't!!!

If you saw the set list and still didn't make it to Austin City Limits Festival 2005, I personally think you are crazy. There were more bands than I possibly had time to see!! # 4 was FANTASTIC!! I'll give you the low down on my personal experience:

FRIDAY: Kway and I went together after work, figuring we'd do a low key evening to save up for Sat and Sun -- by that time though, the only parking we could find was waaay down Lake Austin Blvd. and we had to hike it over to Zilker. But it worked out ok because we walked right up to the AMD stage just in time for Aqualung and then Keane -- the shows we were trying to catch anyways (both of whom I've seen before but loved enough to see again)!! Excellent performances - love the British accents! It was pretty hot, but there was a nice breeze at sunset. Looking north at the downtown skyline it looked like Hurricane Rita was moving in to ruin the rest of the weekend -- I got kinda nervous. We later hiked it over to the other side of Zilker to catch the Black Crowes -- but we weren't really feelin' it. "Soul Singing" was awesome, but that was about it. So we figured we'd listen to the rest of the show and a bit of Lyle Lovett as we walked out -- and stopped off at the merch table to get shirts.















Aqualung (aka Matt Hales -- cute in a geeky British sort of way!! And now he's a daddy!)

SATURDAY: This was the fun, drunken group day camping out with the whole gang at the Cingular Stage. We saw Built to Spill, Death Cab for Cutie, Jet and Oasis on this stage. We all took turns checking out other shows throughout the day -- but Kway and I mostly held down the fort. I only left to catch the Walkmen with CJ -- we were pretty wasted, I was surprised we navigated our way back to the group with dinner in hand!! I wished I had been able to catch Nine Black Alps and Bloc Party as well, but that just wasnt in the cards. The weather today was absolutely disgusting!! Too bad the hurricane didnt come, i would have appreciated the rain! it was like 107 degrees and the dust was all over the place....my skin was covered in it and my snot was black at the end of the day. Some people were walking around with surgical masks to keep it out of their lungs!! Smart. When it was time for Oasis, we closed up our chairs and crossed the "No Chairs Beyond this Point" line. Poor Kway, though, got pretty faint during the show and we ended up opening the chair for her so she didnt pass out on us. The crowd was pretty tight so the body heat, clausterphobia and drunkeness contributed to alot of other people in the same state. A girl in front of us literally fell to the ground and they had to carry her out of the crowd. Luckily, Kway mustered energy to get up for Wonderwall so I could repay my debt to her. Liam is crazy, and the band is a bit overrated now but cmon, it was Oasis all the same. Getting home was an adventure -- I made my roommate pick us up at Austin High and apparently I was about to walk across Caesar Chavez traffic to get to her -- I was pretty gone at that point!
















Me and Kway holding down the fort....it was so freakin' hot out!! We atleast had the coolers of water and ice cold beer next to us.















Chris, Lindsay and CJ (who seems to be concentrating very hard on his drunk text message.
















Death Cab for Cutie "Title and Registration"
















Liam Gallagher, the ego-maniac, and I guess thats Jesus back there tickling the ivories
















Truce, babies. the Wonderwall debt is paid.

SUNDAY: Today was my seriously sober solo day. I didnt have time to meet up with Kway and Travis so I had my parents (in town due to Hurricane Rita) turn around and drop me off so I could catch up with Chris. Too bad cell service sucks in the park, I didnt see Chris until later when he brought me some much needed sunscreen. So I was on my own most of the day. I went over to Eisley and sat unter the high noon sun for a relaxing show. Then I figured I better not waste any more time to camp out at the SBC stage. So I trekked over there and parked myself on the center rail and made a new friend with another Megan, who came all the way from Florida. We had a good time watching Rilo Kiley and Jason Mraz before Franz and Coldplay that evening....although I would have much rather seen Arcade Fire instead of Mr. AZ but that just wasn't happening. I already ditched Megan to see the Bravery with Kway and Trav so I could get my stuff from Saturday back (umbrella, sunblock, fan) --- i paid Megan back in bottles of water. Camping out was totally worth it (and Chris was impressed at my determination to stay there since noon -- he could tell I will survive at U2 in November). No one else I knew got as close as I did so it was just me, Megan and her guy friends. Franz didnt quite live up to the previous year bc I didnt have Lindsay and Chris (although I called them to say I missed them). Coldplay though rocked my world!!! This was WAY different from their disappointing Jan. 2003 show. I cant remember the energy of the audience being so intense! And the band was way into it too. My spot was perfect -- especially when Chris Martin ran down the center aisle to climb the sound booth scaffolding during "In My Place"....this was when I tagged his shoulder. Megan's friend, Brett, hoisted me up a bit over the rail so I could reach out far enough. it was magical...I was so overwhelmed when he came running back all I got a picture of was his feet!! oh well, you'll just have to take my word for it. The "Till Kingdom Come/Ring of Fire" Johnny Cash tribute was a great change up, and "Yellow" was a lot of fun with the balloons. Great showmanship! Although I always want to see more of Guy Berryman!! When the show ended I wished I had gotten last names of my new Florida friends so I could add them to Facebook. Ah well. I talked with Lil' Bun and Brad about the show all they way home. What a great weekend!! Can't wait to see whats in store for 2006!!
















My view down the center aisle
















"Look at the stars, look how they shine for you. And all the things that you......[smash balloons]....do."
















Chris Martin being a monkey at the top of the sound booth scaffolding, serenading the large crowd behind me.

What a difference a year can make!

This is especially true in the music biz. Austin is the Capital of Live Music, full of small local bands and showcases for indie bands like SXSW and ACL Festival. Unfortunately, the big name bands still garner more attention. Last September at ACL Fest, the Killers were known only to people who really paid attention to upcoming artists and were given the unfortunate time slot of Friday at 1:30. I seemed to be the only person I knew who wanted to see them ---I could not get a friend to come see them with me because no one cared enough to go that early in the day.

Fast forward to the next August, more specifically last night the 18th. The Killers were headlining at Stubbs and their tickets sold out back in June after just a few days on sale. I had to buy my ticket at 3am as soon as I heard to guarantee I got one. I think now that they should have played the Erwin Center so more of my friends could have come too.

The show was KILLER! (couldn’t resist the pun). I can’t remember the last concert I went to that had such a truly eager and excited vibe to it. As soon as the opening act, Louis XIV, unplugged, the crowd started to push towards the stage and it was like “move up or die”. These people were out for themselves to get the best vantage point of the charismatic front man, Brandon Flowers. Then as the roadies were setting up the gear, the crowd started chanting the band’s name. So you can imagine what the reaction was like when the band members finally came out. I was so thankful to have some ear plugs at that moment. But everyone’s sweaty anticipation was well-rewarded with such an amazing show. If you knew the words, you would be singing along and dancing…you just would not be able to resist. Like the lady next to me who was enjoying her first night out from her newborn baby….I think she was the most out of control of everyone! And how to I always manage to get stuck next to the almost-middle-aged-overly-PDA couple who dance alot with no rhythm?? I wonder this at every show.

Unfortunately, having only their debut album for a catalog, the show felt way too short. They hit all their singles like “Mr. Brightside” and other album favorites like “Andy you’re a Star.” After seeing their performance at Live 8, I knew my favorite song, “All These Things I’ve done” would be the final one of the encore. It was a little difficult to hear Brandon singing over the crowd so I finally took out my earplugs to enjoy.

I'm so happy for the Killers....looks like 2005 is a much better year for them. Well done.

My chest is about to explode!

Austin Music Hall -- never a good place for short people to see a show. Simon had to describe this image to me since I couldn't see it as it happened. That end is pretty indicative how much the show before it rocked. Even from where I was the music and lighting was still KICK ASS!! I could feel the bass in my chest pounding -- I think it made Kway's heart skip a beat, she was freaked out. But what an energetic show!! I can't wait for their next album already.

"Butterflies and Hurricanes" is one of my favorites from the album and Matt busted out the classical piano part. And "Hysteria" was pretty amazing as well.

I liked Razorlight, the opening act as well. "Golden Touch" is a great new song to add to my iPod.

If I could have seen the stage better I would have more to describe to you about the whole experience but I pretty much just listened while being sandwich between Simon and some other giant guy in front of me. I should have jsut bought as many beers I could carry and then gone into the middle mosh pit and gone crazy. Wouldn't that make my blog more interesting? I think it would for sure.

1 Austin band and two from the UK

What Made Milwaukee Famous opening for Embrace and Snow Patrol?? They are on their way to a good year ahead.

Embrace hopefully will have better success in the US this year than they have the past ten years or so that they've been around. Simon filled me on these guys and they deserve better attention. Maybe Chris Martin's "Gravity" that he gave them will help a bit. But they have good tunes on their own. "Ashes" should carry them for a while. They put on an energetic show for sure. And then before Snow Patrol started I saw the lead singer a few feet away. I was tempted to go say something and he saw me looking, but I shied away. Thats how I am around celebrities -- I have nothing relevant to say except "I'm a fan. You rock" and I know that just sounds silly. So I dont say anything at all. I wish now I'd had the balls to go up and just get a photo with him. Ahh well. I texted Simon to let him know the show was great. Then Snow Patrol rocked out. I really enjoyed their set a lot. I'm glad I swiped Kristen's copy of their album.

Unfortunately none of my pics came out that great. But I will remember it anyways.