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.
