The Real Sick Tour

                           Friday, May 15th.

 

( Back tracking for those that don't know, A few weeks back The Knowing Within won the battle of the bands to play this show, Making it one of the biggest shows of their career(s) For that show, Kristian Granada filled in on bass, And was instantly made the new official member that night. )

And Although the dudes put on a GREAT show, And all the bands to follow suit did as well, The night was a bit disappointing. Maybe because For me it started off on the wrong foot, But it was the start to what seemed like a black clouded weekend. Not sure why it was this way, Or what we did to piss off the gods, But as always we made the best of it and despite the negatives had the best weekend of our lives. At least..... I did. It was hard to be on cloud nine with so much happening to the dudes. But in reality this weekend feels like an infinite unfathomable dream. That had it's fare share of plot twists.  

Anyways, Friday was a sold out show at BACKBOOTH, let's just say backbooth isn't meant to sell out to 250 bodies and that it was definitely past what it's capacity should have been. This show shouldn't have been booked at this venue. I used to love this venue, But this show sent me over the edge. It's sound is so great, But the venue itself has this punkrock hell hole vibe with disgusting bathrooms and crappy security. After the Knowing within's set, Sylar threw a stand at me...... And because I couldn't just let myself stand by and idle in a crowd of moshers WITH A WEAPON, So I did what any smart person would do and went to take it outside.

The security wouldn't let me, And my friend had to run it out instead, Even though I offered to leave my bag inside, And had just walked outside with a drum seat. Also same situation type deal. Offered to help make sure the roadie got down the stairs okay, But he walked off..... So I had to follow. I didn't want to stay for the word alive. The night was so Fluster Clucked that I just wanted to up and leave, But couldn't because my dumb butt parked four streets down from the venue, Despite there being a garage ACROSS THE STREET.  But I never did pay for the parking???? So uh that was cool....  Plus I'd have hated myself for it. I love the word alive and so do my fambam. I wouldn't let myself miss that moment for the world. Even if It took everything in my power to fight the urge to leave. Things would be so much easier if I could go outside..... But no stupid no reentry under 21 policy.

 I also left my usual keys at my friends house. Which made my already anxious brain worse.  The venue was jam packed and hot as hell, So I stayed away from the stage most of the night. Hiding by the bar, still hardly able to breathe or move. But We made paper fans to keep cool. And it was pretty funny to make jokes about "Fan Girling".... Ha Get it!?

But..... I'll admit once The Word Alive went on the world and all these things faded away, And it was just me, my family of friends, And them. No crowd. No worries, No thoughts. I haven't sang that loud, or jumped that high in ages. My feet never leave the ground, I just bounce.... But not this time. I was catching air. I'm still paying for it.... Ow.... But again worth it all. And I'll do these crazy things time and time again because it's what I love. I bawled like a little baby during Lighthouse. I was teary eyed during most of the set to be perfectly honest. But during that song, Tim and Romina grabbed my hands and had them in the air and it hit me..... I haven't given up yet, And I never will. I have my voice, and People are finally hearing it. I'm not alone, And I never will be again. This is the sense of belonging I've always dreamed of but never knew how to feel. I'm only me when I'm with them. But they have helped me open up to people even when they're not around. They didn't get me to where I am, But they sure as hell helped me show that what I needed was within me all along. I never knew what I was missing until these people came into my life.
 I spent most of the set watching the crowd. (Or well mostly Tim haha. ) He put on a better show anyway. ;) Even if in the crowd. But that statement is probably biased as hell. And coming from someone who fed of his energy and enjoyed herself mostly because he was there making sure I did.  Because we're connected, It's more enjoyable to watch him and his improvs he gets really intense and into his element. Kind of like how he is on stage but honestly amplified. One of those gotta be there moments. But hey all the more reason to come catch one of their shows right????

The word Alive is one of those bands that's impacted me.
Their lyrics made up for a lot of missing things in my life, And seeing them finally, surrounded by people I love was one of the greatest feelings and moments I've ever had. But I would've given anything for the person who got me into this band to have been there with us. A part of me felt wrong, or empty seeing two of her favorite bands without her. ( Like moths to flames being the second.)
Telle The front man of TWA, tossed so much water into the crowd, And to my surprise it was actually dispensed and shared rather well... Made quite the impact on the ones who got it. In such a tight packed over heated room and water bottles being $3 a piece I was glad to see him doing that. They needed it.

The set list was dragon spell, 2012, play the victim, Lighthouse, Hounds of anubis, Evolution, Casanova rodeo, entirety, Never forget, Glass castle, Life cycles, and an encore of the wretched.
 It was damn near perfect. But oh the things I'd have done to hear runaway.... hahaha.

TWA'S set made up for having to wait in line dying outside like a "fan" which I am. But all I wanted was to be inside with the dudes, Helping set up, Hanging out.... ect ect. Once you've been treated like you belong in there, It's hard to be slapped back into reality and put back in your place.
This was the debut of TKW's merch table. And I really wish I could have been apart of setting up and selling things. I might be quiet but when it comes to them? I can do anything. Plus I love it. I really do. And Would have been much more comfortable behind the table than trying to face crowds. Merch table views are the best views Maybe one day.... . Besides.... I didn't shoot. I was too scared of breaking my camera. I got four shots... that's it. *sad face* Oh well...
About not being allowed to be inside,
 I understand (kinda sorta not really) why we all couldn't be in there, But they should have allowed a certain amount of people for the opening band just like they did for all the touring acts. But from what I heard from the boys, I wouldn't have wanted to be. But that didn't stop me from wanting it. And I appreciate all the time we did spend together. Apparently A lot of the bands on this tour, Aside from the word alive, Were jerks. Who probably shouldn't even belong in the industry or be at the high level their fans put them. They're un-deserving and treated my bro's like they were nothing for being locals.

Like who the heck are you? To forget who you once were, and where you came from. Without bands and fans like them YOU WOULDN'T BE THERE. You ungrateful little pricks. Go get your life and career options evaluated. The Knowing Within made that show sell out. How dare you look down on them for where they are. You lost me, I wasn't even apart of what happened but I refuse to support or back your band for those actions. Even if it wouldn't have been aimed at TKW.

After the show, I ran up to Alex? I think, the singer Of Chelsea grin He was handing out stickers.... And I tried to hand him a flyer and he thought I was bugging him for a sticker, Despite him handing me one earlier, So he threw them all up in the air..... And walked away. Not only is that disrespectful to the fan, But to Ernie ball, their sponsorship to you, And the city of Orlando, who had to pick up after you. There weren't fans around willing to appreciate the stuff enough to pick it up. I did ended up getting him to take the thing. But I bet you anything it was thrown out and never even looked at. Whatever I tried. I'm sorry that people out there love you, And worship the ground you walk on as if you left trails of gold behind. (which you don't) Because it obviously went to your head and made you lose sight of not only what life is, But what dreams were made of, And what musicians are supposed to be.
If you don't love the fans, or the attention they want to give you DON'T BE AN EFFIN MUSICIAN. gah damn. It's not that complicated to take the time to be a decent person.

It really sucks to be dealing with the bad side of the people in the scene, After all the luck I've had lately. But if anything it makes me appreciate the good apples in the bunch. I know now that there are good ones left out there, But it doesn't make the bad experiences any better. As a fan, it can be a total let down to see someone you loved and idolized act like that. I however wasn't a fan before, And definitely am not now.  But due to the blog title it goes without saying to look at the situation In a place someone else might.

Although I could hardly see them due to being a short mofo and in the corner of the venue, Like moths To Flames killed it as well. And their set list was damn near perfect as well.
Learn your place, a feast for crows, the worst in me, GNF, the common misconception, I solemnly swear, and you won't be missed. I don't remember Chelsea grins set at all and because they were crap dudes I don't care to haha. But I do believe they played a few I knew and could Kind of understand. Which was cool and stuff. Wheteves. At least it was tolerable and somewhat enjoyable for me.

Although I don't drink much I wish I could have joined the fun of doing shots of fireball.
Gah it broke my heart not being able to. And they had a jolly rancher shot that looked freaking amazing.

I have never let my blogs be thus bitter or opinionated. The negativity is poison. But I'm so passionate about this I refused to just sit back and watch it all happen without talking about it. I'm not going to be fake, Especially not on here where it matters the most.  And I'm sorry to those who are fans of these bands and don't like what they're hearing. Think what you will, But these guys don't deserve your support. (Mostly just sylar and Chelsea grin) I was told Sylar actually wasn't that bad, And even apologized to someone about the stand incident.... But It wasn't to me, which it should have been.  And it wasn't heard by my own two ears, therefore I hardly trust it. I didn't like their set or their sound anyways.... So who cares I'll let it go And you should too. People I was with enjoyed them. And that's cool. The crowd seemed to be pretty entranced and into them so hey they must be doing something right. On stage that is.... It was great to meet new faces, and see some old ones. In all the night was great and I stayed the ray of sunshine the guys always need me to be for them. Even if I wasn't feeling my brightest.  After hanging with new fans and friends, And goofing off as we loaded up, Kristian walked with me to my car, But first to a bar we couldn't get into.... Because downtown sucks and is mostly 21+  Bless his heat, he was so exhausted. And kept me calmer than EVER while I drove him home. Or well back to woffies house. He's the perfect fit for the band. Him being the youngest doesn't even affect the band. And now that burning embers,  His old band, Is no more. He can commit his time and energy and really give them his all.

It really feels like it was meant to be all along. He already feels like family to me. And always will. I hadn't gotten the chance to spend much time with him, or even get to know him until this night. So it made driving out of my way worth it. Not that I minded in the slightest in the first place.  I rather everyone get home safely. And happily. Band equipment can become pretty darn dangerous when crammed into a car. But yeah He said a lot to me that was taken to heart and really needed to hear to stroke my fire, and turn my sparks back into flames. No more running on empty, or letting the negatives win. It felt so weird coming home and going straight to sleep..... I always edit or write.... It felt like breaking a habit. But after being so worn out the sleep was needed more than anything.
It was amazing to see my dudes play alongside huge bands that they know and love. I can only imagine how they must have felt.... Just being there and apart of it all made me so proud and happy. We're blessed. Or at least I am to have such heartfelt talented guys in my life.
 ~ To be continued...... Into Saturday.  But first..... photos.

Oh man I almost forgot.... One of the biggest misfortunes of the night, The night before this show, Luke holland Twa's drummer Who's also very popular on YouTube, Stepped in a pothole and messed up his foot. So even though he was there, He couldn't play. Dropped off the tour, and flew home for rest, doctors visits and to make sure everything was okay. I believe his drum tech filled in for him and will continue to do so until he is healed and can return to touring. Wishing him a fast recovery! I'm just really happy he was at least there. and that I was able to "see him"
He walked by twice and I attempted to speak to him....Like a human being.... but was shot down impatiently & immediately. The guy with him just shouted NO PICTURES  the whole time they were walking. Like dang dude chill I just wanted to wish him well.  Much love and PMA vibes. ~Chyster

A night @ Bombshells Tavern with The Things They Carried & Until My Last Breath.

I have this thing where I like to get attached to people in bands that aren't locals, And this show was no different. I felt like a friend first. And not many bands can make me feel that way these days they're second to none. So, It still blows me away when bands treat their fans as people. Supportive, loving, friends that are no different than them. There is no pedestal, Even if we're all guilty of putting them on one sometimes. We are all connected and without one or the other nights like these wouldn't exist.

Ya know? It's like a 360 , The band gives their all and the fans give it back to them in return. It's something that if done right, keeps on giving.
Whether it be in buying merch /tickets, singing, dancing, moshing.  whatever floats your boat. But,Without the fans Bands can't get very far, and meeting ones who are not only acknowledging this but taking it the extra mile to make it known that they're appreciative makes me want to go on a rooftop and hoot & holler about them. 3tc And umlb are those kinds of people. The animal in me was as well, From what I got a sense of at the end of the night anyways. I'm not the biggest fan of girl singers..... In fact I hate most of them. But dang Laura has got pipes. And he stage presence is like nothing I've ever seen before.

Not only was their sound unique, But their ways about the stage were as well. interacting with the crowd as much as possible, Taking hats, glasses, and hugging / pulling fans up onto the stage. At one point the whole crowd was up there, They made sure of it.  I could have done without the strobes however.... They gave me the worst headache I've had in awhile and kind of killed my shots.
(Of the things they carried, because they used them as well... I didn't shoot the animal in me unfortunately. Because of said headache.)

Go figure guys, I pulled a Chyster and made it to bombshells super duper early. But I always make sure to allow time for traffic, and stops if needed.
I  wanted to be there early anyway, to plan out doing an Interview with the boys. But not hours before doors open.  Some days driving is easy, And others not so much. It's still very much a struggle But one I'll never give up on again. And luckily for me 3tc Had just arrived.

Back to the interview thing.... I had it all planned out, But following my (newly found) tradition, Going to the Mexican place before the show happened, They trusted my suggestion on it, And even said it was the best meal of tour. *coughs You're welcome coughs* And we casually talked. Most of which included the things I had prepared to ask, brought up by Steven, And it felt like having dinner with friends I haven't seen in ages.  Which was pretty much true. Despite hardly knowing them or their personalities until now. The last time I saw them. At the Alesana show last November, Due to my friend being sick I wasn't able to get time to hang. But they made such an impact on me even then, That I was ecstatic for this show. It made up for the last one and then some.

I really loved their energy on stage, And the fact that this time around I had more of a knowing about them and their songs. It was pretty rad to see Steve rocking his Alesana hat and one eyed doll shirt on stage. It's pretty normal to see bands rocking their own merch, But it's not often that you'd see dudes cool and supportive enough to wear someone else's.

Don't quote them, Or me on any of this, Because I'm going solely by memory for this part. But dinner conversation was some of the best I've ever had. It was small talk. without having to talk about the weather, Which uh I think we did actually. It was a gorgeous Florida night out. And they were LOVING IT. I didn't get much time with jesse,  he skipped out on dinner due to family being there, But he was great too. I had no idea he was even from Florida. Something happened to him during the third song of their set, and  because of that it was cut short...But he did what he could and pushed through it. Could hardly even tell that anything was  wrong until he walked off the stage. It's the first time something like that has ever happened to him on stage. And I'm praying that it doesn't happen again.

Kinda got side tracked here, But in reality there's not much more for me to say about our dinner.
Topics included them being Officially added to revival recordings. How it happened, And what that meant for them. Such as their debut EP coming out on June third titled Melancholia.  It will be the first recordings out there with the band as is now. How cool is that? After all this time, They're finally getting to put out more tunes, And even some amp'd up remastered old ones.
Together as they are now. That's pretty exciting. I couldn't be more stoked for them. And to hear it.
I think sound wise it will stick true to their sound and what they're all about. With heaviness, story type lyrics, and meldolics. Things I look for, and love about a band. That's part of what drew me to these guys. They fit in very well with revival, but still have their own sound and way to them.

I can't remember how it got brought up but one of my questions which was prepared was what are some of the places you'll avoid at all costs, and won't go to. It got us talking about sketchy mom and pop diners or restaurants in the middle of nowhere. They're pretty smart dudes and mentioned googling reviews before checking out places. One bad experience at burger king has sworn them off of it forever. And I don't blame them. One bad experience is enough to keep you away from things for a lifetime!

I found out about these guys in a way not many would expect, But months back Before the Alesana show/ tour that they were on I got a message from The singer Steve, About the band and saying he was looking forward to seeing me at the show. Coming from him, And not a third party, Grabbed my attention, baited me in and after that I was hooked. Such an amazing thing using social media to your advantage like that. It is everything. Staying connected and reaching out to the fans
IS EVERYTHING. To me at least. But again i'm a personable person. I want to be able to know the bands i'm into. It fuels the love of music for me.


During dinner I decided to pick up a soda, but was too awkward to ask for a bottle opener. Ronny took it upon himself to try and open it WITH HIS EYE. And dang it I believed him haha. But in reality he did crack it.... Enough to make it explode all over me haha. But it made me loosen up and just be like eh whatever happens, happens. Ronny was my bud throughout the night, Always filling my silence with a story of tour or life. I eat things like that up. Nothing makes me happier than tour stories. I'm not sure where to take this.... The closer I get to a band, the harder it seems to write about it.

When walking out of the restaurant the dudes  in Until my last breath  who drove all the way from naples! (holy cow) were waiting for me in the parking lot! Okay they weren't actually waiting for me. But they did give me the warmest hello I've gotten in quite awhile. I'm not used to being remembered, or known. So hearing my name shouted and getting hugs from people I thought hardly knew who I was felt great. Umlb have very easily become some of my favorite people to be around. And are a "local" favorite of mine.
I mean at least they're still a Florida band, that counts as local enough right?
( But even the dudes in the things they carried are missed already. I'll be here patiently awaiting their returns. And Wish them the best of luck on the last leg of tour. )

Although we had a bit of a debate about a photo of us that doesn't exist. If they thought I was someone else then, they definitely know the difference now. At least I'd hope that they do. haha
 I'm not usually the biggest fan of bands that don't have clean vocals. And although I wouldn't mind them adding some, these dudes pull it off well so I'll make that exception for them. They're a lot like the knowing within, Personality wise that is. Which is probably why we get along so well. They can throw the eff down on stage but are total sweet hearts. Nerds. Total effing nerds they are. d:
  I'm looking forward to watching them grow. And for the day when I can listen to more of their music. whether it's online or on a CD / EP. I love their songs. And I want to be able to jam them all duh timezzzzzz. Like no pitty from the pavement! At least I think that's the name of it, But for now, Those that would like to listen to them, Go here to peep one of their songs Written in stone  UntilMyLastBreath And be sure to like them / check out their facebook  ---> here UntilMyLastBreath  They're really dope dudes and they deserve support! Not only because they have a great unique sound about them, with great lyrics to back it. But because they're a freaking fantastic group of dudes. They love what they do. And it shows. I got suckered into helping them unload / set up. And ended up holding the back door open for what felt like ever. But you know me. I love that. I'm always down to lend a helping hand. I mean I refuse to just stand there, If i'm around when they're doing something, and are willing to let me help I'll do it. And I'll love it.

As always at bombshells I wish the crowds were bigger. But  these bands  (all of them)
didn't let that stop them from putting on a great show. It doesn't matter if they're playing for two people, two hundred. or two thousand they're gonna give it their all and I appreciate that. I'm finding my place in this scene slowly but surely. And one of these days. Everything I have in the works will all make sense. I refuse to let this dream go. This is where I've found my sense of belonging. This is where I was meant to be. Not necessarily meaning just bombshells. But more or less just with the people, bands, and things. Ya know? Big shout out and thanks to everyone who's gotten me to this point. And helps me to feel like this. I wouldn't be driven, or keeping this blog up if it wasn't for you.

And because I had the pleasure of seeing Umlb again on Friday at west end  here's more photos from that!

 It was really great to hang with these dudes in my neck of the woods d: Although I wouldn't mind another trip down there sometime soon..... I really miss it. 

 Cough Cough Wink Wink ;)