10/15/2006 Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue

[ghetto fab]

Okay so the known Evboarders/Evthreaders (<3) going are:

ME
Shivercide
Melanie
Reelbigloser
Jaded_Whisper
Karen
Marika
Maggie

...and that's all I know off the top of my head. Melanie's flying from Florida to Green Bay this Friday, where she's meeting up with Shivercide. Then they're going to be driving here into Minneapolis sometime Saturday and staying in a hotel. Their plans beyond that are a little hazy; they want to hit up the Mall of America sometime while they're here, but there isn't much time. If they go I'd imagine it'll be before the concert so I'm not sure when they'll arrive. But the three of us have tentative plans to go to dinner on Saturday, which would totally \m/.

Way excited to see everyone + Amy Lee. And the band. John's the next one I'm eager to see b/c he's funny and ****. I wanna see Beth too. SO MANY PEOPLE.

And I'm getting my weave done a week ahead of schedule just so I look as fabulous as possible for the big occasion. I'm not going to risk feeling the slightest bit knappy!

NOTE TO MOD WHO CHANGED MY THREAD TITLE: The venue was moved from The Quest to 1st Avenue. Yes I do know where my own venue is at <3.

[Shivercide]

OMG Tyler. Thanks for pouring our plans out into the open. ;) ROFL.

As far as the MoA goes, I don't think it would be wise to try and go there before the concert (as in, the same day). So, though I'm not completely sure on what Mel wants to do for this, it'd probably be on Saturday. Still not sure what time we'll be arriving, though. But it most likely won't be late at night or anything.

Anyway. Back on topic. OMG CAN'T WAIT. There. ;) Oh yeah, I'm so going to get Amy to write "Pirates for the win!" on my ticket stub. Assuming we get to meet the band. Which we better or I'ma have a fit. [/endstalker]

[Maggie]

Tyler why do you suck so much?


I'm going. You turd.:eek:

[ghetto fab]

omg sorry. I was going by the people who I could remember posting last. You haven't posted that much so that's why you slipped my mind <3.

Amy was supposed to be on KS95 today but they had Terry on instead because "her throat is sore." Ughhh, not good! They have a show tonight, tomorrow and Sunday's their last day before they get a break if I'm not mistaken. The funny part was when they asked Terry how Detroit was and to name three good things about it. His response: "Nothing!"

God I hope her throat gets very un-sore quick. :eek:

[Karen]

What the heck, peoples, how many boards are we posting on now? :p

Should I bring my Origin poster to try and get it signed, or do you guys think it would just get all wrinkly and stuff?

And FYI for everyone who plans to get there early and stay late:

http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/USMN0503?dayNum=1&from=search

It's going to be a bit chilly! :(

[ghetto fab]

I don't know how you'd manage to get your poster signed without it getting crinkly and/or wrinkly. I'd pick something a little more sturdy, myself.

As of now I'm still not sure what we're doing. I tried asking Melanie last night as she was in the airport in Chicago but she had to go and wasn't entirely sure herself. :confused: But hopefully I'll persuade them to camp out w/me in the morning <3. I haven't called Sparky yet to let him know because I want to know what's going on first.

[-Kristen]

Have fun at the show tomorrow everyone!

[Karen]

Let me know what time you guy's will get there, and I'll try to be there, too :) It's going to be a loooong wait, and I'd love to chat with you guys! ;)

[ghetto fab]

Anyone who wants to try to get there with the rest of us please be sure to either check back on this board later tonight and/or send me a PM with your number and I'll let you know. I'll be able to come on later tonight but I don't know how long I'll be out.

<3

[wildangel]

Now ya'll need to make sure you bundle Melanie up, or you'll be sending her back to Matt as a popsicle :)

Ya'll have fun ok !

[Marika]

I will BE THERE. Probably around noon, I'm guessing. I'll probably come say hi and then maybe venture off to get something to eat. My friend Bridget is coming but not til right before doors or so (she has theater practice) so we have to save her a spot! :)

And pfft Karen that's not chilly...I was rejoicing because it's warming up! :p Today was a little cool but tomorrow is supposed to be nicer. I was pondering not wearing a coat but I probably should, I suppose. (Watch, it'll decide to snow on me again. :( I would be sad.)

There are a few places to eat right around the area (there's a starbucks across the street and a hard rock cafe nearby I believe, and a few other places). For parking I recommend the lot on the corner of First Avenue and Fourth Street, it's pretty reasonable and only a couple blocks away but there might be other places too that are closer. (I've only been down there a couple times).

Please tell me you guys are bringing cameras, because I don't have one. If we get to meet the band will someone take a picture of me and email it to me? I'll love you FOREVER AND EVER. and ever! I swear!

Can't think of anything else important, besides that I think First Ave is an awesome venue. Really really nice size.

The smilies here are ghosties? Weird, but I like it.

[Karen]

Gimme a break, Marika, I'm from the South...32 really isfreezing to me!! :p Thanks for the parking advice, and yay for Starbucks!

I'm not sure what time I'll be there...I have to run a few errands, but somewhere between 8 and noon...nice range, I know...

I do have a camera, which I'm bringing...I'll definitely share whatever pics I end up taking.

EDIT: I'll be wearing black pants and a gray/green cable sweater...since I don't really know what y'all look like definitely say 'hi' if you see me!! :)

[Loser]

I have to say that this was probably the best show I've been to thus far. I also ran into Rocky hanging out around the corner from everyone in line, it was a wonderful surprise.

[Marika]

Gimme a break, Marika, I'm from the South...32 really isfreezing to me!! :p Thanks for the parking advice, and yay for Starbucks!

I'm not sure what time I'll be there...I have to run a few errands, but somewhere between 8 and noon...nice range, I know...

I do have a camera, which I'm bringing...I'll definitely share whatever pics I end up taking.

EDIT: I'll be wearing black pants and a gray/green cable sweater...since I don't really know what y'all look like definitely say 'hi' if you see me!! :)

Hope you got back safe yesterday and thank you SO MUCH for the ride, it was greatly appreciated.

So yeah the show was awesome! That's all I can think to say right now, besides it was awesome to meet everyone there. :D

[ghetto fab]

Dear Amy Lee <3:

I didn't have time to say much since the signing was so in-and-out. I was about halfway through your line with the black hoodie (like half the other concertgoers) who said you were great + asked for a hug. A little generic. I really wanted to be like, "HAY I'm ghetto fab on your forum and I started the thread about this venue <3" but I didn't have time for much more than formalities. Richie is quite the intimidating figure. His piercing, sentinel gaze was enough to keep the whole thing business only. :mad:

Oh... the girl two after me (?) was the one with the still-sealed CD case that you ripped open with your teeth. And you wrote something about pirates, ninjas and cupcakes on it, lol. (Shivercide/Stephanie <3)

***

Anyway I have one ****ing epic post to write about the whole thing, but I'd like to wait until the rest of the pictures come in from Karen/Melanie/I think that's it. I don't remember if Stephanie had any on her camera. I want all the pictures so I can create the appropriate picturebook <3.

And I'm really tired still. :eek: Awesome show though \m/.

p.s. AIMEE LEIGH? NOWAI. (I think that orange sticker on her mic was supposed to come off before the show =X. It said something like "Amy's Mic," haha.)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14/Ihateretail/AmyCONCERT.jpg

[Rahul]

is that tim ? he's looking different

[Goaltender29]

It was nice to meet you all and thank you for being so nice! Hopefully I wasn't too bad to have around. I got some pictures too, though they're probably not much better or different than any you have. And my autograph is fading faster than I thought it would, but I got some pictures from when it was still fresh, but I'm not generally that big on autographs anyways and would have been happy with just the hug. Although now if I want to be a total dork, I can tell people that Amy held my hand and just convieniently leave out the part that it was to keep said hand steady while she signed it.

[Shivercide]

Okay. I'm still a bit overwhelmed with, not only the concert, but the whole weekend. It felt like one long day. One long awesome day, but still - exhausting, emotionally and physically. So I don't even know where to begin. I'm still very tired, so this won't be uber long. I wanted Tyler to make the big, amazing post anyway. But I needed to post something.

Anyway, Melanie flew from Florida to Green Bay and we all (Mel, my husband Steve and me) drove four hours to Minneapolis. Yeah, we could have gone to the Milwaukee concert, but Milwaukee has no Tylers. At least, not any Ghetto Fab Tylers. ;) This all was the best part of the experience, meeting my beloved online buddies. For the first time. Especially since I'm new when it comes to meeting people offline that I've never previously known in person. It's a big leap, considering that I am pretty shy. That's how much I love them. And it was so much more than worth it.

Of course, I also got to meet some other cool people. Karen, Marika, Bryan (otherwise known as ReelBigLoser or Goaltender)...all of you were seriously fun to hang out with. I'm such a nerd that I'd forgotten what it's like, hehe. But it was a nice breath of fresh air.

I really loved how we accidentally ran into some of the band members on our way back from the car. Suddenly there was Terry coming out of the new bus that hadn't been there long. He asked us, "How the **** do you get in this place?" Classic. Rocky came out shortly afterwards, who was just the coolest, and then John, who barely glanced at us.

Here's Tyler going all undercover stealth on us:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/Shivercide/Events/Minneapolis%20Ev%20Concert%202006/1006_Tyler_TourBus.jpg

The venue was small. Really small. Of course we were all packed like sardines in there. I didn't bring a camera, just in case they didn't allow it and confiscated it. But of course they actually were allowed, just not with the flash. My luck, lol. Some pervert guy (otherwise known as Pat O'Brien) kept trying to wedge his way between Mel and me. It was freaky. Eventually Melanie got away from him, but I ended up stuck pushed up against him for the whole concert. *cry* He kept elbowing me in the boob. Ouchies. I tried putting my arms in front of me so that wouldn't happen, but then he'd glare at me and position himself to where he was hitting my boob again! Stupid freak. Anyway, I was a bit scared of the thing in his pocket that kept poking me, but was very relieved later on when Mel told me it was only a camera case. *whew*

Overall the concert was wonderful. Revelation Theory was pretty damn good. Especially when the lead singer took his shirt off. Hawt. I think I saw Tyler drool a bit. :) Anyway. They were extremely charismatic, and great at getting the crowd all hyped up. Of course by the time Ev came on everyone was pushing and shoving and passing out left and right. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, though. I almost felt like I was going to faint a few times, but forced myself to bear through it. I'm glad I did, because it was amazing. Except for Pervert Guy pressed up against me. Oh, and Mel almost kicked the crap out of some rabid obnoxious fan. That was pretty cool.

So. Highlights for me. I cried some during Lithium (Mel apparently caught me otherwise I might not admit it); the emotion Amy portrayed in Good Enough was enough to make it feel like my heart fell out of my chest; Amy's performance with Lacrymosa just about floored me; All That I'm Living For was seriously awesome; and I didn't think that The Only One could get any sexier, but oh - it can. I guess I also have to say that I'm glad they're still playing Haunted and Whisper (the latter of which is my favorite Ev song), because those are both just bitchin live. Amy even does the operatic part of Whisper now, something I've never heard her do before. As in, she didn't just yell it. *lurved* I was a little emo that they didn't play Tourniquet or Snow White Queen, though. I was really, really, REALLY looking forward to hearing SWQ live, because I can just tell it would kick ass.

After the show our little group went out to try and meet the band. Of course there was just about the whole venue outside, cutting in front of everyone. When half of the people went home, Richie the bodyguard screamed at everyone to get in a single-file line up against the wall. I excepted him to try and do a pat-down on all of us, but surprisingly he didn't. Some guy had a bunch of flowers to give to Amy. While in line, we decided to entertain ourselves with a freaky picture. No, we didn't realize what was on the wall behind us...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/Shivercide/Events/Minneapolis%20Ev%20Concert%202006/1006_Venue_UsQueers.jpg

And yeah I know my hair is horrid, but seriously. I just got out of a half-mosh concert.

And then Amy came out and started signing. It was a very rushed process - no flash pictures, no pictures with Amy (we could take them of her, just not with), and apparently Richie didn't like pictures being taken of autographs either. Annoying, but worth it to see Amy. Which I've been trying to do for 3 freaking years. So finally!

In fact, I was thinking in my mind, "Hmm, 3 years, and finally she is standing in front of me waiting for me to say something.. oh." Then I clambered out of that, but was still in the type of tunnel vision in which nothing around you exists outside of your object of focus. Which was, in this case, Amy. Who is even more beautiful in person. I don't even know how I managed to speak. Put somehow I did, and I took out my sealed copy of The Open Door, that I've had since the first day it was released. The conversation went like this...

Me: Can you write "Pirates for the win" on it?
Amy (looking at the CD): Don't you want to take the plastic off of it first? Otherwise the signature will get lost.
Me (dumbfounded): Um... uh.. okay..
Amy: I mean, you don't have to, or...oh, are you keeping it sealed forever?
Me: Yes, I planned to do that and buy another copy to listen to.
Amy: Oh, okay then.
Me: Or do you thnk the marker will get wiped off from it?
Amy (laughing): Yes! (proceeds to take the album from my hand and tear through the plastic with her teeth)
Me: ..... *gaping and probably drooling at what is just about the most shocking and yet beautifully exhilirating experience of my life*
Me: I'm sorry for that.
Amy: It's totally okay *puts wrapper in pocket, signs her name* now what was it you wanted me to write?
Me: Pirates for the win.
Amy: But what does that mean?
Me: There's been a huge battle that started on EvBoard between pirates and ninjas. It's a big division!
Amy: Oh, I know! Like twenty people have asked which one I am! And I know what I like, but...I can't take a side. But here, I'll write this.
Me: Awesome... Thank you, so much.
Amy: You're very welcome.

End Result: "Oh you crazy kids with your pirates, ninjas + cupcakes."

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/Shivercide/Events/Minneapolis%20Ev%20Concert%202006/TOD_AmySigned3.jpg

Amy's toothmark on the edge/corner of the case:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/Shivercide/Events/Minneapolis%20Ev%20Concert%202006/TOD_AmysToothMark2.jpg

Then shortly afterwards we all went out to eat and had the best waitress ever. I'll leave Tyler to that one. But here's (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/Shivercide/Events/Minneapolis%20Ev%20Concert%202006/1006_Group.jpg) a pictar!!

But yeah. Awesome. On the way out of the city, we saw the same guy with the flowers, still holding onto them, walking all emo-like down the street. Hahaha.

And even though I'm so so sad that Melanie had to leave me today (I've been in tears off and on all day) it was seriously a wonderful experience that I needed so very much.

<33

[Katya]

Oh PFFT @ Amy! She said pirate! *pouts*

But ROFL that was such a cute conversation. The wrapper thing was hysterical the way you told it. :D I'm glad you had such a good time!

Now you have to come up here mmk? <333

[Melanie]

I too am waiting for Tyler's epic post, it only seems fitting that he be the one to give the full account.
I am just now getting back to the Sunshine State. It still stands that Chicago/O'Hare can bite my ass sideways x 2. Horrific flights and all, this pretty much rates with one of the best weekends of my life. The concert with just the icing on the cake. The concert and its memories will fade, but the friendships will last a lifetime. You know who you are. <3333

And Tyler...btw I didnt bring my camera in remember, I was taking pics with your camera, silly. 8-D

Now hurry up and get in here and post. The anticipation is killing me.

[ErgoProxy]

lmao! @ Amy's toothmark! nice convo you guys had too. Yall know she likes pirates and now she's afraid to say it! :p It's all good Amy, "we" know! *wink wink*

Can't wait for more pictars! :D

[Loser]

I wanted to make sure to keep the rights to the pics, so sorry about the pseudo-water marks. I thought you guys may enjoy these.

http://studentwebs.winona.edu/bdbranso1656/ev001.jpg
http://studentwebs.winona.edu/bdbranso1656/ev002.jpg
http://studentwebs.winona.edu/bdbranso1656/ev003.jpg
http://studentwebs.winona.edu/bdbranso1656/ev004.jpg
http://studentwebs.winona.edu/bdbranso1656/ev005.jpg
http://studentwebs.winona.edu/bdbranso1656/ev006.jpg
http://studentwebs.winona.edu/bdbranso1656/ev007.jpg

[Nefertem]

Cool pictures! Thanx!! :)

[AwakenedPrinceIII]

Does any one now the setlist of the songs they did? They are not coming anywhere near Cleveland OH, and I'm dying to know which songs they did or a doing on the tour.

[Jaded_Whisper]

That was an awesome concert. Sorry I didn't get to meet any of you guys though! I will post pictures probally tommorow when I get them developed.

<3 Michelle

[Katya]

Does any one now the setlist of the songs they did? They are not coming anywhere near Cleveland OH, and I'm dying to know which songs they did or a doing on the tour.

I feel like this has been asked and answered in about every single concert thread so far...*sighs*

Sweet Sacrifice
Weight of the World
Going Under
The Only One
Haunted
Whisper
Lithium
Good Enough
CMWYS
Imaginary
BMTL
Lacrymosa

Encore: My Immortal, All That I'm Living For

[-Kristen]

Shivercide, your story is great. <3

[Nyx]

Pff, no ghetto fab to tell the story yet? I call shenanigans!!

Tyler, move over here and give us detailsssss! :p <3

[Shivercide]

Yeah, I'm getting ants in my pants in anticipation for Tyler's epic story, as well. Oh well, that probably means it's gonna be good. :) *nudges him anyway*

In the meantime... more pictures!! Yeah, I'm sorry I didn't get any of the concert *didn't have my camera* but I think there's a whole bunch on Tyler's cam. So, here's one before the show, of Rocky and me, and some after the show, of Amy talking to me/signing for me, even though I'm hardly shown in most of them. My husband took them. He only got the flash on the first one, as Amy's bodyguard told him NO MORE FLASH. Bleh. Sooo the rest are pretty dark, except for the fourth one which for some reason came out well. I brightened them as best as I could without completely destroying the quality. Sadly, he missed where she ripped the plastic off with her teeth. :/ She did it so fast...I'd sure like to know how she did that, lol.

Rocky and me after we bombarded him getting off the bus (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/Shivercide/Events/Minneapolis%20Ev%20Concert%202006/1007_Venue_RockySteph.jpg)

Amy looking at my CD (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/Shivercide/Events/Minneapolis%20Ev%20Concert%202006/1006_Venue_AmySigning-1.jpg)

Amy sees there's still plastic on the CD (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/Shivercide/Events/Minneapolis%20Ev%20Concert%202006/1006_Venue_AmySigning2.jpg)

Amy and I deciding over whether or not to open the CD (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/Shivercide/Events/Minneapolis%20Ev%20Concert%202006/1006_Venue_AmySigning5.jpg) (I can tell I completely suck in this picture, I'm almost glad it's so dark.)

Amy talking to me about pirates and ninjas (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/Shivercide/Events/Minneapolis%20Ev%20Concert%202006/1006_Venue_AmySigning4.jpg)

...Still talking about pirates and ninjas... (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/Shivercide/Events/Minneapolis%20Ev%20Concert%202006/1006_Venue_AmySigning3.jpg)

Amy finally signing my CD (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/Shivercide/Events/Minneapolis%20Ev%20Concert%202006/1006_Venue_AmySigning6.jpg)



By the way, I'm totally not letting anyone touch the album. Hehe.

[Jaded_Whisper]

Oh here are my pictures from the concert:

Reolution Theory (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/me_rocker/Revtheory.jpg)
Ev1 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/me_rocker/Ev10.jpg)
Ev2 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/me_rocker/Ev9.jpg)
Ev3 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/me_rocker/Ev8.jpg)
Ev4 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/me_rocker/Ev7.jpg)
Danielle with her box of gum (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/me_rocker/Ev6.jpg)
Ev5 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/me_rocker/ev5.jpg)
Ev6 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/me_rocker/Ev4.jpg)
Me the next day (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/me_rocker/Ev3.jpg)
Ev7 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/me_rocker/Ev2.jpg)
Ev8 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/me_rocker/Ev1.jpg)

<3 Michelle

[Melanie]

Michelle you were totally standing like two people away from me the whole concert!! Who knew?

[Jaded_Whisper]

Michelle you were totally standing like two people away from me the whole concert!! Who knew?

Haha really! That's crazy. What were you wearing? I might have even talked to you. I know I talked to a lot of the people that were standing around me.

<3 Michelle

[Melanie]

I am pretty sure I didnt talk to you, I was too busy fighting off the old pervert with the camera bag that was also plaguing Steph.

This is me in the middle
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/gsxr600red/1006_Venue_UsQueers.jpg

[Jaded_Whisper]

I am pretty sure I didnt talk to you, I was too busy fighting off the old pervert with the camera bag that was also plaguing Steph.

This is me in the middle
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y289/gsxr600red/1006_Venue_UsQueers.jpg

Oh ok. I remember that guy with the camera bag what was he doing? I saw the blonde haired kid that was with him taking pictures today in Target.
Who is that guy standing next to you in the picture? He was behind me during the concert for a while.

<3 Michelle

[Goaltender29]

That's Tyler (ghettofab). I was behind him for most of the concert. That's so funny that you were right next to us.

[Jaded_Whisper]

That's Tyler (ghettofab). I was behind him for most of the concert. That's so funny that you were right next to us.

Okay. That is really funny! I should've worn my nametag. It probally would have fallen off though.

<3 Michelle

[Goaltender29]

Here are a few of my pictures. Hope they aren't too big.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/reelbigloser/100_1377.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/reelbigloser/100_1379.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/reelbigloser/100_1385.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/reelbigloser/100_1391.jpg

About as close to a post-show picture of Amy as I got. (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/reelbigloser/100_1393.jpg)

My autograph, which is now faded, but still there. (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/reelbigloser/100_1401.jpg)

[Melanie]

Oh ok. I remember that guy with the camera bag what was he doing? I saw the blonde haired kid that was with him taking pictures today in Target.
<3 Michelle

That camera bag was deceptive, hard as a rock and forever moving. I was certain he was getting his jollys off of my behind...but whetever. *rolls eyes*
His kid must have taken 300 pictures at least. Most of which were awesome, which infuriated me even more. I had a great mind to steal that damn camera and kick his dad in the crotch.

Wow, my hormones are raging this morning. Please ignore me.

[Shivercide]

That camera bag was deceptive, hard as a rock and forever moving. I was certain he was getting his jollys off of my behind...but whetever. *rolls eyes*

That is totally what I thought. The whole show I was like.. "Cryyy get away from meeee." Why I was so glad when you told me it was just a camera bag...

[Raphael Maximo]

More pics...

http://www.amylee.com.br/fotos/albums/uploads/minneapolis/Image00049.jpg
http://www.amylee.com.br/fotos/albums/uploads/minneapolis/Image00047.jpg
http://www.amylee.com.br/fotos/albums/uploads/minneapolis/Image00054.jpg
http://www.amylee.com.br/fotos/albums/uploads/minneapolis/Image00059.jpg

[Shivercide]

More pics...

You shouldn't post direct links... that's why they aren't showing up.

By the way, whose pictures are these? I see you posted someone else's pics in the Chicago thread, as well.

[Melanie]

Tyler, if you don't post soon I am so gonna steal your thunder. We wouldn't want that would we? :p

[Shivercide]

Tyler, please hurry.

I need to read your story before I die.

....

;)

Oh yeah. No pressure.

[ghetto fab]

hi everyone look at my new avatar <3.

I plan on posting my story within the next day or so, depending. I'm about halfway done with it and it's already five~ pages. Take that Katya.

p.s. Where's Maggie? She was supposed to go but she hasn't posted. *looks for*

[Shivercide]

*cry @ Tyler*

I've been waiting my whole life for this!!



<3


P.S. Your avatar is SCARING me!

[Katya]

hi everyone look at my new avatar <3.

I plan on posting my story within the next day or so, depending. I'm about halfway done with it and it's already five~ pages. Take that Katya.


Haha. My entire Word document had Boston and NYC reviews, and then separate meetage for each. The entire document totalled 13 pages or so. :p

So I still win. ;) BUT I WANT TO SEE YOUR EPIC DAMNIT PLEEEEEASE.

[Maggie]

I WAS THERE GHETTO FAB. I was in the vry vry front. She wouldn't touch us. >:|

[Melanie]

Haha. My entire Word document had Boston and NYC reviews, and then separate meetage for each. The entire document totalled 13 pages or so. :p

So I still win. ;) BUT I WANT TO SEE YOUR EPIC DAMNIT PLEEEEEASE.


You just had to go and say something didnt you...we will be waiting another week. *rolls eyes* Its hard work keeping up with the Katya's! :p

[Jaded_Whisper]

Holy krap, five pages!!! This must be quite an interesting story.

P.S.: I love your avatar.

<3 Michelle

[Firefly]

thanks for the review and great pictures! I'd wish they had done at least 1 cover though.

[Jaded_Whisper]

thanks for the review and great pictures! I'd wish they had done at least 1 cover though.

They did play the beginning of Marylin (sp?) Manson's song The Beautiful people! Hehe

<3 Michelle

[ghetto fab]

omg drama! *eats*

Two weeks later and I’m done. Who does that? This board has a 10k character limit so this story has to be spread out over multiple posts. If this was Evboard I'd be castrated and nailed to a cross upside down or something <3. BUT IT'S NOT. It works out, actually, because this forum also happens to have a limit of 4 images per post and I have tons of images I want to use. :eek: <---there's one!

***

Saturday, October 14th. I had two things on the agenda that day: get my weave done and meet Stephanie (Shivercide) and Melanie. None of us knew exactly when they’d be getting into town, but the two of them decided it’d be early enough that we could all go out to eat somewhere that night.

I got directions to the hotel the pair (+ Stephanie’s husband) were staying at from one of the receptionists at my salon. I called Melanie to try and verify what was going on—no answer. I left a message. A couple more calls and another message (or two?) later I decided to stop harassing her and just go out to the hotel. Before they arrived I joked that I’d stake out their hotel, a stalker Tyler and “Snow White Queen” greeting them upon their arrival. If only my truck had a CD player that dream could’ve been realized.

I arrived at the hotel around 6pm. My waiting time reached about a half hour when my phone rang. Excited, I quickly grabbed my phone. It was my mom. An expletive something along the lines of “GOD DAMNIT” was freed before I answered it. An interesting conversation ensued:

Mom: “What’re you doing?”
Me: “Waiting at a hotel for some friends.” (All too aware of how that sounds.)
Mom: “Oh… what kind of hotel?”

I gave her the explanation of the situation and how this was all pre-concert preparations. I bemoaned the lack of communication I was experiencing when…

Me: “I think they just pulled in front of me… yeah that’s them, I gotta go!”

I got out and started waving wildly, waiting for one of them to look over at me. Stephanie’s husband was first to look and he didn’t seem to know what to make of the flailing madman. Soon I got Melanie’s attention. “He said he’d be waiting!” she laughed. We then went to the check-in. “My Internet friends, come to life!” I beamed.

We did a bit of talking in the hotel room before making the Mall of America our next destination. We parked in “Hawaii,” which was probably where Melanie wanted to be. She wasn’t used to the briskness of the Upper Midwest, but she got over it b/c the rest of us warmed her <3. Abstractly speaking. Or would it be metaphorically? Can it be both? I don’t know, and quite honestly I have more interesting things to talk about.

It was just an hour or two now into our stay together and a classic Tyler “blonde but not” moment happened. I had been expecting a call from someone so I needed my phone, but a quick feel of my pockets turned up nothing. Figuring I left it in the car, I drug them back outside again to get it. We unlock the car and I peer into the side of my door where I thought I placed it. Empty. I felt my pocket one more time and suddenly had my answer. I remained silent. “Is it in your pocket!?” Melanie asked.

“Umm… k, let’s go back in,” I said, flustered. Yes, it was there the whole time. But everybody does it!

We walked around some, mostly window shopping and people watching. I did ensure they went into the souvenir “Love from Minnesota” store. Melanie got a spoon for her grandma to eat her applesauce with <3. Stephanie and Steve got postcards, which I think was just their way of appeasing me b/c I was nagging them to buy a memento. I mean why would you buy postcards when you don’t even have time to send them and will be back in town like, the next day? So I think they’re probably sitting atop her computer right now or something.

Eventually we found our way to the Rainforest Café, which was way cool. We followed little footprints on the ground to the waiting area, where we were escorted to our table amidst foliage overhang and apes protruding from the walls. Our delightful little waitress greeted us and warned us of the “rainstorms”—showy displays of mechanical wall-apes going wild, thunder and flashing light—that erupted every 30 minutes. I decided I should brace myself with a nice 24 oz. tropical Captain Morgan concoction. I offered my license without her asking (as I always do b/c of my youthful vitality) and assured her it was me. I freely admit it’s a very androgynous picture, taken when I was at the peak of divahood earlier this year. With hair since cut and blue dye removed, it results in a fairly dramatic difference in appearance.

“Is that your sister?” she ribbed. She quickly followed with a “Just kidding!” We all laughed… but I knew the bitch was just j-e-a-l-o-u-s.

I was happily sipping my perfectly suiting fruity drink when the waitress came to take our order. Suddenly the lights dimmed and a crack of thunder rumbled over the speakers. Flaring lights and chest-beating mechanical apes abound! Melanie nonchalantly placed her order, but when it came to me I was far too distracted to comply. “Sorry, there’s just too much chaos. It’s jarring!” I told our hostess. Not only was the whole extravaganza distracting, but so was the boy who I would’ve killed to have our waiter. He was fine; Melanie and I spent much of our time ogling him. (Okay it was mostly me.) I think it was Melanie that assured me most male waiters are gay, which really uplifted me. It was either her who said it or someone who I told the story to. SOMEONE DID.

The hard part came once we were done at the restaurant: we had to figure out how to get the hell out of the place. We walked around the labyrinth shopping center for a good half hour in search of our way out. As we walked out I introduced the three to what I affectionately call the “Minnesota hooch”: girls who aren’t quite ready to dress modestly for the winter weather, so they compromise and wear short shorts with a sweater/hoodie top. It’s insane and I’m not sure I’ll ever understand it.

By the time we got back to the hotel it was a little late. The fact that I didn’t really know my way back home + I was a bit buzzed still + I was tired resulted in an impromptu sleepover. But first we all gossiped like the girls we are and had a big nerd talk about Evboard and certain people. It was great being able to gush about the forum to people who actually knew what the hell I was talking about for once. Anyone else I mention it to only vaguely know of its existence and certainly don’t know what a b00bles is. We talked for hours and didn’t go to bed until I think 3am <3.

Oh, and we looked at pictures! I saw a pic of Melanie in a bathing suit like ten years ago and she looked smoking. I told her it almost makes me straight and she wasn't having it. (Yes, Melanie, you look awesome there AND YOU STILL DO <3.)

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p8/aimeeleigh4lyfe/1006_Hotel_MelanieTyler-1.jpg

Nighty night aka me being cute + buzzed + way tired:

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p8/aimeeleigh4lyfe/hoteltyler.jpg

Now there were only two beds, one dedicated to Stephanie and her husband and the other to Melanie. And I didn’t sleep on the floor, so figure that one out. (Yes we slept together and it was a-mazing. Best bed buddy evarrr.) Sadly I didn’t sleep too well, mostly because A) I was in my clothes and B) I like to sprawl out and I was all confined and ****. But I got a few hours in.

Normally I’d be all kinds of fatigued, but the thrill of the day chased away any beckoning for slumber. I went home and dressed myself in my Sunday gothic best: rock star shoes, jeans, my “Vanity, Treachery and Death” skull shirt, and black hoodie. I was gawthed out and ready to rock.

And it appeared everyone else in line was as well. A sea of wretched black awaited me as I met with my Evboard friends: it was as if Hell’s gates yawned open beneath First Avenue and spit forth its most gruesome (and dark!) denizens to haunt Minneapolis’ streets… along with a dash of teenage girl. One hulking figure stood out amidst the ebon tide, and not just b/c he was wearing red. A tall man was he, and he seemed to fit the description ReelBigLoser on Evboard gave of himself. Melanie bravely wandered over to him, and I think she actually did ask if he was the “ReelBigLoser” on Evboard. He was, thankfully, and he came to join us.

By now our group swelled to six of us, including Marika. She was there before everyone and kindly held a spot for the rest of the stragglers. We all mingled a bit and tried to figure out if the bus across the street was the tour bus before going to gawk @ it and eat at the conveniently located Hard Rock Cafe:

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p8/aimeeleigh4lyfe/HardRockedit.jpg

[ghetto fab]

When we got back in line there was a guy talking to Marika. He was looking for a ticket, and I happened to have an extra one. We had some logistical issues with Sparky the previous night and he wasn't able to attend. I was just looking to get rid of it and didn't care to question his claim that all he had on him was $35. I told him I paid $40+ for it and that he was getting a good deal. He thanked me profusely and went about his way. I later realized how dumb and naive that was of me. I'm sure he had more money than that but I felt bad turning him down or questioning him. I should've gotten at least face value though. Boo @ being nice.

After that episode we decided to go around the venue to our cars to drop some things off. We’re almost to the parking lot and suddenly Ritchie ambles out of the tour bus and we’re like, “:O, Ritchie!” He mumbled a “Hey” or something in our direction and went on about his business. He wasn’t in a chatty mood. Since it was now clear where the action was going to be, we opted to wait to see if any other rock stars sprang up.

First out was Terry. He was really nice and was so chill. As mentioned earlier, one of the first things he said was, “How the **** do you get in this place?” It was pretty funny. He took pictures with us, at one point lamenting that he “couldn’t see ****” because we were looking directly into the sun. I also asked him what he thought of Minneapolis and if it was better than Detroit, because I mentioned how I heard him on one of our stations saying there was nothing good about that city. He just kind of grinned and didn’t answer me. So I don’t know if he was just out of it or if he doesn’t care for our city either.

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p8/aimeeleigh4lyfe/TerryGroupPicEDIT.jpg

It almost seemed like he would’ve just sat out there with us but I decided to kind of shoo him along. I was like, “You guys I think he has better things to do,” lol. I don’t remember who was being all talkative with him but I was feeling like we were overextending ourselves. So off he went.

Rocky came out next and also stopped to visit. Just like Terry, he was some cool peeps <3. Right as he came out a crazy man was walking down the street yelling psychobabble to no one in particular. Rocky was transfixed—he just stared at the dude. I was like, “Welcome to Minneapolis!”

I took a picture:

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p8/aimeeleigh4lyfe/crazydudeEDIT.jpg

Then he took pictures with us. I was being a greedy bitch and found my way into Stephanie’s picture too, so I have TWO with him. Actually I was thinking I wasn’t getting a solo one w/him for some reason so that’s why I’m in hers too. I think I look dumpy. I mean I’m not one of those MySpace girls who needs the “angles, lighting” to look good, but still…

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p8/aimeeleigh4lyfe/RockyMeStephanieEDIT.jpg

Anyway, Rocky is super nice and so down to earth. He's awesome. I felt more starstruck with him than I did w/Terry. I was thinking, "omg Rocky's looking at me." =O

John came out afterwards and was surprisingly brief with us. He just said “hey” or something and went on about his business. I had a picture of him walking away I was going to put up, but decided to punish him for not being more hospitable. *shuns* So he had better things to do. We lingered around for a short time after that and convinced ourselves Amy was squirreled away inside the venue.

At some point during the rock star parade Tim came out. We weren’t quite sure what to do with him because he was on his cellphone. We eyed him and he eyed us and I think he got uneasy or decided he, like John, had better things to do and he walked off. I can’t decide if I think he’s cute or not. He’s definitely “not bad,” but he just seems a bit standoffish. Maybe he’s just “trying to find himself” in the band still.

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p8/aimeeleigh4lyfe/byeTerryhiTimEDIT.jpg

We finally went back in line and gushed to Bryan and Marika about our find. It’s not every day you have your favorite rock stars all to yourself. Marika was clearly pretty jealous and looked even a tad resentful. By now it was just a few hours to the show. We all waited anxiously.

…but not before the Crazy Man that entranced Rocky came back for an encore. He slowly shuffled along the length of the line, gold-edged Bible tucked under one arm. His mad stares and nonsensical rambling made for an interesting spectacle. He informed one group that they can’t call the police on him because if they do, “I escape.” I imagine he thought the whole lot of us were devil worshippers, which is of course way worse than simply being bat**** insane. After a while he decided to take his show elsewhere and went across the street to the Hard Rock. Instead of waiting for a green light like normal people, he walked against traffic and held up his Bible to an oncoming vehicle as he continued about his way. So besides spiritual enlightenment, holy books are also useful for stopping traffic!

About an hour before the show, a guy on a bike zoomed past us and declared that they were forming two lines, one where we were currently and the other back around where the tour bus was. Enter frantic screaming and fans practically tripping over one another as all the poor souls at the back of the line raced up to try and get a prime spot. I noted to Stephanie or Melanie (possibly both, like I can remember these details) how unceremonious this line-splitting was compared to what Katya said happened at one of her shows. She said they did it all fair-like there. Here it was just a free-for-all.

As we stood in line we noticed the doors to the venue would randomly swing open and someone would exit. During one such occasion Amy’s voice suddenly soared out amidst some bass pounding. We all turned to each other and were like, “Did you hear that!?” I remember Stephanie and Melanie thought it was a tape and I’m like, “That’s not a tape! Why would they play a tape now?” She sounded that amazing. I couldn’t even hear what the hell she was singing—all I knew is that it completely grabbed hold of me. (My coworker Natasha, who was in the second line, later confirmed it was live because one of the staff outside said the band was doing soundcheck.)

The doors finally opened a bit after 5pm. I observed the pat-downs of the concertgoers in front of us so I could best scheme how I was going to get my two cameras in. Earlier I had stuffed them in the front portion of my waistband, b/c I knew that unless the frisker was gay he definitely wasn’t going there. The people were lifting their arms out to the side and up, which worried me—I’d have to be cautious enough not to reach too high and end up betraying the cameras’ location.

I felt like a would-be terrorist trying to go through airport security when it was my turn. I lifted my arms up—but not too high—and tried to look as unassuming as possible as he narrowly avoided my precious cargo. Moving further down, he felt the chapstick in my right pocket and began fondling its outline. “It’s just my chapstick,” I assured him, and with that I was cleared to go in.

Inside the security measures were even worse. They weren’t even scanning the e-tickets, instead stacking them beneath a weight and stamping the hands of those who procured them. If I’d have known that, I would have been mighty tempted to Xerox a few extra tickets and peddle them to the poor beggars pacing the line outside earlier. Had anyone known beforehand how the e-tickets were essentially a free pass, the crush of people inside the venue would’ve been all the more suffocating.

At first it wasn’t too bad. The seven of us blitzed to the front of the venue’s floor, getting just behind a lightly fortified front row of gawthed out girls. Easy prey, I thought. Even a waif like me could knock a couple out and commandeer their enviable vantage points. There was a perk to being a layer or two into the crowd, though: supposedly there was a sign warning those who took pictures that they’d be ejected from the venue and film would be confiscated if they were discovered. So I spared the girls.

I watched our potential exits hastily close in around us as the crowd filled in. Before it did, I had the presence of mind to purchase my two dollar bottle of water before the shop shuttered its window. I had a feeling I’d need it.

[ghetto fab]

Revelation Theory arrived on stage greeted with hoots and screams. I think at least some of that excitement was just due to people being glad the show was finally starting, but we’ll pretend it was all for Revelation Theory. I had somewhat of an idea what to expect having read the prior concert experiences from others: a band with great stage presence, but not without its high school guidance counselor flair (“This song’s for all of you who were told you couldn’t do it. Because if you put your mind to it, and your heart to it, you can do ANYTHINGGGG!!!”) His periodic, tantalizingly corny theatrics were worth the trade-off, though… that trade-off being a vast array of pelvic hip thrusts. His body frequently arched backwards, revealing sweat glistening down his tight stomach as he howled expletives into his microphone. (/erotica)

Melanie motioned for me to give her one of my crotch cameras and I obliged. My favorite picture b/c it's ****in' hot:

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p8/aimeeleigh4lyfe/Rich3EDIT.jpg

Oh, but then his shirt came off! Me and Natasha squealed at each other as we stared intently at the wonderfully tattooed sculpture before us, the music a backdrop to it all. Hot, hot, hot. Rich also looked at me a few times during the set and if I had panties I so would’ve thrown them at him. Instead I just smiled coyly.

All in all they were “good.” I remember someone posting on Evboard (Tracie?) that she thought the band performed like they were hungry for “it,” which I agree with. I really couldn’t understand a whole lot of what he was saying, though I did make out a number of “****s,” if that accounts for anything. I’m one of those who’s really only a fan of well-placed obscenities, so hearing it over and over was a little off-putting. But again, Rich could sing a song about George Carlin’s Seven Dirty Words and I’d love it. As long as his shirt was off. Oh, and bonus points for the oh-so-homoerotic up-close singing Rich was doing with one of the guitarists. They were like, literally two inches apart and staring into each other’s eyes. :eek:

The wait following their act was the most painful part. It was about a half hour but seemed like over an hour. Drums were thumped, guitars strummed, the microphone “eee-ahh-ayyy’d,” (definitely the most interesting) and the lights flickered and beamed about. Reported sightings of Amy cropped up, one of her changing (???), another of her across in the other direction. I never did see her. Until, that is, the stage went dark and cheers erupted from throughout the venue. The rest of the band assumed their positions and a few moments later Amy strode out.

After all this time idolizing her on television, radio, DVD, Internet, AND WHATEVER ELSE, it was surreal actually seeing her in person. For once she wasn’t in some far-flung television appearance, or a music video, or whatever—she was a mere 20 feet from me. There was of course a lot of energy for the opening songs, but it seemed like “Going Under” elicited the best crowd response, particularly because it was the first one that was really sang by everyone. The sing-along to the opening verse, “Now I will tell you what I’ve done for you…” was great.

While the camera flashes were minimal during Revelation Theory, they quickly ramped up when Evanescence came on. Emboldened, I began to surreptitiously snap some pictures while ducking behind and between some heads for cover. A staff member with Bride of Frankenstein hair and steely eyes scanned the crowd a mere ten feet from me, so I had to take her into consideration too.

Meanwhile the crowd was steadily compacting. I think it was Melanie that warned us all to stand our ground and not let anyone push past us; luckily we had the 6’3 (?) Bryan behind me who was our first and impenetrable line of defense. Still, the few inches of space I had zoned around me during Revelation Theory shrunk to at best one inch. It wouldn’t have been so bad if there were some hotties around me I could rub up on, but that wasn’t the case.

At some point in the middle she took a break to tell the crowd: “I love my life. I love my job. I don’t have to sit in an office. I get to sing rock songs," she exclaimed, arm swinging downward for emphasis, "and sweat!” She said a couple other things but I can’t decipher them from the video. (LINK (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCBFQtmsNhk)) She also thanked everyone for their #1 debut. Amy’s gentler side came out when she cautioned against crushing a girl (or a pair of them, I don’t remember) in the pseudo-mosh pit to the right of us that flared up now and then. (I’d heard a high-pitched, “****ING STOP IT!” screech from that direction earlier.) The mosh would occasionally spill over to where we were, sending me careening into the stairs and grabbing onto anyone to my left for balance. Annoying, but kind of fun.

Like others have posted in their respective concert threads, Amy took the time at our show as well to observe how absolutely ****ing hot it was. She said it was bad enough up where she was and she couldn’t imagine what it was like for us, saying, “They’ve really got you packed in!” The flushed, defeated faces of people clawing their way out of the pit to escape the stifling heat testified to the difficult environment. I called these small victories, as each one gone meant one more millimeter for me. How horrible of me. :(

CMWYS was the next song after “Going Under” that got the best crowd reaction. There’s a few videos of the show on YouTube and this one’s my favorite, partly because the quality is the best. (LINK (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqxO3ttfL1g))

It was around this point in the set that communal water was being passed around rigorously. I was a bit spiteful that I paid $2 for my sustenance and now people were getting it for free. Let them all drop, I say! *climbs atop bodies* Earlier in the show my coworker’s boyfriend flung some water into the crowd and got reprimanded by Bride of Frankenstein for doing so, but now it was being done by concertgoers and staff alike with no scolding involved. I guess they decided being alive is good after all.

I remember it getting the worst around “Imaginary.” Breathing was almost becoming a chore for me, my head getting lighter—and this was being towards the edge of the crowd and with my own water. I found some room on the steps I’d grown fond of thanks to the mosh and climbed atop those for relief. I was a meager head’s length above the rest of the crowd, but it did help keep me alive. By now I’d made it far enough into the concert to see Amy go back to the piano/keyboard and play the piano instrumental in the middle of the song, <3, which was cool and unexpected.

“Lacrymosa” is in my top three favorite songs off the album and was one I was looking forward to all night. I lip-synched the sultry intro with Amy, did the Amy Lee fist pump during the “Not this time” part, and overall enjoyed this song the most, right up there with "Lithium." By the end of it I was ready to collapse, but knew the encore was coming. I wasn’t going anywhere without a fight. Or without dying first. One of the two.

There were no “My Immortal” quips from Amy like she’s done in the past on the tour, though I was kind of hoping for one. Even though she hates the song she clearly gets enjoyment out of the crowd reaction, so I’m sure it balances out for her. She has just got to loathe singing his song all the time, haha.

I think it was during the intro to “All That I’m Living For” that Amy finally released her tied-back hair and allowed it to fall around her. I remember her grinning as she shook the tie out of her hair and tossed it aside. It was about time, too, because really—what’s an Evanescence concert without Amy Lee hair running wild? That’s half the show right there.

I got braver with my camera towards the end, especially during the encore. Since I was no longer trying to be NINJA (boo pir8s) they turned out a bit better. This is my favorite of the ones I took:

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p8/aimeeleigh4lyfe/AwesomeShotEDIT.jpg

[ghetto fab]

All in all, the show was, you guessed it, amazing. It made my life, or something really close to that. Amy genuinely looked like she was having fun, which made it all the more awesome. It was good to get to see her while she and the band were fresh on tour versus, say, the end of the Fallen tour when they were all burned out.

It’s hard to describe how awesome it is being with such a huge number of people who share the same love for a band that you do. Being that the tickets weren’t heavily advertised, you really had to be paying attention to what the band was doing to know they were ever on sale to begin with. Seeing other people sing along to the same songs you’ve lip-synched countless times = \m/. It was like heaven briefly descended upon First Avenue <3.

We were all too ready to leave after the encore and immediately pushed for the exit. I got to brush right past an autograph-signing Rich and desperately wanted to touch him but restrained myself. =X I settled for one last satisfying inspection of his physique, whispered “Good show” into his ear and gave a little tongue before dashing out. jk. I just did the first part and said “Good show” as I walked past him.

Unchained ourselves from our fiery constraints, the 30ish degree weather never felt more refreshing. An ambulance with its dancing red lights awaited us outside, surely one of many that paid the venue a visit that night. I didn’t see any “I SURVIVED THE OCTOBER 15TH MINNEAPOLIS EVANESCENCE CONCERT” shirts at the merchandise store inside; otherwise I would’ve definitely picked one up.

We hurried along to the side of the building, where a line was amassing beside the tour bus. Some people were either being retarded or assholes and decided that lines should grow horizontally instead of vertically. Ritchie eventually came out and directed these misguided to the back of the line. The dozens of people there began whittling away due to the “no longer refreshing” wind driven cold. Shivering and huddling together for warmth, it was clear our group had to be formed of the real diehards.

The homeless take any large public gatherings as an opportunity to panhandle, and this was no exception. One tattered-looking black man could be seen soliciting those in the front of the bulging line. Another one, at least willing to attempt to work for his wares, began chatting up some people around Melanie and Stephanie. Soon he was joyfully huffing on his harmonica, and I of course sensed a real “Kodak.” Could he be a future band member replacement for Evanescence? I’m sure we can work his instrument in there somewhere. You can see Melanie is listening very intently:

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p8/aimeeleigh4lyfe/HarmonicaMan.jpg

After at least an hour Ritchie told everyone to arrange themselves in a line at the opposite wall. “No pictures with Amy. You can take pictures of Amy, but not with her. And no pushing or shoving,” he bellowed, “or I’ll put Amy back on that tour bus!” We all briskly walked to where he directed like obedient little cadets. It’s no surprise that I and most likely everyone else was disappointed that they weren’t doing pictures. The line couldn’t have numbered more than a few dozen people, and it takes what, five seconds tops to get a picture with each person? I think it’s bull****, but I guess she didn’t have to come out anyway so we should be grateful for that. (…) I would’ve loved a picture though.

I wanted to take a picture of her doing her thing with the autographs but Ritchie kept looking at me, or I thought he was anyway. So like, even though he said we could I was afraid to, lol. At one point I dared to remove myself from the wall and was like, a foot away from it as I tried to peer over at Amy and what was going on and one of the staff dudes actually touched me and told me to get back in line. I was like, wtf, I’m not even trying to get ahead of people or anything. So he was an *******. I think he just wanted an excuse to touch me like that dude who patted me down and was all up on my chapstick.

Karen had a camera and so did Stephanie/Steve, so I tried to work out something with our group where one person would take a picture of whoever was getting the autograph, pass the camera to the person behind them so they could take the next picture, etc., but it wasn’t happening. Karen was having problems with her camera for some reason and I don’t know what Steve’s excuse was.

As I got closer to Amy I couldn’t believe I was upgrading from “20 feet away” in the venue to “omg I can touch her!” She was flanked by Ritchie and another black guy, so the whole situation was all around a little intimidating and kept shenanigans to a minimum (not that I would have engaged in any!). I already posted before what my experience with the autograph signing with Amy was so I won’t repeat myself. Karen did manage to get a picture of my ghostly fingers apparently reaching out to embrace Amy, or perhaps coming back from one. The look on her face is like, “Oh god, not another one.” (jk.) I do wonder how I’d like having to be a hug whore to everyone, but then I’d think of the money I’d be making and I think I’d get over it.

Meanwhile, Ritchie's looking at the pictures Melanie wanted to give to Rocky.

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p8/aimeeleigh4lyfe/AMYABOUTTOHUGME2-1.jpg

Now I can say Amy Lee both looked at me and hugged me. What.

Hers was the only autograph we got that night. The guys apparently weren’t feeling it that day or something. We saw Terry come out of the show shortly after we got in line for Amy and he ducked into the bus right quick. I don’t know where any of the other guys were. The one-on-one time we got earlier with Terry and Rocky made up for those two being gone, anyway.

Afterwards we all decided we’d go to a place called Old Chicago, a pizzeria-type place. It was around 11pm then but they were open for another couple hours so it was all good. All eight of us squeezed into a booth and talked about… things. We had the best waitress ever, too. She was cute, so sweet, etc. She said she just had to get a picture of us all:

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p8/aimeeleigh4lyfe/oldchicago.jpg

From left to right:

Bryan (ReelBigLoser on Evboard), Steve aka Stephanie's Husband, Shivercide aka Stephanie, Melanie, ghetto fab aka Tyler aka Me, Bridget (Marika's friend), Marika, Karen.

I really had to plead a bit to get our waitress' picture, but she finally caved and let me take a quick one of her too.

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p8/aimeeleigh4lyfe/WaitressEDIT.jpg

Bryan split from the group once we left as he went to take the light rail or something. I felt bad because I kept walking behind Stephanie/Steve and turned around and was like, “Come on, what’s everyone doing?” and Melanie told me Bryan had to go and they were sending him off. I was like, “Oh. Oops” b/c I didn’t know he was going. So sorry about that!

I felt the whole walking back situation was scenic so I took a picture of a Hooters across the street that didn’t turn out too well. (I wanted to post it but I've already reached my IMAGE QUOTA. It's in my photobucket (http://s124.photobucket.com/albums/p8/aimeeleigh4lyfe/), along with tons of other pictures I couldn't post.)

On our way back to the parking lot we noticed the tour bus was still there. We saw Terry through one of the windows and I waved, but I don’t think he was paying attention since we didn’t get a response. At least I don’t think we did. Melanie then gave her leftover lasagna to one of the homeless men wandering around our line earlier. He said “God bless you!” or something.

It was time to say our goodbyes and that’s always sad. Melanie’s eyes were welling up and I told her to go cry in the car, which came out wrong because WHAT I MEANT was that if she cried in front of me I might want to too—so she should do it privately. lol. <3. Melanie also invited Karen and co. (Marika and her friend Bridget) to ride in my truck so I could drop them off where Karen parked b/c it was past midnight in downtown Minneapolis and we all know what happens then. She said she was sorry for doing that but I was like, no that’s okay I was going to anyway b/c I’m a gentleman. Unfortunately my truck is a sty so I had to pile all these bags in the corner and Marika/Bridget barely squeezed into the back of my truck, but they lived. <3.

The stupid thing about it all was that Karen parked in the Target Center, which is just across from the venue. So you’d think it’d be an easy trip. NOT SO FAST, because in Minneapolis there’s a bunch of one-way streets going on so we couldn’t easily get over there. It took us at least 15 minutes to find our way into the building despite it being maybe 50 feet away from us. On the bright side, our detour afforded us the opportunity to see Tim “embracing” some chick on the corner of the venue. They were all alone there and it was really picturesque. (Honestly it wasn’t anything raunchy. I mean “embracing” in the softest sense <3.)

As if that wasn’t enough, once we actually got there Karen’s door wasn’t unlocking so they couldn’t get out. She said it reminded her of the movie The Bone Collector and asked if anyone had seen it. It was pretty funny. Little did they know about the knife in the glove compartment… *EEE EEE*

In conclusion, I had a great time and love you all. I'm so glad you all made it and I especially <3 Melanie and Stephanie for coming into town. xoxo.

p.s. Aimee Leigh 4 lyfe.

[Katya]

BOUT TIME YOU POSTED THAT THING. Geez. I gave up and went to bed :p

Haha. Seriously that's an awesome account of your day, and I'm really glad you got to meet almost everyone :) To make you feel better, they weren't allowing pics with Amy in Boston, either.

I totally knew you'd fall over yourself when you saw Rich from Rev Theory btw. ;) Haha.

<3333 j00 ghetto fab. Awesome recap. :)

[Shivercide]

Yeah, I kinda passed out at my computer last night (early this morning) waiting for you to post, d00d. It's almost surreal to see that it's finally here!

But Tyler, how could you NOT have mentioned the awesome tackle hug you gave me right before we left? I almost took you in the car with us, remember?? *tears that she was forgotten* Oh well, that was the highlight of my night. Okay, AFTER meeting Amy at least... ;)

Anyway. About the postcards - funny recount on them, but I don't buy postcards to send them, silly. Like Melanie collects things from every Hard Rock she goes to, I have this thing where I have to collect postcards from every state I go to. It used to be maps, but then they just got expensive.

That crazy/babbling/opera singing/bible-carrying guy was hilarious, though scary. The look on Rocky's face was just classic, I wish one of us had gotten a picture of that. Seriously. What made it scary though was when the crazy guy appeared in the line, and stood right behind Steve just....staring. Even after we all scattered and left poor Steve there, I looked back to see him still standing RIGHT behind Steve. I had to go back and rescue him, eek. Oh yeah, take a look at the parked cars in the picture you took of the fanatic.

Okay, I guess now that you've FINALLY finished your story, I can post the sexay picture/drawing/doodle you left in my poetry journal. :D

*will be back later*

P.S. Thanks for your epic, Tyler.

[CrackedOutLithium]

After at least an hour Ritchie told everyone to arrange themselves in a line at the opposite wall. “No pictures with Amy. You can take pictures of Amy, but not with her. And no pushing or shoving,” he bellowed, “or I’ll put Amy back on that tour bus!” We all briskly walked to where he directed like obedient little cadets. It’s no surprise that I and most likely everyone else was disappointed that they weren’t doing pictures. The line couldn’t have numbered more than a few dozen people, and it takes what, five seconds tops to get a picture with each person? I think it’s bull****, but I guess she didn’t have to come out anyway so we should be grateful for that. (…) I would’ve loved a picture though..

I kinda agree with that. When its not THAT many people I dont see the big deal about the pics but when its like a huge crowd like after Philly (i never seen any kind of crowd like that waiting for them before) then it gets crazy. Amy was out there for over an hour just signing stuff. And while it may not seem like alot of time to take a pic with someone...everyone wants a pic. If she does it for one person she has to do it for everyone. It gets annoying Im sure. Especially if theyre taking pics all day before the show with the record label people and other non fans that get into the meet and greets. It also depends on her mood if she doesnt feel like taking pics shes not going to but usually if theres a will theres a way ;) Anyways, im glad you got to meet her at least :) Im sure youll get a pic next time. I dont know why but in NYC she was in a real happy mood and jumping around all over the place her and John both were. Maybe touring is stressing them out already who knows. And yeah the homeless people are amusing there were a ton of them in Philly. :p

[Shivercide]

Okay, now that I actually have more than five minutes to breathe, I've decided to post. Again. Of course with Tyler's chicken scribbles.. ahem, I mean, amazing masterpiece.

He started doodling in my poetry journal at the hotel in Minneapolis, and normally if I caught anyone doing that I would just FLIP OUT. Because, you know, it's totally my poetry journal. But I had it on a blank page, and it's Tyler, so I guess it's okay.

Anyway, after he decided to leave most of the page blank, I decided I was going to enslave him and make him fill it up. So here it is!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v707/Shivercide/Minneapolis%20Ev%20Concert%202006/TylersDrawing.jpg

I think he tried making the uber-cool Ev logo, but then realized too late that there wasn't enough room on the page. Oh, and he had to copyright it, too - in case I decided to take credit for his work or something.





Oh yeah, something I wanted to mention earlier but forgot. When we were in line and the venue doors opened and Amy's voice came streaming out... I never once thought for a second that it was a tape, lol. If I said that I must have just been awe-struck. But I could totally tell it was like 10x better than any recording. So much more power behind it. Oh, and the song was Lithium. :)

[Nyx]

Holy mother of Kentucky! :eek:

Quite the epic story there, Tyler. It was awesome to read the whole thing. (yes, I only had time now. stupid school assignments)

I can only wish to be part of such a thing in the future. *sigh* How I wish I was born and raised on American land...

[Goaltender29]

Great story Tyler! I see why they wait so impatiently for it. And 6'3" is the correct height. Now if only that picture from the restaurant were more flattering. I apparently need to do a couple miles on the treadmill or something.

[Melanie]

My dearest Tyler...your story was well-worth the wait. <33

But...!!! Did you have to tell them about the darn bathing suit picture?!! I have now had 4 different people ask to see the darn thing. I swear Matt slips that picture into random photo albums to blackmail me.:mad:

I suppose I should post my account as well but it would never be as eloquent as yours.

Much love to all!

[ShapeShifter]

great review, tyler. damn long, but a good read. :]

But...!!! Did you have to tell them about the darn bathing suit picture?!! I have now had 4 different people ask to see the darn thing
*coughmakethat5peoplecough*

:P

[ghetto fab]

haha thanks everyone <3. I wanted to RELIVE IT ALL yet keep it semi-interesting, at least. ;)

Melanie you should be flattered. You little vixen. I'm glad you were able to get your computer working long enough to read it. <3.

Stephanie, I'm entrusting you to keep my masterpiece safe. Looking at it you'd never know I was buzzed or fatigued. I think there's some saying that artists can do their best work when drunk or on drugs or something. I think it's just drugs. Oops @ saying you thought Amy was a tape too. I thought it was you. Sry.

I didn't know that was your poetry journal, and I especially didn't know it was all special to you. Thanks for letting me write in it <3.

And wow Mike, I remember you saying Katya's was like the longest post you ever read. So I'm flattered you actually read mine. :) Thx.

p.s. Bryan you don't look fat. I'm slowly creeping upwards to 150 myself and it's showing in some of my pictures. Time to go buy an extra toothbrush! :eek: *lovingly eyes avatar*

p.p.s. I forgot to add that we saw Beth sitting on the side of the stage. Not really all that important but it was cool seeing her. She was enjoying herself a lot too, saw her smile at Amy several times. I was totally waiting for Amy to run over and pinch her nipple or something but it was tame. Maybe next time. :(

[Jaded_Whisper]

I read your story yesterday but I wasn't able to post about it but that story was awesome!

I remember that guy with the bible, he stood on the side walk and stared at me for a little bit. I was kind of scared heheh.

Best concert ever. Hopefully next time I will get to meet all of you! But, the next concert is most likely going to be someplace big so there is a chance I won't.

<3 Michelle

[Melanie]

Melanie you should be flattered. You little vixen. <3.

Uhh! Not so much! I love you for thinking so though. Mwah! I did entrust one person with a glance at that picture and if it gets out...I know who you are.:p


Oops @ saying you thought Amy was a tape too. I thought it was you. Sry.

That was me. Never in my life did I think that she would sound that astounding live. That alone was worth the trip and horrible stay in Chicago. It was my second highlight of the weekend, first was meeting you and Steph. <33
[/ENDsappylovefest]

[ShapeShifter]

Uhh! Not so much! I love you for thinking so though. Mwah! I did entrust one person with a glance at that picture and if it gets out...I know who you are.:p
don't worry, even if i wanted to show people, the sheer sexiness of the picture would cause them to 'esplode. only few eyes can handle such booty....i mean beauty. :P <3

[ghetto fab]

That was me. Never in my life did I think that she would sound that astounding live. That alone was worth the trip and horrible stay in Chicago. It was my second highlight of the weekend, first was meeting you and Steph. <33
[/ENDsappylovefest]

omg <333. Yeah, I really hope and pray she can carry that quality to the larger venues. And I know it was you who thought it was a tape, but I could've sworn someone else agreed with you. But this is getting old so I'll just give up, lol.

lol @ you cracking and showing Mike your picture. Funny. I should give your husband equal time and mention that I'm a fan of the 28" waist. Whoohoo!

[Goaltender29]

Thanks, Tyler. It just wasn't the best photo of me ever.

And yeah, I noticed Beth and I think she even smiled once when I made a face after getting hit unexpectedly by water, but maybe I imagined she was looking in my direction.

[adammikael]

found a website with some really cool shots of this show.

http://www.revenantmedia.com/index.php?option=com_zoom&Itemid=8&catid=326

and he's got a TON of pictures!

anyone else get any shots?

[Passerby3030150]

yeah my friend who i went to this concert with literally has a TON of them! i'll see if i can get at least the good ones from her and post them somewhere.

[adammikael]

I wanna see the pics!

[A*Morbid*Hope]

I was looking around youtube and they said they played an intro that sounded like the theme from Halloween...is this true?

[Jaded_Whisper]

^No. I remember the guys played a little bit of the guitaring for Beautiful People by Marilyn Manson and then Amy was like "JUST KIDDING!". That wasn't an intro though. It was just a little time killer between the songs. ;)

[A*Morbid*Hope]

ah, okay, thanks