Trapt: August 11, 2012

Arcadia, Wisconsin. Not to be mistaken with Arcadia, the ship from Resident Evil. It was this small city that held my next show. A free concert, but still a concert nonetheless.

Trapt, a rock group from Los Angeles, known for singles such as "Headstrong", "Echo", and "Made of Glass", was headlining a series of free concerts at Ashley for the Arts in Arcadia. Upon arriving, I noticed that there was currently a country act on stage, so I meandered down by the stage, and lingered by a pole until he was finished. While hanging out there, I met a guy named Caleb, made conversation with him, and talked a bit about our excitement for Trapt to take the stage. As the minutes passed, the country act finally finished, but not to allow Trapt to take the stage. Instead, Arcadia's marching band took the stage, then there was a fire performance act, then fireworks, and finally Trapt took to the stage.

I had never seen Trapt before, so I was psyched to finally see them grace the stage. Their opening song (Who's Going Home With You Tonight?), kicked off the show perfectly. With just enough intensity to captivate the crowd, but not too much where it would intimidate everyone. By the end of the song, they had the mood set. They were here to rock, and they were going to do it whether you liked it or not. Robb had a big grin on his face, and Chris had more than enough energy to go for hours, it was a perfect combination.

Continuing on with their set, they kept the enthusiasm and the fire going. Song by song, the crowd was moving. Whether it be headbanging, stagediving, or any other rock show crowd activities, the crowd was doing it. I was a bit surprised at this. Not because Trapt is a band that doesn't have that type of crowd, because I know they are. I had been surprised because what I have typically seen with free shows, is a crowd standing around, and that's literally it. Even with free shows, Trapt was getting the audience they deserved. I mean, a rock show isn't truly a rock show without stage dives, and big security guys trying to stop it from happening.

As the show winded to a close, the enthusiasm did not. There was one final song, and we all knew what it was. If you owned a radio at all in 2002/2003, you knew the song. The familiar guitar started up, and "Headstrong" was on. Immediately the crowd let out yells and shouts, making sure everyone knew that they recognized this familiar rock anthem.

As most rock concerts do, the end of the show brings the band tossing out guitar picks, and drum sticks. I have only ever gotten a guitar pick, but tonight was different. Out of nowhere, a drumstick comes flying through the air. I managed to catch it, but things never work that simply. Along with two of my hands on there, I had 3-4 other grown men fighting me for it. Our brawl/fight over the drumstick lasted for a good minute, before I emerged victoriously. I held the drumstick over my head, as a sign of victory!

Waiting by the stage, I eventually had a security member drag the drummer over to me, and asked him to sign my drumstick. Then Caleb (my new friend) and I walked over to the tour bus, to see who else we could meet and get some signatures from. I met up with Robb, the guitarist, and got him to sign my drumstick as well. I even exchanged the link for this blog! Let's hope they enjoy my review as much as I enjoyed their show!

All in all, an awesome show, especially considering the only thing I paid for was the gasoline to get there.

The Devil's Carnival Encore Tour: August 4, 2012

Exactly three months, since my first Devil's Carnival, and I was lacing up for my next. With the soundtrack playing in the background, I pulled up my fishnets, laced up my corset, and started my eyeliner. This time, I was prepared. I knew that dressing like a freak, was no big deal. I knew, I was headed back home.

The Devil's Carnival Road Show, is a place like no other. White, fat, socially awkward, possibly even homicidal..everyone is welcome here! Following the last tour, I had been on a high. Trying to support and promote the tour and the movie anyway I could. Doing this, I discovered a group called Little Sinners on Facebook. A group dedicated slowly to the promotion of The Devil's Carnival. I was asked to be the Wisconsin street team leader, and gladly accepted. Shortly after this occurred, my dreams came true, not only did Darren and Terrance announce an encore tour of the roadshow, but they had a show coming to Madison, Wisconsin!

As I bought my ticket, I immediately started planning. What would I wear? How could I promote the show more? Was there anyway I could help out? Soon, all my questions (aside from the outfit, of course!) were answered. I talked with an awesome chick, who would be with the group for the entire tour, and got set up to be a volunteer at the show. I would be helping out with posters, merch, and checking fellow Sinners in!

The weeks leading up to the show were torture. My anxiety grew with each passing day, nervous to meet all the new carnies. Soon though, the day came, August 4, 2012. I had driven out to Madison, unpacked at my hotel, and started my (surprise!) drive to Lake Geneva. Though the show was publicized as Madison, the ticket actually said Lake Geneva, which was another hour and twenty minutes away! No matter, I was ready to enter the Carnival once again.

I arrived early, and was granted entrance to the theater before the other Sinners, set my stuff down, and met up with my other fellow volunteers. I was immediately granted the task of helping pass out posters to those who had purchased "Carnie" or "Ringmaster" tickets, and got a special pre-signed poster from Darren and Terrance. I loved getting to greet each attendee, and getting to know them a little bit.

Following this, I got to go through tickets, and check everyone in, making sure ever Sinner was accounted for! Once my tasks were complete, I had the best task of all, enjoy myself, take pictures, and wait for the show to start.

One beautiful thing about TDC, is the costumes. Everyone is allowed to dress however they want. Some, dress casually. Some, like me, dress up some, but lack the budget (or skill!) for a more grandiose outfit. Then, there's the true freaks, those who put hours into their outfits, and it shows. These are the people I truly love taking photos of the most!

 

Soon, it was time for the show to commence! Everyone flooded into the theater, and took their seats. But before The Devil's Carnival can truly commence, what is a show...without a side show? Sadly, our side show (for unknown reasons) backed out of performing at the last second. Lucky for us, one of our volunteers happened to be very skilled with her hooping skills, and she performed. What an amazing job she did, with such short notice! All while a large mohawk graced her pretty little head! 

Following a sideshow, we got yet another gem, never before seen footage of behind the scenes clips from Repo! the Genetic Opera. I won't even go into detail, because I dare not spoil the goodies that lie within those clips. Last, before the show, a contest was in order. Who had the best costume? As the freaks lined up, I readied my camera. Sadly, they didn't turn on the house lights, so photos were a bit of a tricky feat, so I settled for a video instead. By the time all the Sinners had finished running across the stage, flashing their pushed up chests, breaking out whips, and looking so innocent, a victor was to be crowned. An innocent little Tamara (a character from the movie) was chosen, and awarded a theatrical poster.

Finally, the lights dimmed, the music cued, and the movie started. I was transported from a theater in Lake Geneva, back into The Devil's Carnival. To finally see all the characters on the screen again, to be able to quote the lines, and to sing along with each song, was truly an awesome experience.

As the movie winded down, the lights came back on, and Terrance Zdunich and Darren Lynn Bousman entered the theater. It was Q&A time. Oh, Q&A, a magical time, where one can ask the directors whatever they wish. I managed to get a question in this time around, asking "How did you get into the goth opera genre, as opposed to the typical musical?" Darren and Terrance both explained how they had both been a bit of a loner back in highschool. Whether they found comfort in the drama club (Darren), or alone (Terrance), they had always had a bit of an inclination to have a bit more of a macabre style to their artistry.

Announcing that they were done with Q&A, the guys headed out to a table set up in the lobby, and readied themselves for the swarm. We all had our opportunities to walk through, have a few minutes to personally chat with the guys, and take a group photo. When my turn approached, I quickly explained my personal story with The Devil's Carnival. How because of this roadshow, I met my current boyfriend, we've been dating ever since, and we couldn't be happier. Terrance and Darren wished us both the best of luck, and said they'd hoped to see us still together by the next roadshow. Taking that group photo, concluded yet another amazing night.

As always, The Devil's Carnival, is truly where I have fit in the best. From the fans, the costumes, the roadshow experience, the directors, and the movie itself..I truly fit in. I guarantee, when TDC2 comes out (which won't be for a while!), that it will be worth your while to buy yourself a ticket, and head on out to the show. A wonderful experience awaits you at the end of your travels!

Five Finger Death Punch: July 20, 2012

Johnny Cash and PBR, Jack Daniels, Nascar. Facebook, Myspace, iPod, Bill Gates...could anything sum up America more? Or better yet, sum up every metal head in America?

It had been about 2 years since I had last seen Five Finger Death Punch live. When I had first seen them, I only knew a few songs, and could never really appreciate them. Instead, I had been surrounded by drunk men, two times my size, lost in the crowd. This time around, I was prepared. Over those two years, I really grew into my love for the band, and finally appreciated the music.

As July 20 came around, it was pouring rain before the shows, I couldn't have been more frustrated. Don't get me wrong, Five Finger Death Punch would be intense regardless. Thankfully, about an hour before we got to the festival (Rockfest in Cadott, WI) the rain ceased, the sun was out, and so were the rockers.

Lawn chairs decorated the field, metalheads roamed aimlessly, beers in hand. The scents of corndogs, fried rice, and porta-potties filled the air. This is how a rock festival is meant to be. Passing the entrance, wristband strapped on, I found my way to the VIP area (thanks to my dad!), and found my seat. I pulled out my camera, testing to see how well my pictures could turn out, and started to explore. I wandered from stand to stand, browsing the goods, reading the menus, and observing the people. As the show grew closer, anticipation rose. I made my way to my seat, and counted down the minutes.

Then, guitars started playing, followed by drums, and soon Ivan Moody graced the stage. Opening with Under and Over It, Five Finger Death Punch immediately captivated the audience (and maybe opening with a single helped). I believe, playing good music, is not nearly enough for a great show. A band (or solo artist for that matter) must truly put on a show, with their vocals AND their bodies. Five Finger Death Punch has that talent to put on an amazing show. From song to song, they kept the energy going, whether it be a an intense headbanging song like "American Capitalist", or a slow, yet equally intense "ballad" like "Remember Everything", they had the show moving the whole time. Not only did they play music, they honored the troops, and even brought the "next generation of rock and roll" on stage during a song. Nothing says Rock and Roll quite like 5 kids on stage, headbanging their little hearts out!

But in my eyes, shows aren't only about music. As an aspiring photographer, I love to shoot shows. Being a VIP, I had a special area where I was allowed to shoot the show, even closer than where general admission got to stand. I spent most of my time, enjoying the show, until it got to the last two songs. I worked my way through the crowed, and joined the line, camera in hand. Walking closer and closer to the stage, the bass nearly shaking my body, I readied my camera, and started shooting. That's the thing with shooting shows, especially with a time limit, you take as many shots that you can, when you have the chance. You never know when your subject can step away from where you wanted them, and you never want to miss a shot. This however, was not the case for me.

I got right up front, during "The Bleeding", and (in my opinion) got some wonderful shots. As the show wrapped up, Zolton Bathory tossed out guitar picks, to the ever grabby hands of the crowd. I, for one, have never managed to be skilled at catching such souvenirs, so I didn't try to catch one...except once. The once, that managed to pay off. Looking down in my hand to examine my new gift, I saw another one lying on the concrete, what luck!

All in all, it was an amazing show, and a wonderful experience. If you ever have the chance to see Five Finger Death Punch, just know that you won't be disappointed. You guaranteed a headbanging, hot, sweaty, kick-ass show, from beginning to end.

The Devil's Carnival: April 4, 2012

“Lost souls enter The Devil’s Carnival where they are each faced with the sins they committed in life” -IMDB’s Summary of The Devil’s Carnival

About a year ago, I saw Repo! the Genetic Opera, and fell in love. Not just with the movie, but the actors, the directing, and the songs. Then about a month ago, I was looking up Repo related things on tumblr, and discovered The Devil’s Carnival. Intrigued, I researched it. Only to find that all of my favorite actors from Repo were in it, and it was directed by Darren Lynn Bousman and Terrance Zdunich. Knowing only this information, I immediately bought a ticket for the road show. I already knew I would love it, so I purchased the album on iTunes, and made sure to have all the songs memorized by showtime.

-fast forward one month-

Standing in front of a mirror, reapplying my black lipstick, I was ready. Tights covering my pale white legs, a short black dress adorned with skulls and cross bones, leather studded jewlery, striped gloves, and Emilie Autumn’s signature heart drawn onto my cheek, I was a beautiful mess. Tonight was the night I was finally seeing The Devil’s Carnival. Finally meeting Terrance Zdunich, Darren Lynn Bousman, Shawn Crahan, and Emilie Autumn. Basically, the best night of my life. Arriving, only to see a line full of people all dressed like me, I finally felt at home. It took a bit, but I finally opened up and socialized with the fellow freaks. Made some cool friends, but then all that was null and void the second the doors opened. I tried my best not to trample others to get in, and managed to contain a behavior that is still smiled upon by most of the authorities.

Once we were all seated, a small sideshow started up, doing some small tricks like laying on a bed of nails, etc. But then the good stuff really kicked in, the behind the scene extras from Repo! the Genetic Opera. I’ve never felt happier than being surrounded by everyone singing along with all of the songs from the movie. I really just felt like I could love everyone there, just for being so awesome. Then, the costume contest occurred. A 9 year old hobo clown won, and for good reason, he was positively adorable! Finally, the movie came on.

How to sum up the movie, sheer brilliance. It’s all based off of Aesop’s Fables, which I loved anyways, but then seeing Darren and Terrance adapt their own touch and twist to it, was perfection. The colors, the chaos, the acting, was all wonderful. Everyone was so well suited for their roles, and executed (some literally) them brilliantly! I will not spoil the story line for you, but if you are even remotely a fan of Repo, you will love this.

But don’t think that was the end, no no no. We still have a meet and greet to discuss! To finally meet three of the people I love, and admire, was a dream come true. I was debating whether or not to buy a huge theatrical poster for $20, and then while I was waiting in line for the meet and greet, the merch girl said she was going to be selling the posters for only $10. Naturally, I immediately jumped on that. Then I resumed anxiously waiting in line, waiting to meet my idols. Soon, it came my turn. As I walked through the line, passing along my poster, Darren looked up at me and said “Did you want us to sign this?”, instinctively I responded, “No, I want you to stare at it.” The merch girl found great humor in this, and luckily so did Darren and Terrance, since I never meant it harmfully. They passed it on, signing it on there, with my name on it, onto Shawn Crahan. It was blatantly obvious that Shawn had had a bit too much to drink. He started to sign my poster, right over Ivan Moody’s face, saying “I like to sign over his face, because I have the bigger band!” As he passed it on to Emilie, I sat there talking with her about when I saw her live back in February of 2011. She saw my heart drawn on my cheek and pointed to hers and said, “With this, we are united, I love you, thank you for being a beautiful cellmate with me.” I was so excited to meet my female idol, and as I walked behind the table to have my picture taken, Shawn spilled his drink. It missed my poster but was still very very close. I quietly whispered, “Watch out for my poster,” and in his drunken stupor, Shawn grabs my poster and uses it as a paper towel. I stood there in complete disbelief, not knowing how to respond. Terrance immediately noticed, and said, “Don’t worry, we’ll get you a new one and sign it for you again!” After hearing that, my group and I got our picture taken with everyone, and I received my new poster.
To sum it all up, it was one of the best nights of my lives. I made some amazing friends, met some beautiful people, saw a breathtaking film, and learned to really embrace my inner freak. If you have an opportunity to see it, I would highly recommend it. I really hope they will come out with an Episode 2, and so on.

The Maine, Metro Station, Good Charlotte, and Boys Like Girls: July 10, 2012.

The Maine, Metro Station, Good Charlotte, and Boys Like Girls.

That was the lineup for July 10 at the Val Air Ballroom.

With the area filled with mostly teens, as you looked around you could see scattered adults in the crowds or sitting near by. Whether they were accompanying a child or there for their own enjoyment was unknown, but it was a show where you couldn't help but enjoy it. The atmosphere was set with sweating attendants, flying water bottles, and an air conditioner that you couldn't feel.

Opening was 'The Maine', an Arizona based band. They started with an upbeat song, then going into a humorous cover of Akon's "I wanna love you." Shortly after they asked the crowd a few questions. Some including, "How many of you guys have heard of us?" Which in itself was amusing because earlier on they explained they just released an album, and seemed to be pretty unknown to the popular music scene. Yet many people, (myself not included) seemed to have heard of them, as they sang along with their songs.

Next was Metro Station, a California based band. The band includes a Trace Cyrus and Mason Musso, the lesser known sibs of a Miley Cyrus, and Mitchell Musso, who co-star on Hannah Montana together. They are a very synth, dance pop group. With the hit single "Shake It" and "Control" they seem to be pretty well known to more of the teens and other attendants. Yet other songs by the band, were not as well known, maybe its because many people only knew the songs on the radio, not the ones on their album as well. There was jumping and dancing in the crowd as everybody moved along to the music that you couldn't just stand still to, therefore making a very energetic and fun show.

Third band up was the well known group Good Charlotte. They opened with "The Anthem" from their 2003 album, The Young and the Hopeless. Which was fitting with lyrics like, "That I don't ever wanna be like you,
I don't wanna do the things you do.." as an anthem to teens to stand out, as many at the show did. They continued on with a newer single, "The River" then did a flashback to some older stuff, which I was happy about, since I was not very familiar with many songs off their newest album Good Morning Revival. They were very involved with keeping the crowd pumped, and jumping around the stage. As they closed, many people were out of breath, and sweatier than ever.

With the last band approaching, my legs were slowly increasing with pain from standing so long, so I sought out a chair and waited. After a good 20 minute wait, Boys Like Girls finally graced the stage. They immediately mentioned the heat, but pointed out that it would not stop them from having a great time. They opened with a song very familiar to everybody, and the music charts. Slowly after that, they got into songs I didn't know. I'll admit, I skip over a majority of their songs on my iPod. Their set had no encore, and maybe thats because they played every song on their album. To put it simply, many people thought that with only one album, they should not have been the main act. But they did have the attitude and presence of a main act, with their running around, and standing on stereos, they acted like they had been doing this for years. All in all, the three and a half hour show was worth the leg pains and the dehydration.