Owl City's On The Verge Tour
Okay, first things first. This entry is not a review. I just want to share the experience I had with the concert. :)
Ever since Adam Young announced that he's going to have his tour around the country, I bought tickets on the very first day. And he also said that this is the first time that he is going to have a Meet and Greet. And looking how much everything was, this is cheaper than the tickets I bought for Zedd or for Ed Sheeran, so this really got me excited.
So the day before the concert, everybody (I mean the whole world) was so excited about Eat Bulaga's Sa Tamang Panahon.And don't get me wrong, I was there too. I was so excited about it too! Because of that I posted something on my Facebook page.
"akala nyo ba sila Alden at Maine lang may Tamang Panahon?
Ako rin, meron! isang araw na lang!!!! smile emoticon
10.25.15"
So, some people were so curious. "Some people" actually means just fourteen people. But still, it was for fun anyway.
Before I say anything about my On The Verge Tour experience, let me tell you about why Owl City music is very special to me if you don't mind.
So, ever since Owl City's Fireflies came out, I became a fan. It was to the point that I knew he was already coming to the Philippines last 2009, but I let it pass. More music came, and more music came from Adam Young that I was still a fan. But that was it. I was just a fan. I wasn't exactly following him in everthing that he did. I was the type that if he's music came out, I would be so happy to listen to it. When I came to America, I discovered that Owl City isn't as famous as there in the Philippines. I mean, his music doesn't even play on the radio unlike in the Philippines, it actually plays and his music videos actually come out in the TV. Anyway, at that time his latest album was Midsummer Station and I fell in love with him all over again. I looked up more of his music and then I discovered that he makes Christian music too. Last year, he released an EP and some singles... A few months ago one of his singles was "You're Not Alone" with Britt Nicole.
I was going for a jog around the neighborhood and was listening to some music. But in truth, I was thinking how I feel so alone, how I miss my friends back home in the in the Philippines and how I feel like I'm a loser for having a dead-end job. So technically, I was having a pity party for myself. Don't get me wrong, it still happens from time to time but not as often as before. So anyway, when my playlist decided to play this song, I cried. I was outside my house, in public and in broad daylight, and I was crying. Technicaly, this song is about Jesus being there for you even in your darkest moments and saying that you are never alone.
I know that this song really just says the usual things we Catholics says to each other when we're in times of trouble, but Adam's song actually says things more than that. So, this song actually saved me. Adam's music actually made me go with life again. I prayed to Papa Jesus again and it was nice coming back.
So that's my story, those words are an understatement but that's how special he and his music is. I was so excited when he released his new album, Mobile Orchestra, and announced about his tour.
Now, let me share my experiences about the concert. On the morning of the concert day, I made him a letter. I've been planning to give him something ever since I knew that I was going to meet him. So I wrote him a letter similar to what I wrote above, a drawing of an astronaut surfing and a polaroid pic. I just wanted to let him see his name on the top. The polaroid's not fully developed here but I made sure that it was before I gave it to him.
So we went to Observatory North Park in San Diego and went in line waiting for the place to give us instructions on what to do. Eventually, they came out, checked out our tickets to see if we were legit as VIP. They gave us a VIP laminate which really looks nice.
We were waiting for a long time before we were let in. I noticed the people in line. Most of the people are my age. If not, they are a bit younger or a bit older than me. And just looking at these people, I can tell that they are the same as me. The artsy, rebellious type but listens to their parents, the deep and poetic type of people. We are the minority, we are the weird ones, we are the outcasts. And all of us are here because of our love and support for such an incredible and talented person. But what's surprising is there are some families with kids with them. I had this vision that made me think that the parents of these kids had a love story with Adam's music and they're passing on his music to their kids. It's just really amazing!
So, after almost an hour wait, we finally went inside. We were like the 6th or 7th people in line. I swear, my brother spoils me. I asked him to take a picture of me and Adam while I'm talking to him. And he did just that. So anyway, here's what happened when I met him. I gave my Polaroid camera to Adam's manager and she actually commented that it was awesome. Adam was waiting for me to come. I ran toward him to save time to talk to him. He reached out a hand for a handshake but I gave him a hug. I even heard a few laughing because of my actions. When I let go, I introduced myself and I said, "Congrats on your nomination in VMAJ!" I even had to say VMAJ again because of I was a nervous wreck I didn't say it right the first time. And he said, "Really?" and I said, "Yeah! With Sekai no Owari..." and I haven't finished saying 'Owari' when his manager said to look over to her for the picture very rudely... So yeah... We took the picture and after that, I handed him the letter and I said, "Can I give this to you?" and he looked at the letter and held it and said, "Thank you!" He gave me his hand again for a handshake and I shook his hand with my very cold one. He said, "It was nice meeting you!" I bowed like I was a Japanese person and thanked him, and the manager gave me back my camera back and left to get my signed photo of Adam.
the blue thing beside Adam's left hand is the letter I gave
After that, I ran toward the stage to get us a spot on the front. My brother followed me after a few seconds. And after that I told my brother my thoughts about meeting Adam. Like he said in his interviews, he was very shy. That's why I understand why he didn't really talk much and then I really felt like he was pressured about the meet and greet because his manager was trying her best to get it over with... She actually instructed us to put our cameras on the right setting and and make it ready, she also told us not to talk much. But I wouldn't do that! Besides Adam's manager, he's really just your typical shy guy but a nice one too. I really think that he wanted to talk to us too but I guess he was also instructed to keep it short. In the end, I'm just glad that I met him and good thing I wrote a letter so that all the things that I didn't say is in that letter.
My brother and I got a good spot on the left side of the stage at the very front so that was awesome. We had to wait for a full hour and a half before the opening act, Rozzi Crane, to perform. All my nervousness and excitement of meeting Adam was gone and I was feeling sleepy (I didn't get much sleep because of my excitement) and very hungry (same reason).
With all the unknown performers that I have to watch before the main show, Rozzi Crane is the best so far. For one thing, she is a singer and a girl. Which captures me because I haven't been to a concert for a female artist. Her voice is amazing and so smooth. I love her performance. She sang five of her songs and sang two cover songs. I swear she is an amazing singer. I want her voice. She has the voice that I am aiming for.
After that, we had to wait for another thirty minutes for the set up and everything before Adam comes to the stage. And when he came out, we cried out even though he wasn't even singing. His band was just playing the Mobile Orchestra Intro and it was magic.
I sang all of his songs. Actually, out of twenty songs, I didn't know the lyrics of two of them. I was crying out all his songs, singing and I didn't care but I was jumping and just having fun. Way back, I used to watch a few videos of him performing, and truthfully, he doesn't really sound good live in those videos. But with the performance that he did last night, he proved me wrong. He sang really well, and he was feeling all his songs. Even if he was feeling all of the songs, he wasn't actually connecting to his audience. Almost all throughout his concert he was looking down at his prompter so he wouldn't forget his lyrics (I guess he's nervous everytime he performs). If not on his prompter, he kept looking at the riffs he was making on his guitars. Yes, guitars. He used different guitars in almost every song, so was his guitarist. Adam's bassist, drummer and pianist are awesome! So besides the other things, the concert was amazing and I loved it! I really wanted more, bitin talaga. For his encore song, a set up guy put Adam's keyboard in the front of us and sang an acoustic version of '99 Red Balloons' and 'Chicago.' After that, I didn't even realize that the concert was already over and three hours long. The last song, Good Time, was amazing! Adam welcomed back Rozzi and she sang Carly Rae's parts, it was just cool!
At the end of the show, all of them were exiting and Adam's bassist, Rob, threw his guitar pick over at the girl beside me but I caught it! And I gave it to my brother.
At the very end, we were asking for more but they didn't come back out. But it was amazing. My brother and I joined a group of fans for a picture. It was very out of the blue it was awesome. I was walking over to the booth when I noticed my brother was gone and saw him walk back to the stage and he asked for the setlist. So in exchange for the pick, I got the setist. We went to the merch booth and bought myself Rozzi's EP and Owl City beanie, which I really love.
I was driving home very quietly with Rozzi's voice blaring on the car, but my mind was still on Adam. My brother was sleeping because he has work the next morning, and I can't get over the fact that I met Adam. When we got home, I got to watch the Kalyeserye part of Eat Bulaga and after that I went to the kitchen (the most quiet and isolated place in the apartment and I prayed. I thanked Papa Jesus for the opportunity that I met Adam Young. I told Him that even though I'm a fan of Adam's and I was a nervous wreck upon meeting, I'm pretty sure I'll be more than nervous when I'll met Jesus one more time for the Judgment Day. And I just thanked Him for letting me meet the person that Papa God has used as an instrument to make me come back to Him. I was so thankful that I talked to the person He used as an instrument to save me. Like I said earlier, Owl City kinda saved my life but that's not true. I'm pretty sure Adam will tell me that he isn't the one who saved me, but it was Jesus who saved me because that is true. Papa God just gave me my own Sa Tamang Panahon with Adam Young. It's just amazing to finally meet the perosn who gave me very inspiring, beautiful and meaningful music. So, Papa Jesus, even though I already told You last night, thank You again for letting me meet Adam and for blessing me with such a wonderful person.
10.25.15
Ever since Adam Young announced that he's going to have his tour around the country, I bought tickets on the very first day. And he also said that this is the first time that he is going to have a Meet and Greet. And looking how much everything was, this is cheaper than the tickets I bought for Zedd or for Ed Sheeran, so this really got me excited.
So the day before the concert, everybody (I mean the whole world) was so excited about Eat Bulaga's Sa Tamang Panahon.And don't get me wrong, I was there too. I was so excited about it too! Because of that I posted something on my Facebook page.
"akala nyo ba sila Alden at Maine lang may Tamang Panahon?
Ako rin, meron! isang araw na lang!!!! smile emoticon
10.25.15"
So, some people were so curious. "Some people" actually means just fourteen people. But still, it was for fun anyway.
Before I say anything about my On The Verge Tour experience, let me tell you about why Owl City music is very special to me if you don't mind.
So, ever since Owl City's Fireflies came out, I became a fan. It was to the point that I knew he was already coming to the Philippines last 2009, but I let it pass. More music came, and more music came from Adam Young that I was still a fan. But that was it. I was just a fan. I wasn't exactly following him in everthing that he did. I was the type that if he's music came out, I would be so happy to listen to it. When I came to America, I discovered that Owl City isn't as famous as there in the Philippines. I mean, his music doesn't even play on the radio unlike in the Philippines, it actually plays and his music videos actually come out in the TV. Anyway, at that time his latest album was Midsummer Station and I fell in love with him all over again. I looked up more of his music and then I discovered that he makes Christian music too. Last year, he released an EP and some singles... A few months ago one of his singles was "You're Not Alone" with Britt Nicole.
Click to viewI was going for a jog around the neighborhood and was listening to some music. But in truth, I was thinking how I feel so alone, how I miss my friends back home in the in the Philippines and how I feel like I'm a loser for having a dead-end job. So technically, I was having a pity party for myself. Don't get me wrong, it still happens from time to time but not as often as before. So anyway, when my playlist decided to play this song, I cried. I was outside my house, in public and in broad daylight, and I was crying. Technicaly, this song is about Jesus being there for you even in your darkest moments and saying that you are never alone.
I know that this song really just says the usual things we Catholics says to each other when we're in times of trouble, but Adam's song actually says things more than that. So, this song actually saved me. Adam's music actually made me go with life again. I prayed to Papa Jesus again and it was nice coming back.
So that's my story, those words are an understatement but that's how special he and his music is. I was so excited when he released his new album, Mobile Orchestra, and announced about his tour.
Now, let me share my experiences about the concert. On the morning of the concert day, I made him a letter. I've been planning to give him something ever since I knew that I was going to meet him. So I wrote him a letter similar to what I wrote above, a drawing of an astronaut surfing and a polaroid pic. I just wanted to let him see his name on the top. The polaroid's not fully developed here but I made sure that it was before I gave it to him.
So we went to Observatory North Park in San Diego and went in line waiting for the place to give us instructions on what to do. Eventually, they came out, checked out our tickets to see if we were legit as VIP. They gave us a VIP laminate which really looks nice.
We were waiting for a long time before we were let in. I noticed the people in line. Most of the people are my age. If not, they are a bit younger or a bit older than me. And just looking at these people, I can tell that they are the same as me. The artsy, rebellious type but listens to their parents, the deep and poetic type of people. We are the minority, we are the weird ones, we are the outcasts. And all of us are here because of our love and support for such an incredible and talented person. But what's surprising is there are some families with kids with them. I had this vision that made me think that the parents of these kids had a love story with Adam's music and they're passing on his music to their kids. It's just really amazing!
So, after almost an hour wait, we finally went inside. We were like the 6th or 7th people in line. I swear, my brother spoils me. I asked him to take a picture of me and Adam while I'm talking to him. And he did just that. So anyway, here's what happened when I met him. I gave my Polaroid camera to Adam's manager and she actually commented that it was awesome. Adam was waiting for me to come. I ran toward him to save time to talk to him. He reached out a hand for a handshake but I gave him a hug. I even heard a few laughing because of my actions. When I let go, I introduced myself and I said, "Congrats on your nomination in VMAJ!" I even had to say VMAJ again because of I was a nervous wreck I didn't say it right the first time. And he said, "Really?" and I said, "Yeah! With Sekai no Owari..." and I haven't finished saying 'Owari' when his manager said to look over to her for the picture very rudely... So yeah... We took the picture and after that, I handed him the letter and I said, "Can I give this to you?" and he looked at the letter and held it and said, "Thank you!" He gave me his hand again for a handshake and I shook his hand with my very cold one. He said, "It was nice meeting you!" I bowed like I was a Japanese person and thanked him, and the manager gave me back my camera back and left to get my signed photo of Adam.
the blue thing beside Adam's left hand is the letter I gave
After that, I ran toward the stage to get us a spot on the front. My brother followed me after a few seconds. And after that I told my brother my thoughts about meeting Adam. Like he said in his interviews, he was very shy. That's why I understand why he didn't really talk much and then I really felt like he was pressured about the meet and greet because his manager was trying her best to get it over with... She actually instructed us to put our cameras on the right setting and and make it ready, she also told us not to talk much. But I wouldn't do that! Besides Adam's manager, he's really just your typical shy guy but a nice one too. I really think that he wanted to talk to us too but I guess he was also instructed to keep it short. In the end, I'm just glad that I met him and good thing I wrote a letter so that all the things that I didn't say is in that letter.
My brother and I got a good spot on the left side of the stage at the very front so that was awesome. We had to wait for a full hour and a half before the opening act, Rozzi Crane, to perform. All my nervousness and excitement of meeting Adam was gone and I was feeling sleepy (I didn't get much sleep because of my excitement) and very hungry (same reason).
With all the unknown performers that I have to watch before the main show, Rozzi Crane is the best so far. For one thing, she is a singer and a girl. Which captures me because I haven't been to a concert for a female artist. Her voice is amazing and so smooth. I love her performance. She sang five of her songs and sang two cover songs. I swear she is an amazing singer. I want her voice. She has the voice that I am aiming for.
After that, we had to wait for another thirty minutes for the set up and everything before Adam comes to the stage. And when he came out, we cried out even though he wasn't even singing. His band was just playing the Mobile Orchestra Intro and it was magic.
I sang all of his songs. Actually, out of twenty songs, I didn't know the lyrics of two of them. I was crying out all his songs, singing and I didn't care but I was jumping and just having fun. Way back, I used to watch a few videos of him performing, and truthfully, he doesn't really sound good live in those videos. But with the performance that he did last night, he proved me wrong. He sang really well, and he was feeling all his songs. Even if he was feeling all of the songs, he wasn't actually connecting to his audience. Almost all throughout his concert he was looking down at his prompter so he wouldn't forget his lyrics (I guess he's nervous everytime he performs). If not on his prompter, he kept looking at the riffs he was making on his guitars. Yes, guitars. He used different guitars in almost every song, so was his guitarist. Adam's bassist, drummer and pianist are awesome! So besides the other things, the concert was amazing and I loved it! I really wanted more, bitin talaga. For his encore song, a set up guy put Adam's keyboard in the front of us and sang an acoustic version of '99 Red Balloons' and 'Chicago.' After that, I didn't even realize that the concert was already over and three hours long. The last song, Good Time, was amazing! Adam welcomed back Rozzi and she sang Carly Rae's parts, it was just cool!
At the end of the show, all of them were exiting and Adam's bassist, Rob, threw his guitar pick over at the girl beside me but I caught it! And I gave it to my brother.
At the very end, we were asking for more but they didn't come back out. But it was amazing. My brother and I joined a group of fans for a picture. It was very out of the blue it was awesome. I was walking over to the booth when I noticed my brother was gone and saw him walk back to the stage and he asked for the setlist. So in exchange for the pick, I got the setist. We went to the merch booth and bought myself Rozzi's EP and Owl City beanie, which I really love.
I was driving home very quietly with Rozzi's voice blaring on the car, but my mind was still on Adam. My brother was sleeping because he has work the next morning, and I can't get over the fact that I met Adam. When we got home, I got to watch the Kalyeserye part of Eat Bulaga and after that I went to the kitchen (the most quiet and isolated place in the apartment and I prayed. I thanked Papa Jesus for the opportunity that I met Adam Young. I told Him that even though I'm a fan of Adam's and I was a nervous wreck upon meeting, I'm pretty sure I'll be more than nervous when I'll met Jesus one more time for the Judgment Day. And I just thanked Him for letting me meet the person that Papa God has used as an instrument to make me come back to Him. I was so thankful that I talked to the person He used as an instrument to save me. Like I said earlier, Owl City kinda saved my life but that's not true. I'm pretty sure Adam will tell me that he isn't the one who saved me, but it was Jesus who saved me because that is true. Papa God just gave me my own Sa Tamang Panahon with Adam Young. It's just amazing to finally meet the perosn who gave me very inspiring, beautiful and meaningful music. So, Papa Jesus, even though I already told You last night, thank You again for letting me meet Adam and for blessing me with such a wonderful person.
10.25.15