Write-up!
Yesterday, Friday, September 16, 2005, I went to see Section 8, Bane, and Strung Out at Slim's in San Francisco. After a long day at school, Shannon picked me up afterwards and then we went to San Ramon so she could get food and then we went to S.F. We didn't go to Slim's first though. Since we knew it wasn't the type of show where kids arrive early, we went to the Organic market that I adore and I got my dinner. I had a 13 dollar salad. But they didn't have my beloved vegan chicken nuggets out this time, which made me slightly sad. It was still awesome though. And thanks again to Shannon for paying for that. After my enjoyable meal, we walked to Slim's and got there a little past 6. There was only about 6 other people in line at that time. Strung Out's bus was beautiful and I even opened their tour bus door to help out one of the band members who was carrying two plates of chinese food. So after waiting and waiting and waiting, we finally get let in at 7:30. I put my stuff down and then went to the bar to get ear plugs, since I had lost one of mine and one earplug doesn't do much good. I also went over to get some merchandise from Bane so I didn't have to wait until after. Their merch guy called me "dear" which I love to be called ^_^. I also talked to Section 8's roadie, Nick. He seemed really nice and I had told him I'd never heard of them and I asked if they were the ones sound checking earlier and he told me "yes." I had heard a band sound checking earlier that didn't sound like Bane or Strung Out, so I figured it was the opener. It sounded amazing, so I was stoked to see what this band could do. I told Nick that I heard them and that I liked it and he was happy. The show didn't start until 8:20 and Section 8 opened. The first thing I noticed was that the band was really good-looking. The moment they started playing I knew I was in for something good. The vocalist has an amazing voice. I don't hear too many people with really clear, beautiful voices anymore, so it was nice to hear that. After an amazing set, I got their set list and their guitarist Jason was thanking me a little bit. Next up was Bane. I didn't really know much of the words, but I still had fun. While they were setting up, I smiled at their guitarist and he grabbed my head. Of course when you mess with me, I'm just getting started. So next time he came by, I stuck my hand out then took it away and he slapped my hand sloppily with both his hands. Then, the next time he came by, I stuck my hand out again, and I grabbed his hand, and he wouldn't let go of mine. So I decided to shake his hand and his arm and have some fun with him. So I held his hand for like 10 seconds. It was awesome. I'm sort of disappointed that I didn't get to meet him. Anyways, Bane finally went on around 9 and everyone was stoked to see them. I had a blast during their set, except their vocalist needs to learn how to control his adrenaline. Since I was up right against the stage, and there was no barricade, every time the singer came to my side, which was a lot, his shoes stuck out past the stage, digging into my stomach, and I don't have a huge stomach to begin with so it's not like it was easy to get kicked in the stomach. He also punched me in the face a few times, and some other kids too. And this was by accident! I knew he wasn't doing it on purpose. But he meant well. I still had a blast. I also ended up with Bane's set list. Earlier I was messing with a guy who was watching Bane from the stage and I smiled at him and he smiled back and waved to me, so I asked him for their set list after they finished and he gave it to me :). Last up was Strung Out. They were awesome, even though I didn't know any of their songs. And the vocalist was smart enough not to hurt the members of the crowd... They played for well over an hour and after their set I wanted a set list but the girl next to me had taken it, which was okay since they were her favorite band. I then saw Nick after Strung Out's set, and I asked him if there were any more set lists and he couldn't find any, and then he started talking to me and smiling :). I don't know if the Corona in his hand had anything to do with it, but he was really smiling when he was talking to me. After the show I went to get some merchandise from Section 8 and their bass player Yannick was at the table, but I mistook him for their front man. I think he said they were brothers and people were always mixing them up. He was cool though. He wants me to go to Santa Cruz to see them the next time they come here though... but I don't think I'll be able to. I asked about them playing my high school, and he said they're planning a high school tour and to message them on Myspace about it :). I ended up buying a shirt and their EP. Then me, Shannon, and her friend Sarah, were kicked out because it was getting "late" so we went outside. Shannon wasn't feeling well so we stood outside for about 10 minutes and some drunk guys came up and talked to us... I then saw Section 8 packing up and then decided to open the door for Nick and Yannick :). As we were walking back towards the parking lot, I said my good-byes to Nick and told him I'd message them on Myspace. He called me "sweetheart" and "dear", which I love being called ^_^. I can't wait to have those guys play DHS. After we got in the car, we drove to Taco Bell and then home. I got home around 1:30. Thanks again to Shannon for everything. I had a blast and even made some new friends. :) <3