The Best Concert of my frickin' Life.
Yes, folks, I came back from the Warped Tour last night which was so tremendous I am at a loss for words. Mainly because, I went there for essentially the sole purpose of seeing The (International) Noise Conspiracy, as most of you know is my favorite band of all time, and damn did I get my wish times 10.
They played at 1:00 to a crowd of Taking Back Sunday and Story of the Year kids who had no idea who this band was, although they all nodded in approval. T(I)NC is hands down one of, if not the greatest bands I've ever seen life, however I expected that. I knew every word to each song they played, along with, yes, no lie, one other kid who I quickly bonded with as we danced and sang along with the band. We were making such an impact on the shocked members of T(I)NC who don't fit in to the pop-punk ensemble of the warped tour Dennis Lyxzén, the singer, pointed to me during "Let's make History". During "Capitalism Stole My Virginity", he leaped off the stage and walked over to me as we essentially clubbed danced together and he grabbed my shirt as we leaped in pure joy, most kids giving me an odd look that I knew this band's set list so well and how much I was into it. But it was so excellent.
But, that's not all! They came by their merchandise booth at 4 later on to hang out. And, all of 6 people showed up waiting for em(as opposed to the 400+ people in line for bands like Taking Back Sunday). At first, Inge Johansson the bassist was there(who Kristin fell in love with or something..haha) and he was one of the most genuinely friendly people I've met in my entire life. Eventually, the rest of the band showed up, and wow, what an experience. Kristin and I talked with them for the better part of an hour, as I talked to Lyxzén who remembered me from the set about all the things I dreamed I would talk about with them if I met them. Raoul Vaneigem, US Presidency, Sweden, touring, life. And these guys were more than happy to talk to you. If one more person says anything negative about T(I)NC you should be silenced now. They're the most dedicated band you'll ever meet to their cause. I would think hanging out with your fans after a show would get tiring day in and day out as they act like star-struck teenie boppers, but it was such an amazing experience. I had my picture taken with them, and they signed my shirt I got there. And these guys were so gracious, they reminded me something about musicians that should never be lost-most of these warped tour bands are very financially successful, and I asked Dennis if this was his full time job which it was, so they obviously aren't doing too badly. But musicians like this are in an elevated position of fame and act the role. This band was as human as you'd ever see. Personable, friendly, down to earth, more than happy to answer your inquiries, even talked to YOU while you were just walking around. Most bands lose this aesthetic, and I have no respect for such bands.
And later, while I was trying to meet back up with Kristin and her friend Leslie, I saw Dennis hanging out on the fence, talking to one of the tech guys and was right in front of Kristin and Leslie seated, talking to them. I was thinking damn, fancy that, this celebrated musician once again not stuck in his trailer but out enjoying the atmosphere. I sat down with leslie and kristin as I said "Hey! It's Dennis again!" and we talked for another long time about movies, how Dennis recently saw M. Night Shymalan's "Village", and coffee. Once again, as human and personable as you'll get. They eventually headed off since it was nearing the end of the day and they needed to travel to the next town, but wow, what an experience. For those of you who missed it, it was amazing, T(I)NC is reaffirmed as my favorite band for those reasons.
Props to:
-The (International) Noise conspiracy for being so amazing and friendly the entire day.
-The Anti-Flag, Vandals, Flogging Molly, and T(I)NC sets.
-Jorge and Jake from The Casualties for also being nice guys.
-my piece of shit camera I bought their for 10 bucks with 11 pictures which caught some excellent pics of Flogging Molly, me with Justin Sane of A-F, and me with the guys of T(I)NC.
-Dennis for rubbing his face over Lars' crotch during their set and making music exciting again.
-Kristin for coming with me and falling in love with the bassist of T(I)NC...which is rather ironic and funny.
Slops to:
-Verizon for charging 4(!) dollars for a standard bottle of water.
-Yoo-Hoo and Monster for not giving away free samples this year..assholes.
-Kids during the T(I)NC set who shouted requests for Refused(Dennis' old band's) songs. As Dennis said, "Old Noise by now buddy."
-The North Carolina sun for burning the fuck outta me.
-Coheed and Cambria, Yellowcard, TBS, and others for being so mediocre it hurts.
-Bad Religion for playing so late so I was unable to see their set.
That's all, folks! If you want to see some pics I'll have them developed as soon as I can.
They played at 1:00 to a crowd of Taking Back Sunday and Story of the Year kids who had no idea who this band was, although they all nodded in approval. T(I)NC is hands down one of, if not the greatest bands I've ever seen life, however I expected that. I knew every word to each song they played, along with, yes, no lie, one other kid who I quickly bonded with as we danced and sang along with the band. We were making such an impact on the shocked members of T(I)NC who don't fit in to the pop-punk ensemble of the warped tour Dennis Lyxzén, the singer, pointed to me during "Let's make History". During "Capitalism Stole My Virginity", he leaped off the stage and walked over to me as we essentially clubbed danced together and he grabbed my shirt as we leaped in pure joy, most kids giving me an odd look that I knew this band's set list so well and how much I was into it. But it was so excellent.
But, that's not all! They came by their merchandise booth at 4 later on to hang out. And, all of 6 people showed up waiting for em(as opposed to the 400+ people in line for bands like Taking Back Sunday). At first, Inge Johansson the bassist was there(who Kristin fell in love with or something..haha) and he was one of the most genuinely friendly people I've met in my entire life. Eventually, the rest of the band showed up, and wow, what an experience. Kristin and I talked with them for the better part of an hour, as I talked to Lyxzén who remembered me from the set about all the things I dreamed I would talk about with them if I met them. Raoul Vaneigem, US Presidency, Sweden, touring, life. And these guys were more than happy to talk to you. If one more person says anything negative about T(I)NC you should be silenced now. They're the most dedicated band you'll ever meet to their cause. I would think hanging out with your fans after a show would get tiring day in and day out as they act like star-struck teenie boppers, but it was such an amazing experience. I had my picture taken with them, and they signed my shirt I got there. And these guys were so gracious, they reminded me something about musicians that should never be lost-most of these warped tour bands are very financially successful, and I asked Dennis if this was his full time job which it was, so they obviously aren't doing too badly. But musicians like this are in an elevated position of fame and act the role. This band was as human as you'd ever see. Personable, friendly, down to earth, more than happy to answer your inquiries, even talked to YOU while you were just walking around. Most bands lose this aesthetic, and I have no respect for such bands.
And later, while I was trying to meet back up with Kristin and her friend Leslie, I saw Dennis hanging out on the fence, talking to one of the tech guys and was right in front of Kristin and Leslie seated, talking to them. I was thinking damn, fancy that, this celebrated musician once again not stuck in his trailer but out enjoying the atmosphere. I sat down with leslie and kristin as I said "Hey! It's Dennis again!" and we talked for another long time about movies, how Dennis recently saw M. Night Shymalan's "Village", and coffee. Once again, as human and personable as you'll get. They eventually headed off since it was nearing the end of the day and they needed to travel to the next town, but wow, what an experience. For those of you who missed it, it was amazing, T(I)NC is reaffirmed as my favorite band for those reasons.
Props to:
-The (International) Noise conspiracy for being so amazing and friendly the entire day.
-The Anti-Flag, Vandals, Flogging Molly, and T(I)NC sets.
-Jorge and Jake from The Casualties for also being nice guys.
-my piece of shit camera I bought their for 10 bucks with 11 pictures which caught some excellent pics of Flogging Molly, me with Justin Sane of A-F, and me with the guys of T(I)NC.
-Dennis for rubbing his face over Lars' crotch during their set and making music exciting again.
-Kristin for coming with me and falling in love with the bassist of T(I)NC...which is rather ironic and funny.
Slops to:
-Verizon for charging 4(!) dollars for a standard bottle of water.
-Yoo-Hoo and Monster for not giving away free samples this year..assholes.
-Kids during the T(I)NC set who shouted requests for Refused(Dennis' old band's) songs. As Dennis said, "Old Noise by now buddy."
-The North Carolina sun for burning the fuck outta me.
-Coheed and Cambria, Yellowcard, TBS, and others for being so mediocre it hurts.
-Bad Religion for playing so late so I was unable to see their set.
That's all, folks! If you want to see some pics I'll have them developed as soon as I can.