Day two of bamboozle proved to be a much more eventful day for me. I was able to see a few bands that I’ve been listening to lately, but hadn’t seen perform live, mainly Envy on the Coast and Four Year Strong. It was also the day of one of The Receiving End of Sirens last performances, so that alone automatically made it the highlight of the weekend.
Anti-Flag was one of the first bands that I saw perform that day. A band I had listened to before but, hadn’t really “listened” to them before. During one of the last songs the lead singer made a political statement about how music unifies people and how we are sick of the war, etc. It made me realize that it has been a long time since I have heard well thought out and meaningful political statements at a rock show. It was nice to hear, mostly because the politically nerdy side of me can identify with statements like that.
Another highlight of the day took place while the Bouncing Souls were playing. I looked over to the back stage area and there was Big John just walking around! For those of you who do not watch crap reality TV, Big John is Bret Michaels bodyguard, and one of the “stars” on Rock of Love. Bret Michaels was playing after the Bouncing Souls and therefore explains Big John’s presence there. Of course I walked over and had to get a picture with him, as well as have a little chat and make sure I get my slot on Rock of Love 3. Not that I’m really interested in being with Bret, but I want to be one of the chicks that gets wasted and causes trouble, you know the way I seem to do in my everyday life……
Unfortunately, I had to miss Bret’s performance. Turns out that one of the bands had dropped off the show on the stage TREOS was set to play so they were pushed up to play right after Envy on the Coast. I had to see TREOS play and I wanted to see Envy as well so Bret got knocked off my list, later on I wasn’t to mad about making that decision. Envy and TREOS played on stages side by side one another, so Envy finished up with The Gift of Paralysis and then TREOS immediately started off with Planning a Prison Break on the neighboring stage. Hands down one of the best musical transitions I’ve ever experienced.
During TREOS I was pretty much right up front pressed up against sweaty people that I didn’t know, shouting words to songs that all of us love. I was fully enjoying my experience until this stupid little girl in front of me tried to elbow me in the stomach. She screamed at me to “stop pushing me”. I kindly informed her that if she attempted that again she would find my fist in her face and that if she didn’t want to be pushed maybe she should get the hell out of middle of a crowd during an amazing band’s last official performance. After a few songs Casey came out and played with them! You could tell the older fans from the newer ones from our gasps of excitement.
After they were done I stumbled out of the crowd and found myself overcome with emotion. It could have been the euphoria caused by dehydration and overheating from crowded rocking out bodies but after seeing TREOS play their “last” show, and re-united with Casey no less, I remembered deep down in my heart and soul and every other piece of my existence, why I love music.
Following my “religious” music experience, the rest of the evening just didn’t feel as intense. I watched Every Time I Die which is always entertaining. During their set I watched an asian chick punch this huge dude in the face after he pushed her for no good reason. His nose immediately started gushing blood, it was awesome. I caught some of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and then headed over to watch Gym Class Heroes. I first saw them at Warped Tour 2 years ago, and haven’t seen them since I became such a big fan of theirs so it was nice to see them again. I bailed early from the show and missed Coheed and Panic! at the Disco, mostly because I couldn’t care less to see them play live.
All in all it was an amazing and exhausting weekend. It made me remember why I love music so much and why I let it consume such a large part of my life. There is nothing that makes me feel more alive than seeing a good band that I love to listen to play their shit live, and play it well.
