trent_reznor posted: Thank god we're going to the Chicago show. I'd lose my girlfriend for sure 
*edit to add* Actually I may still lose her if you are as cool to us as everyone says you were last night. Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/22/2009 01:35PM by RxSlaughter. | |
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Thank you so much for posting, Trent! I'm meeting you in KC! I'll be the short librarian chick about to wet herself!
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RxSlaughter posted: I think my girlfriend is actually worrying the same thing about losing me in that situation. | |
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oh wow..... this is awesome.....
thank you.... | |
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My experience told with photos:
I actually learned about the charity giving when I received a text driving down to Santa Barbara, so at the time, I didn't have the means to pay for or really act on an impulse to chip in, so going into the show, I was just happy to get to try to be on rail. So I got to the venue parking lot early (yeah - 1:30AM early), and met Jessica in her car who was already there after having driven straight up from Irvine. She had mentioned that she was paying for the $300 package at that time and would be doing it in the morning. At the time, I wished I had someone to get together with and do it, but I didn't really have the means or will power at 1AM. Insert hours of (little) sleeping, moving the car for the vans, meeting the truck drivers, enduring hours of endless waiting.... 
...arts and crafts... 
...wondering what the fuck this sign actually means... 
and by 9AM -- Jessica approached me to be the guest in her package deal. No questions asked, I went in on it - and from there we didn't really have much information about it. Due to the receipt problems (Jessica had originally received a receipt that thanked her for buying Ghosts...), we weren't even sure if the package deal would happen that day, so we waited around in line, waiting for an answer as to what exactly was happening. I wasn't keeping my hopes up, because I was just lucky to have Jessica approach me for the deal - I would have been happy whether it worked out or not. 
Eventually we got word by text and from word of mouth that there was a certain area that a lot of people were to be to wait for someone to pick us up and take us to soundcheck. Presale tickets were given out starting at 2, and we were to get those first before we went over to soundcheck. Cory (the guy that takes care of tickets) at the nin.com presale line: 
Where Jane's Addiction's presale tickets were SUPPOSED to be... 
After freaking out for a bit, because Jessica already had her ticket and Jane's was no where to be seen, I finally got my ticket and waited with the rest of the package group meeting new people. Eventually, someone came by and told us to go to the top of the mountain below the venue to get transported to soundcheck. Our names were crossed off on a list and luckily Jessica had an iphone to check her receipt number, because her name was not on the list. They proceeded to check/scan our tickets and herd us over in short buses. (Sort of appropriate, given the circumstances of drama that followed this particular charity event...) 
At the top, JT made us all walk slowly over to the rail to watch as they played Reptile, with Robin adorned in a towel. The sun was shining particularly bright on the band, and they lamented about it remaining there during the show. 
Soundcheck was AMAZING. We heard three songs and it felt like a really private concert. Trent was quite chatty and Justin was happily talking to a lot of people on the rail. Jessica and I had more than enough elbow room on the rail and were comfortable in bobbing our heads and enjoying the experience. 
Some other rail mates: 
Eventually, Brett came out and informed everyone to get in a line to meet with the band members, so we waited and talked amongst ourselves. During this time period, Tom Morello came out on stage and was quite chatty. 
Even Dave Navarro made an appearance (shirtless... which was surprising), to shake peoples' hands in line. After a bit, Brett appeared and announced that he would give Ilan's sticks to whoever was cool. I raised my hand and professed my coolness, but seeing as many people thought the same way about themselves, Brett became a bit overwhelmed and just threw the sticks on the floor. I don't know why I did it, but I jumped after one of the sticks (blame it on my previous quick reflexes from college soccer?) and fought over one half with another guy. We broke the stick in half and I was able to keep the longer end. As Brett walked away after multiple fans dove on the floor, I heard him mumble "I probably shouldn't do that again..."
We waited only about five minutes to finally meet Trent, who I shook hands with and greeted. I asked him to sign my stupid banner, upon which seeing he went "What the fuck is this?".... 
I told him it was a part of a costume I might wear depending on the weather. He then told me "Don't be a pussy and bring something and not wear it." I don't really think I remember how I responded to that. 
Most likely, I was like - "Fine... you'll see," and proceeded to ask for a picture. 
Jessica met Trent and got him to sign her ticket, then had me take a picture of them together. Trent commented on my ghetto ability to take photos (and yes - he did say ghetto), and I told him that it's a technique you learn when going to a lot of parties/having to improvise in that setting. He laughed and we walked over to Brett. Said hi and Jessica got another picture with him. He was a really cool laid back dude and urged me to wear my costume, since he had worn a teletubbies suit before. Next we met Ilan, who was a very gentlemanly young man. He said hi and actually remember Jessica's avatar from Twitter. Upon seeing the stick that I was wielding he asked me if I wanted him to sign it and I said yes. Then we took pictures, and Ilan looks pretty serious about life. 
Then we met Justin, who I've met before in Vegas, and he was beyond friendly. He was really outgoing, smiled a lot and was extremely down to earth. He said that he really liked my glasses and I told him he should buy a pair to wear on stage. 
I continued to talk to Justin about the sun and whether or not it would go down before their set as he walked off stage and I told him to have fun. He smiled and said thanks as he walked backstage. Then we walked over to watch SSSC do soundcheck and boy, were they filled with energy onstage. I really had no previous standards set for them, but I was blown away from Tom Morello's guitar playing abilities. After SSSC left, the band members waved and walked backstage, leaving us on the rail as more people flooded in from the general lines. It was a GREAT experience and I would totally recommend it to anyone. Not only do you get to meet the band, but you also get to experience their songs without all those people around you and with a great amount of freedom/space to dance or do whatever. Did I mention it's also for a great cause? Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 05/26/2009 07:26PM by Shitfuckdamn. | |
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Wow, this is one of those things which turns out to be a lot more complicated than you initially thought, isn't it?
Glad to hear the opportunity's been made possible in the rest of the world too. I'm off to check my bank balance! | |
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brilliant.
thank you, trent & co. i'll see you in Toronto with killersometimes
so glad it applies to the Jane's show too, i was worried i wouldn't get to see them play from a "unique" vantage point | |
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Holy shit! Navarro with no shirt on! My dreams have come true. Dave Navarro is too good for shirts. His chest will melt them immidiately.
This is awesome. Can't wait for June 2. It is actually pretty warm in Canada right now so you may be able to leave your parkas in the bus.  | |
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Awesome! Thanks
See ya in Charlotte! | |
