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I've had trouble finding time to write this entry and to be honest, I've also had trouble just collecting my thoughts on what to write about this concert.



Here's the main problem: it was an almost purely emotional event. As such, I'm having a hard time figuring out how to describe what it was like without resorting to trite cliches. The words that come to mind, like epic, intense, hard core....they all pale when it comes to describing how I felt during and after the show. I guess I should just start by describing the sequence of events and we'll see if I'm able to capture the emotion.



First off, the meet and greet (VFIM - Very Fucking Important Monsters, LOL!) was really very chill. We were all obviously kinda hard core fans given that we put up the extra money to meet the band, get some pics and signatures on unique posters, a t-shirt and laminate pass. Strangely (or not, I guess), we all kinda bonded right away with each other. The guys in the band itself were incredibly relaxed and cool. This is important for later when I describe the concert itself. I have Joey Letz my ridiculous unicorn offering (see Portfolio) and he took a pic so it should show up in his blog.



After everyone got their pics and stuff, the band left and we milled around since we were obviously there much earlier than regular ticket holders. So we all just chatted and what not. There was one other guy with some intense vampire eyes so we were comparing notes on what the world looks like through them. Like I said, we sorta had this quick easy bond so talking to random strangers, never a problem for me, was especially easy.



The Webster had four local bands playing on the 'Underground' stage and I confess, I didn't spend much time in there. I was a bit agitated trying to figure out how/when my friends would show up since I had their ticket info so that cut into things.



There were two opening bands, Ivardensphere and Aesthetic Perfection. Ivard was a bit strange and I didn't get into them much but once AP went on, I was all over it. I saw them at the Triton Festival and was more than happy to see them again. I was up front with a bunch of the other VFIM folks having an awesome time when I finally got the text from my friends so I had to jet out and get them past the door people. They managed to catch a couple of AP's last songs which I have to say were the perfect warm up for Combi.



After that, everyone was just hanging out talking while watching the roadies set up for Combi. Once the lights started to go down though, I was right back up front. This is where things just went into overdrive and NEVER EVER let up.



How to describe the show. I could give a play by play of the songs (they hit ALL of my favorites) but really that won't mean much to anyone who doesn't know them. I guess this is the best way to explain it. Imagine putting your hands on both of the terminals of a car battery. Now imagine someone starting that car. Now imagine, rather than being fried to a crisp, you not only lived but became more alive than you knew possible? Imagine that going on for almost TWO HOURS. THAT is the best I can do to describe this concert.



I've been to some cool concerts. Big concerts in stadiums. This was so intimate and so intense with the energy of everyone around me amped up so high it was exhausting. I am STILL sore from it tonight. I've been messaging with a couple of new friends I met at the meet/greet and they've both said the same thing. They're STILL high from the show.



And well, this being a vampire site, Combi hit ALL the songs with blood in the title/theme. They included Today I Woke to a Rain of Blood, I Want Your Blood, Blut Royale, and of course Follow the Trail of Blood.



I used to wonder what being in that opening scene in the movie Blade would be like. I don't wonder anymore...

It's finally here. I need to go nap - it's my usual time to crash anyway - just before sunset - lol. But then I've gotta get my ass in gear fast to get up there. The meet/greet with the band starts at 6pm. I feel like a little kid - all nervous and shit about meeting his idols or something. LOL - stay tuned for pictures!



J

So my 'kid' is in a bit of trouble with his bf. And yes, the quotes are necessary. I guess it's quite natural for a 'dad' to want to have his fingers on a gun whenever guys come around but this time, my reaction was immediate and visceral. Well, it turns out the instincts were dead on. I finally met the guy a couple nights ago and he basically told us we were liars to our face because of when we came home after seeing a concert. o.O You're trying to make a great first impression, I see. The long and the short of it is, the kid has figured this one out pretty fast and is getting ready to end it. Unfortunately, that is, in my mind, still fraught with danger. This guy is clearly unstable and volatile so who knows how he'll react. (See earlier comment re: fingers on gun.)



Sigh....the point of this is that it's had me utterly distracted from writing. I have the rest of my story *taps temple* up there. I just have to sit down and start writing it. It helps that several people have asked where the hell the next chapter is. Hopefully I'll be able to get my head back into it and fingers back on the keyboard.



Hopefully they won't be covered in this guy's blood when I do ;-)

I posted a facebook status update yesterday regarding the election. In essence, I wrote, "Same shit, different cycle." Most people agreed but then one person had to needle me about it. I consider myself a pretty moderate guy and his dig was basically "Haha, we really screwed you moderates over, didn't we?"



I engaged him in a bit of back and forth and when I logged on this evening, he'd responded with more. I got all set to start pounding on the keyboard when I suddenly realized what I was doing. I was going ape shit while sitting in the comfort of my own home because of some BS happening on a web site that's ostensibly supposed to keep me connected with friends. What is more, more often than not, half of those people aren't even real friends. I did a quick scan and guess how many I email on a regular basis? How many do I TALK TO on a regular basis?



Last but not least....Vampire Rave. You guys have become, oddly enough, the people whom I feel like 'get me' without hardly knowing me. This feeling comes in part especially because of what happened recently when I met up with a 'day walker' friend. We met up on Halloween night and were supposed to go to Salem but instead I spent it trying to explain to his drunken ass why I'd become so 'dark' and that I wasn't taking him to some cult ritual to drain him of his blood. I mean really? Why the fuck do I have to justify or defend myself? And if you really want me to explain it, try to stop fucking interrupting me!



So because of the petty irritants; because I've decided facebook is the lazy person's tool to friendship; and because I've found a new online 'home,' I'm done. I 'gave notice' in a status update and I'm killing it in 24 hours. We'll see how many people want to 'remain my friend' when they have to do something crazy like write an email or, horror! pick up the phone.



This concludes this late night rant. Thank you for your attention!

Well, it's November 1st. Such a sad day. Haha - it seems silly but every November 1, I'm always in a bit of a funk. I have to put the Halloween decorations away and say goodbye to my very favorite holiday for another year.



I watched "Nightmare Before Christmas" last Friday and I laughed with a touch of sadness when the mayor goes to Jack's house the very day after Halloween to plan for next year. He shouts up "It's only 364 days away!"



I'm not sure, but this year my bout of depression might be especially bad, because I discovered this community back in April/May. Ironically, this created such a tremendous build up that it felt like I was celebrating with loads of friends and family and not just getting the combination of bemused and "is he crazy?" looks from others. Here I found people who love, no ADORE, Halloween as much as I do and we kept one another amused through each month that drew us closer to October.



And yes, I know - November through winter are going to be loads of fun as we welcome the growing darkness and Winter Solstice. I guess I just have to reorient my thinking and look at October as the start of the new year and enjoy the next few months as such. And just like every year, I'll dread summer and will only be able to bare it because I'll be able to start the Halloween count down again!



So yes, Mayor of Halloween Town. It's just 364 days away!!!!