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Hey guys! I know it's been a while and I apologize! PROFUSELY. We have been on a mini-hiatus because I haven't had the internet, but I have been working really hard, and have it now, and here I am with some amazing energy and stories to share. I filmed and worked on content the entire time we were on hiatus even though I have a full-time job now. I just have to piece it all together and get it out there for you, but in the meantime--have I got some news to share!!!! My last post briefly touched upon my Andy Black show here in Colorado at the Gothic. But what I didn't share was that we had secured our VIPs as well as tickets to the show, so both my daughter and I both got to meet Andy again, and man we are just blown away every time. I swear.
With the meet and greet we each get a minute of time with Andy as per usual, and because we both had VIP packages we both got pictures. I was scared that I wouldn't get my picture though, because when I called the venue earlier that day they told me my specific type of camera was not permitted at the show and I was nearly in tears. Thankfully a friend of mine, Jim, came through and I was able to get a pretty decent camera from a pawn shop for a pretty reasonable price. And not only did we get our pictures but we got a lifetime experience that neither of us shall both forget. We also got an autographed copy of Andy's new comic The Ghost of Ohio for the package, and this pretty neat laminate.
Prior to the show I checked my mail and found that I got my copy of Andy's cd The Ghost of Ohio but I didn't do an opening video because I was really upset to receive my cd case fully damaged. It is cracked all the way around and that made me a little sad. The cd itself works just fine though, and I've already ripped that thing to my computer and various devices so I can hear it over and over--because you know what? It's really REALLY fucking good. If you haven't heard it yet, I highly recommend.
And this comic? Oh my GLOB!!!! It's amazing in every aspect. The writing, the art, and imagery it's all beautiful. No spoilers, but, you should read the comic too. The story and plot are worth the ride and the characters will make you fall in love. The art is beautiful imho and vibrant and I thoroughly enjoyed it all around. This one is nestled safely next to my other valued things, up on my shelf above my bed. Signed, sealed, delivered, and wonderful. Alright! Enough gushing about the comic, I really just want you to check it out, because it's truly worth it.Our show was at the Gothic Theater here in Denver on April 17th, 2019; we arrived around five pm and picked up our tickets from will-call then got into two separate lines. Moosh and I were in the VIP line and Raith (my husband) was in the regular line. We had already done this for Black Veil Brides during the Resurrection Tour so we knew the deal. After they scanned us on, and gave us our placards we waited just a little more in line and talked to a few of the avid Andy fans. Some traveling from far distances themselves to have caught the show. Though, admittedly, we just moved and I didn't have to travel very much. My house was only about an hour from the show walking, so we walked.
Sometime after we'd arrived we were let into the building where we waited another length of time for Andy to come out. Moosh was telling me she couldn't wait to give Andy his flower, and I was so excited for her to see him again. That flower was in her hair, and it's her favorite color, the color of her hair. Anyhow, we got to the front of the line and I asked her if she wanted to be a big girl and take a picture with Andy by herself. She said yes, so I held back and gave Andy's body dude, Matt Yanni the camera for the picture and watched. She talked to him for a little bit, and was pleased to find that he remembered her from Arizona which almost honestly made me cry--I was choked up at the sentiment because that really meant a lot to her. She was worried he wouldn't recognize her. Then, he complimented her adorable pink bubble gum hair, and she blushed and got ready for their picture. She gave him the flower for the picture so it came out really cute, and when they were done and she got her hug, she leaned into his cheek and stole her first kiss. That's right ladies and gentleman, my daughter (8 years old) kissed Andy Black and it was the first boy she'd ever kissed that wasn't her daddy. The entire room swooned around her--including myself. It was truly adorable. I think Andy blushed, and I hope he'll remember her for a long time because of it. That took a lot of courage on her part. I am actually proud lmao and I don't care what people think about that.
After that I got my turn, and I got a great hug from Andy who wished me a happy birthday. That made me feel so good. My own family doesn't wish me a happy birthday, and my birthday is a really touchie day for me. So it was wonderful to hear it from one of my favorite people. I felt warm inside. Or maybe that was from the hug? I don't know, I don't let a lot of people touch me. It could be a mixture of both. Either way, I thanked him, and headed out to the merch table with miss Mooshie to buy a really fucking rad shirt and a pin/sticker collection. I've since given the stickers and a pin to my hubbers cos we literally share everything, but they are cute. I'll get a merch pic for you. Andrew donated plasma that day so that we could have extra money to buy stuff at the merchandise table which we don't always get to do. It's nice to support the artists you love, so I bought the tour dated long sleeved shirt, and the pins all the way at the bottom right of the pic for 10$. It wasn't much but to us? It meant the fucking world. I wore the shirt as soon as I got it. It's a fucking small by the way, but it looks like its a small mens. I don't even care though, I've slept in it twice since I bought it. I honestly don't want to take it off, but I don't need anyone questioning my hygiene (or sanity) so I'll stick to a BVB one for today.After we got merch we headed to the front stage so I could take couple pictures because who doesn't love traditional stage set up pictures?
That was when we figured out Kulick and The Faim would be there as well. We didn't look up the artists because I was afraid of finding a set list and honestly I like being surprised when I go to a show. I had never honestly heard a word of the first band, and I'd heard very little of The Faim thanks to my friend Marine, but I wasn't an avid fan or anything so I wasn't sure how the show would go. Either way, we headed up to the balcony because it seemed some of the girls in the crowd were a little too feisty and I was thinking of my daughter's general safety. Shortly after finding seats, they let the rest of general admission in and my husband found us easily. My daughter waved him down and I showed him how to get to the stairs by pointing, it was likely pretty amusing to watch, if anyone were. When he was with us? I hit the bar, there were WAY too many people so I asked for a strong vodka cranberry and that's what I got. BAM. Temporary anxiety nullification! Oh yeah!
When I got back up to my seat it wasn't long after that the show started and Kulick came out. I didn't recognize any of them, I'd never heard them in my life and when they started playing? I was instantly in love. SUCH energy and SUCH talent. Of the songs they played I think Ghost may have been my favorite, but of the band members? April is my favorite. What a hottie with a body! and damn she is so energetic and into the music. I felt the music because of her and the lead singer who was basically singing in the crowd from the barricade. It was really cool. Did they notice Nayeli? Sure did. Everyone did lol but she was up on the balcony waving away, and dancing. We had a good time. Here's a few pics we managed to grab--but our camera that we were allowed to bring wasnt' that great with motion. Enjoy!
I looked into them on Spotify and they are just as awesome produced as they are live so I fully respect this band. They work hard, they perform hard, and their music is very chill to listen to. Here's their Official Site to check them out but they seem to be a new comer to the general music scene as far as I can tell. All I can say is WELCOME my friends, you belong here. I can't wait to see what the future holds for them. I found it rather annoying that I could only find Jacob's name because he's the lead singer and founder of the band. And I remember he introduced the band that night, because that is how I learned April's (keyboard) name. But I unfortunately couldn't find the bassist or drummers names my apologies. As they spring onto the scene we'll likely hear more about them. But they are so new they are still touring in a van. One that frequently breaks down. And Jacob actually cracked a joke that no one knew who they were. It was the truth. No one did know--but now we can't forget them.
The one I had the most difficult time getting a picture of was April. She was so fluid and all over the stage and constantly vibing to the music that my camera just could not keep up. After their last song on the set list which I believe was a song called Scatterbrain, they left the stage, and I was a little confused. Jacob had said their names and the name of the band, but the logo was so confusing I really just didn't know what the fuck to call them.Thank god my husband was paying attention and isn't deaf, and wasn't drinking because he had caught their name. And that is how I was able to find them later on Spotify. I recommend. Check them out, it's a good time. Definitely different from Andy's BVB vibe, so don't go in expecting to hear something like that. But it's pretty darn close to Andy's newer vibe for The Ghost of Ohio, and I dig it completely. It's always so exciting when you find a band that you really fucking love through a band or solo artist that you already love. I have done that so many times now in my life. That is how I have come to find half the bands I love--AT LEAST. If you give a mean show, I will ALWAYS come back for more. ALWAYS.
After Kulick left the stage, tons of lesbians openly lamented, and that was fine too. Actually kind of amusing because I don't even know where these people have heard of this band before. Never mind who their cute little keyboardist is. That's impressive.
Next up? The Faim. I really tried to take some pictures of these boys because they were fuckin rockin'! But because they were so rockin, my camera couldn't keep up much. Josh Raven has the same stage energy as Ronnie Radke and it's endearing. By that I mean he bounces all over the fucking venue, and he really puts on a show. I didn't know much about these boys going in. Honestly, I had heard a few songs in my spare time because a friend of mine had suggested that I hear their music. Then I got wrapped up in life and forgot to go back to it because the songs I heard weren't for me. But man do they tear it up and some of their songs? really fucking hit the spot.So their set list is as follows please feel free to correct me if I am wrong:
Saints of the Sinners
My Heart needs to breath
Beautiful Drama (unreleased)
When it Comes
Infamous
A Million Stars
Midland line
Fire
I can Feel You
Amelie
Make Believe
Summer is a curse
Before I get into their performance I want to tell you a little about them. The Faim is a band consisting of four members; Josh Raven (singer), Stephen Beerkens (keyboards/bass), Samuel Tye (guitar), and Linden Marrisen (drums). They are from Perth, Australia which was a little shocking to me because Josh sounds very British but then I just remind myself that Australia is a melting pot of sorts so the accents are similar and move on. The Faim had started out with two OTHER members but I honestly didn't know of them or hear them back then, so I'm basing my opinion and such on what I've seen solely. This band fucking rocks. Check them out. It'll be worth it I swear.I tried to snag a few pictures of them because they were cool and I knew someone who would really appreciate the gesture. BUT unfortunately they were all over that fucking stage--everyone one of them. Except the drummer he was stationary, but he was fucking MOVING man. Just like the rest of them. Josh was both in and out of the crowd several times and all over that stage. He almost grabbed my daughters hand, but she wasn't paying attention lol so he just waved instead. Steven put off all the fucking vibes while they were playing he was REALLY digging on the music, he worked hard with TWO different instruments, and he sang along. You really can't get more dedicated than that, so hats off to him. Samuel had a beautiful guitar and some guitar skills to match. I truly enjoyed watching him bounce and rock out with Stephen on the bass. Linden was in the back the entire time, but he was slamming away on those drums and CARRYING that show. It was fantastic.
About halfway through Infamous there was a fight in the second and third row. I will not call it a 'pit' because ladies and gentleman, there was no pit. I have to say it. I said it there, there was no pit. I said it again. Now that I've said it let that sink in a second. Now I'll continue...a small girl (about 5 feet tall) was in the front row for the Andy Black street team. She was kind and wonderful, and so excited to see Andy perform. A woman and man half her height came bopping into the front all violently, mind you---there was NO pit. I stated that previously. Well, I don't know the proper logistics but a fight broke out and this tiny girl (as well as a woman in a wheelchair) were being properly pushed by the bimbo who came bopping into the row. The Security at the Gothic didn't do shit. So Josh had to stop the song and break up the fight HIMSELF. Begging and pleading with them to cut it out and have a good time because we are all there for music and a show. Then he proceeded to DRAG security out to the problem to address the situation--BY THEIR SHIRTS because people are fucking ridiculous and can't behave. Finally the idiot who started everything was taken from the crowd but a few of the girls that remained were still crying. Which wasn't cool. I hope the entire show wasn't ruined for them because of this. Because that was nonsense and it sure made me feel good about the decision I made to sit up in the balcony for the show. For Mooshes sake.
Anyway, after that the show resumed and they carried out the rest of their set which was pretty rockin. I am willing to dive in and give them an actual chance as a fan, because they gave such a great show. They were compassionate and caring, and they were great performers. My god I could feel the energy rushing off their bodies and instruments, and I was completely blown away.
You can tell they really live for what they do, and those are the best types of musicians--because they give the best show hands down every night. Sure maybe not everything is on point the way they would like it to be, but the crowd is too fucking rocked to notice any of that, only the musician tends to notice. After all, we are our own biggest critics.
After The Faim's performance everyone came out and cleared most of the stage which we found kind of endearing. It was a small stage and Andy has a big body that, even though he just had his appendix removed, he was still all over the stage for the show. They taped the setlist to the stage and wrote the name of the state on the bottom which had my husband and I laughing a little, but I suppose you can't remember every state you're in on tour. Especially if you're a musician who travels Internationally like he is.
His setlist was pretty consistent with the other shows he's been playing but just in case you haven't had a peek, it's here, but it's definitely not in order:
- Ribcage
- They Don't Need to Understand
- Westwood Road
- Stay Alive
- Broken Pieces
- Beyond My Reach
- Beautiful Pain
- Louder Than Your Love
- Paint It Black
- Ghost of Ohio
- Sadie (A Alkaline Trio Cover)
- Put the Gun Down
- Homecoming King
- We Don't Have to Dance
As usual we had a good time with Andy; he knew how to work the crowd and when he spoke he was hilarious or very genuine. He thanked us for accepting him for who he is, and allowing him to live the life he always dreamed of. He showed us a slide show of family movies while he covered Sadie by Alkaline Trio and then told us what that song as a whole meant to him which was very touching. My daughter really loved seeing Andy as a little (young) boy, because she is only eight years old and she loves him so much--I think it sort of puts him on her level a bit. We are all outcasts and we flock to Andy for various reasons but he is the most real and genuine person, it is hard not to love him. I have met normal people who are not as grounded as this man is, and it's truly something to think about. He surrounds himself in those kind of people too, and that is a good trait to have. Leader of the outcasts must be a nice job title.
All-in-all we had a pretty fucking wonderful time (as usual duh!) getting to know Andy's backup band (LONNIE MAN YOU ARE REALLLY FUCKING GOOD) and singing along to some of our absolutely favorite songs, was worth the money spent and the walk over. It was worth the day off and the smiles gained. Every second we spent at this show, was a good time. My husband, my daughter and I cannot wait for the next Andy Black show (whenever that may be) because it was a lot of fun. Til then? I suppose we have Juliet's concert to look forward to in July! It will be so awesome to FINALLY see his other half playing and singing. I love her voice, her attitude, and her expressive soul. She is wonderful, can't wait.
I know it's been a while since my last post so I wanted this one to be a substantial one--thanks for baring with me through the read. Thanks for all of your support as well. Look forward to my next post which will likely include photos and footage of my next concert, or maybe gaming, or MAYBE local legends and ghost stories. Do you know? You don't! so you'll have to stay tuned to find out! xo
*HUGS*
XO XO KEEP ROCKIN OUT XO XO
See you next week fam!
*~DaniiGrimm~*
