I can't believe how much I have missed posting on this blog! Especially because this has just been the most insane year ever! So I will try and catch you up with the highlights.
Rock Fest-Cadott WI
In July my mom, sister and I flew to the midwest to attend Rock Fest in the tiny tiny town of Cadott Wisconsin. Even people from Wisconsin haven't heard of Cadott it's so small. Rock Fest is one of the funnest festivals we go to. It's 4 days long out in the middle of no where and is so chill. Every day we arrived around 1 PM. Because we invested in the VIP tickets (which are completely worth it, might I add) we got catered lunch and dinner every day, all you can drink, and some killer seats for the show. Since it was assigned seating, we always had a good spot every day. The people are always so nice and the food is spectacular. The whole reason we even went this year was because it was 1 of 3 shows that Avenged Sevenfold was playing this year. I had seen them 9 times and the OCD in me said I needed to make it an even 10. Plus if they are around, I'm going to try and find them. They put on the best show and I can't get enough of them. We also go to see bands like Godsmack, Judas Priest (not my personal favorite, but we did see them), Breaking Benjamin, Starset, Three Days Grace, Black Stone Cherry, Chevelle and many more. It was such a great weekend and we loved ever second of it.
In August the "Summer's Last Stand" tour with Slipknot, Lamb of God, Bullet for my Valentine, and Motionless in White came to my home town so naturally we were there. It was pretty epic to say that we saw Slipknot twice this year! They are insane and we love them for it. I always have a spot in my heart for Corey Taylor. That man is amazing. It was such a great concert and I feel really lucky that we were able to be a part of it.
A week or so later, Three Days Grace came to town and played a smaller venue in downtown SLC. While I miss Adam as the lead singer and will always love their older material, I have come to love Matt as well and really enjoy them now. In the beginning I was appalled that anyone thought they could take Adam's place and keep the band going. Adam has such a distinct voice, I didn't see how it was possible. But now I am happy. It could be because Adam has Saint Asonia now and so the world seems right again. It was a really great show with Like A Storm opening. They are always fun to watch. They are great and pretty nice to look at so I wasn't complaining.
In the middle of September the MASSIVE Five Finger Death Punch, Papa Roach, In This Moment, From Ashes to New tour rolled through town as well. Oh my lanta it was just amazing. I love all 4 of those bands. It was just a power house of a tour. I am so glad I didn't miss it, because I had a momentary lapse in reason and contemplated not going. They all did awesome and as always, it ended too soon.
My latest concert experience was finally getting to see the legendary AC/DC in San Francisco last weekend. For being a bunch of old farts, they still got it! They played 20 songs and it felt like the concert was over in 5 minutes it went by so fast! We had always said that if they ever went back on tour, even if they had to roll out in their wheelchairs, we would go see them. I was really excited to see them and to get to play in San Francisco. We had such an amazing weekend!
So that's my last few months in a quick recap-I will try and be better! I'm going to Rock Allegiance in Philly next weekend so that ought to be amazing!
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
10 DAYS OF EXCESS- in review
Rock in Rio- Las Vegas Nevada
On Friday May 8th we hopped a plane and headed out for Sin City to go to day 2 of Rock in Rio's rock weekend. After playing most of the day on Saturday, we headed over to the festival grounds. The festival was held at the MGM festival grounds between Circus Circus and Stratosphere. As far as festivals go I feel like this one was the coolest setup I've ever seen. They basically built a little city! This was also the first concert I've been to that used a "cashless" system. It had its pros of cons. There was a chip in the wrist band that served as both your ticket and your wallet. So if you wanted to buy anything you had to go buy rock cash which then loaded the money on to the wristband. While I liked that I didn't have to have my wallet, the impulse shopper in me didn't like that I had to make sure I had the money already on my band before I got there. Otherwise you had to "top off" and add some more money. At the end of the festival whatever money wasn't used was refunded which was nice. The VIP experience was definitely the fanciest I have experienced at a rock festival! The meals were catered by Wolfgang Puck and it was all you could drink! Although I'm not a drinker myself, I'm sure that was a huge selling point. The bathrooms were the nicest festival bathrooms the world has ever seen. The VIP tent was ginormous and the main floor was a raised platform to see the stages over the masses of people below. While we weren't up close to the stage, the view wasn't too bad. Plus they had TVs inside streaming the whole thing. The bands included Of Mice and Men, Hollywood Undead, Sepultura, Rise Against, Deftones, Linkin Park and Metallica. They all did great despite the fact that it got frigidly cold once the sun went down. The concert went until the wee hours of the morning, and once we got back to the hotel we collapsed from exhaustion. Thankfully we stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel which seriously has the most amazing beds. Sadly we didn't get to spend too much time in them because at the crack of dawn it was time to head back to the airport. Here are some pictures from our time at Rock in Rio
California Dreamin'
On Sunday morning we caught a flight to Orange County CA. After picking up the rental car we headed straight for one of my favorite places on the planet. Six Flags Magic Mountain. This amusement park has more cutting edge, crazy scary and fun rides than any other park I have been to thus far. They are superior without a doubt in my opinion. We hit the ground running on very little sleep and by 6 or so that evening we had ridden too many coasters to count and had walked about 8 miles ( most of which were hills-they call it magic MOUNTAIN for a reason...). I was SO bummed we just barely missed Twisted Collossus opening up, but not to worry I will be back in a few weeks and will ride it then! Once we had had our fill, we hopped in the car and drove about an hour to one of my other favorite places to be. Disneyland. We stayed at the Paradise Pier Hotel which is fine. Personally I believe it is the most kid-oriented hotel so it's usually overrun with screaming 4 year olds. I don't prefer staying there, but it is on the property and about $400 less than where I like to stay ( the Grand Californian). We ran over to California Adventure and got in a few more hours (and miles of walking) before we literally couldn't keep our eyes open. So we went back to the room, got room service and hit the sack. Monday we played at both parks all day and had a blast! The weather was perfect and I was in heaven. 
Radiator Springs in Cars Land @ Disney
X2@ Six Flags
Lex Luthor's Drop of Doom @ Six Flags
NEXT STOP: OHIO!
After lots of fun in the sun it was time to begin the third and final leg of our vacation. We flew out of Columbus Ohio on Tuesday. We were feeling pretty tired at this point, but we still had so many fun things ahead that we sucked it up and kept the pace going strong. Wednesday bright and early we made the drive to Sandusky. Tommy Boy quotes were offered up in abundance as we headed to Cedar Point, yet another amusement park. Supposidly this park competes with Magic Mountain for the most roller coasters in the world, but after experiencing them both two days apart, I know for sure Magic Mountain is most definitely the better park. Cedar Point is right on the shores of Lake Erie. It was cold. Damn cold. So we layered up and rode some of the rides such as Gatekeeper and Rougarou before setting our sights on one very large blue coaster. It looked pretty intense and frankly all the rides I rode before it kind of bored me. I swear most of their rides were the same basic concept over and over. I like that the coasters at MM are, for the most part, completely different from one another. This ride we went on was called Millennium Force. It was such a great ride! With a lift hill rising to 310 feet and reaching a max speed of 93 MPH, this ride kicked some serious ass. I absolutely loved it. This was actually the only ride we rode more than once! It was actually pretty scary. But I soon came to realize that I didn't totally understand fear until I rode the next coaster. It is called Top Thrill Dragster. Let's just go over the specs on this thing shall we? 0 to 120 MPH in 3.8 seconds. Rising 420 feet at a 90 degree angle, going up and over an arch and coming straight back down. The ride takes 17 seconds to complete and it was the scariest 17 seconds of my life. This thing only has a little seat belt and a lap bar. No shoulder restraint. Which I think made a huge impact on the terror factor of this thing. Every car that we watched that day made it up and over the top. Of course the car I happened to be riding in got to the top and couldn't quite make it over so we had to roll back down and launch again. It was absolutely terrifying. Apparently it happens every so often. Something I was unaware of. I thought my heart was going to stop! When they were staging us to go again I was legitimately scared. I don't think I've ever felt fear like that on a coaster. Ever. Thankfully the second time through we made it up and over just fine. Would I ride it again? Definitely! Would it kill me? Maybe. 
Top Thrill Dragster
Top Thrill Dragster
Millennium Force
After we had as much as we could handle at Cedar Point, we decided we should make the drive to Cleveland to pay homage to the greats at the rock and roll hall of fame. I had never been before, and it was really cool to be surrounded by such music history! 
Thursday we decided to have a down day and rest up before our last set of adventures in Ohio. We visited friends while Shelly did a Pampered Chef show. It was a welcome relief to have some calm because by this point I was well past exhaustion. I knew what was to come and honestly I kind of wondered if I was going to make it! That night we made the drive back to Columbus and geared up for our favorite weekend of the year. Friday, Saturday and Sunday we went to Rock on the Range at Mapfre Stadium. This year we decided to splurge and get the ultimate ranger VIP package. The only problem is, now that we know what that entails, it looks like we will be doing that every year we possibly can! We had catered meals in the VIP lounge, private restrooms, all you could drink, access to the floor, stadium seats, and the best house viewing location (side of the stage) as well as a locker to put all your crap in at another VIP tent. It was pretty freakin great. Seeing bands like Slash and Marilyn Manson from side stage was amazing. Nothing like it. 50+ bands and 70,000 crazy rock fans makes on hell of a festival. Despite some crazy weather on Saturday and Sunday, we had so much fun! ROTR is our favorite festival and I honestly can't imagine ever missing a year! There is just something about the atmosphere of this place. The best music money can buy and seriously awesome people coming together to celebrate this crazy lifestyle we lead. People from all walks of life, from all across the country coming to prove that rock is NOT dead. It's alive and well, and it lives in Columbus. 
In This Moment
Godsmack
Sully Erna❤️
Marilyn Manson 
Slash
Breaking Benjamin 
Manson has the coolest gear
Papa Roach killing it!!
Me and my crazy cool mama!
The lineup
Volbeat
Jacoby-Papa Roach
The crowd gathering for Slipknot
IN CONCLUSION
To say this was the craziest vacation of my life would be a vast understatement. I've never been more exhausted, but I've also never had so much fun! By the time we hit the seat on the flight home 10 days after embarking on this thing, I was virtually comatose! I felt like I could sleep for a week!! Going that long, that hard, without much sleep takes its toll. I would do it again in a heartbeat! In fact, now some 10 days later, I wish I could turn back the clock and do it over again! I feel very blessed to be able to live this lifestyle. Living life to the fullest. You only live once. I intend to make the most of the time I'm given. HUGE shoutout to my kickass mama for helping make this thing a reality! I love that she wants to do this stuff with me. She's quite literally the best. Thankfully, my next adventure is never too far away. 6 days until my next concert and 18 days until my next vacation! Thanks for sticking it out to the end!
-Nicole
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Sometimes Dreams Come True
A few months back I received an email. I get plenty of emails every day announcing concerts, tours and other things that make my wallet shutter. To the point that some emails I won't even open for fear that I won't be able to pass the opportunity by and book myself another out of town concert or something. This email happened to be about my favorite band in the entire universe. They could send me an email about what they had for lunch and I wouldn't even care. I would open it and I would be the happiest girl on earth. So what was in this email you say? Well it was announcing that Seether would be co-headlining a tour with Papa Roach and that their final stop was at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. This in and of itself would have been fantastic news, but I then learned that they would be doing a 'meet and greet' before the show. The credit card was out and ready before I had even read the last of the email. This was it. My chance to meet the most important band in the world to me. So I bought 2 tickets and patiently waited for February 7th to roll around.
The entire drive (about 5 to 5.5 hours) to Las Vegas I just kept playing in my head over and over different scenarios for how this weekend could pan out. That is something I have done forever. I try to think of every possibility that could happen, that way no matter what actually does happen I can be ready. Or at least pretend. I was extremely excited. This band has gotten me through all my bad days and most of my good ones. Whenever I'm having a down day all I have to do is throw some of their music on and everything seems a little bit better. It's strange, but honestly 95% of their lyrics feel like they were written for me or about things I'm dealing with in my own life. To the point that it freaks me out a little how spot on they are. I can't go one day without listening to one of their songs. It just doesn't feel right. So the entire drive down I tried to think of what I could possibly say to the people that basically write the soundtrack to my soul.
We finally rolled in and checked in at the Hard Rock Hotel. I have absolutely no idea why it had taken me so long to finally stay at this hotel because it was the shit. Not too far off the strip and it was such an awesome place to stay! We walked in the doors and there sat the drum kit that belonged to "The Rev" from Avenged Sevenfold. I knew then that this was my homeland and that there would be many more nights spend in this hotel in my life time. I've always loved the Hard Rock Cafes that I've been to around the world, so I knew I would like this place. Not to mention it is where the flagship store for Affliction is located-I knew then that I was hooked for life. I refused to let myself go into the store because I knew that I would only end up leaving after spending entirely too much money. So I'm taking a rain check until May or October when I will be back.
After a day of playing on the strip and having a great time, it was time to head to the box office to do the meet and greet. As soon as I hopped in that elevator I swore I was going to pass out or throw up. I don't recall the last time I was so nervous. I'm just an average joe that has basically stalked this band for the last 5 years without their knowledge. Not to mention I am completely terrified of famous people in general. As I was waiting in line I almost regretted doing this because I was terrified and knew that no matter what I was going to botch this up. I have literally chased these guys across the country, having seen them 5 times in 5 states within the last year. I didn't want to go all "fangirl" on them and tell them how obsessed I was with them ( like I'm sure every other person there did). It almost felt like exploiting them. I guess that is just the nature of the beast. Their tour manager was really cute and a super funny and nice guy. I liked meeting him as much as I liked meeting the band. Now not only am I obsessed with this band on a "spiritual" level I guess you could say, but I also have a MEAN crush on Shaun Morgan-the lead singer (also, like every freaking girl there I'm sure). To the point that when I finally walked around that curtain and saw him standing there I thought my heart was going to stop. Like, I was pretty sure I was going to need some CPR or something. I shook hands with all the guys and was so completely terrified to even stand next to Shaun. He gave me the sweetest smile and once again I didn't want to go all fangirl on him, so I took the next best thing. Their very hot bass player. He was equally sweet and talked to me more than anyone else did. All in all it was a pretty short encounter, but it was worth every penny. I didn't talk to them as much as I wanted (or really much at all, it was more of a chat while we take your picture together kind of deal), but I hope that they could tell by the giant smile on my face how much they meant to me. Will I ever meet them again? Probably not, but a girl can dream! Another bonus of buying said VIP meet and greet package was all the sweet swag we got. A signed poster, a signed set list from that night, a drawstring bag and a pretty sweet beanie. All of which will be my most prized possessions until the day I die.
After the meet and greet it was concert time. Islander and Kyng opened the concert and did a pretty great job. I have always loved Kyng, so seeing them again was an added bonus. Seether freaking killed their set. They did such a great job and I was all too sad when their set came to a rousing end with "Remedy". Every time I see them ( I do believe this was at least my 8th time seeing them) I don't want their set to end. Ever. Shaun has so much soul for what he does and it just oozes out of him. For me, he embodies the true meaning of rock music. I love that quote by Bono that says " Pop music often tells you everything is OK, while rock music tells you it's not OK, but you can change it". Papa Roach came on to close out the night and did a stellar job as always. Jacoby may be the most energetic performer I have ever seen and I love it. He gives all he's got for every crowd at every show no matter how big or small. Not to mention how much love and respect he has for his fans. You can tell how aware he is that without the fans, he is nothing. I respect the hell out of him for that.
All in all it was a pretty spectacular weekend. One I will never forget. I can't help but feel so blessed for all the opportunities I have in life. There are so many people who keep telling me how lucky I am, and you know what? I am lucky. Out of all the people I know and lives I see, I wouldn't trade mine for anything. I have so many more awesome adventures coming my way this year and I can't wait. You only live once and I'm going to take the time that I have and enjoy every second. Life is too short for regrets. I am going to the Hellyeah/Like A Storm/Devour the Day concert this Friday which I'm completely stoked about. Then I have a month or so to recover from this last weekend's escapades before heading on my next adventure. Sadly it's not concert related, but hey I've got to keep a little balance! So the moral of this story is, if you want to know anything about me, just put on some Seether (especially the "Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray" album) and you will find out all you need to know about me. This band has changed my life and made the bad days more bearable. Check them out. I've posted a link below for one of my favorite songs. From one rockoholic to another. And remember, it's not just music-it's a way of life.
The entire drive (about 5 to 5.5 hours) to Las Vegas I just kept playing in my head over and over different scenarios for how this weekend could pan out. That is something I have done forever. I try to think of every possibility that could happen, that way no matter what actually does happen I can be ready. Or at least pretend. I was extremely excited. This band has gotten me through all my bad days and most of my good ones. Whenever I'm having a down day all I have to do is throw some of their music on and everything seems a little bit better. It's strange, but honestly 95% of their lyrics feel like they were written for me or about things I'm dealing with in my own life. To the point that it freaks me out a little how spot on they are. I can't go one day without listening to one of their songs. It just doesn't feel right. So the entire drive down I tried to think of what I could possibly say to the people that basically write the soundtrack to my soul.
We finally rolled in and checked in at the Hard Rock Hotel. I have absolutely no idea why it had taken me so long to finally stay at this hotel because it was the shit. Not too far off the strip and it was such an awesome place to stay! We walked in the doors and there sat the drum kit that belonged to "The Rev" from Avenged Sevenfold. I knew then that this was my homeland and that there would be many more nights spend in this hotel in my life time. I've always loved the Hard Rock Cafes that I've been to around the world, so I knew I would like this place. Not to mention it is where the flagship store for Affliction is located-I knew then that I was hooked for life. I refused to let myself go into the store because I knew that I would only end up leaving after spending entirely too much money. So I'm taking a rain check until May or October when I will be back.
After a day of playing on the strip and having a great time, it was time to head to the box office to do the meet and greet. As soon as I hopped in that elevator I swore I was going to pass out or throw up. I don't recall the last time I was so nervous. I'm just an average joe that has basically stalked this band for the last 5 years without their knowledge. Not to mention I am completely terrified of famous people in general. As I was waiting in line I almost regretted doing this because I was terrified and knew that no matter what I was going to botch this up. I have literally chased these guys across the country, having seen them 5 times in 5 states within the last year. I didn't want to go all "fangirl" on them and tell them how obsessed I was with them ( like I'm sure every other person there did). It almost felt like exploiting them. I guess that is just the nature of the beast. Their tour manager was really cute and a super funny and nice guy. I liked meeting him as much as I liked meeting the band. Now not only am I obsessed with this band on a "spiritual" level I guess you could say, but I also have a MEAN crush on Shaun Morgan-the lead singer (also, like every freaking girl there I'm sure). To the point that when I finally walked around that curtain and saw him standing there I thought my heart was going to stop. Like, I was pretty sure I was going to need some CPR or something. I shook hands with all the guys and was so completely terrified to even stand next to Shaun. He gave me the sweetest smile and once again I didn't want to go all fangirl on him, so I took the next best thing. Their very hot bass player. He was equally sweet and talked to me more than anyone else did. All in all it was a pretty short encounter, but it was worth every penny. I didn't talk to them as much as I wanted (or really much at all, it was more of a chat while we take your picture together kind of deal), but I hope that they could tell by the giant smile on my face how much they meant to me. Will I ever meet them again? Probably not, but a girl can dream! Another bonus of buying said VIP meet and greet package was all the sweet swag we got. A signed poster, a signed set list from that night, a drawstring bag and a pretty sweet beanie. All of which will be my most prized possessions until the day I die.
After the meet and greet it was concert time. Islander and Kyng opened the concert and did a pretty great job. I have always loved Kyng, so seeing them again was an added bonus. Seether freaking killed their set. They did such a great job and I was all too sad when their set came to a rousing end with "Remedy". Every time I see them ( I do believe this was at least my 8th time seeing them) I don't want their set to end. Ever. Shaun has so much soul for what he does and it just oozes out of him. For me, he embodies the true meaning of rock music. I love that quote by Bono that says " Pop music often tells you everything is OK, while rock music tells you it's not OK, but you can change it". Papa Roach came on to close out the night and did a stellar job as always. Jacoby may be the most energetic performer I have ever seen and I love it. He gives all he's got for every crowd at every show no matter how big or small. Not to mention how much love and respect he has for his fans. You can tell how aware he is that without the fans, he is nothing. I respect the hell out of him for that.
All in all it was a pretty spectacular weekend. One I will never forget. I can't help but feel so blessed for all the opportunities I have in life. There are so many people who keep telling me how lucky I am, and you know what? I am lucky. Out of all the people I know and lives I see, I wouldn't trade mine for anything. I have so many more awesome adventures coming my way this year and I can't wait. You only live once and I'm going to take the time that I have and enjoy every second. Life is too short for regrets. I am going to the Hellyeah/Like A Storm/Devour the Day concert this Friday which I'm completely stoked about. Then I have a month or so to recover from this last weekend's escapades before heading on my next adventure. Sadly it's not concert related, but hey I've got to keep a little balance! So the moral of this story is, if you want to know anything about me, just put on some Seether (especially the "Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray" album) and you will find out all you need to know about me. This band has changed my life and made the bad days more bearable. Check them out. I've posted a link below for one of my favorite songs. From one rockoholic to another. And remember, it's not just music-it's a way of life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)