goodcharlotteorbust

Saturday, January 21st, 2012.

Bottom of the Hill, San Francisco, CA.

My activities the night of the 21st  were lucky enough to take me to downtown San Francisco on the corner of 17^th street to a small, pleasant venue (with slightly over priced drinks), but a good vibe and an even better line up for the night. Good job to all the bands who played, but I was still there for only one reason: Seeking Empire. If you are reading this and don’t know who they are yet, flip back just one post before this and check them out on their facebook page to get their debut EP for FREE.

First, just so it’s on record, I can not stress how wonderful and kind this band is; I was treated like gold and it only made me enjoy everything that much more. You put amazing music and talent together with award winning personalities and genuinely kind, caring people who are beyond motivated and just EXCITED, you can’t lose. That’s exactly what this band is and their excitement, energy and happiness were contagious.

As they say, the show must go OFF and did it ever. Like I said, this is my first time ever seeing Seeking Empire play (also, only their third live show ever, Paul’s first with the band, along with their original drummer, Derrick joining the line-up for that night), and being so already deeply and thoroughly in love with their EP, this was beyond words. There were a few technical problems, not any fault of the band and in my opinion, it did not take a single thing away from their performance.

Led by such an strong, engaging female performer is big point in Seeking Empire’s music; perhaps my inner feminist coming out, but I love seeing and being around inspiring and empowering women who are uber talented and have that natural gift of just being amazing at what they do and doing it with passion. Watching Nikki on stage, I definitely saw a very bright ray of passion coming out with every word she sang and beautiful note she hit that night. The poetic lyrics were delivered gracefully and packed with a punch from a powerhouse voice, enhanced with a killer instrumental structure to set it all off. The pure excitement I felt radiating off the stage was enough to make me smile and every bit of hard work and practice this band did was put to extremely good use and prominently displayed.

The overall chemistry of this perfectly fitting jigsaw band (in reference to the members coming together from prior bands) was really quite stunning and pleasing. For being fully on stage and in front of a crowd together for the first time with that’s night line up, you wouldn’t believe that they hadn’t played together like that for ages. Looking up and just seeing them so entranced in the moment, playing their hearts out for every single person in that room is a feeling I missed being around. Live music is something irreplaceable and something I’d love to be around every day I have left. Seeking Empire is one of my favorites I’ve seen live and I’m already waiting to sign up for the next show.

The high level of energy, ripping on their guitars and bass, smashing the drums and guided by powerful vocals (including Phil of course) sent sparks in every inch of my music loving soul. When you find music you like and get the privilege to hear it live and done so very well like this, you are lucky because not everyone can have a connection to something like this; if you’re in music, then you know how it feels and understand perfectly what my words are failing to get across right now.

Bravo to you, Seeking Empire for an amazing, energetic and just damned good show. Honestly, if any of you ever get the chance to see these guys play, don’t miss out on your chance at a really fantastic show and seeing some of the most talented, sweetest people I’ve ever been lucky enough to be around. Check out their music, check out a show and I promise you won’t regret it—-everyone needs good music in their lives.

Seekingempire.com/facebook

(I apologize now for the lack of editing this has haha)

Up and coming bay area musicians, Seeking Empire, are an eclectic mix of musicians from other bands coming together with a rock inspired, yet eloquent sound. I first learned of Seeking Empire through my unfaltering love for Good Charlotte. Bassist (the ever so fabulous and kind hearted) Paul Thomas from GC is involved in the production and also plays bass on the tracks for SE.

 Led by vocalists Nikki Aclaro, the band gets a much enjoyed female edge to their sound; I must say I love seeing a powerful female in front of the mic with an amazing band along side them. When I first listened to SE, I got almost a Paramore vibe, simply from the vocals (and much too often we compare female singers against each other when really the only commonality lies in the fact that they are female—i.e. see the 90s Riot Grrrl movement). However, when you take time to really listen to Nikki, she carries a very strong, powerful voice that is laced with a very elegant tone and keeps you wanting to listen to more tracks. There is a sweetness to the lead vocals, backed by a strong instrumental band with killer drum tracks and guitar and bass riffs alike. The combination takes me back to the earlier days when I got into music and a band that is on their way with strong music being supported by poignant, catchy lyrics that supplement the graceful delivery from Nikki (some really great lines, listen close). The balance created between the vocals and instrumental notes is definitely a harmonious one, letting you indulge into a brand new band and have that blossoming feeling of passion a new band brings to the industry; it’s refreshing, revitalizing in a way when you find a great new band to listen to and like you can hear the success to come in every note and lyric pouring through your speakers.

This is a band I’d love to see live, their sound seems perfect for a show and the energy in the music is something I know translates on stage into something amazing and fun; more than likely to leave you with that ‘post show high’ any good band does with their performances.

 The bay area band has released their EP (YES, IT’S FREE; grab it on their facebook page! Free good music, what more could you want?!) with a collection of songs that both entraps and entertains you, keeping them on repeat until you can’t get them out of your head. My favorite has been “Remember the End”, with lyrics of what touring is and being away from home; the strong lyrics again guided by the melodic sounds of Nikki’s voice and powerful music that emphasizes the words of being away and traveling on ‘sheets of gray’. “Remember the End” is only one of the great listens on the EP, so don’t just take my word for it, check out the free music and pick your own favorite! The band has also put out a few music videos already as well, which also can be found linked on their facebook.

Aside from the great music, lyrics and vocals, since I’ve developed more and more love for this band, the thing that draws me in even more is…them. I’ve been apart of the fan bases that are blessed to have the nicest, more caring members behind them and always stuck up and around for the fans no matter what; SE is no different. Extraordinarily nice and caring, giving their fans so much of themselves and more than anything a fan can ask for; we’re in it for the music ourselves and that’s all we can ask for and expect, a band owes us nothing (many fans fail to realize this). We are fans because we love the music, we’re bound to it in a way many can never understand. (SE, thank you for being so good to your supporters—we’ll keeping spreading the SE love!)

Seeking Empire is :
Nikki Aclaro—vocals
Phil Pristia — guitar
Paul Thomas —producer/bass
Alan Kao —guitar
Cary LaScala— drums

Their music can be found on facebook.com/seekingempire

Twitter: @seekingempire

marsneedswomen:

But I’m so happy that their new single is 1979. I really love that song, it’s definitely the best song on the album. It’s pretty beautiful in a really positive way and I love the way it contrasts with the song “Emotionless” (From The Young & The Hopeless).
If you haven’t heard it, go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMLu1-HmkNw&ob=av2n 

IM GOING TO HAVE TO POLITELY DISAGREE. We should not generalize it as being their low point, when it’s an album that does show growth and reflects where they are in their lives right now and a rather quite positive album in that right. Just sayin’.

ie: http://iamashleynicole.tumblr.com/post/1419949681/cardiology-in-review

And yes, 1979 is fantastic, musically and lyrically.

June 22^nd

House of Blues,  Myrtle Beach SC.

Another end to another tour. More goodbyes I can’t stand to say.

Although I didn’t go get to see the gator farm [that’s on my list for next time and my inner nerd is stoked], and despite the unfortunate heat, Myrtle Beach you were so, so good. I enjoyed the whole time being in you. 

It was a bit of a late arrival in MB, but we were tired, heat stricken, and of course had to stop for food, gas etc. As soon as we got there, and managed to find the right direction on the highway, we got to our hotel and it was after 5 or so, so we were very anxious to get to the venue.  We threw our stuff in the room, had an awkward and unpleasant conversation with the concierge, about who we were going to see, we took a cab and headed to the HOB.

….and there was no one there.

No, wait, I’m sorry, there were four young kids in the early entry line only. Doors were later at 730 though and it was stupidly hot. So, Katie and I went and got our drink on at the bar—pounding back two and three dollar drinks like nobody’s business before meeting with the girls at the store to get our things for early entry.

The barrier was extremely low at this venue, but they did have barricade bar service—win—, and the stage was wicked high. I was buzzing though and really didn’t mind much. The latest show of the tour, starting at 830, and I was losing my shit per usual as Runner Runner came on and while I was drunk with excitement and beyond stoked as the audience filled out and I screamed along, the sadness started to set in and I knew this would be the last show for a while with nothing future in the works. I kept going as hard as I could though,  with a complete lack of inhibitions that probably made me look like a madwoman. I was having a blast though, and to be honest, sixty-nine shows in and this still hasn’t gotten old.

If I could do this every day with the best friends in the world, I absolutely would. I always feel incredibly happy and for those few hours, nothing else matters. It’s me, my friends, the stage, and the bands that let me keep my sanity. There’s no drama, no worry about petty problems that cause people to stress out on a daily basis, no letting “real life” get in the way, just enjoyment and losing yourself in the music that creates the thread that I hold onto on a daily basis that keeps me hanging on. It’s flawless and perfect and what I wish every day could be.

The music has this way of making you feel invincible. For me, it happens to be Good Charlotte’s music that does it for me the most. Who would ever want to give up that feeling, especially when it’s amplified at live shows? Luckily, we’ll always have itunes or cds to create that feeling, but there’s something that can’t be replaced seeing them live—they bring it to an entirely new level that I can’t even explain properly and these words could never do justice, it’s something intangible that just takes you over and there isn’t a time you won’t walk away smiling afterwards.

So like really good sex?

Is that slightly inappropriate? Probably. I apologize to any younger readers or those not a fan of my sometimes charmingly crude humor that escapes me. I’m really just a girl trying to be witty who’s probably making an ass of herself because I can never seem to properly explain things because it’s a feeling that fails to let words suffice for what it’s like to have that experience.

I love this band, I love this lifestyle, I love the memories, I love my best friends, I love that I am lucky enough to have the opportunities I’ve had, and I can only hope this is able to continue for a good few more years at least. I’m simply insatiable when it comes to this.

The show, because it opened later, didn’t end until about midnight and I was understandably sad as the stage cleared. I tried to keep my emotions in until we made it back and I was at the airport where I typically have my post-tour cry fest and the onset of post tour partum kicks in, but I didn’t even make it to the bathroom before I was crying on Krisse’s shoulder. I obviously should not be allowed to drink in public, nor should tour ever come to an end.

Krisse and I hung around inside for a bit, said goodbye to Peter, whom we had a ‘Every Road {the maine} sing a long with, talked about gators and sadly departed from our beloved musician who I grew to enjoy very much this tour run especially. Said adios to Anthony, sang some Morrissey, and also ran into LP and spoke to him for the first time and let him know he’s a fantastic musician and they killed the shows.

We headed outside to meet up with Katie and Jazz…and it was really dark outside the HOB, like really dark and weird. We got to say goodbye to Joel, Benj, and Deano, along with Ryan Key overall and it was a very nice way to go out on tour.

I remember most of it, including downing another drink—a redbull and vodka, my first ever, and probably rambling and talking too much like I always do. To be honest, I really don’t remember too much of anything, except sitting on the ground, not being nearly as wasted at the chicks next to us, laughing at how the pictures I took turned out—-and taking a perfectly centered Polaroid for Katie. I remembering dying during the conversation with Benji and the discovery made, and it being one of the most memorable nights, ironically. We said goodbye to Tom as well, and as we headed to go away, being some of the last ones there since the buses had to leave pretty quickly, hearing someone yell for us and turning around to see Deano jogging toward us.

He’s uber sweet and I hadn’t really talked to him on this tour so I was wicked happy to see him. Talked about the usual—pajamas, movies, and the show. Pretty much.

SHUT THE FRONT DOOR. [you had to be there?] Then we had to say another goodbye, got hugs&kisses and hit the curb to call a taxi and go sleep. We’d actually be able to sleep in so it was much awaited after a very good end to another perfect show. The cab company had none available, so having no inhibitions still, I went to the last few people in the parking lot with krisse, since all our phones were dead, and asked them if they could look up a cab company on their internet.

It was Sean Mackin from yellowcard and their sound guy, Max, and these dudes were beyond wicked sweet. Max had a card from a cab earlier, they called it for us and didn’t hesitate at all. We got to thank them, tell them how good of a show it was, and chat for a second before running away back to the girls to get in our cab and head back to sleep.

Sleeping in late, we had lunch at the Olive Garden the next day and said goodbye to Myrtle Beach only to spend the next seventeen hours in a car as we trekked back to Boston. Longest drive of my life. Also happened to stop at Denny’s in Hanover as our late night dinner stop, the same one Katie and I went to after the SOYS tour in 08 with the girls and last time we were there, they played DFA right after the show at Sonar we had went to.

We walk in, and like just a few minutes later, DFA comes on. Like, all of the gin joints in the world…right then, when we come in, they start playing the same GC song? Nope. Katie and I lost our shit and I couldn’t take it, once again. It was déjà vu and it hit me pretty hard that once again it was all over again.

Made it back to Boston at like, 7am. Slept for a few and headed to the airport and once again I found myself engaged in much despised goodbyes. It gets harder every time and these girls become a bigger part of me every second we spend together.

I love them with all my heart and they make every second worth it. Tour never fails to be anything but perfection; so thank you to my girls and good charlotte once again for giving me the time of my life.

June 21^st

Norfolk, VA. Norva.

Virginia is for lovers, indeed. We met some amazing people in this state and even down to the hotel we stayed at, which was lovely, super close to the venue, and one of the nicest hotels I’ve ever actually stayed in.

We didn’t get into Norfolk [supposedly pronounced without the L sound, so like Nor-FUCK haha] around 3 pm with our five hour drive from Baltimore and the insane morning we had there. Some type of massive chase and police hold up was happening in downtown by the stadiums. We were stuck on a side street for almost a half an hour, well, probably less but it felt that way. So after getting our faces on, we stumbled into the hot weather of the uber small town and to the venue. Almost no one was in line, at all.

Katie and Jazzy headed to the mall in search of accessories for Katie’s tights and saw the boys there. We also discovered the Norva has an early entry option through a connected restaurant so we quickly jumped in line for that, dealt with some rather unpleasant young kids who fail to know proper concert etiquette and were just obscenely rude, and Katie and I knocked by a good set of once again ridiculously cheap drinks. Staking our spot in line, we made it in and claimed a spot right on the barrier from the Benji-Paul locale.

GC was playing last again, but the venue was nice and Krisse and I ended meeting some very nice people right behind us. They were long time GC fans too so it made all the more fun. I lost my shit during Runner Runner and I have to tell you, every time I see this band I love them more and more and it’s been a while now—I remember seeing them for the first time back in 2009 in Downtown Disney with Mest.

This was about when the multiple drinks started to loosen me up and it was a blast, and seeing yellowcard again was fantastic. Before this tour I only saw them years ago on Warped but I enjoyed them much more so now. I love the newer stuff and I love the older music as well, it was nice getting that sense of enjoyment out of something brand new but falling back into my younger teen years when they were a part of me discovering myself and my bond to music.

Music makes me feel complete and I’m never going to apologize for all the time I’ve put in to building that bond. It’s given me the best of friends and the most unbelievable experiences. The best thing I ever did was push play.

The crowd was really good in VA, but apparently it was “too rough” for the Norva staff and that’s where the drama for the night came along mid way through GC’s set. Security, and this was all just picked up from other kids and the guys seeing as we were on the barrier and could not fully see what all was happening,  but there was a line of security guards in the middle of the crowds, preventing kids from taking any kind of photos and would restrain and threaten to expel them if they tried to jump and “mosh” for a lack of better words and just have a good time. No one was threatening anyone or getting ridiculously out of control, it was a normal energetic show.

Like Joel said, “this is a good charlotte show, not sick of it all, no one is gonna get hurt”.  This is true, people take care of kids in the crowd and while some people argue and get in fights, the majority of the crowd just wants to enjoy themselves and have a blast. The band stood up for those kids there and refused to play until security left so no one had to watch their backs or be threatened with being thrown out,  and it was the first time I had ever seen anything like this happen. It shouldn’t have come to that, but I am wicked proud to be a GC fan and know that they honestly just want you to enjoy yourself and not have to deal with bullshit like that. Yes, security is there to help you, they shouldn’t be trying to babysit you when it comes to that. No one was out of control, so there was no reason for that.

It was an amazing show though, and picked right back up when they started to play again. The energy was even higher and kids were even more stoked on the show so it ended up being fantastic if you ask me. All of us had a great time and we loved every second of it.

Afterwards we mingled for a second, spoke to Anthony and Peter—who every time I saw rocking out to GC in that balcony made me smile so big, also saw Ryan and then headed outside to meet up with Katie and Jazz who were waiting on the curb. Katie and I scurried and went for a few last second drinks then met back with the girls and made a bunch of nonsense as we hung out since the hotel was right down the street, literally.

As I remember Jazzy was bringing the jokes that night and before too long Benji came out and there really wasn’t that many people out and everyone was very respectful and lined right up and didn’t get too crazy. We were last so we got to stay and talk for a while and it’s moments like those that reaffirms why everything is always worth it. They never have to come out, but they do, and the moments we do get with them are perfect and whether we’re talking about something serious or crocodiles, it’s a time that none of us ever take for granted. Paul also came out quickly, and despite a few idiots that strolled along, we got to talk to him for a moment—and by then the alcohol had set in a bit more within myself—and we got our group picture and chatted for a minute before they left.

We headed back to our hotel to sleep before our final show and it was a good night. A very good night. This little town in the middle of nowhere was good to us and it was a fun and fantastic show with a good after hang as well and plenty of jokes to reminisce the day after.

Virginia you can love me any day.Another new state that I saw them in to add to my list of places I love.

These days, the younger generations are facing a big problem: themselves. Well, their sense of entitlement. A good chunk of those under 30 today are somehow believers, and in my opinion a lot of this is because we also so heavily and fervently seek instant gratification because we’re lazier with the assistance of technology—hell we rarely make normal phone calls anymore, but we feel like are entitled to everything. If someone doesn’t do something for us, we harass them, if we don’t get what we want then we revert to pathetic mannerisms and throw tantrums. It’s sad and disappointing to see, and honestly, I’m embarrassed because I’m sure other generations just view us all as spoiled brats, which is understandable.

I wish people would stop being so ungrateful and start being thankful. Why can’t we get rid of the entitlement and maybe realize that we DON’T get everything we want, we need to work to make our lives fruitful, and that the world doesn’t end when everyone doesn’t bend to your will or you don’t get what you want; be grateful because you never know when you will end so don’t waste your time being spiteful and self-centered. Life is better when you have those you love around you and no one wants to be friends with a selfish asshole, let’s face that fact right there.

This whole rant came about after a recent tour. Kids were being so disrespectful and harassing band members via social networking because they did not come out after a show. Alright, now let’s get to it. When you pay money and get a ticket to that concert you are paying to see that artist perform and hear their music. Anything after that, such as a meet and greet, photo, autograph, etc is really just a bonus. These musicians are people too and sometimes they have bad days, perhaps they have family they don’t see much, they have to be in the next city very quickly, or they just are sick and don’t feel good—they have no obligations to come out and see people. Why yes, it is a nice treat, I can’t tell you how many times I have seen a band play and not a single member came out. They don’t have to, but many of them do and we should be even more thankful we get to see our favorite artists when they do come out—but instead we then criticize them and make them feel awful the times they don’t come out to personally say ‘hello’?

That’s kind of fucked. Especially going to the extremes are calling them profane names, cursing at them, telling them you now hate them and it was the worst show ever. Grow up and get over yourselves, the world still doesn’t revolve around you and they don’t owe you anything. You have free will to support the bands you like and typically there is a lot further connection with music that would prevent you from degrading others because you don’t get to meet them. Some bands don’t even tour—-you should be happy enough just being able to see them when a lot of people don’t even get to see their favorite bands live.

Recently I’ve read some pretty trashy things about people who were pissed because the boys of GC didn’t all come out to greet them, and let’s be real—-Good Charlotte is one of the most well known ‘fan bands’ out there; which is partly why they’ve had the amazing successes they have. I have been to countless shows and seen how good they treat their fans and how much time they have devoted to greeting their fans who come out as best as possible, even at their worst health conditions. Like, and for people to say the things and harass them online is ludicrous.

They are the most amazing and dedicated guys I’ve ever met in a band and I will never veer away from believing that. From the first show to the most recent, and they are one of the ONLY bands who I’ve ever even heard thank their fans for coming to the shows, buying merch, listening to their music, and it’s every time. They always thank us, so why is it so damn hard to send that thanks back without expecting every little thing from them? We love them for the music they make and frankly, I’ve never met a nicer band either—they’re always thinking of the fans and I don’t understand how if every five minutes they aren’t coming to your beck and call and hanging out with you that suddenly gives you the right to bash them?

No bueno.

Don’t be a little asshole and revive that sense of entitlement and spread that into a viral harassment because you didn’t get what you wanted. If you paid attention to how involved this band is with their fans, which in my opinion is part of their downfall because everyone begins to expect them to come out every single time, but that’s gonna change if people can’t begin to learn to thankful and appreciative. Who wants to hang out “fans” that are going to turn around at the drop of a dime and bad mouth you because of one incident where you left feeling you got jipped when all you paid for was the show and I’m gonna be biased on this, but if you’re seeing Good Charlotte I know you’re getting one hell of a show.

I just hate the way some kids treat them over things like this. Please, avoid turning into super rude and disheartening fans just because everything you want doesn’t happen. We get amazing shows and we’re lucky they’re still touring with all of their own families to take care of, and they pretty much do nothing but tour. If you love their music so much then shouldn’t you give them the benefit of the doubt? They appreciate you and GC is one of the few bands that even bother to say thank you before the night is over and have countlessly done amazing and unforgettable things to give their fans anything they can to make the experience more than you ever dreamed. Things are NOT entitled to, so get over yourself, stop harassing people on twitter like a six year old, and be thankful for what you do get to experience because a lot of people would trade spots with you for that concert in a heartbeat.

Don’t take the fun out of something just because you are pissed you didn’t get to meet a band, any band. You aren’t entitled to anything, no matter how much you think you may be because you’re a fan—but that’s just it. You’re a fan because you want to be, because you love the music and you want to be there. Don’t be a little shit and ruin it for others or make someone feel guilty for not giving you all you wanted—it doesn’t work that way and it’s not going to help you in future experiences. Enjoy what you get, enjoy life and make the best of it, don’t focus on what you see as the negative. Keep it happy and you’ll still manage to have the time of your life, I guarantee it.

Entitlement is a delusion that’s plagued our generation, so let’s get over it by getting over ourselves.

June 20^th

Rams Head Live, Baltimore MD.

From leaving Indianapolis to going to Baltimore in less than a day, I managed to be in nine different states in just that time. Crazy, exhausting, but worth it. Started in Indy, went home to Michigan, layover in NY and South Carolina, up to Mass, through CT-NY again-New Jersey, Delaware and finally what feels like my second home in Maryland.

We didn’t even show up to the venue, which was in an awesome location right on the inner harbor and while it was ridiculously hot outside, we grabbed lunch and didn’t even get to the venue until mid afternoon. Opted for early entry, where we were about 60+ back, but still managed second row for the whole show since it was a pretty wide venue. Actually, the venue was gorgeous and decently sized—SOLD OUT, and maybe one of my favorite venues around that area aside from the 930 club of course. Met up with a bunch of GCFAM—Rachel, Steph and Val, Katie and Sam and a new addition, her younger sister Autumn who totally held her own so well at 12 years of age. It was a blast being reunited aand introduced to so many good friends.

Katie and I got our cheap drink on—legit 3 and 5 dollar drinks while waiting for the show in the early entry lounge. Some of us went to the balcony one the show started, but I wanted to help my strong buzz [four tequila sunrises later and some four loko] and have my way in the pit, getting second row and hanging with Krisse, Sam, Katie, and Autumn.  I was definitely a bit wasted for the first half of the show, like until the end of YC. My lungs hurt by the time Runner Runner was off the stage and we were losing our shit during their set—I honestly adore that band and they are really good. They’re nice guys, always giving time to fans, and put on a good show with high energy no matter what. My heart beats for them—it’s kind of obvious.

When YC came on, and this was my first time seeing them in years, the crowd went NUTS. It was fantastic, they played a lot of my old favorites and talk about good showmen and high energy performers—not to mention the very fantastic LP drum solo in the middle of lights & sounds. It was a really good set and the entire place went off, even the balcony and bars.

Closing out the show were our boys, and the hometown love was incredible. Out of all the DMV area shows I’ve been too, this may have been my favorite, at least top 2. It was intense an unforgettable with a great crowd and the boys seemed to enjoy it even more and were happy on stage and sounded fan-fucking-tastic. I don’t care what anyone says, this was one of my favorite shows and they even through in Motivation Proclaimation as a bonus. Joel started to sing a snippet of ‘there she goes’ too and damn, I wish they played more songs like that live.

By the time the set was done, all of us had huge grins on our faces and we headed outside to relax, sit down and check out all what was going on. Talked to Paul and said hi, took some polaroids and stole some hugs and he’s always beyond words. So nice, all the time and despite having family there, of course came out and greeted all the fans.  Mr. Thomas, you rule. Deano came out as well, but I missed him because Sam and I headed over to talk with Peter from Runner Runner , who also shares those same traits. I also really adore how much of a good charlotte fan boy he is, really I do.

Before too long, Joel came out as well and we headed over to say hello. We got some pictures individually cause it was broken up, but I was able to have a quick chat and it was really nice. Like, these guys are so insanely nice and always so wonderful and it’s such  good feeling as a fan to experience something so positive. After a good laugh, and being thankful since I hadn’t seen him in a while, we said goodbye and moved over to let others finish up and rest a bit more.

Danny, the birthday boy of the night came out as well and we talked with him for a while.  Again, even the GC crew, you couldn’t ask for a better group of guys. Without these boys around we wouldn’t have had some of the incredible experiences we had. We got to wish him a happy birthday and chat about random things before he headed off to enjoy the rest of his night.

Nobody else came out and it was going on two am so we headed out and went to get some drinks and catch a taxi back to the hotel. However, we noticed a 24 hour Subway right next to where all thee taxis were and a 7-11 so we split up because let’s face it—food after a long show and day when you haven’t eaten for hours, is like heaven in your tummy. Nomnomnom. So we head over into subway and right then notice Danny, Joel, and Vince [Army of Me/River James]. We just wait to order our food, say hi, and end up chatting over a few things while we’re in there. I got to talk to Vince a little and he was very polite and kind, nice to talk to; which of course doesn’t surprise me at all. Talked to him about traveling and a few other things before the boys left to go eat and head back. It was a nice little run in and the food was good for me when we got back to the hotel—so a win win if you ask me.

Heading pack, we cleaned up, put our PJs on and managed just a wink of sleep before starting our journey to the next show in Norfolk,VA. Baltimore was an amazing show, had an amazing crowd, got to see a ton of friends, and talk with the boys. It was a good night. A good, good night.

Made me realize how grateful I am to do what I do and to just take a second, soak it all in, and know that I am one of the lucky ones. I’m surrounded by people who love me and music that makes me feel like I belong—what more could a girl need?

June 18^th

Indianapolis, IN. Egyptian Room.

Game on—tour is back and you sure as hell feel it leaving at 4am for a four hour drive to some random city for the show. It feels amazing despite the obvious wear that comes with it. I didn’t even get super excited until later in the day but I was stoked. Sadly, two and a half months is about the longest break I’ve gone without seeing Good Charlotte this entire past year so it felt pretty long.

Once we got into the city we met up with Jesi and Krista and it was so much fun seeing them, love them more than words! Headed to check into our hotel early because they said we could, and it was a lovely suite and got settled, I tickled tiffany until she cried, and finally made myself presentable for the day. Note—don’t wear light brown tights, people will think you have your entire legs tattooed in henna styled florals and ask you continuously why you would get a tattoo like that.

And all over the city that day we were running into the boys and seeing them out, so of course the excitement only grew! Not to mention, downing that much vodka during the day makes everything feel a little better.

The rest of our GCFAM started showing up and around 530 we were let in for early entry down to a lounge, only to have to come back up an hour later to get into the show.  Some shady people got in front of others but we all managed to still get barrier, right in front of good ol’ Benji.

Runner Runner came on first, and I do love those kids. Seen them a bunch now and it was a great show, they’re fun and we talked to them afterwards and they’re super sweet too—even running down bandmates on their bus to get things signed for Jesi. Peter also really loved my newest tattoo, the Let The Music Play one, and went on and got his camera to take pictures of it. He knew right where the lyrics were from and agreed that they should bring it back to the live shows—so yes, major brownie points Peter.

Then, surprisingly quickly, the boys were on at 830 and I still had a quiet buzz going. But during set up I noticed something out of place—where the hell is NEIL?! I didn’t see him at all last night. Hmm. Anyhow, once the cardio intro started, my heart picked up its pace and my smile was unstoppable—these boys never fail to make me love them more and more with every show. I’m at my happiest with my friends squished on the barrier and I never want to lose that. I’m lucky for what I get to do and I’m happy. I’ll never regret or forget to be thankful for my experiences.

Now off that tangent, the boys, while the setlist was again pretty identical to what it has been—I’d love to see it changed up more myself, but I’ve just been hearing the same songs forever, others haven’t. I’m more picky I suppose, but they never fail to pull of their songs wonderfully no matter what they are—even if they mess up, it’s pretty perfect and this show was fantastic. They sounded so healthy and looked better, nice and rested. Benji  said the shorter sets help with that and I can see that, but let’s face it, when we see them on the stage we never want them to leave! I am so much more than happy that they are finally well rested and feeling better though because it was scary there for a hot second.

The crowd seemed really into it too, I mean they weren’t really rowdy, but rowdy in a good way—-shows will never seem as intense though, not after all the UK shows. It was good though, good people, fun songs, and healthier boys who were showing off their awesome “girl” dance moves and smiling. I know I had a fucking blast and it was a great way to start off this tour for myself. I am so beyond excited for the rest of the week and what it holds show wise.

We didn’t stay for YC’s set, but I’ll see them later and I was still tired from everything so we went back to the car, which was by the buses anyways. We grabbed a few more drinks, more like three, two rums and one vodka we mixed with juices and by the time the last one was down I was more than feeling it and the giggly, rambling drunken Ashley made her way out. I couldn’t even hide it. I was singing Gaga loudly, telling everyone I love them and I don’t remember all the details. Paul laughed at me and I look so crazy drunk in our picture, but got hugs and high fives. I do remember I love him though and he’s always so much more than awesome to us.

I sat down after that, fed people snacks, hugged a pole, laid in rocks, and I’m sure pictures will pop up of things I don’t quite remember. We also talked to Danny, which I was more composed for, and I’m sorry, but he always looks good. There’s no denying that is one gorgeous guy. Made small talk, he headed back to get his stuff together, then more of the runner runner guys, more singing and dancing, and a bit more rum. Benji came out before we left, and red is a really good color on him—just sayin’. Super sweet as always, but there were a lot of kids so it was really quick. Nearly took my head out on the mirror too and proceeded to stumble on the rocks as I left because I was thinking too hard to try and answer his question of what other shows I was going to. I’m sure he was shaking his hair cape at me, because I was. Haha, I’m a drunken mess. Forgive me now for future incidences and tweets—my phone wasn’t working but I remember repeatedly trying to tweet shit and it was bad haha. Obviously my phone knew better.

But you know, it was just an excellent night and great way to start off tour and vacation. I don’t remember every part of it, but I know it was wicked fun. I didn’t even take a single picture during their set and it was just that much more enjoyable despite missing out on some golden Kodak moments. I love this band and I love my life. This is just what I needed to get me back to where I need to be and out of that rut I was in.

I’m right where I belong and it’s never felt better.