So what have I been doing that's kept me away from writing? I'm glad I asked. I'm not going to go list every little thing that I've done...but here's a brief recap on one of the events. If I get to it the next posting will deal with Tennessee.
The Rentals at the TLA. As most of you may be aware, Weezer has been my favorite band ever since the first time I heard the Blue Album. A close second (and maybe even tied for first) is The Rentals. This is a band that I had never heard of until my brother bought me their first cd titled "Return of The Rentals" for Christmas back in maybe '97. The frontman, Matt Sharp, was the original bassist for Weezer. What started out as a pet side project turned into his full time gig when the brief hiatus after Weezer's Pinkerton album turned into something longer.So back to the show. Season and I got a hotel room in Philly and did a little pregaming there. Our friends, Justin & Katelyn, came by and they joined along on the fun. Then we went to the show. Goldenboy and somebody else opened the show, but I wasn't paying attention, I was there for one reason and one reason only. It was the kind of show where they could have went out there and laid a juicy turd...and I still would have loved it b/c it was them.
Eventually, they come on stage. It was general admission and we were in the middle of the stage...with only one person between us and the band. Xylophones, trombones, Moogs, violas, tambourines, and various other instruments would be played throughout the night. There was a moment where Matt Sharp was leaning down...had his hand on some kid's head in front of us...and singing softly in some girl's face.
I did what anybody would do in that situation...I took my hat off and put it on his head. Strangers around me were patting me on the back saying that that was the coolest thing they've ever seen (they live sheltered lives).

Mind you, this isn't just a regular hat. This was my Bud Light fedora. He played it off like it was part of the show. Adjusted it a few times...put it on the mic stand for a song...then, when saying goodbye...used it as he bowed. Then, when they came back out for the encore, the hat was missing! They sang a few more songs and called it a night. But not before saying that they were going to be my the merchandise stand to take pictures and say hello.
Justin & Katelyn left and naturally I got in line and waited. So there we were in line when Lauren Chipman (member of the band) came out from backstage. From across the way she saw me and yelled..."Oh, your hat!" and immediately went backstage. A minute or two she returns with the hat in her hand. We shoot the shit, get a picture, and all is well. We go on later to meet a couple other members of the band...then we get cheesesteaks...and call it a night. All in all...a very fun time.
If you would like to see all of my pictures from the show...simply click the following link.
