Queensryche adventure in Nashville....

well, it's not really an adventure. More like just my going to a concert there.

I had been planning on Nashville since June *I checked when I put in for time off at work* and had bought 2 tix....one for me and a friend. Sadly, my friend had gotten sick, so I went alone. Sold the extra ticket though, so that was good.

Anyway, I arrived at the venue around 5pm and there were a few outside. Not many...just peeps looking to get a good spot, like yours truly.

After what felt like the afternoon, and crossing the streams with another line for a different venue at the venue--The Mercy Lounge which is smaller than The Cannery Ballroom, we were allowed to go in. ID required, of course.

It was 7:30 pm when the doors opened. Some fans stopped at will call for tickets or their passes and other bought drinks. I went over to the stage. I figured I may as well because I wanted to be in the front, so more waiting followed.

I think the concert started on time(?) It may have been a few minutes after, but not much. I remember the crowd being a little restless. While standing in the ballroom, we could hear a saxophone being played. *the owner of said sax is Geoff Tate. On the FC message board, he says it's a haunted sax....that's too cool*

The band came out and started the concert with the suite of "Rage For Order". It always awesome to hear the older songs and Queensryche are famous for doing just that. They are a band that is NOT afraid of dusting off the old fan favorites. YAY for us QR fans.

The 2nd suite was "American Soldier". This CD is awesome. It's the latest by the band and it tells stories from soldiers. Their stories and feelings are intertwined in the songs. At times, the guitar playing by Michael Wilton, who did ALL the guitars on the CD, is very haunting. AJ Fratto was also there to help with the song "Sliver." I was fortunate to meet AJ 3 times on the tour and he is the sweetest guy. Loads of energy and just wonderful.

If you didn't see the American Soldier tour, then you missed out on a duo by Geoff and Emily Tate. It's one of those haunting songs....and always a highlight check it out here: You can help but smile and be moved to watch Emily sing with Geoff.

The last suite was "Empire." I think you had to live under a rock if you couldn't name at least ONE song from Empire....which is Queensryche's mainstream CD from the 90s. However if you did live under that said rock...let me help:

Best I Can; Empire; Jet City Woman....SILENT LUCIDITY! Go look up the CD...however if you want to BUY a CD I do suggest American Soldier.

Back to Empire. There aren't many or any QR fans that I know of that don't appreciate hearing Empire, which was played. Jet City Woman is a personal favorite of mine. The song is cool, but I also received a guitar pick from Eddie Jackson during that song. That is always a highlight for me and why I choose to stand on his side of the stage. Hey...sue me!

The concert ended and I went to buy a Rage hoodie and stickers. I people watched for a bit outside and that's when I saw AJ for what was the last time on this tour. I was happy to see him and sad to see him go. Queensryche deserve more kudos for introducing us to AJ. A true American soldier. Love ya, AJ! You rock!!

There were other fans milling about and I like watching what is going on. Saw a few FC members, but didn't chat. I was a visitor this time around....well not really, but you know.

The day after the concert, I decided to get a tattoo. We had visited Nashville over Memorial Weekend and I had been thinking of getting a tri-ryche tattoo. I was going to get it on my shoulder, but decided the ankle so I can at least see it. So, now I can say that I have a tattoo. I survived it! However, don't be fooled...those are NOT fun. Anyone who says it doesn't hurt is just messing with you. However, I don't know how some can stand having tattoos on more sensitive areas like the neck. OW, OW ....OW!

I put this little ditty on here because I have MySpace friends not on Facebook, so to appease everyone....it's here.

Now ya gotta comment. How could you not? It's a Queensryche concert for God's sake.