Finally back to a computer after driving 2300 miles in 6 days to see 3 shows. Of the 30-something shows I've been to on 3 continents, this is probably tied for 1st place. My entire Albuquerque "Santa Fe" experience was awesome.
Drove the 13 hours from Austin (where the crowd sucked) straight to the venue to check it out before I found a hotel. As I drove to the front of the parking lot to get a look at the stage, the security guy looked at me from his truck. I pulled up to him to say I was checking out the venue and the parking since I've never been here before. He said "You haven't been here before? Would you like a tour of the stage?" I was like "What do you mean?" He said "Would you like a tour of the stage and the dressing rooms?" I was like "Um.... hell yeah!" So before I realized I could have been tortured and murdered, we drove down the access road and I stood on the stage and heard about the owl that lives in the rafters and waits for the bunnies to run across the lawn in the evenings and swoops down and eats them. I was there just as the sun was setting and the sky was that awesome blue and the venue was beautiful (sans dying bunnies) so I had a feeling we'd be in for a great show. Got a tour of the dressing rooms and the catering tent and after some chit chat about motorcycles, I went on my merry way.
Got in line the next day where everyone was very nice. Got on the rail in front of JMJ after waiting many hours in the sun. All the people around me were cool which makes everything so much better. SSSC was enjoyable.
As Trent walked at the back of the stage before any music or singing started, the 2 guys behind me started screaming "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen it's Trent! I can see him!" *fangirl scream* I thought it was girls behind me, but no. Hilarious. Somewhat Damaged is quite possibly the best opener. The first 10 seconds of this show were a million times better than the entire Austin show. Trent's energy was incredible and the crowd was awesome.
I was a bit disappointed that we got the regular version of Piggy instead of NCSMN. Until Trent came down into the audience in MY direction! (Finally!) I put my hand out and he grabbed it as he stepped into the crowd just to the left of me. He stayed there for what seemed like 45 seconds. It was a long time. The entire setlist was great. I finally got to see Physical live! Justin's finger cymbals were sweet. Ilan kicks all kinds of ass. Robin still scares the shit out of me and is awesome. In This Twilight was the perfect closing song for this venue.
I must admit I had my doubts at first, but I love that NIN plays first. The boys in Jane's are so entertaining AND amazing musicians. Anyone who leaves right after NIN is a complete fucktard. JA is 4 guys who are magic when they are together. The music is completely unique, and each member stands out in his own way. You can equally hear the amazing drumming, fucking incredible bass, crazy guitar and totally unique vocals. Everybody in JA is incredible. Everybody everybody everybody..... You people who aren't familiar with them need to stick around. Three Days is one of the best songs ever written.
On a fangirl note, Dave Navarro is made of sex. I ended up directly in front of him, and even though I don't normally go for flashiness and shiny and bling, he is mesmerizing. He doesn't even need to do anything and he just oozes anything you could ever want. It's a total bonus that he's so talented. At one point he stepped off the stage onto the box in front of me and I reached out my hand. He leaned over and reached his hand out but I couldn't quite reach, so he leaned a little bit more. I had to jump up over the rail a bit and was able to touch fingers with him and he smiled at me and walked back onto the stage. I squealed like a stupid fangirl for 2 days. I am ashamed of myself.
This whole show (and whole experience) was phenomenal. I'm home in Pheonix for today and head to Vegas tomorrow!
