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Everything Else

September 7, 2018

The only similar day like this I can think of was May 20, 2016. That was the day I went to one of The Monkees’ 50th Anniversary shows. It was also the day that three legendary names in rock released new material, all at once. Bob Dylan released Falling Angels, yet another album full of breathtaking covers that became the material he plays at his shows.

Eric Clapton released I Still Do, his first work since 2013’s Old Sock. That one wasn’t entirely original either, in fact Clapton only wrote a song or two on the whole thing. However, in spite of all that, it was certainly one of his best constructed albums, emotionally and musically.

The third artist was Mudcrutch. That’s a name you may not recognize, but you live under a rock if you’ve never heard of the frontman. Tom Petty regrouped his pre-Heartbreakers band for the first time since 2008, and the lineup consisted of two Heartbreakers, the original guitarist who is the brother of one of the Eagles, and original drummer. They released an album simply entitled 2, which would turn out to be Petty’s final studio work before his untimely passing last year.

So that was that day. Here we are two years later. On September 7, three other artists at the same level of the three listed above will release new (to an extent) material. I’ll also be attending one of the farewell concerts of one of the names I will mention here that night. But I won’t point out who, because if you’re awake in the classic rock world, you probably know who. So, who’s got new stuff coming out?

Paul McCartney – Egypt Station

It’s been 5 years since we’ve gotten a new record from a quarter of the biggest band of all time. Excluding a single released for the 2014 video game Destiny, and his collaborations with Kanye West, Rihanna, and Sir Ringo Starr, Sir Paul McCartney has been on the road for the most part in the last four years, playing to millions of people. He just wrapped up his critically acclaimed One On One Tour, and is about to kick off the Freshen Up Tour in a few months. But before he does, Macca had to make sure that he fulfilled his promise earlier this year that a new album would finally release. At this moment, there are two singles that have been released that will be on the record, a ballad I Don’t Know, and headbanger Come On To Me. Needless to say, his voice has begun to deteriorate slightly in recent years, but it’s really hard to tell on the new singles. Egypt Station, Paul’s 25th album, is now available to preorder on CD, vinyl, or digital.

Yes feat. ARW – Live At The Apollo

In 2016, three members of Yes came together for the first time in years to tour the world and celebrate 50 years of music. Original lead singer Jon Anderson, 90125-era guitarist Trevor Rabin, and Close To The Edge era keyboardist Rick Wakeman toured as ARW from that October until Yes’ long-awaited induction to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame last April. It got crazy between the fans when the band changed their name to Yes Feat. ARW. Meanwhile, there’s another group that has toured as Yes from the beginning. That one has two (formerly three) classic lineup members as well. CTTE-era guitarist Steve Howe, longtime drummer Alan White, and until his 2015 passing, original bassist and co-founder alongside Anderson, Chris Squire. The point is, no matter which side you stand on, ARW still tours under the Yes feat. ARW name, and they currently have no plans to stop. And to prove it, here’s their release. The band’s performance at the Manchester Apollo was recorded, and will be released on the 7th on DVD, Blu-Ray, CD, and orange vinyl.

Paul Simon – In The Blue Light

Paul’s a frequent in the music world. With two new albums this decade and a farewell tour happening right now, the songwriter half of Simon & Garfunkel is not going to fade away any time soon. In 2017, on an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert promoting his summer tour, he announced that he was working on a new album. Well, a new release anyway. This was going to be a compilation of obscurities and non-hits that Simon personally enjoyed, and thought would be bigger. A year passed without any word until last week, when In The Blue Light was announced. There will be ten tracks from his 40+ year career, going as far back as 1973’s One Man Ceiling Is Another Man’s Floor, and as recent as 2011’s Questions For The Angels, a frequent in his recent setlists. Again, Paul’s in the midst of his farewell tour, so there’s a chance that this is the last time he’ll release anything new. I personally don’t think so, since he said in the tour announcement that he wouldn’t stop creating. But nonetheless, treat it like it is his last record. In fact, treat every album like it’s a swan song. You just never know.

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Concert Reviews

CONCERT REVIEW: Weezer, Pixies unite alt fans in Tampa

Brian Bell and Rivers Cuomo of Weezer
Weezer closing out the second night of their 2018 tour with covers and cuts from Pinkerton
Pat Wilson and Brian Bell of Weezer
Paz Lenchantin of the Pixies
The Pixies warming up Weezer fans with their legend status, and an hour and a half of hits.
Black Francis of the Pixies
Brian Bell and Rivers Cuomo of Weezer
David Lovering and Joey Santiago of the Pixies
Rivers Cuomo of Weezer
Rivers Cuomo and Scott Shriner of Weezer

In the last few years, Tampa has had some insane alternative acts. Scott Stapp of Creed and the Foo Fighters this year, and last year Green Day, Soundgarden, and before its tragic cancellation, Linkin Park. And later this year, we will have the Dave Matthews Band,  The Smashing Pumpkins’ reunion tour, and Snow Patrol opening for Ed Sheeran. But to pump us for all that, there was an insanely special show at Tampa’s Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheatre. Two groups that have played to extensive crowds over the years, and that have jammed together before, but never toured.

Nerd rock quartet Weezer and early alt-rockers the Pixies kicked off their co-headlining summer tour on June 22 in West Palm Beach, and they decided to bring night two of the co-headlining tour to Tampa. Weezer has not been to Tampa since their co-headlining tour with Panic! At The Disco in 2016, and the Pixies haven’t been around for longer. Their last time here was in 2015 to headline what would be the final Big Guava Music Festival, also at the Amp. The sold out show was full of millennials who grew up with, or currently listen to, one or both of the groups. Maybe a few boomers out of the 10,000+ people were present, either just to get out a bit, or to simply rock out.

After opening act The Wombats warmed some folks up, the Pixies came onstage around 8:00, and it was not a Pixies show you’d expect. Their setlist did not feature too many hits, besides Where Is My Mind? However, that didn’t mean that some of the songs played weren’t recognizable. About three songs in, lead singer Black Francis began belting out the lyrics to Cactus, off of Surfer Rosa. I, personally, had heard that song somewhere before. But where? Then as a lifelong David Bowie fan, it hit me. Bowie did a cover of that song on his 2002 Heathen album, and it was in the regular setlist rotation on the last two tours he did in his life.

The Pixies didn’t mess around either. There was no communication with the crowd, outfit/set changes, or anything like that. They just ripped through their 20 song setlist, one song after another. Once the legends had taken their bows, it was already dark, and a black curtain was immediately draped down the center of the stage. Being on the side, I could sorta see what was happening. Only sorta.

Around 9:40, there was not a soul who was away from their seat. Everyone began to rise, as Weezer, fronted by rock’s biggest dork, Rivers Cuomo, opened with their early smash hit, Buddy Holly, immediately followed by tons of hits – – the somewhat rapped hit Beverly Hills, the head-banging Hash Pipe, and the first track from their first album, My Name Is Jonas. Perhaps the highlight of the first half of the show was getting a semi-rarity off the Blue Album, In The Garage, which hasn’t been played in Tampa in 13 years. Oh, and Pinkerton’s El Scorcho was a great touch as well.

Following a cover of The Turtles’ Happy Together (I know your reaction, that’s what I said too.) crossed with Longview by Green Day, Cuomo literally scootered to the audience, dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and a captain’s hat. His destination? Two Palapa umbrellas in the stands. “You’re kicking butt, Tampa!” he called out, to which a millennial-composed roar nearly blew him away. He had his acoustic guitar with him, of which he appropriately strummed an unplugged version of Island In The Sun, which had everyone in the venue belting out the words loud enough to outdo Rivers’ killer vocals. “I’m ready to rock with my acoustic and electric guitar.” he declared after the song ended.

“Anyway, here’s Wonderwall.”

You know what happened. Deep down you know that there were people laughing their butts off, and people who were singing along.

After Rivers changed into a studded leather jacket, a few more non-hits and newer songs off their new album Pacific Daydream, lead guitarist Brian Bell moved over to the synths to tap out that iconic opening to Toto’s Africa. If you didn’t know, right now, Weezer is in the music spotlight in a sense, after a 15 year old fan created a Twitter account to get the band to do a cover of the 1982 Toto hit, which has been an Internet meme of recent years. When Weezer saw the account, they got to work, and five days before it released, they trolled that fan. Another Toto hit, Rosanna, which unfortunately was not played at the show, released out of the blue with only a brief teaser announcement.

After their encore, which finished with Say It Ain’t So, also off the Blue Album, I think it’s safe to say that everyone went home either happy or drunk. Some folks discovered something new and were blown away by an act they didn’t attend for. My concert buddy that night was telling me afterward how he had seen so many shows at the amphitheater since it opened, but had never seen it so full of fans. And this is coming from a guy who saw Nine Inch Nails here a few years ago.

Maybe Weezer will co-headline with them sometime. Maybe they’ll release another request from a Twitter account. Hell, maybe they’ll release the long (and I mean LONG) awaited Black Album. After a brief time supporting the Foo Fighters in Australia, making it back to the Top 100, and touring with some of the godfathers/godmother of alternative this year alone, the future is wide open for those badass nerds.

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Concert Announcements

Snow Patrol opening for Ed Sheeran on US tour, which includes Tampa

Snow Patrol has not played a show in Tampa since 2012.

Six years ago, Ed Sheeran was opening for one of the most successful Indie-alt groups of mainly the last decade. He had just released his first album +, so many show-goers were not only there for the closing act. Now, the roles are reversed. If you’re going to one of Ed’s 2018 stadium shows and have been anxiously pondering who his opening acts will be, light up, as if you have a choice.

Last time around, it was You’re Beautiful crooner James Blunt. Now, we’re totally switching gears.

Irish rockers Snow Patrol, who for a limited time opened for U2 on their two-year 360 Tour, the best-selling tour in history, will open for Teddy during his US dates this year. And one of the tour’s final stops is in Tampa. The last time the guys were in Florida was in 2012…when Ed was opening for them. Also on the bill with them will be American singer-songwriter Lauv, who has opened for Ed in recent years.

The indie group, who has recorded hits such as Chasing Cars, Run, and Chocolate, released their first album in seven years, Wildness, on May 25. According to mega fan Brendan Boatright, it’s a very deep and personal album that really explores lead singer Gary Lightbody’s struggles in life, which include alcoholism and his father’s diagnosis with dementia.

The tour stops in Tampa on November 7 at Raymond James Stadium. Limited seats remain, so get your tickets now, before Snow Patrol fans get them to sell out!

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Concert Reviews

CONCERT REVIEW: Nesmith and Dolenz Monkee around without screens in Denver

Micky Dolenz
Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith of The Monkees wowed the die-hards with acoustic renditions and songs you forgot about.
Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith of The Monkees wowed the die-hards with acoustic renditions and songs you forgot about.
Micky Dolenz
Michael Nesmith
Michael Nesmith
Micky Dolenz
Michael Nesmith
Michael Nesmith
Micky Dolenz

Before this month, there were only two full shows somewhat like this, along with a three minute one-off. It was announced earlier this year that two of the three living members of The Monkees, wool cap Michael Nesmith, and singing drummer Micky Dolenz would hit the road together. Just the two of them, (with the backing band, of course) for the first time ever. The other living member, bassist Peter Tork is not involved with this tour at all, as he’s focusing on his own band, Shoe Suede Blues, and is likely planning a tour with them to promote their recently released Relax Your Mind.

When the lights were dimmed at the Paramount Theatre in Denver Tuesday night, Mike, wearing a white overcoat, sparkling dress shoes, and a purple t-shirt, and Micky, wearing a long black coat, his typical black cowboy hat, and sunglasses with red lenses, kicked off with Good Clean Fun, followed by the smash hit Last Train To Clarksville. “Welcome to the Mike and Micky show!” Micky exclaimed after the latter song. A ecstatic roar from the crowd of baby boomer and gen-X Monkeemaniacs was given, and later from some of the die-hard fans in the theater.

This tour was advertised to be very different from a normal Monkee show. And different, it was. Unlike their 50th anniversary tour two years ago, and many tours before, there were no big screens. Not every hit was played either, and while there were some humorous exchanges between the two, this is not a tour that celebrates equal amounts of the TV show and the music. This tour is mainly about the music. Instead of a big screen showing photos and clips from the last 52 years, there was a huge white curtain draped over the backstage area that served as the background. The curtain had the logo of the tour, and some of the lights shone on it, so it wasn’t boring at all.

When Nez is onstage, yes, you will hear Nez songs. After all, this is his first full-fledged outing as a part of The Monkees since 2014. Deep cuts galore were played. Some of which included the opening track off of Headquarters, You Told Me, the First National Band (Nez’s post-Monkees group, which by the way, has done and will do some reunion shows this year) classic Nine Times Blue, and the never-before-this-tour-played “missing link” St. Matthew. “What album was that on, do you guys know?” Nez asked, and got a response from an audience member. “Fifty winks two?”

There were also tunes off of the newest album, Good Times!, which features all four Monkees participating in some way. The jammin’ Birth Of An Accidental Hipster descended into St. Matthew, and the impeccable harmonies of Mike and Micky on Me & Magdalena wrapped up the first set. Twenty minutes later, the two, and Nez’ son Christian walked back on.

“We’re gonna spend some time in acoustic land!” Mike announced, as him and Micky sat on stools. A new-ish arrangement of Papa Gene’s Blues was up first, followed by a head-bopping acoustic Randy Scouse Git, and that was when the backing band made their way back to the stage, almost one by one. The highlight of the night, to me anyway, was when Nez walked offstage for a moment (“I love this song, I’m gonna leave [Micky] with it onstage. Okay, bye!” so Micky could strum and sing (and flub just a little bit on) I’ll Spend My Life With You, the second track off of Headquarters. Not many people knew that one, but on a personal note, that’s my favorite Monkees song, so finally hearing that one live really added to the thrill that while Nez may not have been onstage at that moment, he was still on the tour, and would come back out any minute.

Following another recent live debut, Auntie’s Municipal Court, and Micky’s paced scat-and-all trademark Goin’ Down, came a tear-jerking rendition of Daydream Believer, the only song played on this tour that was originally sung by the late Davy Jones. This is also the first full-fledged Monkees tour since 2014 where the surviving Monkees are singing. In 2012 and 2013, Micky would call a member of the audience up onstage to “help” him sing it. Him and Mike sang it in 2014, but on the tour before this one, the band played, but Davy’s isolated vocals sang.

Yes, there was an encore. Listen To The Band was first. It started with Nez and his Gretsch, followed by Micky, and slowly yet suddenly the backing band. The show closed the way it always has, with I’m A Believer, and I think it’s safe to say that everybody went home happy.

Right now, the tour runs until the end of the month, and there are a whole load of places in the United States that will not get to experience it. We can only hope that Nez and Micky are enjoying themselves on this tour, and that they’ll do it again next year. This is the first one like this, so why not?

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Concert Reviews

CONCERT REVIEW: John Fogerty stops the rain with help from ZZ Top

John Fogerty jammed with Billy Gibbons, played his own licks, and fondly recalled Woodstock memories.
The Holy Grail
John Fogerty jammed with Billy Gibbons, played his own licks, and fondly recalled Woodstock memories.
Billy F. Gibbons of ZZ Top
John Fogerty jammed with Billy Gibbons, played his own licks, and fondly recalled Woodstock memories.
ZZ Top, disguised as always, finally made it to Clearwater without rescheduling.
John Fogerty jammed with Billy Gibbons, played his own licks, and fondly recalled Woodstock memories.
Dusty Hill of ZZ Top
Frank Beard of ZZ Top
John Fogerty jammed with Billy Gibbons, played his own licks, and fondly recalled Woodstock memories.
Billy F. Gibbons and Dusty Hill of ZZ Top

“Clearwater. That’s a funny name, now ain’t it?” John Fogerty began.

About 75 percent of the audience at Coachman Park on Saturday night were not only fans of John’s career. It was who he was opening for, ZZ Top, that they were also hyped about. See, the two are co-headlining on the Blues And Bayous Tour together this month. And while it’s a limited run, it’s the show of a lifetime to say the least.

Ten minutes after a 30 minute opening set from country artist Ryan Kinder, Fogerty and company kicked off with the CCR classic Travelin’ Band, followed by a non-transposed version of Hey Tonight. Along with CCR hits came solo songs, such as his recent collaboration with Brad Pitt, Love And War, (“I know there are a lot of vets out here tonight. These veterans are not being treated so well in this country right now.”) the twangy Old Man Down The Road, and of course, Centerfield, of which John literally strummed a baseball bat on. A BASEBALL BAT.

Among those hits that were by CCR included Born On The Bayou, which was complete with a bayou background on the big screen, a crowd-rising, shortened version of Down On The Corner, and Have You Ever Seen The Rain, dedicated to John’s 16 year old daughter (“Kelsey is a rainbow in my life, and this song has a rainbow in it.”) Following a flag-draped Fortunate Son on his plaid electric, John ran (yes. RAN.) back out to play two more songs he knew he couldn’t skip over. The legendary Bad Moon Rising was first, and that had everyone in the park bolting out the words, whether they were there for ZZ, John, or both. Finally came Proud Mary, the highlight of the night to me, which also had every fan exploding into song.

Now, to answer one of John’s questions about eight songs in. “Say, who’s that bearded fella that’s wandering around backstage?”

Why, that would be Billy F. Gibbons himself.

Our first glimpse at ZZ Top was about twenty minutes into Fogerty’s set, when Billy joined him to jam to their upcoming collaboration song, Holy Grail, which officially releases June 8. But around 9:30, Billy came back out, along with his old buddies Dusty Hill and Frank Beard, and kicked off with Got Me Under Pressure.

Most of the fans there that night were in attendance for ZZ. And Fogerty was seen by many as just a nice little addition to the show, which was totally proven wrong many a time. “Let’s hear it again for the great John Fogerty!” Billy called out once or twice during his set. But while neither acts were “nice additions,” like John before them, ZZ’s set was full of wall-to-wall hits such as a frenetic ride through Gimme All Your Lovin’, and a sing-along of I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide. And of course, you can’t forget their signature hits: Y’know, Sharp Dressed Man, Tush, La Grange, Legs. (which featured fluffy guitars. Yes, literally fluffy.) All of those were played, along with a cover of Jailhouse Rock serving as the encore.

We really got lucky this time with ZZ Top. Apparently, their last few shows in the Tampa area have either been postponed or cancelled. But this time, they just wouldn’t have it. And Fogerty hasn’t been to the area since he brought his 1969 Tour to the Amphitheater three years ago.

In rock and roll terms, this tour is the real deal. A man who wrote, played, and sang some of the most beloved songs of the late 60s and early 70s, and a Texas trio who in nearly 50 years have never had a lineup change, or even an added member onstage, excluding one-off special guests. “We’ve been comin’ here for the last…five decades! Same three guys, too.” Billy recalled near the end of his set.

Here’s to another five from both acts.

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Everything Else

A Major Perk of Concert Photography

This is a shot I took from the very back of a concert at Epcot from R&B group, The Spinners. It’s of Henry Fambrough, the group’s last living original member who’s been around since the group’s formation about 60+ years ago. I only stood there for maybe five minutes. Why?

I’m not a fan.

This was a job from one of my friends who is a big Spinners fan, so it wasn’t entirely my decision to stop. But what if it were? You know something, I’d be cool with stopping.

There’s a (very) small list of people I wouldn’t cross the street to see. But when you cross those people out, photographing any big name, whether it’s someone I’ve never heard of, or Brian May, one of my photo bucket listers, it’s a great feeling.

Firstly, being in the presence of an entertainment icon, be it musician, comedian, or actor is amazing enough. Even though none of them know you exist, unless you sit in the front row, for some reason, you feel obligated to get that one perfect shot. The shot that in your dreams is being requested by the artist’s tour director to be used as an officially licensed photo of promotion.

The feeling of getting that perfect, crisp shot is even better. If you’re like me and your camera isn’t technically professional, you know this feeling. As stated before, I was all the way back, behind where the seats ended. Maybe about 70 feet from the Spinners. My arms were shaking because they were holding the camera up, and they get tired pretty easily. But I still managed it. Then about ten minutes later, I was waiting for the ferry to the other side of Epcot, and I got bored.

So, I fiddled with the zoom a bit, held it towards the theater in the distance, and…

DSC02290

I think you get the gist of it.

Point is, if someone tells you that it’s time to cut back on the shows, ignore them. Especially when you have a camera, (when it’s allowed anyway) it keeps your satisfaction going. Obviously, don’t film the entire thing because you want to remember the experience. Every move, every solo, every flub. But that the feeling of a freshly taken photo reappearing on your screen is satisfying to say the least.

If you want to buy a cheap frame and get it printed for cheap at Walgreens, it’ll even save you a buck or two at the merch tables.

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Concert Reviews

CONCERT REVIEW: Little Steven brings soul and blues to Clearwater

“Welcome to our teacher appreciation tour.” began Little Steven van Zandt, right hand man of Bruce Springsteen, Silvio Dante on The Sopranos, and frontman of The Disciples Of Soul. “I’m making it up to all the teachers for all the hell I gave ’em in high school.”

Even if that were the case, I would have forgiven him from the second he walked out onstage at Clearwater’s Capitol Theatre Saturday night.

The prime point to this tour is to salute elementary, middle, and high school teachers across the world, and to promote the TeachRock foundation. TeachRock was a big help in giving teachers in the area a killer deal, too – – Come to a two hour seminar about music education, and you get a free ticket to the show that night. Most teachers, and their guests, were closer to the stage than I was, and I was closer than I had ever been at a proper concert before. (row 11) As folks started walking into the venue, music played on Van Zandt’s SiriusXM show, Little Steven’s Underground Garage blared through the speakers, and at 8:16, about thirteen musicians and three dancers made their way to the stage, followed by their fearless leader. 748 people were ready for a night of classic soul and blues, starting way back in 1967 with a Jersey-styled rendition of Arthur Conley’s Sweet Soul Music. “Do ya like good music?!” he called out. All of us gave a roar of approval back at him.

Stevie has a relatively new solo album out, his first in eighteen years. Every song off of Soulfire, which released last May, was played throughout the show, while mixed in with his earlier songs as well. New songs included a ten minute rendition of the James Brown penned Down And Out In New York City, which was half solos from the woodwind and brass section of the band. Also off the album were original tunes, such as the Civil Rights inspired The City Weeps Tonight.

Yes, most of these songs were covers, but there were quite a few written by Stevie. Angel Eyes, off of 1982’s Men Without Women was not transposed at all, and the only change was a long guitar solo from the man, like many of the songs had. Also played was a Southside Johnny song written, and recorded with Bruce Springsteen, Until The Good Is Gone. That song also appeared on Men Without Women.

Speaking of Springsteen, you’re probably wondering, “Did he play any songs from E-Street?” No, he didn’t.

Understandably, a good chunk of the crowd (including myself, for the most part.) were in attendance solely to honor his incredible career as the right hand man of one of rock’s most legendary musicians and songwriters. But whenever Little Steven tours by himself, you’re almost always gonna hear soul and blues music. He recalled parts of his life that involved Bruce, and played songs that they recorded together on Disciples albums, but nothing from Bruce’s personal career, with and without E-Street.

The Disciples played for nearly two and a half hours, half of an E-Street show. But that’s because this was very different from one. The setlist didn’t totally transform from the previous show in Orlando the night before, and there was only a lick of politics, (“We are in a dark time, but don’t worry, it’s only temporary.”) But like his partner, he knew how, and when, to communicate with his fans. “We can leave our differences outside and walk the sacred grounds of music tonight.” Stevie proclaimed in the middle of a song during a brief lecture.

Well, he sure wasn’t wrong.

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Concert Announcements

Brian Wilson concert at Ruth Eckerd Hall postponed

Beach Boy Brian Wilson announced today that due to back surgery that he is having within the coming days, he will have to postpone all of his May shows. One of those shows included a Pet Sounds: The Final Performances concert at Clearwater’s Ruth Eckerd Hall on the 18th.

While yes, this is a bummer, health should always come before anything. The last thing I, personally, want is for my favorite composer to go through what my favorite heartland rocker went through. Tom Petty had a broken hip when I saw him almost exactly a year ago, and he died five months later. So, kudos to Brian for taking time off the road to get the help he needs.

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Everything Else

How I Scored Jeff Dunham’s Autograph

Most people go to eBay for autographs, and a lot of the time, they’re unauthentic. But sometimes, if the person is still living, you get lucky.

The only autographs I’ve gotten were Chef Robert Irvine’s, and Chuck Comeau of Simple Plan’s. Here’s the story of how I got the autograph of perhaps the most famous ventriloquist of all time.

I saw Jeff Dunham and his suitcase posse on the Passively Aggressive Tour at Amalie Arena in Tampa. As if the show wasn’t great enough, I wanted to add onto my experience. So after making my way out of the venue, I couldn’t help but notice I took the exit on the other side of the arena, close to where the backstage area is. Maybe Jeff would come out and take some photos. I thought I’d give it a shot, although I felt in my bones that we’d get catfished.

My brother and I made our way towards that area, and obviously, there were gates guarding it. Of course, that’s totally fair. I’d want that as well if I were playing there. But anyway, there were three other fans waiting who weren’t scrounging for a quick buck to make off of his autograph. About fifteen minutes or so pass, and Jeff comes walking out the backstage door. One of the fans calls out “JEFF! Can we have a picture?!” He waved at us and held up his index finger. Clearly that meant, “Just give me a few minutes and I’ll let you guys know.”

Another ten-ish minutes pass, and one of Jeff’s roadies starts walking towards us with a marker and some sticky notes. “Hi guys, how are ya?” He asked. This guy knew that we were real fans. He then told us that Jeff would be happy to sign some things for us. Clearly, he wasn’t going to come out and take pictures, which of course is what any true fan would have wanted, but you know what? He was probably exhausted, since this was his last stop after being on the road all year long.

The roadie had the sticky notes to label everything he was given by who had what. I bought Jeff’s book a few minutes earlier, but if he’s going to sign something, I want to keep it in a frame that anyone can see, not a closed book. So I gave him mine and my brother’s ticket stubs. (My brother wanted him to sign his new $45 talking Walter, but we had a ride waiting for us for an unexpectedly long amount of time.)

Within three minutes, the roadie comes back out of the tour bus. Everything has been personally signed with a blue Sharpie. Unfortunately, the “j” in my name got smeared a little bit by Jeff, but that means that I also have his fingerprint, so that’s always fun to archive. He also put my name on my brother’s stub, and my brother’s name on mine. But you know what? To quote Walter, who the hell cares?

I think it was out of sheer luck too, because one of the people standing with me said that normally, if there’s a lot of people waiting, (probably more than 10) he’ll just wave and leave. But either way, this is another object I’ll cherish forever.

Now, to find a frame…

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Concert Reviews

PHOTOS: Jeff Dunham jokes about both the left and right in Tampa