A very busy weekend
This entry was posted on April 21, 2008
The reason I haven’t blogged in the past few days is not because I’m dead (thank God!), it’s because I literally haven’t had the time. I haven’t touched a computer since Thursday morning, and I’ve barely even checked my email. My phone has web capabilities, but for some reason it hates Wordpress, which has kept me from blogging on my phone.
So what have I been up to? Well, I spent most of Friday in a queue outside the Astoria, waiting for the doors to open so I could go in and see Simple Plan. I almost froze to death (I swear the corner of Oxford Street and Charing Cross Road is the windiest place ever) so I invested in a scarf and a pair of socks, which just about kept me warm until the doors opened and we were allowed in.
After being patted down (ooh er!) and having my bag searched (no contraband here) I made it into the main hall and managed to grab one of the few remaining spots right on the barrier. I’m not sure I know words to describe how excited I was. This was the fourth time I’d seen Simple Plan (SP) and the first time I’d been able to stand on the left hand side of the stage (which is where my two favourite members of the band stand).
The support act (Kids in Glass Houses) weren’t that bad, and when SP finally came on at quarter to nine, the crowd screamed louder than any crowd I’d heard before in that sort of environment. It literally made my ears hurt. The band opened with “Generation” and the show carried on in a similar style, mixing songs from their new album with some of their classic tracks (such as “Addicted” and “Shut Up”).
The Friday night show was the best show I’ve seen in my life (non-SP bands included). It was so energetic, and enthusiastic, and fun, and loads of other adjectives that I won’t list because I’ll sound too much like a crazy fangirl. I lurked around afterwards to try and meet the band but there was a big crowd waiting and unfortunately I didn’t get to meet them.
Saturday I slept in, and then hiked it up to Birmingham with my friends. After dumping our belonging at my friend’s house (didn’t really want to take my pyjamas and dirty underwear into the SP show) we trundled out to Wolverhampton on something called the “metro”. We got there ten minutes after the doors opened, so absolutely no queuing was needed at all!
I found a spot at the side, but the venue was horrible. It was too hot, I was too exhausted, and I didn’t appreciate young girls jumping on my feet repeatedly (even though it was nice to see people enthusiastic for SP). The opening act were double-booked and so had to cancel at the last minute, leaving someone “local” to perform. This “local” person was a drunk-sounding Irish man with a guitar and a synth. Let’s just say he didn’t go down too well. This was the first time I’d witnessed boo-ing at an SP show.
SP came out, and I lasted about a third of the way into the show before I started to feel faint. I eventually found the bar hidden behind some doors (what kind of venue hides their bar?!) and then when the water didn’t help much, I headed out to the foyer to get some fresh air.
I spent about 15 - 20 minutes talking to Patrick (SP’s merch guy) about the band, etc. etc. and he dragged me back into the hall to see SP play “What If”. It was a great performance, and I enjoyed it a lot. Still, though, the hall was far too hot for me, so I went back out to the foyer. One of the security staff told me not to sit with my eyes shut because it made me look like I was unconscious.
During “Perfect” (played during the encore, and the one SP song that always makes me cry) a girl came and spoke to me. She asked me why I was sad, and I explained that just because I wasn’t smiling, didn’t mean I was sad. We talked a little bit about what “perfect” means, and she told me that she sees the imperfections in people, and then loves them because of that.
After the show, there was a much smaller crowd waiting to meet the band. Sebastien came out first, followed by Pierre and then David. David mentioned that Chuck and Jeff were still in the shower (he even winked and whistled at that), but eventually Jeff came out. Someone managed to persuade him to text Chuck to get him to come out as well. So far I’d managed hugs and pictures with all four members.
After nearly freezing to death (it was gone 1am at this point), Chuck eventually came out to meet everyone. I say “everyone” and I mean “the seven people who were still waiting in the cold”. I didn’t ask him for a picture or an autograph (I was too cold) and he was sweet enough to ask me if I was okay. I playfully replied that I’d have a hug if there was one going, and he gave me a lovely hug (even if he did accidentally bash me in the face with his shoulder).
Having eventually tracked down a legal and safe-looking taxi, we eventually made it back to my friend’s house at 3am. I slept right through till gone noon, and finally made it home at 8pm. I was cold, tired, stiff, headachey, and completely shattered… but it was the funnest weekend I think I’ve ever had.
10 lovely people have commented
Wow! Standing in the cold until 1am - that’s dedication! At least you got a hug out of it 
That sounds like an awesome weekend Rachael, you are an uber fan! You’ve really got me back into Simple Plan, so I have to thank you for that one 
By the way, your blog post looks awesome with all your photos scattered around it!
This is me burning with jealousy: *burns with jealousy*.
Actually, I have quite a good “burning with jealousy,” expression. Maybe I’ll take a picture and send it to you (Oh my, it just occurred to me, another sucky thing about the Internet: you haven’t seen hardly any of my highly amusing facial expressions! 
).
I am so so SO glad you had a great weekend. It totally made up for the fact that I had to sit alone at my house and not have a great weekend. Also, I remember you were complaining about the cold on Friday, and I checked the weather in London. And it was +9C. That is not cold, Sillaely!! It’s… quite warm, actually. *sigh* Silly Englanders.
Also, please remind me to add tight red pants to my list of “Things People Should Avoid Wearing If They DON’T Want Aisling To Rape Them.” *points at picture, drools*
Well, now I’m in an SP-y mood, so I best go listen to them and have a dance around before I become too sleepy!!
I still can’t believe you were there at 8am and still weren’t first in the queue. SP fans are freakin’ crazy.
But glad you had a rockin’ time. 
Yay! Glad you had a good time, Rachael. You also took some great photos.
OMG! That is an awesome weekend… had to sorta reread the Saturday again coz I wasn’t sure of what you were saying~ lol
Wow, I agree that is complete fan dedication ^^
I want them to come to NZ…. 
Aww, sounds like you had a lovely weekend. And, you must be a gigantic fan of that band, since I know I’d never stand in cold, cram myself right to the barrier ect, even for my favourite band. I prefer the “get seat tickets, show up right when the doors open and wait in the bar for the gig to start while getting drunk” kind of a concert experience
glad to hear that you had a good time at the concerts and that you had the sense to buy a scarf but you DIDN’T tell me about the episode at wolverhampton. Good thing your dad read your web site and told me. love mum xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I met them last night, if it wasn’t for Patrick, I dont think I would have, hes the sweetest boy…its too bad we all got carried away last night.
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Clem said:
Aww, sounds like your weekend was eventful and definitely lots of fun. I’m glad you’re back, though.