The show was awesome. Something that I've noticed with Jaxx, though I love the venue, I frequently hear opening acts complain about technical or sound troubles. I expect/hope that isn't something that is done on purpose, but I have heard of some places that like to make sure that none of the early bands sound better than the headliner. I hope that not the case in this instance. Either way it was still a great show.
I honostly don't think that was done on purpose. When I was talking with the one guy, he kept saying is MIDI board kept shutting off. I don't know if it was
his MIDI board or the club's. I am guessing it was his/band's. With the limited amount of time to get these shows setup, it is not surprising that once in awhile, something will fuck up. At least at the Zero Hour show, I don't recall any technical problems from anybody that whole night, and there was something like 6 bands on that night!
Like you said both bands played incredible sets. I was lucky enough to catch the tour stop in Philly on Saturday as well and that was a real treat. I have to admit that the crowd in Philly (regardless of size) seemed much more enthusiatic and much more receptive to both bands. They clapped and yelled everytime it was requested of them by bands members, something the Jaxx crowd seemed a little hesitent of, and they wouldn't even let Blind Gaurdian sing the Bard's Song. The crowd at Jaxx was good, but had no where near the enthusiasm of the Philly crowd.
I'd love to have gone to the Philly show myself - probably could've pulled it off as it was on a Saturday. Ah well, I was tied up that day anyway. I wanted to sing along myself, but could not remember the damn words to the Bard's Song (then again, it was awhile since I sat down and actually listened to it). At least the guys up front seemed pretty enthusiastic, although I did not see as much head-banging as I'd though I would. I was right up there at the rail on the extreme left (facing the stage) up against the speaker stack.
I too got a chance to talk with the guys from Leaves' Eyes and with Liv a little bit early on in the evening. I could tell it was an exciting experience for them, coming to America, and most of them said at one point or another that they hope to be touring the states again soon. They were all very nice and very greatful that so many of the shows had sold so well. They signed a few things and took some pictures with me. (I have a great picture of Chris, Leaves' Eyes bass player, scooping me up in his arms. Snapfish won't let me post them here, but it's posted on my myspace.) I talked to Mathias the most, but couldn't find him for a picture at the end of the night.
Darn it, I'd liked to have at least gotten a chance to chat with Liv myself. I did get to chat with Alex for a small bit as well as one of the other guys (I cannot remember his name - had the really short "crew-cut" type hair - guess I"ll have to dig out the album and look). I hope to see these guys again in the future, as I really did enjoy thier show.
I was just bummed that nobody from Blind Guardian came out though, even after waiting a nearly an hour out in the friggan cold at the buses. I was hoping to get to chat up Hansi and a few others, even for a brief moment - to at least shake his hand and tell him "awesome show - thanks!".
I don't know, but like you said, I don't recall anybody complaining or looking like they were hurt. If somebody ended up truly hurt - well, I am on the ski patrol at Massanutten, so at least I am a certified emergency first responder. I could not believe that Alex did that - that guy is about the same size as me, and I am no small person. I may have been able to catch him, but yeah, there were alot of smaller/younger folks in that audience that night that did not seem prepared to catch somebody like Alex (plus, there is a rule at Jaxx saying no stage-diving/crowd surfing was allowed - don't know if that also applies to performers as well as the audience)
Would've liked to met some folks from this forum there, but with that crowd, there was no way I would've been able to tell who was who. Glad that you also enjoyed that show as well. Yeah, Jaxx does have its quirks and downsides (then again, what venue doesn't), but still an awesome place to see some awesome shows.
