I'm baaaaaaaack!

While driving up to the Riverwalk Center entrance in Breckenridge, Colorado, the only thing that was on my mind was Tyson Ritter; that name remained at the top of my thoughts throughout the show. Now, getting the proper credentials (an armband with a “PHOTO” written in bold text, and a level 4 media pass) and getting into the show were two completely different things. After a few altercations, which were covered by a few phone calls and an email, I was shoved into the show with a group of security guards. It was literally -11 degrees Fahrenheit outside, so I was ridiculously happy to be getting in so soon. Hand stamped and ticket received, I walked over to the AAR merchandise table and picked up a few goodies, including the new album “When The World Comes Down” finally (and the album is totally worth picking up; expect a review soon)!

I stood away from table and began to get settled in for a bit when an MTV2 camera crew raced right by me. I followed them, and they led me directly to Nathaniel Motte from 3OH!3 being interviewed in front of their cameras!! He was fixing himself up in front of the camera, not really paying attention to any of the questions that were being asked, and he finished up with a “Beavis and Butthead”-like slur, “Uhh...I think I have to go now.” He took off in my direction, and I grabbed his arm. A conversation ensued:

“Will you pose for a picture for me?”

“For you or for whoever you are taking photos for?”

“Oh. This photo is just for me.”

“Alright, then. As long as it is for you.”

Nathaniel then held up his two hands to make his band's semi-famous hand gesture:

(if you look at it, you see 3 fingers, a big “O” shape, and another 3 fingers, clearly spelling out “303”)

He took off backstage, and the show was getting ready to start. I got permission to skate through the barrier section of the stage to map out where I would stand at, and I met an Australian boy in the first row. He was really nice, and I told him about Buzznet. I hope that he gets an account with us because he was really cool, though, to be honest, I was really enthralled by his accent. Seriously, Ikkyg, when we meet, I just want to sit and listen to you talk for hours. Moving back on track, the skate through was nice. After all the young children were in with their parents and the college guys had beers in their hands, the show commenced. I met 4 different photographers in the barrier; one of them I will be talking more about later on, and the others were jerks, so they will not be mentioned anymore. Erm...

3OH!3 had no instruments being played and their vocals were less-than-perfect, but their stage antics and presence made their performance one of the best shows that I ever had a pleasure of seeing. Sean Foreman did just about everything, from humping the floor to pinching his nipples and driving the crowd into hysterics. If you don't know, 3OH!3 is from Boulder, Colorado and that means that the audience packed with Coloradoans were really hyped up to see them play. The place was packed, and 3OH!3 was making the center explode. After Nathaniel made a few comments about having some of the best worst times of his life in Breckenridge, they concluded the show with their new single, “Don't Trust Me.” Catch the video here, and why not make it your video of the moment? It's a good one!

Between the break, I grabbed a bottle of water (6 dollars?! REALLY!?) and returned to the barrier. I sat on stage and looked with splendor as members of AAR walked on stage and walked back offstage and then back on stage; it was pure bliss. Then, the moment of truth came, and my camera was prepared. The object of my desire walked up to his microphone and screamed, “HOW IS COLORADO TONIGHT?!” I couldn't breathe. Literally. I drank some more water, gained my breath after a quick choke, pulled the Fujifilm S7000 in front of my face and started shooting stars. I stood beside my photographer friend, Jen, and we were basking in AARs amazement. Left front stage was where Nick Wheeler stood, center back stage was Chris Gaylor's home, right front stage was where Mike Kennerty made himself grounded, and Tyson Ritter was center front stage and man, I was trembling. After the first two songs, I was able to gain some composure and made a really great observation: Mike Kennerty is so active on stage! He was right by Jen and I, and there were a few times when he leaned right at the edge of the stage, coming so close that I actually had his leg on my arm for a few seconds. Yeah, I was scared, but thoroughly impressed. And even though I was supposed to be taking photos in the front, I was still screaming out every verse to each of the songs that was being played. The third song started, and that is when our eyes locked; Tyson Ritter stared into my soul. For 95% of that song, our eyes were completely dead-on stuck. We sang the last few lines in sync: “My Dirty Little Secret! Who has to know? Who has to know?” He smiled, gave a soft wink, and I was rushed out of the barrier. Luckily, I was able to sneak into the VIP box, and I was able to enjoy the rest of the concert dancing and screaming in true fanatic fashion. After “Move Along,” the band ran off only to be called back for an encore. They finished with great strength, and the lights went out.

Two days later, and I am still pooped from the show. I guess that is a sign that I am getting older. D:

If you want to check out my Buzznet gallery, you can check it out here.

If you want to check out my concert extras, you can check them out here.

I really didn't get to take very many good photos of 3OH!3 at all (they weren't still for a second on stage, honestly), but feel free to see what little photos that I did get to steal from their performance.

If you get the chance to see the All-American Rejects when they are on tour with Fall Out Boy next year, you will be in for one of the greatest shows of your life. No joke. : )