I am absolutely exhausted today, but I had a blast yesterday in St. Louis. It was like a great big ol’ reunion of both old and new “crews.”
I rolled in around Noon, figuring that would give me plenty of time to possibly have problems at Will Call and still be able to make it into the venue in time to catch Jack and Kyle’s (formerly of 5th Element) latest band, Brookroyal… only… the guest list I was on was running late.
As I waited for it to actually be turned in, I was missing the first half of Brookroyal’s set. Granted, I could hear it just fine, but there went my idea of taking a few shots. I picked up my pass and rushed in in time to catch the second half of the set. They sounded incredible and had quite the crowd watching them.
Near the end of the set, I rushed over to the Pop’s stage to catch my buddy Ben’s current band, Minutes to Midnight. I got some pretty cool shots, but the following of his bassist would definitely be my favorite of the bunch:
During the last song of their set, I made my way back over to the parking lot stages with the intention of meeting up with my dear Emma as Sick Puppies were starting to get ready for their set.
Unfortunately, one particular LiveNation employee decided my All Access pass wasn’t valid. I argued with her for a bit about the meaning of “all access” and eventually, how she should listen to herself when she’s telling me my pass gets me anywhere and everywhere I want to go except for the parking lot stages. Sounds silly to you too, right?
Tired of arguing with her and really just wanting to get into the photo pit to work, I made my way all the way around the entire crowd to get my way in on the other side. The first LiveNation employee on that side almost didn’t let me through, telling me I had to get in on the other side. About to scream because I was sick of being yanked around when I very damn well know the rules of certain passes (hello, I’ve only been working in this industry for nearly 11 years now… I think I know how to do my job…)… head of security showed up and yelled after me, “Hey photo girl! Come back!” and waved me through. Thank. God.
So Sick Puppies hit the stage. As always, they tore it up.
While I was on the floor shooting, I noticed my friend Zach onstage, making faces at me. After my first three songs on the floor, I was let back out on the same side as the first LiveNation lady I had problems with. I figured after her seeing me let into a zone that she originally wasn’t letting me through… she would have realized her mistakes.
Boy, was I wrong.
She still wasn’t letting me through, so I had told Zach he’d have to come escort me because she was being a moron. Zach informed her that I had an all access pass, meaning I was, indeed, allowed back there. The lady continue to give us problems, even after he explained to her that he was in the co-headlining act, and wanted me back there. Nope.
So here comes Paul, Sick Puppies’ manage/tour manager, telling me to come back. I told him the lady wasn’t allowing it, regardless of my pass. So he grabs me, trying to drag me back there, and she started to argue again… even with Paul telling her I was with Sick Puppies.
Sigh.
He finally dug up an extra “side stage” badge so she would let me through. Absolutely ridiculous.
So I rush up onstage and hurry to take some stage shots upon Paul’s request:
After Sick Puppies’ set, I kicked back and relaxed a bit. I randomly bumped into my friend Maddox (formerly of Jupiter Blue), who just recently moved from Los Angeles to Texas. Naturally I asked him what the hell he was doing there. As it turns out, he had a new band that had played earlier called Miser. He introduced me to his bandmates and we caught up for a bit over a couple of drinks, and handed me their CD and a shirt before they left town.
From here, I would spend more time with the Sick Puppies and Paul. Briefly caught up with Jack and Kyle before we headed over to catering where I would pick off of Emma’s plate and “steal” coffee. Also had a little time to catch up with Zach, as well as Chris Loesch (aka “Eli Purge,” formerly of Full System Purge) and his lovely wife! It’s only been about five years or so!
There was a lot of lazying about with friends, watching the first few main stage acts from the catering room backstage.
As Puddle of Mudd got offstage, I took that as my cue to head back out and make my way to the main stage photo pit for Shinedown. Of course, the first LiveNation employee I run into near that area gives me problems. Of course.
I kept repeating myself, making it quite clear that I had an all access pass and I was to be in the photo pit to take photos for Shinedown. He wasn’t listening to me and just kept telling me, “That doesn’t get you through here.” After going back and forth five times, and speaking slower, it was as if a lightbulb went on inside his head and he let me through.
I went down to the photo pit gate where I would have to deal with another LiveNation person. At first, of course, she didn’t let me through because she wasn’t sure my all access pass let me through there. (You bet I was pretty freakin’ annoyed at this point of night). Fortunately another employee nearby knew better and payed attention to the security meeting and let me on through.
Shot the standard first three songs from the floor, then headed back backstage to watch the rest of the show from the side. It’s been my first time seeing Zach perform onstage with any of his bands live, so it was nice to see him all over the stage and rocking out. A year younger than me and on top of the world. I’m very proud of him.
I stuck around for a little bit after their set, said bye to everyone, and headed out to beat traffic and get home… and crawl right into bed.
You can see some more shots on my deviantART page! Enjoy!
(Oh… and to those who spotted me yesterday and came up to say hello… thank you, and it was nice meeting you!)
