Close Encounters of the MLE Kind

I said I don't do reviews much, but I can't help myself. These last four nights were like being in a much better alternate universe - it's a bummer having to come back to reality. I did blow off work today, but it starts back up tomorrow. Ah well, it was so worth it.

Last night, I was on the drama side of the stage (right side if you're facing the stage). I had a bunch of "Lucky" balloons left over from the pre-release party I did, so I brought a handful of them with me for something to do. When we got to HOB, I saw the "Dutchies" standing first in line, so I gave them a balloon. I wish I would've seen them after because I still had a couple in my pocket that I hadn't blown up yet. Sorry guys - but it was good to meet you for a minute.

I got a kick out of the fact that a couple balloons were accidentally hit on stage before the show, and one of the guys put them up by the drum set. During the show, Melissa picked one up and threw it into the crowd. I'm glad some people had a good time with them.

Melissa didn't disappoint last night. She was wild and energetic and funny just like the other three nights. Screw the stupid moron who writes for the Chicago Tribune who is obviously tone deaf and a musical illiterate. (I had to say that - his "review" sucked - especially for Phillip).

On to the drama I was mentioning earlier. After about three or four very jamming songs, this poor girl who was standing right behind me fell to the floor. All of the people in that general area sort of backed up and tried to give her some air. I was trying to ask if she was ok, and then she reached up and grabbed on to my partner and pulled herself up. She still didn't look too good. Then, four very large security guys waded in, and they took hold of her and were trying to ask if she was ok. Next thing you know, she is on the floor again.. OUT. And I mean OUT. They had to carry her out of there.

Of course, I'm sure Melissa saw this big hole opening up and security rushing in because she said, "what happened? Is it a fight?" She was looking right at me and my partner, Kate. Kate mouthed, "No, not a fight." She looked at me and asked what happened. I knew she couldn't hear me so I guess I was playing mime to explain it to her. I put my hand to my forehead, threw my head back and closed my eyes. "Oh," says Melissa, "she passed out? Is she ok?" I waved my hands, fanning my face to indicate that it was too hot for her. Melissa says, "Too hot? Well, you know, you have to stake out your spot and leave some personal space to breathe, and wear clothing that isn't so warm.." I felt bad for the girl, and I hope she's ok. It was weird having a conversation with Melissa about it though. I'm glad she figured out it was all ok.

So, the show goes on - I'm totally into it, knowing this is the last night. Everyone was having so much fun, and Melissa really seemed connected to the crowd. Then came the second drama. Two girls in front of me were trying to sneak taking pictures. What they clearly didn't realize was that a woman security guard was standing on the speaker towers or something at the far end and was watching and pointing. Next thing we know, here come the big security guys to where we were again. At first, they looked at me and asked if I was taking pics, and I said, "HELL NO!" I didn't even have a camera on me, and I wasn't being dragged out! He kept looking and caught the two in front of me and took them out. So, Melissa looks at me and says, "What happened?" I had to mime again, put my hands up to my face like was holding a camera and taking pics and pointing at her. She says, "Taking pictures? Well, I don't mind, but they do. What happened to them?" I made a gesture of hands on my shirt and then yanked it to the right like I was being pulled off the floor. She said, "Oh, they took them away? Hey, you all be careful because they'll take you out of here for taking pictures." So, again, another conversation with her on the stage. LOL! They did let the two come back after a couple songs though.

Can I ask? Why the hell do people feel it's necessary to talk loudly and laugh during "Silent Legacy", "Scarecrow" or "Tuesday Morning"? Does it mean nothing to them? Are they THAT disrespectful? It really pisses me off. If you want to be drunk and stupid, then listen to the music in a bar from the DJ.. I'm sure I'll get shit for saying that, but it's just incomprehensible to me why people would do that. In spite of that, the triology meant just as much to me, and I'm loving that she is performing those songs that way.

I have heard many comparisons of Phillip to various artists including Jimmy Hendrix, but he reminds of Steve Vai... another virtuoso. Vai makes the same kind of faces, and he's the same kind of build - although not nearly as good looking. His interpretations are like Phillips as well - very wild, very talented, very creative. Again, screw the Tribune. I'll probably write a letter to the editor over that one.

She, of course, ended with Giant - I love that song more and more every time she performs it. It's one of those things that makes me want to play it LOUD everywhere I go so everyone can hear it. At the end, as Melissa worked the crowd, touching hands with those of us in front, she came over our way, and she was brushing her fingers over all the outstretched hands.. then she took hold of my hold hand and gave it a squeeze and a shake. Made the whole mime thing worth it.

All in all, it was another fabulous night. I can't wait for summer when she comes back here. I plan on bringing a lot of people with me so they can understand the experience I can only try to explain.

I hope all of you who are patiently waiting for her to hit your city get the kind excitement and inspiration we did. This will stay with me a long time.