I wrote this last night as a blog entry so I'm just going to post it here. Ask any questions and I'll be sure to answer them if I can. I will say I'm off to see Alter Bridge later so I might not reply straight away.
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When I woke up yesterday morning, I was full of excitement and nerves as I was going to be meeting up with one of my favourite bands, Fozzy, today in a VIP access session of their 2010 Let the Madness Begin Tour in Margate, the last part of the UK segment of the tour. Once I was up and ready I made sure I had everything needed, paypal slip, my albums, Jerichos autobiography, camera with batteries charged, everything was all set and ready, until I reached my departing station to realise I had no memory card in my camera. So far my day reached a setback, but while I had the Fozzy classics playing in my head as I searched for a card once I reached Margate, things were looking up, had a some trouble finding the venue, only for a huge tour coach to be sitting in front of my eyes and locating the events of my day would take place.
Once I plucked up the courage to get there, I met up with fellow Fozzy fans R and L (for security reasons), along with VIP manager Anne and Videographer Wayne, we made some friendly get togethers and talked about our previous Fozzy experiences while being documented for the DVD of the tour. Once we got taken inside, things started to fall into place as within five minutes of arriving, I shake hands with bassist Sean Delson and wished him a happy wedding anniversary which occurred the day before. We got some quick hellos from Rich Ward and Billy Grey as they were going back and forth between the coach and the arena, even a couple of quick glimpses of Chris Jericho occurred, this day was to only get better.
Once all the final details were sorted and everyone had gathered, we more or less had the freedom to do whatever we want as long as it didnt impede or interrupt the set up of the show. Naturally it took some small steps of courage to finally start wondering around and getting our cameras out to snap away as everyone did their part in getting things together, along with hearing the beautiful solo from Freewheel Burning by Billy who apparently hadnt even done this at all during the tour, so that was a treat. More interaction between fellow VIPers, Anne and Wayne took place as I never felt so comfortable in a high profile situation, everyone was so polite and free to talk. And hearing different stories were amazing, it was fascinating that the main people surrounding Fozzy during this tour love British Culture, especially our comedy, score one for us. We even got into discussion about the football dilemma and I actually managed to provide an insight that people didnt know about which was how football and American football became the way they are.
Once things were steadily moving, we got more formal introductions to Rich, Sean and Frank Fontsere as they came to sign pictures, albums and have some photos, I tell you now that Rich Ward was one of the most polite and respectful people I have ever met, which sadden me that I would only see him for this day only for now as I could probably talk to him all day about stuff. He kept thanking us for being here which made me feel so happy to be here because he truly respects the fans and I certainly respect his music and song writing. We got treated to a sound check by Fozzy minus Chris which itself was a private session for us, getting to appreciate the music so much more in a great sounding space that wasnt drowned out that you find at gigs, it was the music of Fozzy that was given to us.
Dinner arrived in the form of Chinese and Chris Jericho emerged to give his greetings and this is where discussions really got nice as everyone gave room for people to speak and no-one was left out, I was talking to Rich and fan R about tattoos and the importance of meanings to the person it carries which Rich and I both believed in. Sean and I discussed about British Culture further and how he almost ended up living in the UK with his wife who originates from here, I asked Frank about his big inspiration which he would get back to me about but things got rushed to find out. Naturally wrestling was brought up with Chris and I only asked about a particular match which I saw 9 years ago and if he recalled it and he did somewhat, which was William Regal hitting him hard with a trophy. Though Chris and the others took an interest in the history of Canterbury, a city hes never been to, so I gave a quick insight and even discussed about the Canterbury Tales and how 14th Century English is certainly worth the read, especially when grabbing by the quente (female gentialia, though it was hilarious when Chris thought I meant grabbing a guy by the balls). There was a discussion about how Paul McCartney had an interesting view of Fozzy from a visit to Liverpool. On the subject of football, Chris and Richs visit to see a Manchester United game was discussed, their analogy of comparing a stadium full of home and away fans to an ant hill was an interesting one. Further talks included about how music and computer games were so respected and simple 20 years ago but its now all digitised so children of this age wont respect a good old vinyl album because its all about ipods and mp3s, while also computer games were so simple that it wasnt about graphics and knowing twenty different buttons but a rather simple controller with having just skill to try and beat your game such as Pac Man or Super Mario Bros, though Chris said he liked Guitar Hero where Rich admitted after trying it once that its never truly like real guitaring. Some more talk about Fozzy experiences came up where we talked about the London gig I attended earlier this year, being front row and interacting with Sean, which he managed to remember saying he thought I looked familiar, that really meant something to me, along with admitting to Chris that I was nerdy enough to bow to him to get a wave back, as well as the F**k my mum chant!
More autographs and photos followed, this time with Chris involved, my albums and book were covered which was a nice full circle, I got a quick chance to say how much I do enjoy Fozzy music and having a nice perk of being told by Chris that he likes it when he sees fans with all the albums, made it nicer to tell him back that I played them at work sometimes along with telling him their version of The Prisoner is much better than Iron Maiden, yes I said it, even Anne worded it that Fozzy gave it a fresh remastered feel. More photos followed before I got taken towards Wayne with Rich who introduced me as Pilipino from the Island of White, which was black and white, completely dull and that this was my first time away from there, the fact I played along to the point that I could have just as well been Pilipino got full respect from Rich which is where I felt he did become more than an idol but a friend to me.
After some final photos, we got some quick embraces in before we got back to the main arena where the warm up acts were in full tow, we missed the first group, but get got treated to Death Valley Driver who been with Fozzy this tour and the previous, such good energy from them once again and I need to start listening to them more, with enough respect from the support band you know you need to branch out better. The third band, name escapes me, were just as great, everyone put over the vocal skills of the female lead singer and they didnt disappoint, not to mention she was gorgeous. As they were doing their last song of this tour, they got intruded by a somewhat familiar looking group of bandits with shaving foam and silly spray, Im sure it was all in good fun.
After setting up was done, the 5 VIPers had mostly seemed to regroup again at the front of the stage which for this one, no barriers blocked it, meaning fan interaction was on the cards. Chants of Y2J and Lets go Jericho from the obvious wrestling fans were drowned out by the Fozzy collective responding with Lets go Fozzy, this was a habit that was maintain throughout the night and it really did serve some justice that there are true Fozzy fans out there rather than people who know only Jericho. Enter Fozzy who were red hot as always and this was the pieta a resistance of the day, much like London, this was insane, only so much more bigger due to the smaller space. I literally was standing in Rich Wards breathing space and I was so happy to be there, with my fellow VIPers we did get special attention at times from all members of the band, it really did make things special; from Rich poking us with his guitar or getting in our faces as we sing the lyrics to Sean doing similar with me directly to relive the moments from London, the fact that when Eat the Rich started playing we did exactly what we did last time (we pointed at each other during the chorus repeats) just made this gig so dear to me, the fact that both my London and Margate experiences are so much more connected because of those small touches. The extra bonus was the interaction from Chris, he would do the usual slap hands throughout to the fans, but with VIPs, he saved special lil punches and shoulder grabs and making some awesome photo poses. But the one thing that again made the night special and he did not do this for anyone else, during Crucify Yourself he pointed the microphone at me to give me a moment to sing part of the chorus, now this gig is beyond the insanity and awesomeness that it was already, this gig was 100 times more because where this was a VIP experience, I was actually treated like one the whole day, how many people can say they had that experience with any of their favourite bands? I would expect that to be rare.
The whole audience were just brilliant and behind Fozzy insanely and they deserved to finish up the UK part of the tour with this night, this was their night and I am definitely certain this will be inspiring more of Fozzy to appear on tour inbetween their busy schedules. We were treated to a majority of the new album while the classics such as Freewheel Burning, Eat the Rich and To Kill A Stranger were included, they got the order just right for this because the final song they played fitted with what the fans wanted to end on Enemy and that was such a finale that the support acts, everyone felt connected and involved, Fozzy got their wish in ending the UK part of the tour. The end saw Frank throwing out his drumsticks (one did hit me unintentionally), getting thanks, handshakes and hugs from Chris, Rich, Sean, Billy and Wayne, the fact my legs could barely move, my ears heavily ringing (and still are at time of writing) and just getting through the adrenaline rush just made the finish great. I promised to keep in touch with Anne and co as we did bond well, we said our farewells and best wishes as we headed off in our separate ways, my night was complete well almost, the day had other plans as I just missed my train I needed, so had to splash out for a taxi, which wasnt too bad but just that I had to spend it out was a downer given I spent about 10 times less than that to get there.
All in all, for a VIP session, a first too, it was worth every penny spent and every memory gained. If theres one thing that tonight certainly did more than anything, it further solidified my status as a Fozzy fan, I was a huge fan of them before this day, but I finishing it loving them more than ever and they deserve all the respect, credit and thanks they deserve. Would I do it again? Hell yes! Now while I enjoy going through the images and clips I got, theres only one thing left to say and that is THANK YOU CHRIS, RICH, SEAN, FRANK, BILLY, WAYNE, ANNE AND FELLOW FOZZY FANS, you made my day a real special one which nothing can take any of it away and I appreciate the time and effort you guys put in, your respect from me is endless. Take Care guys and hopefully see you all again, looking forward to the tour DVD!
------------------------
When I woke up yesterday morning, I was full of excitement and nerves as I was going to be meeting up with one of my favourite bands, Fozzy, today in a VIP access session of their 2010 Let the Madness Begin Tour in Margate, the last part of the UK segment of the tour. Once I was up and ready I made sure I had everything needed, paypal slip, my albums, Jerichos autobiography, camera with batteries charged, everything was all set and ready, until I reached my departing station to realise I had no memory card in my camera. So far my day reached a setback, but while I had the Fozzy classics playing in my head as I searched for a card once I reached Margate, things were looking up, had a some trouble finding the venue, only for a huge tour coach to be sitting in front of my eyes and locating the events of my day would take place.
Once I plucked up the courage to get there, I met up with fellow Fozzy fans R and L (for security reasons), along with VIP manager Anne and Videographer Wayne, we made some friendly get togethers and talked about our previous Fozzy experiences while being documented for the DVD of the tour. Once we got taken inside, things started to fall into place as within five minutes of arriving, I shake hands with bassist Sean Delson and wished him a happy wedding anniversary which occurred the day before. We got some quick hellos from Rich Ward and Billy Grey as they were going back and forth between the coach and the arena, even a couple of quick glimpses of Chris Jericho occurred, this day was to only get better.
Once all the final details were sorted and everyone had gathered, we more or less had the freedom to do whatever we want as long as it didnt impede or interrupt the set up of the show. Naturally it took some small steps of courage to finally start wondering around and getting our cameras out to snap away as everyone did their part in getting things together, along with hearing the beautiful solo from Freewheel Burning by Billy who apparently hadnt even done this at all during the tour, so that was a treat. More interaction between fellow VIPers, Anne and Wayne took place as I never felt so comfortable in a high profile situation, everyone was so polite and free to talk. And hearing different stories were amazing, it was fascinating that the main people surrounding Fozzy during this tour love British Culture, especially our comedy, score one for us. We even got into discussion about the football dilemma and I actually managed to provide an insight that people didnt know about which was how football and American football became the way they are.
Once things were steadily moving, we got more formal introductions to Rich, Sean and Frank Fontsere as they came to sign pictures, albums and have some photos, I tell you now that Rich Ward was one of the most polite and respectful people I have ever met, which sadden me that I would only see him for this day only for now as I could probably talk to him all day about stuff. He kept thanking us for being here which made me feel so happy to be here because he truly respects the fans and I certainly respect his music and song writing. We got treated to a sound check by Fozzy minus Chris which itself was a private session for us, getting to appreciate the music so much more in a great sounding space that wasnt drowned out that you find at gigs, it was the music of Fozzy that was given to us.
Dinner arrived in the form of Chinese and Chris Jericho emerged to give his greetings and this is where discussions really got nice as everyone gave room for people to speak and no-one was left out, I was talking to Rich and fan R about tattoos and the importance of meanings to the person it carries which Rich and I both believed in. Sean and I discussed about British Culture further and how he almost ended up living in the UK with his wife who originates from here, I asked Frank about his big inspiration which he would get back to me about but things got rushed to find out. Naturally wrestling was brought up with Chris and I only asked about a particular match which I saw 9 years ago and if he recalled it and he did somewhat, which was William Regal hitting him hard with a trophy. Though Chris and the others took an interest in the history of Canterbury, a city hes never been to, so I gave a quick insight and even discussed about the Canterbury Tales and how 14th Century English is certainly worth the read, especially when grabbing by the quente (female gentialia, though it was hilarious when Chris thought I meant grabbing a guy by the balls). There was a discussion about how Paul McCartney had an interesting view of Fozzy from a visit to Liverpool. On the subject of football, Chris and Richs visit to see a Manchester United game was discussed, their analogy of comparing a stadium full of home and away fans to an ant hill was an interesting one. Further talks included about how music and computer games were so respected and simple 20 years ago but its now all digitised so children of this age wont respect a good old vinyl album because its all about ipods and mp3s, while also computer games were so simple that it wasnt about graphics and knowing twenty different buttons but a rather simple controller with having just skill to try and beat your game such as Pac Man or Super Mario Bros, though Chris said he liked Guitar Hero where Rich admitted after trying it once that its never truly like real guitaring. Some more talk about Fozzy experiences came up where we talked about the London gig I attended earlier this year, being front row and interacting with Sean, which he managed to remember saying he thought I looked familiar, that really meant something to me, along with admitting to Chris that I was nerdy enough to bow to him to get a wave back, as well as the F**k my mum chant!
More autographs and photos followed, this time with Chris involved, my albums and book were covered which was a nice full circle, I got a quick chance to say how much I do enjoy Fozzy music and having a nice perk of being told by Chris that he likes it when he sees fans with all the albums, made it nicer to tell him back that I played them at work sometimes along with telling him their version of The Prisoner is much better than Iron Maiden, yes I said it, even Anne worded it that Fozzy gave it a fresh remastered feel. More photos followed before I got taken towards Wayne with Rich who introduced me as Pilipino from the Island of White, which was black and white, completely dull and that this was my first time away from there, the fact I played along to the point that I could have just as well been Pilipino got full respect from Rich which is where I felt he did become more than an idol but a friend to me.
After some final photos, we got some quick embraces in before we got back to the main arena where the warm up acts were in full tow, we missed the first group, but get got treated to Death Valley Driver who been with Fozzy this tour and the previous, such good energy from them once again and I need to start listening to them more, with enough respect from the support band you know you need to branch out better. The third band, name escapes me, were just as great, everyone put over the vocal skills of the female lead singer and they didnt disappoint, not to mention she was gorgeous. As they were doing their last song of this tour, they got intruded by a somewhat familiar looking group of bandits with shaving foam and silly spray, Im sure it was all in good fun.
After setting up was done, the 5 VIPers had mostly seemed to regroup again at the front of the stage which for this one, no barriers blocked it, meaning fan interaction was on the cards. Chants of Y2J and Lets go Jericho from the obvious wrestling fans were drowned out by the Fozzy collective responding with Lets go Fozzy, this was a habit that was maintain throughout the night and it really did serve some justice that there are true Fozzy fans out there rather than people who know only Jericho. Enter Fozzy who were red hot as always and this was the pieta a resistance of the day, much like London, this was insane, only so much more bigger due to the smaller space. I literally was standing in Rich Wards breathing space and I was so happy to be there, with my fellow VIPers we did get special attention at times from all members of the band, it really did make things special; from Rich poking us with his guitar or getting in our faces as we sing the lyrics to Sean doing similar with me directly to relive the moments from London, the fact that when Eat the Rich started playing we did exactly what we did last time (we pointed at each other during the chorus repeats) just made this gig so dear to me, the fact that both my London and Margate experiences are so much more connected because of those small touches. The extra bonus was the interaction from Chris, he would do the usual slap hands throughout to the fans, but with VIPs, he saved special lil punches and shoulder grabs and making some awesome photo poses. But the one thing that again made the night special and he did not do this for anyone else, during Crucify Yourself he pointed the microphone at me to give me a moment to sing part of the chorus, now this gig is beyond the insanity and awesomeness that it was already, this gig was 100 times more because where this was a VIP experience, I was actually treated like one the whole day, how many people can say they had that experience with any of their favourite bands? I would expect that to be rare.
The whole audience were just brilliant and behind Fozzy insanely and they deserved to finish up the UK part of the tour with this night, this was their night and I am definitely certain this will be inspiring more of Fozzy to appear on tour inbetween their busy schedules. We were treated to a majority of the new album while the classics such as Freewheel Burning, Eat the Rich and To Kill A Stranger were included, they got the order just right for this because the final song they played fitted with what the fans wanted to end on Enemy and that was such a finale that the support acts, everyone felt connected and involved, Fozzy got their wish in ending the UK part of the tour. The end saw Frank throwing out his drumsticks (one did hit me unintentionally), getting thanks, handshakes and hugs from Chris, Rich, Sean, Billy and Wayne, the fact my legs could barely move, my ears heavily ringing (and still are at time of writing) and just getting through the adrenaline rush just made the finish great. I promised to keep in touch with Anne and co as we did bond well, we said our farewells and best wishes as we headed off in our separate ways, my night was complete well almost, the day had other plans as I just missed my train I needed, so had to splash out for a taxi, which wasnt too bad but just that I had to spend it out was a downer given I spent about 10 times less than that to get there.
All in all, for a VIP session, a first too, it was worth every penny spent and every memory gained. If theres one thing that tonight certainly did more than anything, it further solidified my status as a Fozzy fan, I was a huge fan of them before this day, but I finishing it loving them more than ever and they deserve all the respect, credit and thanks they deserve. Would I do it again? Hell yes! Now while I enjoy going through the images and clips I got, theres only one thing left to say and that is THANK YOU CHRIS, RICH, SEAN, FRANK, BILLY, WAYNE, ANNE AND FELLOW FOZZY FANS, you made my day a real special one which nothing can take any of it away and I appreciate the time and effort you guys put in, your respect from me is endless. Take Care guys and hopefully see you all again, looking forward to the tour DVD!
I bow to you, sounds like you had an amazing time, seeing Fozzy. Pretty damn envious of you. 
I remember that bit, I saw you didn't look too happy with how your drum kit turned out from these bandits here:
