Music for the masses

What can I say? My first Depeche Mode concert ROCKED! But, let me start from the beginning. As I mentioned in my previous blog, I was a bit concerned that I wouldn't be able to use my camera. I need not have worried! Personal cameras were OK! They checked bags for other sorts of contraband, but everything was fine!

The opening act Peter Bjorn and John were entertaining enough. But, judging from all the empty seats, most people were there for the main event. I had a great seat, but it turned out I never sat in it after Depeche Mode took the stage. Everyone stood up...and most stayed on their feet for the whole concert, including myself. But, that was alright...when you're having a good time, who cares. I experienced that time and again at Five For Fighting shows. Depeche Mode was just awesome! I have a couple of their concert DVDs, so I knew they put on a terrific show. And, I wasn't disappointed. They played songs from their new album, Sounds Of The Universe, and most of their hit singles. The fan favorite by far was Enjoy The Silence...I love it, too!

The atmosphere throughout the concert was electric. I was amazed that the vibration from the speakers actually seemed to cause the air to vibrate, too! And, yeah, it was pretty damn loud! But, I was prepared. I was wearing Hearos Rock & Roll ear plugs! You can still hear the music just fine, and it will save your hearing! I can bet you pretty much no one else in the audience was wearing ear protection!

Oh, and I made sure to purchase the obligatory, but much coveted Depeche Mode concert t-shirt! When the guys left the stage for good after their second encore, I found myself thinking about my next concert... Pet Shop Boys next month! They are also one of my Top Five favorite music artists, and like Depeche Mode, I've also never seen them perform. I'll be doing the VIP thing, so it will be an extra special experience for me! I can't wait!

Rockin' at the Key

Well, it's about 3 hours before the start of the Depeche Mode show at Seattle's Key Arena. Their opening act will be Peter Bjorn and John. I've never heard of them, thus I'm totally unfamiliar with their music. But, it doesn't matter. This is seriously the biggest concert I've ever attended, so I plan to just drink up the experience.

Right now, I'm relaxing in my downtown Seattle hotel room. Earlier this afternoon, I took a stroll over to Seattle Center, which is where Key Arena is located and is also home to the famous Space Needle. It only took me about 20 minutes to get to the Key, with one brief stop to snap a couple photos of the Chief Seattle statue.

I took some additional photos of Key Arena, and made note of signs outside saying that audio and video equipment were prohibited. Did that mean digital cameras, too? I inquired at the ticket booth, and the guy there thought personal cameras would be OK if discreet. I made note to carry my camera in my jacket pocket when the time came. Then, I discovered the secure area, which was full of tractor trailers...and parked band buses! There were four tour buses...I guess one each for the three Depeche Mode guys and the fourth for the opening act? Since there was no chance of seeing anyone...and I didn't plan on waiting around to find out...I settled for just taking some pics of the buses.

So, I'm ready for some great music! Depeche Mode is in my Top Five all-time favorites list...Five For Fighting being Number One, of course! I've never seen them in concert, so needless to say, this is a huge deal for me! I'll be posting a blog tonight after the show. Rock on!

A celebration of humanity

Well, for all of you who didn't attend the Point Hope concert in Seattle...you missed a terrific show! First of all, Delilah is truly a wonderful, giving human being. What you hear on her radio show is the real deal. I got a chance to finally meet the lady who I've heard on the airwaves in person. I came away with an autographed photo, a Kodak moment, and a deep respect for everything that she does.

I had never heard India.Arie's music before tonight. I was VERY impressed by her vocal talents...I can now understand why she won a Grammy award. But, my greatest praise is reserved for my favorite music guy, John Ondrasik. After the brief euphoria of my earlier parking lot encounter with him, I was ready for more...and John certainly delivered! At the pre-concert VIP reception, I enjoyed some gourmet appetizers and received a gift bag with Delilah's book and CDs of the two artists. When John arrived, he greeted some people, then headed directly toward me and my friend Johnny Wing. I managed to get my photo with John before the other guests converged on him. I had to wait my turn to get a few things signed...none for myself, as I already have enough Five For Fighting autographs. I also had a special gift for John. It was a CD/DVD set called Rove Live...an Australian variety/talk show. The discs contained Five For Fighting's Superman performance from 2002...John's last and only visit to the Land Down Under. The video of John's appearance on that show is awesome...and I thought it was something that he and his family would love to have. John was surprised such a thing existed and asked me where I got it...eBay. Needless to say, it was wonderful talking to John...I just can't say enough good things about him!

As VIP Friends of Delilah, my friend Johnny and I got preferred seating at the concert...we sat second row center. John took the stage after India.Arie, and he never sounded better. The acoustics in the Town Hall venue were just fantastic! The building was once used as the church, and the domed ceilings just seemed to capture and reverberate the music. John's set list consisted of 100 Years, I Just Love You, '65 Mustang, If God Made You, Superman, Freedom Never Cries and World. The latter two songs he performed while videos played on a screen. My only disappointment of the night was that John didn't play longer, but it was such a treat to see him again! It will help keep me sane until he goes on tour later this year.

John, you're the greatest!

Well, I'm relaxing in my hotel room before I head over to the Town Hall in Seattle for the Concert for Point Hope. The event will be hosted by radio show personality Delilah and Warm 106.9, and raises awareness and funds for Delilah's Point Hope charity. Entertainment for the night will feature R & B/soul artist India.Arie and the awesome John Ondrasik, better known as Five For Fighting. I was at the Town Hall earlier with my friend and fellow Five For Fighting fan Johnny Wing. We wanted to say "HI" to John before the big event, and I wanted to get a pic of John with my beloved groupie mobile. It worked out perfectly! John arrived for his soundchecks and kindly indulged me in some photos with my ride. I'll be posting another blog post event! Stay tuned.

Some things are long overdue

It's been awhile since I last posted, but things are starting to get exciting. In the mail today, I got my ticket for the August Depeche Mode concert at Seattle's Key Arena. If you hadn't already heard, this awesome group known for their electropop-New Wave-alternative music, is currently on a world-wide tour to promote their upcoming Sounds Of The Universe album. They also happen to be one of my Top Five favorite musical acts.

Now, I've never seen Depeche Mode in concert. In fact, it's been years...about 20 years, in fact...since I've been to a big arena-type show. That was back when I was attending Washington State University and a few years after when I still had access to their campus concerts. My first concert ever was Foreigner. I remember coming out after the show and I couldn't hear. I learned a valuable lesson that night...loud rock music can hurt your ears! I was more careful to protect my hearing at later shows...Earth, Wind & Fire, REO Speedwagon, Firefall, ZZ Top and Air Supply. With the exception of a lone Rick Springfield concert at a local fair, I wouldn't attend another live show until I discovered the Bumbershoot Music & Arts Festival in Seattle. You basically decide who you want to see at Bumbershoot...there are a lot of acts in 3 days. I caught Jackson Browne, Tracy Chapman and Steve Winwood to name a few. In 2004, I went to the festival with my sister for the sole purpose of seeing Seal. I felt pretty good about my concert experience that day. It was not till the following year that I found out that I missed a WAY better musician who performed the next day. He goes by the name Five For Fighting. Don't get me started! When I found out that I missed John Ondrasik in my own backyard, I could kick myself! If I had only attended Bumbershoot on a Sunday rather than that Saturday...I would have discovered the greatest singer-songwriter one year earlier than I did! No matter. The important thing is that I WAS introduced to John's musical magic...eventually.

Anyway, back to Depeche Mode. By going to their concert this year, I'll be playing catch up. I really should have seen them during their last Playing The Angel tour. But, I wasn't motivated to see live concerts...music wasn't a big part of my life. That all changed when I was introduced to Five For Fighting. Music took on a whole new meaning, and my first John Ondrasik concert and the ensuing groupie road trip sealed the deal. Going to those Five For Fighting shows sparked a long dormant enthusiasm in the music that has always meant the most to me. I've now decided to make it my goal to see my favorite musicians and groups when those opportunities present themselves...and, before they get too old or disappear altogether! It all falls in line with my current basic philosophy of life...do it! 'Cause you only got a 100 years to live!

Happy Birthday, John!

Today is John Ondrasik's birthday. The big 44! His age is no secret. Media sources have publicized it this week under their Celebrity Birthdays for January 7. For some reason, though, some internet sites have listed John as having been born in 1968...that would make him only 41 today. Why the discrepancy? I think they are confused, and I think the reason is...they misinterpreted the information they got from the Five For Fighting song, '65 Mustang.

Now, John is fond of telling the story of his beloved 1965 Ford Mustang, powder blue in color. As history goes, John's dad bought the car brand new off the lot, and brought John home from the hospital in it. When John was a teenager, his father gave the Mustang to him, whereby as John put it "I promptly painted the car metallic purple." At the time, John was a big Prince fan...Prince...purple...get it? Anyway, John eventually grew out of that phase, and had the car repainted back to it's original color, and gave the car back to his dad. Well, the Mustang later changed hands again and when John's son Johnny was born, he brought him home from the hospital in the beloved family heirloom.

The tale of the Ondrasik family Mustang inspired John to write the song '65 Mustang. As the lyrics go:

Or bringing home my first baby
Like Dad did when the ‘65 was three

Now, when I first heard the song in 2006, I assumed the Mustang was three YEARS old when John was brought home from the hospital. But, when 2007 rolled around and the media said John was 42, that could only mean he was born in 1965, not 1968! I was confused, so there was only one way to clear things up...I wrote John an email and asked him. John, being the cool dude that he is, sent this reply:

the mustang was bought 3 days after i was born so I am the big 42... :)

So, there is was, in black and white from John himself. I was no longer confused, but some others still are. I don't think John has any hangups about getting old...I sure don't, and I have a few years on him! I guess the big question is what John will do when his son Johnny and daughter Olivia reach driving age. Who will get the Mustang? Will they take turns? One thing is certain, though...it will always be part of the Ondrasik family, both literally and immortalized in song!

It was a VERY good year!

Well, as 2008 comes to a close, I'm amazed at just how a great a year it was. Was it as good as 2007? I would have to say YES, and then some! I started things off with a bang...or rather, a Bash...in March. I took a road trip down the West Coast to San Diego for the Beach Bash for Augie's Quest. Along the way and back again, I had a blast, visiting a lot of interesting places, many of which I had wanted to see for a long time. At the Bash...which raised money for Augie's Quest, an ALS charity organization...I had a wonderful time. I was reunited with John Ondrasik, and met his family. John introduced me and my friend Johnny to Augie, and we were treated to a great dinner and the rockin' sounds of Pat Monahan.

Unfortunately, June was the month of my greatest disaster...my MySpace page got deleted! To this day, I don't know the reason why. With a greater emphasis on supporting Five For Fighting, I started over again, and renamed my MySpace page Five For Fighting Fan Central. The MySpace catastrophe made me realize that something had to change...and that change came sooner rather than later.

In May, I discovered that the only active Five For Fighting fan site...one that had actually been linked to the official Five For Fighting website...ceased to exist. A shame, I thought. John had never had many fan generated sites, and the loss of even one was one too many. After suffering the wrath of the MySpace police, it made me realize that I had to get out of the shadow of their heavy hand. I had to create my own Five For Fighting fan site. So, in August, with little experience, but a lot of motivation, I selected a web host...and Five For Fighting Fan Central, the website, was born! Wanting to put my own personal stamp to the site, I elected not to use a pre-made template, opting instead to construct my own web site, using the web host's Site Builder. Thankfully, MySpace had given me some rudimentary skills at making web pages. With the aid of the web host's 24/7 help line, and a lot of trial and error, my fan site was up and running in just a week. Sometimes, it doesn't hurt to be an obsessive-compulsive perfectionist fact compiler!

After publishing my new Five For Fighting fan site, I emailed John to give him the good news, and asked about a link to the official site. John got back to me, and put me in contact with his manager Jim. It was after I did some more work on my site...including adding the all-important message board so Five For Fighting fans can to talk to each other...that I emailed Jim and formally requested the link. Within a week...IT HAPPENED!!! My Five For Fighting Fan Central is now linked to the official Five For Fighting website! Just click Links, and you'll see it! Such a thrill! It just goes to show you that with hard work, dedication and motivation, you can accomplish your dreams!

Even though the link was exciting, it paled in comparison to my REAL high point of the year. Now, I've become a big fan of charity auctions. Especially those charity auctions that have allowed me to indulge in my hobby...building the best collection of Five For Fighting memorabilia ever! But, my greatest charity acquisition of 2008 was not even a material one. In conjunction with the annual Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon in September was the MDA online auction. I bid on only one item...a phone call from John Ondrasik! There was no way anyone was going to beat me out of this. But, it turned out to be no contest...I was the only bidder! My phone conversation with John can only be described as heavenly! It was like talking to a friend I hadn't seen in awhile, which was true! John was awesome, and my 20 minutes with him went all too fast. I consider myself SO fortunate to know John and to call him a friend!

So, what will 2009 bring? January will be the start of recording the new Five For Fighting album, with John's radio station promo tour preceding the summer release of the new album. John is saying the concert tour will probably be in the late summer. I just hope my scheduled vacation time coincides with the tour. The Great Five For Fighting Groupie Road Trip II is my next goal, and the thought of seeing John in concert again is an exciting one. Yes, the year will be a busy one for me, and for Five For Fighting Fan Central. I'm ready...are you?

My phone date

Yesterday I had my very special phone call with a VERY SPECIAL guy...John Ondrasik! I woke up with a strange sense of calm, considering what was to come. I had a quick bite to eat and exchanged a few emails with friends...other Five For Fighting fans who were anticipating this day along with me. A half hour before the designated time, I had my notes before me...just so I wouldn't forget what I wanted to tell or ask John.

A couple minutes before 2:00 pm, I called the toll-free number that MDA gave me, along with an extension. A pre-recorded voice told me the host...that would be Kelly...was not there yet. I waited...then called back again. This time, Kelly answered, and shortly after, John called in. John and I exchanged our hellos and I told him it was nice to hear his voice again. Immediately, I felt like I was talking to a good friend who I hadn't seen in awhile...which was true! It had been over 7 months since we saw each other at the Beach Bash for Augie's Quest last March.

The first thing I did was tell John the good news about the ALS Registry Act passing the Senate and continuing on to the House for voting, where it is certain to pass, too. One of John's passions is his support for Augie's Quest, an ALS charity. For the next 15 minutes I told him how he changed my life, and talked about his music, band buses and my Five For Fighting groupie exploits. John DID ask how I was doing, too, and I recounted my Bob Dylan pineapple story. As time ran out, Kelly cut in and tried to end things...but, John wasn't quite done yet! He asked Kelly if we could have a few more minutes, and she went away. I managed to get a couple more questions in and razz John about his UCLA Bruins...they're pretty awful this year, but so are my Cougars! We then said our goodbyes...and John was gone. As I hung up the phone, I still experienced some residual euphoria...and a deep sense of happiness.

I hope you understand, I can't reveal most of my conversation with John. It was just too personal, and some stuff, well, must remain secret...at least for now. I CAN tell you that John is STILL working on his songs...he hasn't started recording his album yet. So, the wait continues. No new album OR tour till next year. But, we can wait, right? It will be well WORTH the wait! John told me the new album might be a little longer than the last. Which means more listening pleasure! I can go for that!

"Hello? How are you?"

Sometimes, the most amazing things can happen in the least expected way. Earlier this month, there was an online auction to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. It was organized in conjunction with the annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon. If you've read my previous blogs and visited my websites, you'll know I'm a big supporter of Augie's Quest, which is one of many charities under the MDA umbrella. I try to do anything I can to help out, and the online auction was an interesting way of making a contribution.

I scanned the items up for bid...and there were a lot of them. But, one particular item quickly caught my eye. It said, "A Phone Call From John Ondrasik's Five For Fighting To You!" Now, I've met John in person several times, but those encounters were generally quite fleeting. And, yes, I do email him regularly, but he's usually not able to reply back. This phone call would present a unique opportunity to REALLY talk to John. Still, I didn't bid immediately, mostly because I wanted to gauge other people's interest. The auction was to last for two weeks, and I waited a week to see what would happen. Nothing. No one bid, although I DID see people bidding for another phone call...with the young country singer Billy Gilman. Perhaps most didn't know who John Ondrasik OR Five For Fighting was...so what's new?

I decided then that there was no reason to wait any longer...I placed the minimum bid of $150. Now, I had another week of waiting to see if there would be any other takers. On September 4th...the last day of the auction...I kept checking to see if anyone else would bid. But, there was none. I watched as the last seconds ticked away, and only then did I stop holding my breath. I won the phone call! But, more importantly, my donation of $150 was going to a VERY worthy cause! Within a couple of hours, I got email verification of my winning bid. The following week, I called MDA to find out how the phone call would take place. I was told I would be receiving a certificate via snail mail that would entitle me to the phone call, along with a contact number to arrange a time.

Upon receiving the certificate, I called Shannon at the San Diego MDA office. She asked me when I would be available to talk to John. I gave her my two days off the following week, and she said she would contact John. Shannon later did call me back and asked if I could do the phone call on Thursday, the 25th at 2:00 pm? I told her it would be perfect, and Shannon said she would let John know. When I hung up, my hands were shaking from the adrenaline rush. I would have a week of waiting before the big phone call.

Those days initially went slowly, then sped up as my special day got closer. During that time, I started compiling a list of topics and questions. Things that I had always wanted to tell or ask John, but just never got the chance...or never got an answer. I was curious how long I would actually be able to talk to John. So, I called MDA, and spoke to Kelly, the gal who would be hosting the call. She told me 15 minutes...something about John having other appointments afterwards. That didn't sound right to me...what appointments? But, I didn't say anything. I would just have to prioritize my list to compensate for the limited time with John. But, I had a pretty good idea what I was going to say. Hmm...15 minutes sure didn't seem like much. Well, I would just have to make the most of it...talking to John! To be continued...

Crunching the numbers

Originally posted on MySpace on March 31, 2008.

When I was planning my Great Beach Bash Road Trip, no detail went unturned. I made hotel reservations for every town and city I was staying at ahead of time. Made a list of all the places I wanted to see and things I wanted to do. Calculated about where I would need to fill up gas and kept track of the prices online via AAA. When it was all said and done, pretty much everything happened like clockwork, which can make a long road trip that much easier. I admit, I can be pretty obsessive when it comes to planning...and compiling facts and figures. Like last year’s Five For Fighting groupie road trip, I’ve come up with the numbers. I think you’ll be amazed, maybe a little shocked and even a tad amused. All I can say is...thank goodness for my tax refund and my auto GPS.

Number of road trip days: 17

Total miles driven: 3600

Most miles traveled in one day: 435 (from Reno, NV to Boise, ID, with one gas stop and my Zoo Boise visit thrown in between)

Number of road kill mishaps: 1 (I feel rather badly about it, but I couldn’t avoid the little bird that bounced off my windshield driving Hwy 95 in southeastern Oregon)

Number of gas fill-ups: 14

Total amount spent for gas: $573.45

Cheapest and most expensive gas purchased: $3.25/gal (Boise, ID) and $3.63/gal (Bishop, CA)

Number of times I had to add oil: 0 (unlike my groupie road trip, where Hwy 1 in California did me in)

Number of hotel stays: 9

Total amount spent for those hotel accommodations: $1049.12

Number of times I stayed at Super 8: 4 (hey, when it comes to price and amenities, it was perfect!)

Number of museums visited: 12

Number of zoos visited: 4

Number of animals petted: 9 (4 zoo animals at West Coast Game Park in Oregon, and 4 cats and a dog at my friend Lynne’s house in L.A.)

Most number of places visited in one day: 4 (it would have been 5, but the World’s Largest Sitka Spruce was a victim of the December windstorms along the Oregon coast and is no more)

Number of times I had my Blazer washed: 2

Number of times I was mistaken for someone else: 2 (it still cracks me up)

Number of times my name was mispronounced: 1 (by The Today Show’s Natalie Morales, but she corrected herself immediately)

Number of times John Ondrasik said my name at the Beach Bash, and correctly, I might add: 4 (I think...the night was kind of blur at times)

Number of times I bought food from a national fast food chain restaurant: 8 (I really tried to avoid doing this but it’s hard not to when you’re time constrained)

Number of CDs I took with me: 96 (with the exception of my Five For Fighting CDs, I didn’t play anything more than once!)

Number of photos taken: 1620 (aren’t digital cameras great?)

Of the photos I took, how many of them included John Ondrasik: 14 (sometimes, those candid shots can be golden!)

Road trips are great. Sometimes it’s the only way go, especially if you’re seeking out the unusual and the obscure...places off the beaten track. And, those can be the most fun...take it from me. Next year...the Great Five For Fighting Groupie Road Trip II. This year can’t go by fast enough for me!