San Antonio TX

[PureEvel]

Well the excitement of traveling halfway across the country and back in a bit over 24 hrs added to it for me, always wanted to live like a rockstar! I'd do it all the time if I had the $$$ It was great, I met alot of great people there! A lot came up and talked to me because of how I was dressed, my black velvet with purple sleeves and elf boots with purple sashes. When they found out I came all the way from Virginia just for the show they were amazed and some I think a bit envious but in a good way. I got called diehard and hardcore more then a few times, gotta admit it was good for my ego! Even had one guy who wanted a pick with me in my Dio garb (if you're reading I'd love a copy!)

The VIP party was great, I was a bit ill at ease at first being there by myself and all and not knowing anyone but the Paid inc people were great! Not sure if the bartenders were from Paid Inc, Live Nation or contract but they were awesome as well. There was a raffle with a bunch of prizes and my ticket came up, I got 2 picks, an Iommi and a K.K. it was cool all those people were happy for me even though they didnt know me, guess its true a uniform does gain respect!

We got a pretty big rainstorm so I moved under the tent and started meeting the other people. A guy asked to see my picks and I ended up giving him the Iommi since I allready had one from the VA show. Then a really sweet but drunk guy came up and wanted to buy my Priest one for his brother, said he'd promised to bring him the pick of destiny. I ended up giving it to him. What the heck meant more to him then me.

I skipped Testament and Motorhead since neither is a fav and I'd just seen them. Figured I'd let thier diehards have a bit more room up front. Yeah ok I made it sound nice, actually I found out venues in TX serve liquor so I hung outside and listened while catching a nice little buzz. They both sounded a bit garbled but it may have been cause I was outside.

Hit the merchandise booth got the shirt I wanted and one for a buddy and couldnt help myself bought the autographed boxset. Talked to some more great TX people, then heard the E5150 start and headed inside. Front row center, RJD bigger then life in front of me! I know I'm biased but it sounded good to me! Only complaint was the stage is pretty high so Ronnie was looking out over me most of the time. Being a few rows back is actually better for that eye contact thing. I did get a few points and horns though.

Security was tight on cameras, I got mine in but with a big mean looking security dude in front of me I was a bit afraid to take many pics. I snuck some though and will get them on my site as soon as I'm rested up. Security dude was pretty cool though and was headbanging with the rest of us and towards the middle of Neon Knights he finally saw me sneaking a vid and told me go ahead, jeez wish he'd said it earlier, but better then nothing.

At the end when Ronnie came to the edge to say his good nights he pointed at my shirt and gave me a thubs up. Made my night, but it gets better! The meet & greet was next. I positioned myself to be the last in line, figured either we'd run short of time and I'd be SOL or being last maybe I'd get a few seconds extra as they wouldn't feel so hurried. Not sure which it was, it was rather surrealistic for me and time really didnt have any meaning. They all signed my delux set and even though the Paid Inc people said only H&H stuff Ronie was glad to sign my 45 of dear darlin, its now the prize of my collection! I think I posted more about the meet & greet on the board somewhere but suffice it to say it was the awesomest amount of time (whatever it was) of my life! Majical!

So missed most of Priest but did I care, nope, I like em but I was there for Ronnie, well for H&H but why lie mostly for Ronnie. He was everything I'd imagined he would be. What I saw of Priest was good, maybe better then the Bristow show. Loved Robs B-day party at the end and it was nice to see Geezer and Tony come back out. Was hoping Ronnie would too but he didnt. He did tell meback stage "those guys are loud!" so maybe he'd already left. I wanted to remind him if its too loud your too old but didnt want too piss him off with an age joke

Then it was back to the airport, some nice people had earlier offered me a ride and I found their explorer but they werent around so I caught a taxi. The airport quieted down around 2m and I found a corner to sleep, snoozed a bit and then all the TSA people started coming to work about 3 so that was that, traveled all day, got to VA around 2pm drove for 2 hrs. I should have slept when I got home but had to check out pics and vids and I was hyped anyway. And now I'm finishing my work shift and will probably crash until tonight when its time to come in. Was it all worth it? Hell Yeah!!!

Got one vid on youtube, lets see if the embed works, if not just look me up mountaindew171

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