Poll
Question:
Which shows you seeing?
Option 1: Shrine Expo Hall - May 15 - Los Angeles
votes: 12
Option 2: Greek Theater - May 16 - Los Angeles
votes: 10
Option 3: Bill Graham Auditorium - May 17 - San Francisco
votes: 10
With like 5 different threads I can't keep track of, I'm trying to get a handle on who's going where!
Wife and I are planning for just the two LA dates right now. But we might go for Bill Graham as well (or in place of Shrine) if there's many forumites there too.
And maybe we should coordinate where we're sitting at Greek Theater? Anything closer than the C seats seem good.
I am planning on attending all 3 shows. I'm going to try and persuade my wife to join me for The Greek show but it will depend on whether we can find someone to watch the studio for the days she'd be gone.
I'm looking at A or B for The Greek. It will ultimately depend on price.
I will also be transport-less in California and would definitely be up for sharing some driving or something if that was a plan for anyone? I'd be looking to drive up to San Francisco instead of fly. Then fly out, back to P-town.
C is the farthest I would like to go out but A sounds about perfect! gonna hit up all three shows but will pay the most for the greek.
as for the SF show, I wanna drive too over there but would love to rideshare as well.
(https://www.lagreektheatre.com/assets/img/GreekTheatre_SeatingChart_2018-a58c96436c.jpg)
EDIT: i know everybody already has seating preferences but I dont mind getting together with the rest of you.
Im gonna see how funds are with regards to how many I purchase, as I am currently going solo (gf is possibly tied up with work during that time). Currently gonna buy 2 per show just in case an extra ends up being needed.
RE: Greek, might end up in the South or North Terraces, if the prices aren't bad and I can get ones close to the B section that still have good sight lines. Or B or A. All depends on the cost.
I would like to attend all of them, but Dr. Leo Marvin has advised me, "baby steps".
Hey midwest folk, anyone give any thought to driving this thing? Sure it's time consuming and sounds just plain exhausting, but I think we could save some serious Chemical Cash if planned out correctly.
Chemical Route 66 Caravan, ASSEMBLE!!!
Seriously though, it's my goal to at least make it out for San Francisco.
Quote from: Bosco on Dec 04, 2018, 03:24Hey midwest folk, anyone give any thought to driving this thing? Sure it's time consuming and sounds just plain exhausting, but I think we could save some serious Chemical Cash if planned out correctly.
Been doing the math on this!
Basically, flights are easier, and unless we get 5+ people in a vehicle, flights are cheaper too.
At 30 mpg average, taking the most direct route, it's going to be about $320 for gas, round trip. It's a 30 hour drive, you could either drive 3 days 2 nights for 10 hours of driving a day, or 2 days 1 night for 15 (oof) hours of driving a day. Gonna go for 2 days 1 night just to have the cheapest solution.
Round trip for 4 people = $80 in gas split per person, 2 nights of cheap $60 hotels ($30 per person if it's 2 to a room) and 4 days of food expenses (say $15 per person per day), would make it $200 per person total.
ORD-LAX flights are $212 round trip right now, and they'll probably get down to $130-$180 in February / March (flights are cheapest 3 months out). So, about the same or better price, for a 4 hour flight vs a 40 hour drive.
Now 5 people on the road trip would = $148, and 6 would = $133, which might beat out the flight prices. But you've got to consider the extra days off work, since the drive will take 2 days there and 2 days back.
Wife and I are still seriously considering a road trip - it's been a dream of hers to drive out west with no plans, maps or navigation, just find what we find by street signs alone until we hit the coast - but also that for us would have to be just a couples thing and we wouldn't be able to join in on a group trip out :/
I will be there for the Los Angeles shows and a good chance (not positive) the San Francisco show. Turns out on the SF date Inhave a family event in Los Angeles that I might be obligated to go to since it's the first gathering since my dad passed away. Might be able to skip out early, in which case we will fly to San Francisco rather than drive.
Edited to add - looking at my calendar, my family event actually is morning after the SF show. Its going to be a tight squeeze but it may be doable. My husband may divorce me for bringing him on this wild goose chase, though! :P
This (slightly disgruntled) Canadian is planning to attend all 3 (Yes, 3!) shows. It's the first time in a long time where I can plan ahead and have the money to attend.
Enjoyed - I was thinking the same thing for the trip from LA to SF in terms of shared driving.
Got them! I'm in A The left box. And on that box, I'm on the exact right corner
Section AR T 2!
For those having trouble doing the code thing, go to your email where your access code is located, now click on 'ticket access code'. You should now see your code! Took me a while to figure it out!
B Left Centre A105
And also got GA for the other shows meaning...the presale code may work for all. Mind you I only bought three altogether.
Quote from: rynostar on Dec 04, 2018, 18:16
B Left Centre A105
BLC A 101 & 103!
SEAT BUDDIES!!!
And yeah, the pre-sale worked for all of the shows.
Got GA for the other two.
IT'S HAPPENING...
AXS does not like my credit card, so will have to try again another time
looks like presale codes only worked for about 20-25 mins after presale onsale
Having trouble getting tickets for Shrine. Site says forbidden
EDIT: it's working now. Got my shrine ticket
Quote from: androidgeoff on Dec 04, 2018, 18:28
looks like presale codes only worked for about 20-25 mins after presale onsale
my code worked for both shows! Tickets for both my shows were ordered 37 minutes apart!
If anyone got an extra GA for Shrine, hit me up and I can Venmo.
Quote from: WhiteNoise on Dec 04, 2018, 06:56
Been doing the math on this!
LOL, thanks dude! But what about the Journey! Nobody can put a price tag on the JOURNEY!!! For instance, we could stop in Colorado for that Rocky Mountain High, and then make a pit-Stop in Vegas and gamble away our entire trip. Only to be saved by Nicolas Cage in dire need of some dank weed (which is all we have left). He agrees to get us to LA on his private plane, and we are sooo late to the Shrine show, we have to parachute down to the roof of the venue. Only to be greeted by security, but saved from arrest because Nic's cousin Sofia Coppola (Elektrobank girl) is there to escort us to backstage of the show. Just like the Movies!
You're right though, flying (even via multi-destination) is more affordable, and less taxing.
Quote from: whirlygirl on Dec 04, 2018, 14:49
I will be there for the Los Angeles shows and a good chance (not positive) the San Francisco show. Turns out on the SF date Inhave a family event in Los Angeles that I might be obligated to go to since it's the first gathering since my dad passed away. Might be able to skip out early, in which case we will fly to San Francisco rather than drive.
Edited to add - looking at my calendar, my family event actually is morning after the SF show. Its going to be a tight squeeze but it may be doable. My husband may divorce me for bringing him on this wild goose chase, though! :P
I too have family events around that time and I completely understand when family comes priority. I'm happy though to be dancing with you at the Shrine event. It's been along time. The only difference from that last show we went to is that ED IS BACK!
Quote from: androidgeoff on Dec 04, 2018, 19:19
If anyone got an extra GA for Shrine, hit me up and I can Venmo.
same. got my heart set on going to this show.
Damn any venue that has assigned seating, yet issues you a random seat in the section you choose.
It's important!
Wish I'd gotten in on the presale faster. Section BRC, row T, seats 112 and 114. Still gonna be great, happy to be centered... a liiiiitle closer would have been best!
Also, sorry about the kittens, but holy shit. This is actually happening!
Quote from: WhiteNoise on Dec 04, 2018, 22:12
Wish I'd gotten in on the presale faster. Section BRC, row T, seats 112 and 114. Still gonna be great, happy to be centered... a liiiiitle closer would have been best!
Well since all of us are gonna meetup and spent some time before and after the show, let's not forget that the peeps sitting next
to you will more than enough strike some good conversation, and bonus points if you make some friends along the way.
And maybe perhaps, initiation to the our beloved forum.
Besides.....we are the BROTHERHOOD after all!
But I do wish I had a seat buddy like Enjoyed! :'(
@ryno
Finally will get the chance to meet you fine sir!
Quote from: WhiteNoise on Dec 04, 2018, 22:12
Wish I'd gotten in on the presale faster. Section BRC, row T, seats 112 and 114. Still gonna be great, happy to be centered... a liiiiitle closer would have been best!
was it livenation? they seem to be running a nice scam where if you select best available, it will only give you the best available single seat, then prevent you from purchasing a ticket where there are 2-3 seats available next to each other. i guess it's to encourage group buys, but it really irks me when i'm told the only ticket left is in row z and there are clearly two available in row a, but you can't buy them.
First 2 shows were AXS, the final show was Ticketmaster/Live Nation
AXS owns Flash Seats, which I really like (since you can transfer ownership of tickets to avoid having a denied entry), but these will most likely be AXS PDF printouts
Teams and venues akin to an MSG use "Ticket Master Account Managers" which you can also transfer.
Was there a price tiering sheet available for the Greek? I didn't partake in any ticket purchasing today, so I would be interested in seeing what each section is being priced for.
Confirmed from NY! Taking my wife to the Shrine show for our first trip to the west coast. Couldn't risk a NY/East Coast show not being announced!
Quote from: Bosco on Dec 05, 2018, 03:27
Was there a price tiering sheet available for the Greek? I didn't partake in any ticket purchasing today, so I would be interested in seeing what each section is being priced for.
as of now...
sec a - 124.50
sec front b - 79.50
sec back b - 59.50
sec front c - 59.50
sec back c - 39.50
Quote from: Apostle on Dec 05, 2018, 03:48
Confirmed from NY! Taking my wife to the Shrine show for our first trip to the west coast. Couldn't risk a NY/East Coast show not being announced!
I can only assume they would do a show out there like they always have. It feels weird that only california is only part of the north america tour. i personally think they're still working on it!
Welcome aboard Apostle!
Quote from: inchemwetrust on Dec 05, 2018, 03:56
as of now...
sec a - 124.50
sec front b - 79.50
sec back b - 59.50
sec front c - 59.50
sec back c - 39.50
Thank you good sir.
Out of curiosity, does anybody know if PIT was made available during pre-sale? same cost as Section A?
124.50? :o
Quote from: inchemwetrust on Dec 04, 2018, 22:47
Well since all of us are gonna meetup and spent some time before and after the show, let's not forget that the peeps sitting next
to you will more than enough strike some good conversation, and bonus points if you make some friends along the way.
And maybe perhaps, initiation to the our beloved forum.
Besides.....we are the BROTHERHOOD after all!
But I do wish I had a seat buddy like Enjoyed! :'(
@ryno
Finally will get the chance to meet you fine sir!
Yes, to some of you.
Hello again to others.
I think I've met Enjoyed, Pooter, Foxboy, and SpiritualVibes (Gian) so far...
Quote from: ThePumisher on Dec 05, 2018, 09:50
124.50?
Without fees!
Quote from: Bosco on Dec 05, 2018, 06:02
Out of curiosity, does anybody know if PIT was made available during pre-sale? same cost as Section A?
Never saw it when I was purchasing, but I was about 2-3 hours behind the initial offering. Back A (arguably some of the best seats for the price) wasn't available for me either, anyone see that?
Also, @Geoff and anyone who was unable to purchase certain tickets, do you still need help with that?
A chemical peeps meetup is always a fine thing. I remember Gelsenkirchen and it was gorgeous. (and I also remember someone had a camera an was filming the whole thing and I never see that vid...)
Got a screen grab of the price tiering chart.
(https://i.imgur.com/yw11u4C.png)
Quote from: WhiteNoise on Dec 05, 2018, 18:48
Back A (arguably some of the best seats for the price) wasn't available for me either, anyone see that?
Nope. I saw that and thought the same thing. It's where I would have been looking to get tickets, but there were none. Happy with the front of B though!
Quote from: WhiteNoise on Dec 05, 2018, 18:48
Without fees!
Never saw it when I was purchasing, but I was about 2-3 hours behind the initial offering. Back A (arguably some of the best seats for the price) wasn't available for me either, anyone see that?
Also, @Geoff and anyone who was unable to purchase certain tickets, do you still need help with that?
yuuuuup
I just need one, got my Venmo ready to go whenever
gf may attend for the last show, but I have tix for those (bless Ticketmaster's easier onsales)
These shows are sponsored by....
(https://carrotsncake.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-4-450x600_thumb.jpg)
So...whos the Black Madonna? Anyone seen her? What's her music like?
Quote from: inchemwetrust on Dec 06, 2018, 18:11So...whos the Black Madonna? Anyone seen her? What's her music like?
Old school house DJ. She's seriously great at it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6SBFC0V2lA
Quote from: inchemwetrust on Dec 06, 2018, 18:11
These shows are sponsored by....
I've had that thought a couple of times when this thread has been on the front page. Briefly looked for a GIF of a California Roll doing some calling but eh, that didn't work.
Quote from: inchemwetrust on Dec 06, 2018, 18:11
So...whos the Black Madonna? Anyone seen her? What's her music like?
Quote from: WhiteNoise on Dec 06, 2018, 18:18
Old school house DJ. She's seriously great at it:
Mm, tru dat. She also came up in discussion on the forum a little while ago here. (https://forum.thechembase.com/index.php/topic,769.msg14885.html#msg14885)
You must have been an elephant in your previous life, Wolkenkrabber :D
Btw, those ticket two price brackets are nuts. At $124 I wanna at least grab the octave kitten once!
I hate you, guys :'(
Got my shrine ticket, so now going to all 3
Oh right. I'm going to all three.
So, suck it. Bitches.
Did I mention I booked my flights for the Chemical Maystravaganza?
Freakin'
Pumped.
Quote from: Enjoyed on Jan 11, 2019, 22:28
Did I mention I booked my flights for the Chemical Maystravaganza?
Freakin'
Pumped.
Hi five my brotha!
My Francisco tickets have arrived today.
I Can officially say, "Francisco, I'll See you there."
PLANS ARE IN ORDER!!!!
Wife and I couldn't make the road trip work - too much of a time commitment unfortunately - so we're flying out. She's flying round trip Chicago - LA May 14-21, but I've got a little extra time and I'll be flying out May 10 - either to San Diego then LA on the 12 or just straight to LA.
We should planning a carpool / caravan up to San Francisco on the 17th!
Quote from: WhiteNoise on Apr 21, 2019, 18:35
either to San Diego then LA on the 12 or just straight to LA.
Sweet!
If you decide to visit SD, try hitting up Gaslamp Quarter. Everything is within walking distance (food, theaters, ocean, zoo, etc) Its a vacation nook I enjoy at least once a year.
Might be down for the carpool as well.
Quote from: WhiteNoise on Apr 21, 2019, 18:35
We should planning a carpool / caravan up to San Francisco on the 17th!
I can probably accommodate, as I'm driving from LA->SF.
I forgot to mention I will be at all three officially, with Mrs. Biff attending the SF show. Unfortunately, Biff Jr aka "Son of a Biff" will not be attending due to being the tender age of 5 and the show being well past his bedtime.
Also my corgi, Mr. Biffkins will not attend due to his lack of guide dog credentials. Finally, my cat, Biff Supreme, will not attend due to his fear of loud noises and clowns.
Quote from: Biff on Apr 22, 2019, 01:38
I forgot to mention I will be at all three officially, with Mrs. Biff attending the SF show. Unfortunately, Biff Jr aka "Son of a Biff" will not be attending due to being the tender age of 5 and the show being well past his bedtime.
Also my corgi, Mr. Biffkins will not attend due to his lack of guide dog credentials. Finally, my cat, Biff Supreme, will not attend due to his fear of loud noises and clowns.
:D Had a good laugh. Octave Cat and Kitten will be sad though. Have a nice trip you all and the best show of your lives. You going route 1 or more inland?
Damn. There are going to be a significant number of us making that trek from LA to SF!!
Thankfully the drive isn't terrible awful bad. The down side is that we're going to have to take off relatively early in the morning to make it to SF on time.
Wow. We are going to be wiped the f*ck out. loooooool
Oh, Biff, you had me laughing out loud at the explanation of the absence of some of the members of your family.
Quote from: Csar on Apr 22, 2019, 08:41
:D Had a good laugh. Octave Cat and Kitten will be sad though. Have a nice trip you all and the best show of your lives. You going route 1 or more inland?
I'll probably take 5. 1 is nice and moist lay coastal but 5 would get there quicker even though the scenery leaves something to be desired.
Totally serious question, is there a un-official after-party after the San Francisco show? As someone that probably shouldn't be forcing a trip like this at the moment. I'm all about cutting loose, encompassing in each others glint, and sparking some banter with y'all. I'm not trying to make anyone commit or do anything they don't want to, but if it's everyones intention to part ways after the show (which I totally understand if you have to)... I think I'll have to pass on the trip and await for all the gossip to be documented on the forum.
Not trying to draw attention or sympathy, just trying to carefully pick and choose my moment. This sounds like one hell of a meet-up, putting some of our prior attempts (outside of some of the legendary NYE DJ gigs, from long ago) to shame.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFrqeUekg3M
Quote from: Bosco on Apr 22, 2019, 21:32Totally serious question, is there a un-official after-party after the San Francisco show?
Yes please!
Quote from: Bosco on Apr 22, 2019, 21:32
Totally serious question, is there a un-official after-party after the San Francisco show?
This is news to me! Hope it's better than New York's hottest club.
Since there's a ton of us going, where are we gonna have this after-party?
Edit: ok! I know it's a great idea but not to sure where to start if we do this. Maybe we can play it by ear or wait and see till we get to May.
Edit 2: Just checked that we'll be in May next week! April went by very fast.
Probably just head to a bar that will be receptive to a crowd like us.
I'm just trying to put a feeler out there to see what the attitude towards something like that is. I know the trip is gonna be a tiring one for many of you, some people have flight schedules already scheduled, family to attend to, and etc.
Quote from: MadPooter on Apr 22, 2019, 08:43
Thankfully the drive isn't terrible awful bad. The down side is that we're going to have to take off relatively early in the morning to make it to SF on time.
Wow. We are going to be wiped the f*ck out. loooooool
Not sure on the legality, but totally happy to help with some of the actual driving.
Quote from: Biff on Apr 22, 2019, 13:41
I'll probably take 5. 1 is nice and moist lay coastal but 5 would get there quicker even though the scenery leaves something to be desired.
And there's the smell...
Quote from: Bosco on Apr 23, 2019, 00:46
Probably just head to a bar that will be receptive to a crowd like us.
I'm just trying to put a feeler out there to see what the attitude towards something like that is. I know the trip is gonna be a tiring one for many of you, some people have flight schedules already scheduled, family to attend to, and etc.
My flight isn't until 8:55pm on the Saturday and I don't have work until midday on the Sunday, so I'm very down for extending the celebrations and libations as far as they can go. Especially if it encourages an elusive Bosco sighting.
Since it's the most affordable, I would have to leave Saturday Evening, as well. The latest I can pull is 4:55PM and that's with the nickel and dime-ing, United Airlines.
The only thing outside of going to the show, (and hopeful post-show celebration), is I've yet to "officially" purchase the new album and would love to pay homage to Amoeba on Haight street, again.
I had mentioned before possibly booking a hotel in the city (definitely not in the cards, forgot how expensive it is), but now I'm targeting in on possibly reserving something by the airport and letting the BART and MUNI scoot me around the area.
By the sounds of it,
Drivers:
Biff
Riders/drivers/tbc:
Whitenoise
Inchem
Enjoyed (+wife)
Pooter
Ryno (including self)
Who am I missing?
Whitenoise (+wife)
We're gonna need a bigger boat
If you guys are stuck looking for someone to rent a vehicle, my tentative schedule could be flexed to meet you guys in LA and reserve a rental. I could take on the rental cost and be in charge of chauffeur duties. In return, I'm seeking accommodations and gas money for the entire trip.
I think I can reserve a 7 person mini-van for a decent price. Rental through (5/15 LAX - 5/17 SFO)
But I would have to know soon, because I'm trying to finalize a decision on attending at all...
^Bosco's post is much more important, so give it priority. But meanwhile, can someone cleverer than me change the S in Soul to an R and do a video of some rice rolls rolling?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p65xs9KpxQA
^ cool tune. Really dig the instrumental
Quote from: rynostar on Apr 26, 2019, 03:54
By the sounds of it,
Drivers:
Biff
Riders/drivers/tbc:
Whitenoise
Inchem
Enjoyed (+wife)
Pooter
Ryno (including self)
Who am I missing?
If theres enough room, maybe me & my mom, but I dunno what time we're touching down yet.
you may want to grab cables to attach us to the roof
My wife is only coming to the Greek show.
We have family in Whittier/Fullerton so will be staying and hopefully getting around with them mostly, though I'm foreseeing us needing to get into LA somehow - so happy to try and figure out transport with others if that helps at all.
I'll almost certainly be looking for a way to get to the PRESHOW EAT, DRINK 'N' MEET on the 15th too.
It's only myself heading up to San Francisco, the missus is flying back from LA. So just 1 spot required for that trip.
Also, pretty sure Pooter is driving. But I should let him confirm 100%.
This is all I hear whenever you guys keep saying "my wife"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cE0210g9axA
Row, row, row your boat, gently up the street. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, Life Is oh so Sweet.
I'll be driving. So far it's me and that English fuckerme, Biff, AndroidGeoff, that English Fucker and potentially another one of my buddies.
I'm happy to fit in two more, although if three people want to sit in the back of a prius we can work that out too.
I will have to see if my other buddy cancels at this point. Looks like I've got a full car.
ur missing meeeee
edit: wooooooooo
This is going to be a massive meetup
(https://i.imgur.com/sivm1Pr.jpg)
OMG do I ever need the sweet sweet release that only a Chems gig can provide. It has been a poop fest on the personal front lately, so I'm massively looking forward to the shows and seeing you all and mostly, just feel human again. Chems always do come around when I need them most. :music
I won't be able to make it to the San Francisco after-show shenanigans. Not unless I want to die, lol But pre-show/pre-load I'm up for (including LA shows).
where is this after-show thing gonna take place (this is my first concert)
No after party that I'm aware of. When I spoke of one earlier, I was selfishly trying to inspire some kind of celebratory toast after the chems 3 night run.
That said, disappointed to say I won't be making the trip out to Cali and joining the festivities. Bummed I'll be missing out on all the Chemical camaraderie. Been a while since I've seen a lot of you, and some I still need to meet!
Can we say then that drivers now equal
Pooter
W/ Biff, AndroidGeoff, that English fucker (enjoyed I assume), and the extra friend.
and now bosco is out I read . I can attempt to look at a rental and driving.
Should we try to loop white noise (+wife), Conn6orsuper117, inchem on this vehicle? (Add yourself in reply if you want in)
As for pre-show, after party, any and all shenanigans...of course I'm in. The only things I may have to do extra is a journey to amoeba and a space invader hunt in LA.
Quote from: rynostar on May 04, 2019, 02:47
Can we say then that drivers now equal
Pooter
W/ Biff, AndroidGeoff, that English fucker (enjoyed I assume), and the extra friend.
and now bosco is out I read . I can attempt to look at a rental and driving.
Should we try to loop white noise (+wife), Conn6orsuper117, inchem on this vehicle? (Add yourself in reply if you want in)
As for pre-show, after party, any and all shenanigans...of course I'm in. The only things I may have to do extra is a journey to amoeba and a space invader hunt in LA.
I'm drying my tears after reading Bosco wasn't going to make it. :'(
inchemwetrust was looking for a ride between LA + SF, yes.
Quote from: rynostar on May 04, 2019, 02:47
and now bosco is out I read . I can attempt to look at a rental and driving.
Should we try to loop white noise (+wife), Conn6orsuper117, inchem on this vehicle? (Add yourself in reply if you want in)
+Mom.
again if you're willing to pick us up at S.F.I.
Hey Conn6or,
If you're only going for the San Francisco show and you and your Mom are in need of transport from airport, may I suggest looking into public transit, BART (https://www.bart.gov/).
I don't want to speak for the Chemical caravan group(s), but I would presume time will be a little tight upon their trip up to San Francisco. Depending on how early they leave LA, they should be entering the Bay Area around rush hour on a Friday (no bueno). Plus, my guess is they are going to be coming from the opposite direction (across the Bay bridge.) An extra trip out to Airport would not be ideal.
If I were you, I would go ahead and look into BART. You can ride all the way from San Francisco International to The Civic Center station stop, and will leave you within 5-10 minute walk to the venue.
Quote from: Bosco on May 04, 2019, 21:55
... If I were you, I would go ahead and look into BART. You can ride all the way from San Francisco International to The Civic Center station stop, and will leave you within 5-10 minute walk to the venue.
Already got our passes as an alternative so we're well prepared if we can't tag along. our hotel is a good 2-3 blocks from the venue. I dunno what time we'll be arriving into the city(most likely 12), but I know it'll be before rushhour, so hopefully we might meet up before the show.
Quote from: rynostar on May 04, 2019, 02:47
Can we say then that drivers now equal
Pooter
W/ Biff, AndroidGeoff, that English fucker (enjoyed I assume), and the extra friend.
and now bosco is out I read . I can attempt to look at a rental and driving.
Should we try to loop white noise (+wife), Conn6orsuper117, inchem on this vehicle? (Add yourself in reply if you want in)
As for pre-show, after party, any and all shenanigans...of course I'm in. The only things I may have to do extra is a journey to amoeba and a space invader hunt in LA.
Enterprise has some deals with unlimited mileage ( a good thing) we need a car size that sits 6 people (me, ryno, WN+1,Conn6orsuper117+1) A van can also work as well!
Quote from: Enjoyed on Apr 27, 2019, 01:32
My wife is only coming to the Greek show.
We have family in Whittier/Fullerton so will be staying and hopefully getting around with them mostly, though I'm foreseeing us needing to get into LA somehow - so happy to try and figure out transport with others if that helps at all.
I'll almost certainly be looking for a way to get to the PRESHOW EAT, DRINK 'N' MEET on the 15th too.
It's only myself heading up to San Francisco, the missus is flying back from LA. So just 1 spot required for that trip.
Also, pretty sure Pooter is driving. But I should let him confirm 100%.
Jim and I would be delighted to carpool/pick you up and bring you back to your families. Will reach out! :)
Quote from: Bosco on May 04, 2019, 02:43
No after party that I'm aware of. When I spoke of one earlier, I was selfishly trying to inspire some kind of celebratory toast after the chems 3 night run.
That said, disappointed to say I won't be making the trip out to Cali and joining the festivities. Bummed I'll be missing out on all the Chemical camaraderie. Been a while since I've seen a lot of you, and some I still need to meet!
We love you ❤️
To Bosco
Don't throw in the towel yet!
Anything can happen between now and next week! There's still time left!
I still believe!
appreciate all the sentiments, guys and gals.
Without his permission, I'm volunteering Androidgeoff to be my spirit surrogate. So make sure he raves twice as hard!
@Inchem
Haha, I'm afraid it's time for me to move on from any aspirations I had for this trip. There's a lot of issues that are conflicting with my desire to be there with you guys. It's just not the right time for me. I'm not giving up hope seeing them this tour though. My focus is now on trying to prepare for my second chance with the NY show. In the meantime, I'll be eagerly awaiting for all the reviews and scuttlebutt upon everyone's return.
The positive side of all of this, I don't have to shield myself from any spoilers. I'll be indulging on videos as soon as the Mexican dates hit!
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tRHxy6z66bc/maxresdefault.jpg)
me and bosco before the trip
Our logistics re: pre show meet up on the 15th - My husband is working that day so we might not be able to make it in time before the show. We aren't coming from too far away (orange country) But Los Angeles traffic on a weekday is kind of a thing.
We're days away from showtime so I'm gonna just put this out there. For those who might need transportation to SF, here's a preliminary idea. ( Also want to share this with ryno as an another option since hes also looking into a rental
If were gonna get to SF by driving, we need to choose a time to leave from LA to SF. First off, maybe we should all meet up at the rental place so we can get the vehicle. If not, we need to find a place where the driver can pick us up all at once instead of playing taxi and driving to place to place to pick up all of us. We're all scattered in different hotel's or other places.
Anyway,I made a reservation for a minivan (fits 7) at the Enterprise rental located near LAX. I choose this one because they're open 24/7 and have a bigger selection of vehicles. So far, for a one day rental is 110 bucks (tax included). So for example, if we leave at 11am, we must return the vehicle the next day at 11am. This includes unlimited mileage.( More details about toll booths soon)
But since we're gonna have the SF post-show party, we're pretty much gonna sleep late and wake up late. If that's the case, then it looks like we're going to have to return the vehicle past the 11am deadline. Enterprise will then charge the vehicle for a 2 day rental instead of 1. The cost of this is 210 bucks
I know that everything is not set in stone as we are planning to get to SF yet. Things might change, or maybe they're other ideas for a rental, or maybe you might change your mind and use your own vehicle or other means of transportation. Maybe you have a certain budget in mind and it's too costly. We all understand and we won't force you to do this. Remember, love is all!
There's still time till the show! Everything I posted is to give a general idea if we are all committed to doing the drive together. Please add any ideas or feedback. I can't be the only one!
Quote from: inchemwetrust on May 07, 2019, 01:19
We're days away from showtime so I'm gonna just put this out there. For those who might need transportation to SF, here's a preliminary idea. ( Also want to share this with ryno as an another option since hes also looking into a rental
If were gonna get to SF by driving, we need to choose a time to leave from LA to SF. First off, maybe we should all meet up at the rental place so we can get the vehicle. If not, we need to find a place where the driver can pick us up all at once instead of playing taxi and driving to place to place to pick up all of us. We're all scattered in different hotel's or other places.
Anyway,I made a reservation for a minivan (fits 7) at the Enterprise rental located near LAX. I choose this one because they're open 24/7 and have a bigger selection of vehicles. So far, for a one day rental is 110 bucks (tax included). So for example, if we leave at 11am, we must return the vehicle the next day at 11am. This includes unlimited mileage.( More details about toll booths soon)
But since we're gonna have the SF post-show party, we're pretty much gonna sleep late and wake up late. If that's the case, then it looks like we're going to have to return the vehicle past the 11am deadline. Enterprise will then charge the vehicle for a 2 day rental instead of 1. The cost of this is 210 bucks
I know that everything is not set in stone as we are planning to get to SF yet. Things might change, or maybe they're other ideas for a rental, or maybe you might change your mind and use your own vehicle or other means of transportation. Maybe you have a certain budget in mind and it's too costly. We all understand and we won't force you to do this. Remember, love is all!
There's still time till the show! Everything I posted is to give a general idea if we are all committed to doing the drive together. Please add any ideas or feedback. I can't be the only one!
This is a good post for you guys that are carpooling/caravaning from South to North.
Another option if not meeting at the car rental place, is the driver come on your own and everyone meet at a 24 hour restaurant in LA (Canter's, maybe?? It's there, there's food, the food has carbs, there's usually seating in early hours, but I don't know how crowded it is these days) Pick a reasonable window of time to meet up, then still show a little bit early if you can. You guys are gonna want to have a sit-down eat, lots of cheap ass coffee to fuel you, and a chance to get some food in you before you hit the road.
I am easy to do either option (meet at rental or meet at 24 hour place with vehicle).
Inchem, as you have made a reservation for the van, I'll pause for now on further booking. We could pick up the vehicle immediately after the 2nd show from lax.
As per whirlys idea, Have everyone meet early at a 24 hour spot in the early morning, say 7 am or so. Leave around 8 at latest as the journey will take us 7-8 hours (adding stoppage time). Show "starts" at 8 in sf meaning that if we're at sfo by 3-4 we should be in good time.
My initial thought was to drive direct to sfo, drop off the vehicle there, and Bart/Uber into downtown to hotels/places we're staying/show.
I'm also happy to go with either option. Fern and I are definitely onboard for this plan.
And I second Ryno's proposal - drop the rental off before the show, then use city transit to get around afterwards, so we won't have to worry about parking or 2-day rental fees. Though, I'm not sure we need to leave so early! 10am sounds fine and in good time to me - arrive around 6pm, get to the auditorium by 7. Not to make decisions for you guys or anything, but Bill Graham I do not mind getting there just as doors open since it'll be the third show in three days for me.
Also wanted to ask, as my budget for this trip grows tighter... does anyone have a couch or floor they're willing to let me stay on for the week in LA and SF, for any night(s)? I'm in the LA area traveling solo on the nights 10th-13th, Fern joins 14th-16th, then both of us will be in the SF area 17th-19th. We're good guests!
Quote from: rynostar on May 07, 2019, 12:19
My initial thought was to drive direct to sfo, drop off the vehicle there,
I wish it could work that way. Enterprise works by picking up and returning the vehicle at the same location only..
But if we pick up the vehicle and drop it off at any San Francisco enterprise (or any other location), you are charged a 'drop off' fee!
The drop off fee is $156.00 from the website. I already called about this and got the same answer.
That quote seems off for one day! I've been exhaustingly researching transport over the past few weeks and I was pulling mini-van price for a single day and it was like ~$75 for LAX->SFO (minus any added accident coverage.)
Try Kayak.com and check out the various rates.
Your particular Enterprise location your selecting might be limited on vehicles so they'll tack on an additional charge for different drop off location. Typically airport rental locations are well stocked and prepared for car exchanges between airports.
So I guess what I'm trying to say is your best rate is probably out of LAX.
Quote from: Bosco on May 08, 2019, 02:25
.
Your particular Enterprise location your selecting might be limited on vehicles so they'll tack on an additional charge for different drop off location. Typically airport rental locations are well stocked and prepared for car exchanges between airports.
Yep your right Bosco! I checked my current reservation and editted it by calling their 1800 number, and I talked to someone who was trying to help out with the trip.
Ok I got an answer, but I wanna double check and call enterprise later on tonight so there's no misunderstanding, but this is the answer I got...
From Lax to SFO (sf airport),
either pick up the vehicle on the 17 and drop off on the 18th.
OR
Do the one-way, from Lax and drop off at SFO the same day...
TOTAL COST $66.11
NO DROP OFF FEE!
Fyi: this reservation is for the minivan for 7 passengers and a tentative pick up time of 11am at LAX. I'm gonna call the SF enterprise at the airport and see if they give me the same answer as the guy I talked to on the phone so there's no discrepancy.
Edit: I'm at work and it's been busy so I'll try and call later tonight.
UPDATE
We're clear for take off. Nothing had changed from the last post.66 bucks for the one way trip!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/356c5R3mTQTycZzz9
So with that being said, and things are still not set in stone,
Let's discuss driving there! Anyone interested? We can take turns. I don't mind driving and then switching during breaks.
Does anyone have a check-in time for their hotel's they're staying in when arriving in SF? Mine is at 3pm
I know we haven't gotten this squared away but I think we should pick up the vehicle as said on the reservation. To answer rynos question earlier. I am using my car to get to the greek show and going back home to recharge as usual. I wouldnt be able to pickup the van with the extra car with me.
Please talk amongst yourselves. Everything I said is just an idea and not set in stone. do feel free to give feedback, ideas, etc.
Btw, Does everyone have a plan on getting home after the SF show? I assume everyone in our group is going to SFO to fly back home. Im not sure how I'm gonna get home but I'll figure that out eventually.
Quote from: inchemwetrust on May 08, 2019, 20:55
Btw, Does everyone have a plan on getting home after the SF show? I assume everyone in our group is going to SFO to fly back home. Im not sure how I'm gonna get home but I'll figure that out eventually.
I'm gonna stay for another day to go sight seeing (Alcatraz), then Imma catch the flight back on sunday.
I dunno if anyone mentioned this yet but where should we all meet up before the show.
Quote from: Conn6orsuper117 on May 08, 2019, 21:42
I dunno if anyone mentioned this yet but where should we all meet up before the show.
Not sure but we'll most likely meet at the venue. People are still traveling from Los Angeles or farther out and will take time to get to the venue, plus after all that traveling, they might want to finally eat or rest or check in their hotel's .
Which reminds me as soon as we get to SF. I plan to check-in to my hotel, get some grub and some rest till the show after the long trip from L.A.
Holy shit, you guys.
4 DAYS!
SOON
Quote from: WhiteNoise on May 07, 2019, 16:48
Though, I'm not sure we need to leave so early! 10am sounds fine and in good time to me
Quote from: rynostar on May 07, 2019, 12:19
Leave around 8 at latest as the journey will take us 7-8 hours (adding stoppage time). Show "starts" at 8 in sf meaning that if we're at sfo by 3-4 we should be in good time.
ok lets talk! i dont mind leaving early as well! 8,9,or 10 will do fine as well (9 sounds good imo)! if we get there around 3-4pm or earlier, this will give us time to eat, check in the hotel, recharge, etc before the show.
@Conn6orsuper117 need your opinion too!
(https://midcitymessenger.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/15715-illustration-of-a-three-of-hearts-playing-card-pv-221x300.png)
Quote from: inchemwetrust on May 12, 2019, 07:35
ok lets talk! i dont mind leaving early as well! 8,9,or 10 will do fine as well (9 sounds good imo)! if we get there around 3-4pm or earlier, this will give us time to eat, check in the hotel, recharge, etc before the show.
@Conn6orsuper117 need your opinion too!
(https://midcitymessenger.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/15715-illustration-of-a-three-of-hearts-playing-card-pv-221x300.png)
If you're leaving L.A. I suggest leaving at 8 or even 7.
If I arrive on time (12 or 2 ish) I may have 3-5 hours before the show starts.
I dunno how long the drive is from LA.
EDIT:
OK,upon reading google maps, if you take the interstate (I-5, then turning off onto 580) You'll reach SF in 6 hours. so leaving at 8 will have you there by 2 (be advised, there's toll).
leaving on the coastal highway (101), you'll be there in 10 hours.
This is going to be the most epic forum meet-up shenanigan of all time, you west coast chemical guys!
(https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.net/ugc/362905385238211955/3BE6E1D5344CB400301D080C3E7786B89FD644FC/)
Quick request to keep spoilers outta this one since I'll / we'll be checking it to plan!
Do we want to setup a group chat? I use GroupMe a ton but if there's another preferred app (or just group text) let's do it.
I'm chilling in LA now by the way - saw Santa Monica and the Getty Center yesterday!
Very nice!
I'm down for a group chat thing. I just installed GroupMe... can't seem to find anyone on there but I probably did something wrong. Otherwise Facebook messenger works for me. Or text, if someone want's to grab my number - just send me a pm.
Does anyone have a place in mind for Wednesday? Food and/or drinks? The tastier the better, but also, whatever will be conducive to a big group sitting altogether!
Quote from: WhiteNoise on May 12, 2019, 20:01
Quick request to keep spoilers outta this one since I'll / we'll be checking it to plan!
Do we want to setup a group chat? I use GroupMe a ton but if there's another preferred app (or just group text) let's do it.
I'm chilling in LA now by the way - saw Santa Monica and the Getty Center yesterday!
Hey you made it!
I don't have Groupme but FB messenger can do for now. I just sent you guys contact info in case you need to reach me.
Quote from: Enjoyed on May 12, 2019, 21:48
Very nice!
I'm down for a group chat thing. I just installed GroupMe... can't seem to find anyone on there but I probably did something wrong. Otherwise Facebook messenger works for me. Or text, if someone want's to grab my number - just send me a pm.
Does anyone have a place in mind for Wednesday? Food and/or drinks? The tastier the better, but also, whatever will be conducive to a big group sitting altogether!
I am sifting thru that right now and it's tough because I'm not sure what everyone likes. But maybe we should discuss this on FB and see what everyone things. Preferably close to the Shrine would be good too.
I've sent FB messages to Pooter, Inchem, and Enjoyed with my contact info. I can easily do group text or FB Messenger.
The 8-10 timing for leaving Friday works for me. The reason I mentioned earlier was thinking that rush hour traffic may be a thing to think about. I was also considering that we will also need to do a pit / lunch / gas / pee / coffee stop once or twice. I am still down to drive a leg. Also, someone needs to make a playlist with chemical influenced songs (it will probably be me)...
Whitenoise, agreed. NO SPOILERS!!! I started hype prep by re-watching Don't Think on Friday night. Fuji memories coming back hard.
To give a sense of timing for me. I fly in late in to LAX late in the morning on Wednesday. I don't fly out of SFO until Sunday morning.
Gotta figure out the landing on Tuesday (tomorrow) part
Been working so much lately that I have neglected this part
I land at 3pm LAX, anyone else landing around then in LAX?
Who's hungry? Potential places for the eat, meet, and greet.
Wahlburgers! - Name says it all
835 W Jefferson Blvd #1710, Los Angeles, CA 90007
https://wahlburgers.com/locations/california/usc/food-menu
Grinder - breakfast, lunch, dinner typr restaurant
525 W 28th St, Los Angeles, CA 90007
http://www.grinderrestaurants.com/menu
Five Guys - Similar to In and Out Burgers.
530 W 27th St, Los Angeles, CA 90007
http://www.fiveguys.com/Menu
The Lab Gastropub - main entrees + beer
3500 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007
http://thelab.usc.edu/eat/
Please any recommendations, ideas, opinions, or others choices are welcome.
edit: I chose these places because its less travel from point A to point B, and its minutes away from the Shrine!
Shrine location
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Shrine+Auditorium+and+Expo+Hall/@34.0234928,-118.2813486,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x96ef2bf284b9dced?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjlxa_DnJniAhVkHzQIHfUDD-sQ_BIwC3oECAwQCA
http://www.shrineauditorium.com/general-info/plan-your-visit/parking
Lots 1 and 3 can be entered from Jefferson. 20 bucks gets you in!
I would never say no to Five Guys, though I've also wanted to try Marky Mark's (brother's) burgers for a while now.
My preference would be for somewhere we can get a beer too. Unless we're planning to grab a bite and then grab a drink at a different location. Either way, I eat most things, and happy to go with the crowd.
The Lab also looks good.
And just like that I've been wildly unhelpful by saying the equivalent of "somebody else choose!"
If you really want a preference from me, I'd love to be able to drink a Ballast Point somewhere...
No to five guys. Yes to beer (the weirder, the better). I vote lab
Enjoyed, I have something extra for you...
The glorious trip is just one day away! Have fun you guys and dance as hard as you can for those who aren't able to join you. The night(s) will be yours!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJiWx_Nxvck
Beer, beer, beer, beer.... yes to beer.
On an airplane now. This is really happening.
See y'all soon.
Have fun. The forum meetup back in Gelsenkirchen was nice, or to say it like the Brothers: "Well, that was some experience!"
My husband deserves a gold star for putting up with my nonsense. Between the spotty logistics, my apparent wardrobe anxiety, carting his ass all around California for the other two men in my life (Tom and Ed), AND dragging him to a family function in Los Angeles on Saturday morning, I'll be lucky if I'm still married by the time Sunday rolls around. :D
Have a fun week west coast people!
UPDATE
Ok! The reservation is set for 8am!
Here's the place to meet at enterprise
8734 Bellanca Ave
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Enterprise+Rent-A-Car/@33.9576736,-118.379756,15z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0xf544382f6421da7!2sEnterprise+Rent-A-Car!8m2!3d33.9576736!4d-118.379756!3m4!1s0x0:0xf544382f6421da7!8m2!3d33.9576736!4d-118.379756
If anybody else besides me wants to drive, just let the counterperson know and show them your DL. Up to 3 drivers can drive the vehicle. I will sign the rental agreement there. 66 dollars total for the trip (not a bad deal)
'Caroline' just needs some gas to fill her tank up. the gas station is about a block away. Bring snacks and drinks,luggage, phone chargers, etc with you. We'll make some stops along the way of course.
In any case your late or any changes come up, just give us a call. Ryno, WN+1, Conn6or+1 you have my contact info, Other than that. Caroline is ready! '
HERE....WE.....GO
CALIFORNIA ROLL CALL FOR ALL SHOWS:
Madpooter + Guest
AndroidGeoff
Biff
Enjoyed
Darkstar
Whirls + Hubby
Crotor
Conn6orsuper117 + 1
Rynostar
BeckyAtlanta
WhiteNoise + 1
Inchem
..did I miss anybody
See you guys in Frisco!
(https://i.imgur.com/EqQTrdJ.jpg)
Have the best time everyone! Sounds like an immense meetup and it's no doubt gonna be a killer few days for everyone attending!
Have a nice weekend, guys!)
Will we get some sort of hourly Vlog update, you guys? I mean, this is what the young folks do these days.
How many meals have consisted pizza so far, Caleb?
I'm branching out!
I admit to getting a wood fired pizza at Grand Central Market, which was absolutely worth it.
***LONG POST WARNING*** (I'll edit later, this took two hours)
I've decided my trip review should reside here. Reviewing each show in individual threads wouldn't do justice. This was a pilgrimage.
There was a nervous anticipation when arriving to LAX. I had met Enjoyed and Pooter in real life prior, but never any of the other members. The flurry of activity here and on the group messenger kept the suspense levels peaking as I waited for inchem to 'snatch' me. After finally connecting, we loaded into his vehicle and wandered off to find food, connect on all things forum/album/live shows/life, drive to my hotel, and bump NG in the vehicle. Arriving at Pooters hotel, we decided the hotel bar was the best place to wait for the crew to arrive as we waited for a response on where to situate ourselves. We found that the beer and the bar was bad, but were lucky to have Whitenoise, AndroidGeoff, Pooter, Darkstar, and Fern (WN wife) walk in the front doors (we also found that Biff was secretly behind us). We headed up to the suite (Presidential), took in the view, and started live general bullshit chat all while Enjoyed, Makeskidskill and Whirly arrived soon after. Pre-show meal was in order meaning Makeskidskill suggestion for Dirty Dog was confirmation of sacred foodie knowledge. We met with Bo from the reddit, attempted drinks at a USC bar...that was a mistake...the two starbucks across the street was a better idea. Gig time.
We get in, have half the group peel off to the bar, other half to find a spot. I peel off for drink ($15?!?!), and merch, find the crew, try to track where the others gone, and start bumping to Black Madonna (who played a killer 'history of disco track').
Show: no expectations, up to star guitar was partly expected, the synchronized dancing with Enjoyed was a surprise. GTKO was the first 'WTF' moment. Claps, confetti, disco balls, more would be added as the show went on. Eve of Destruction was a watch in awe experience as the gatchaman/pokemon/office girl hero scene played out. No Geography, felt like a '60s space epic. The wall of bright lights ending left me in strong glint mode yelling 'HOLY SHIT!'. EV was hard as nails. EBW 6 was the freak out moment with "Robots!!!" coming from me (see inchem video). Get Up On It/DYOH was just pure fun. Wide Open was the crying moment (a lot of personal emotion). Galvanize right to the end of BRB was the party. Particularly loved the spinning fan light effect in Song To Siren. Got Glint was a surprise to the rest of the group, not me as I had seen it 2/4 times I'd seen T&E prior. Catch Me I'm Falling is way better live then album to me. The Reel, oh how I love the Reel. We are all freaking out after. Someone sees Erol at the soundbooth and we say our hello's. We roll out back to pooters hotel (minus inchem as he had to head home), over analyze it all, stay up too late learning about each other, and all pass out there.
Next morning rise after little sleep, find food, split off respective ways to change/coffee/beer, have an intense pooter dj set in the car, and meet back at the hotel. I manage to find a few invaders along the course of the day. We head to the taco place to meet with Whirly and Makeskidskill, meet enjoyed's wife, eat and head to the greek.
Show: I'm tired and anticipating a short show due to outdoor noise restrictions. I was seated next to Enjoyed and Alexa right at the front of our section which is exactly in the middle of the venue behine the soundbooth (and erol). We manage to sneak in Whitenoise and Fern behind us as a seat was not in use. Black Madonna finished with Another One Bites The Dust that was played the night previous (this would be a bet next night). Show tracklist...is exactly the same. With it being an outdoor gig, there was no ringing in the ears by the end. Energy levels have peaked again. It was nice to have the seat create a whole section to dance and not worry about being annoyed by groups of 'friends' just catching through the whole show. This gig is the closest I think we will ever get to a Red Rocks gig. This was also what I call the Technical gig as we could better see what was happening at the booth and on stage as stagehands set up rigs. Post-show, Erol comes straight out to talk to us. We slowly make our way to the cars, have a nightcap, and I finally get to my hotel so that I can grab stuff for the journey the next day.
Meet inchem at LAX the next morning, eat breakfast, and make our way. The ride is filled with chems and enjoyed albums, speed (traps), and a slow down at SFO. Check inchem into his hotel, make it to pooters, and wander over to pre-food.
Show: Getting to the venue we find that it is much bigger then the shrine (with exponentially more people). We start searching for Connor with no success. We head upstairs to see how the balcony looks like...this place can hold a LOT of people. We conclude that we need to make our way in sooner then later. Enjoyed has the british rave crowd cutter routine down to get us right in front about 10 people back. Same set. We all go hard as this is the last show. The intensity levels were immense, the love was all in the group, the sweat was dripping. It was bliss to finish like this. We find Connor (+ mom) by chance and get the iconic photo. I ask if anyone has seen Erol as we start walking out, I look next to me, and he turns around and says 'hey' with a sad face. At that point we see that another patron is down on the ground beside him and is receiving medical attention...yeah give them space, see you erol. Head to Smugglers Run, enjoy the rum, head to pooters knowing that there ain't no more shows. We start a board game which I am to drunk to understand and eventually fall asleep.
Next morning is pretty chill. Pooter regails us with a quiet solo piano and vocal show, we start the game again (which I now understand), and then head to brunch. Over the course of the day we play more games, I head to Amoeba, and have indian take away.
Overall, it was spiritual to say the least. To connect with everyone was like the best family reunion ever, even if I never made it to one before. Every show ended with me yelling "Thank You Old Friends". Many new adventures will come from this journey as we will meet again.
Ryno!! ❤️❤️ Thank you so much for your review, I am SO glad to have met you after all this time and that you journeyed all the way to California for the shows!
Like Ryno, I thought here in this thread would be a good place to follow-up with a 'review'. So... here's mine. Apologies in advance for leaving out details and whole songs, possibly misremembering a bunch of things, and for anything being out of sequence. Instead of trying to write 3 separate blow-by-blow accounts of each show (I mean, who the hell wants to read a bunch of my TLDR posts??) I want to focus on not just what I heard, but what I've seen and felt among the highlights that burn brightest in my reserves at the moment.
First, I'll back up a tad. Sometime in November I was roused from my slumber by the familiar ding of Facebook messenger. Not to sound overly dramatic, but having become accustomed over the past couple of years to sleeping with one eye open and my phone's volume set to highest, the first thing that ran through my pessimistic head when I heard my phone blowing up was the dreadful news that someone close to me was either a. In the hospital, or b. Dead or dying. I am happy to report that to my surprise and relief, it was neither of those things. The messages were from an excited forumite from across the pond ecstatically sharing the news of not one, but two Chemical Brothers shows announced for Los Angeles (Shrine Expo and The Greek)! Finally, some good news and the promise of pleasure, escape, and much needed release to look forward to in a few months' time! And to make matters even more exciting, a third show up in San Francisco, a mere few hundred miles away. Three stand alone shows back to back in California, which never happens!
In the blink of a few short months, we were ready to embark on the first leg of the journey to the Shrine Expo. So many questions and internalized anticipations for all three shows; Would the sound be all right? Will it be stifling in there? Will the crowd be aggressive like they were when trying to secure a decent spot during the massive Nocturnal Wonderland? How will this top having been 5 rows deep from the stage at Coachella 2005? Will I get to hear the Reel? Will my husband be able to manage crowd anxiety and have to babysit me like in previous years when I insisted we try to be as up close and personal as possible?? Should I even try to be out there on the floor? I have a family shindig on Saturday morning in LA, will I make it back from San Francisco in time? Will I be so tired I might die? So many questions and worries running through my mind!!
The Shrine would be my first 'indoor' live Chemical affair. Once inside, we bid the forum kids good luck on the floor while my husband and I secured our spot on the upper level, stage facing right, up against the ledge with a perfect unobstructed view of the festivities on stage and floor (which is where the forum gang congregated). This afforded me with room to spread out, dance if I want, and observe what I must -and at the Shrine in particular, we were within blast radius of a large air conditioning vent. My sanctuary space for the Shrine evening also offered a new observation point that I had not experienced before. This observation point felt so ideal for me at this time, it was also taken advantage of for the San Francisco show, too - the largest of the three venues. Room with space to move with freedom, and breathing space to consume the visual spectacle - to see and hear both musical and audience response. My view at the Greek show was a bit tighter as it has assigned seating, but still felt like I was on an observation deck so I could take it all in.
When the show begins, the lights dim and through the fog, the atmosphere becomes awash in blue as Tomorrow Never Knows warbles its way through the speakers. Eventually succumbing to an avalanche of cheers as Tom and Ed take the stage. We were ready to Go as the song lulled us into the set, and all the previous baggage and worry dissolved. Free Yourself indeed seemed to take on a life of its own.
The first of many highlights is MAH - this is across the three shows. I must have been so caught up in the moment, it took me by surprise at first to hear this so early on in the set. That's not a bad thing. The beats awaken the beasts. The crowd's reaction to this at their shows was everything I had hoped it to be and then some. Led by the visual snout-nosed master of ceremonies, complete with lasers jutting from his fingertips, this song 100% demanded the audience rise to the occasion. And they did with fists raised in unison, the madness being carried on the song's torrential current. To hear this erupt indoors triggered so many memories of the old club and indoor gymnasium rave days. It was... phenomenal. To be swept into EML Ritual from that was like being dragged into an indescribable madness. It's the part of the trip where shit can go seriously wrong, or seriously right. Thankfully it was the latter. :p
Swoon is for the lovers. The softly wavering synths were like a blanket of calm to help break that feverish madness from the last couple of songs. Swoon sounds and feels as warm as a friend's embrace. Fists have lowered and bodies are left to gently sway side by side. The couple in front of us grabbed hands tightly and gave each other an excited, giddy kiss. I mean, I know it must sound incredibly corny, but can you not think of anything more ridiculously perfect during a moment like this? Hahaha Everyone's together now... we hear Temptation, and how we have green eyes and blue eyes and grey eyes. And to those who've been blessed to have danced this dance before, we know Star Guitar is coming along to take us deeper into the set.
At some point not too long after comes a most surprising and unexpected foray into Gravity Drops. When hearing this, it felt like more a bridge to the next tune - Got To Keep On. The chimes rang out like church bells, as the pink lights emanating from the visuals baptized the audience who played along to the synchronized images on screen dancing along to the music. The 'rain like tears' part of that song - you know which part I'm talking about - enveloped the entire atmosphere. It felt like taking hits of nitrous oxide. The lights switched to near strobe white-brightness. White tissue confetti drifted above and sprinkled down on to the sea of unsuspecting people. Everyone became transfixed to see where this rain was coming from. Between the overwhelming sonic nitrous oxide, it wouldn't be too far fetched to believe the confetti was coming from the sound itself. The confetti blew all the way up to the upper levels at the indoor venues, and magically drifted along the light breeze and cool air at the outdoors Greek show. Beautifully, subtly interactive. Then that beat returns with those chiming bells to bring everyone's gaze and body response back to orbit.
I think somewhere in here (though I may be out of sequence?) is Hey Boy Hey Girl, which was a battle cry to join Eve of Destruction. The vocal seemed to on everyone's lips. The visuals here, as well as how this song is played out - is my favorite addition to the live show. The music here is the soundtrack to this fun, short film. And with that said, this part of the show is hard to describe! It's like watching a movie with suited up people fighting people suited up in monster costumes. Compete with lasers shooting out of belt buckles and cosmic power ranger kicking ass and taking names. Anyone with Japanese film expertise, it would be interesting to read their take on these super fun visuals. ;)
Saturate is a tried and true crowd pleaser. This song knows how to throw a party. It gives the crowd a chance to come together again and interact with each other. I had not experienced the balloons until this tour. What's not to love about bouncing around a beach ball at a concert? These were more like giant earth balloons, gently drifting over the crowd in near unison to the paint balls on the screen. In an odd way, the music served to keep everyone tethered to the earth for fear of drifting away with the balloons in the breeze. The balloons didn't drift up to the levels where I was, but (and I'm unashamedly corny here) it was such a joy to see the faces of people smiling as they bounce the incoming balloon away. As the balloons are taken away, the music of No Geography takes us to the next stop. The beautifully spiraling pinwheels of sound in No Geography are all encompassing and rippled across each venue - almost reverberating off the walls of the Shrine and Civic Center, and off the edge of nature that immediately surrounds the Greek amphitheater. You wonder what's the next stop of the journey?
Escape Velocity takes the reigns and leads us into madness. I absolutely adore the Golden Path treatment on this, and this song remains a remarkable highlight each time I've experienced it live. When it reaches the farthest depths, Tom and Ed work the crowd, fucking with and tweaking that "I've found myself in some kind of hell" vocal. It melts into a flurry of booming sound as the heat rifrom the floor could be felt from the upper areas where I was standing (most notably the Shrine). The smoke machines, which have cleverly been pumping vapor into the atmosphere, worked their magic beautifully here as the mist was drawn to the mass of dancing bodies in the pit. The intensity of the red lights beaming from the stage illuminated the space's entirety. And that beat - that grounding beat that keeps everything within orbit - is the salvation that eventually brings everything back into control.
We've now come to the part of the set that felt like being called back to the reminisce days - an energized mash up of songs giving nods to the past. All of which brings us to the place we are in now, in transition to Wide Open. Here in the bluish light, we are bathed in what feels like the open sea. Our heroine from Further appears to swim through the depths, and the bubbles sparkling across her cheeks turn into fluttering birds. And we are now somehow being swept along on a cosmic musical current, swimming with those birds across an ocean sky. There are soaring sounds punctuating Wide Open which sound like whale song drifting across miles and miles of ocean deep. It just went so perfectly with the visual ocean world we were immersed in. As Wide Open draws to a close, our heroine surfaces to breathe, and there is this feeling you're reaching the final leg of the set... I'm missing a bunch of stuff in between so please forgive me... but I wanted to mention Catch Me I'm Falling in this vein as well, since it too feels like the second wave of Wide Open. Oceanic, soothing, welcomed, keeping us in the current but setting us adrift to wherever the next song takes us.
The last stop on the journey home is the Private Psychedelic Reel. The song swirls amidst the stained glass backdrop of our newfound church. We've been born again through sound. No Geography is right. We've gone to heaven and hell and all earthly points between and beyond, and some people have literally moved mountains to be at these shows. The madness at the end as the last synth standing (and falling) releases its final sputtering gasp of the evening. This feels like a culmination of everything that makes these shows what they are. It is and will always be (for me, for what it's worth) the perfect closer and the sweetest farewell. Until next time...
Wednesday through Friday have been an absolute pleasure, from my husband being 100% there for me, meeting up with old friends and meeting some new ones along the way, too. The forum family and being able to spend time with you all, and break bread with you before and after the shows. The woman in front of me at the Greek dancing the entire time without stopping or missing a beat - she was a goddess. The lady behind me who was seeing her first ever concert - the live music she sees from here on out certainly will have a tall order to fill. The random Chems Redditor, glad he made it through. The drunk lady who engaged me after one of the shows as we were waiting for the loo who kept apologizing for being drunk and for keeping on talking about how awesome the Chemical Brothers are - sister, you never have to apologize to me for that! To the security guards that let us back into the San Francisco venue (another story for another time) thank you for not being jerks so I could continue enjoying the show. These concerts have surpassed all expectations in every way imaginable. I don't know how the Chemical Brothers shows manage to get better every time I see them, but they do. The tribes in LA and insanely crazy San Francisco were made up of an amazing congregation that I am so happy to have been a part of. :)
Now, someone else, please please pretty please, chime in because I'm quite frankly so deliciously exhausted right now and I've gone on long enough. It's time for me to get back to reality land.
Wow, you guys. I'm sitting here smiling and wiping away small tears of joy as I'm reading your essays of probably one of the most memorable forum experiences to date. Even though I wasn't there, through your words, it felt like I was. Ryno's depiction of socializing and getting to know each other, playing board games like a small "family" at Poot's, even being entertained by with piano music by him (I did cheer reading this), really struck me emotionally (being a sucker for bonding moments). It even hit harder when I read your introduction, Whirl's, recollecting what you felt when your phone rang. I know some of you went through tough times and all the more I was happy and glad this all panned out the way it did and you all had the time of your lives.
Thank you for letting us participate in these joyful moments. Man, what a ride. Can't wait for the other pilgrims to chime in!
P.S. Makeskidskill, hahaha, I had totally forgotten about that one.
Thanks so much for the vivid reviews and happenings, Whirly and Ryno. It means a lot to read the details of the weekend especially when you're not there. I can only hope the future holds another one these opportunities.
Whirly, tell Jim we miss him.
Finally back home, and I can't wait to share my review of the whole experience. Hopefully not as long a wait this time :P
What I can say now is an enormous thank you to everyone I met, rocked out with, car DJ-ed with, crashed with, talked excitedly with, got far from sober with. You people are such generous, incredible souls, and took this entire weeklong journey to another level for me. I wish there'd been a day break in the shows just so we could have hung out more. Whirly especially, we hardly got to chat!
Oh yeah and the shows were okay too.
What a rush.
Ryno and Whirls
Loved reading your reviews! I finally found time to read them without distraction and in peace. Such a joy and privilage to be in your company to share these chemical moments. and to echo Whirls, Its been a long, long, long time being in a indoor stand-alone show. I cherish it! Ryno, thanks for being and watching 'my six'! You had my back at every show. Respect!
Once again, I appreciate you guys and girls giving there perspective and view from the shows.
As for White Noise....you have about 2 weeks to hand me a review on my desk ;D
Edit: WN thanks for the rip. I was able to find more memories and tidbits on that rip. Really helped me give more special attention on my review.