An Evening w/311, Aug. 1, 2005

Last night, I saw 311 at The Grove of Anaheim. I honestly have mixed feelings about the concert. The feelings have nothing to do w/the band, or the music, but just the goings on of the concert.

First things first though. 311 sounded awesome. They played quite a few new songs. There seemed to be a lot of reggae influence and I'm thinking this album is going to be more mellow like. Sort of like Evolver. From the new album they played, Don't Tread of Me, Waiting (my personal fav.), solar Flare, Whiskey and Wine and I think they played a few more, but I didn't catch the names of them. I loved all the songs and I am damn excited about the new album...I think it's gonna kick some ass. They also played tried and true favorites, so no real surprises on that end. Though, they only played Creatures from Evolver which surprised me. I thought they'd play more. I think Grassroots was the most played album. I also got the voucher w/the free live cd, so that's cool. They have some cool t-shirts too, some of which I hope I can get on the website, cause, well it's cheaper.

My friend and I got there kinda early and once we got inside, we were like 4 rows from the stage, I was so excited and happy. It was the closest I've ever been to them. I mean, Nick would be RIGHT THERE. For some reason, I wasn't thinking about any pits starting up. I guess with the way the venue is set up, I didn't think there's be a lot of room for a pit...well, I was wrong. The venue is basically set up in tiers. Starting from the first level, there's two stairs, then another level and so on. On either side of the stairs are walls that separate the tiers, so I was thinking w/the walls, there wouldn't be room for a pit. The first half was awesome, then they played Lucky. That's when the pits started. My friend and I were pushed from the 4th row, towards the left, to the very back of the tier, by the stairs, in the center. It was still a good spot, but not as close as before. We then spent the rest of the night pushing guys from us and back into the pit so we didn't get hit. Unfortunately, I got hit a few times. I got an elbow in chest and some guy smashed into my lower abdomen and knocked the air out of me. This morning my arms still feel like noodles from pushing these probably 150+ pound guys away from me. And since I was concentrating on trying not to get hit or knocked down, I missed some awesome songs. They even started a pit to beautiful Disaster and I was sad cause I missed parts of that song. So, to be honest, the last half of the show wasn't as fun as it could have been. And I do take full responsibility for being down there in the first place...It's my fault, cause I know that's where the pits happen, but at the same time I just wanted to see a good show and there were plenty of people not moshing. So, here's what I think I've decided....I've been close to the stage, it is awesome seeing the band so up close (can't wait to get my pictures back), but I don't think I'll do it again. I will gladly be further back, where I can stand, dance, and just get in to the music, rather than having to push people away from me.

Let's see, what else...They all looked great. I was hoping Nick or SA would take their shirts off at the end, but no such luck. SA threw out Chad's drumhead and I was about 2 feet from catching it. All and all it was an awesome night. I love them and they were worth having to deal w/the pits. Man!!! I love this band....I dunno what I'd do w/o them.