Full Circle Moment

Have you ever had a moment that just seemed like one happy coincidence? Or maybe you did something with friends years ago, and then got together to do it all over again? A moment that just seems "fitting"? Well, I had one of those moments recently. You see, the first time I ever saw the band HIM perform was back in high-school. My mother, who deserves a shout out for being so cool, drove my brother and I over two hours away to go see them. I remember feeling so excited that when we arrived, I was adamant about finding a spot as close to the front of the stage as we could get. My mother on the other hand insisted on sitting next to one of the security guards towards the back because he had extra chairs. Now imagine being about 5’ 2” (on a good day), and trying to muscle your way to the front of a crowd. But this wasn’t your every day crowd either. This was a venue that was quickly filling up with people in normal clothes as well as those dressed in elaborate gothic fashions. And of course, with my luck, an older woman wearing a top hat decides she’s going to stand right in front of me. Not in front of my brother who was just there because I asked him to come. Not in front of the two guys standing on the other side of me who were clearly taller. But right in front of the short teenager who was already having a hard time seeing the stage.

As the show started I started jumping up, and down. Swaying from one side to the other in the opposite direction as the lady in front of me. I even switched spots with my brother, and then switched back because it put me farther away from the band and I was not about to have that. After bumping into this lady for what seemed like the hundredth time while trying to get some pictures I noticed that there was a kid standing next to me who was a lot taller than me, and had a clear view of the singer. So, I nudged him with my elbow, and asked if he could take a few pictures for me. He nodded in agreement so I handed him my camera, and he started clicking away. Throughout the show we exchanged some words, and he took some video for me. Then he asked if I wanted to stand in front of him since I was having a hard time seeing. Afterwards we exchanged some contact information, talked briefly out in the parking lot, and a few days later he was added to my messenger list. And we’ve kept in touch ever since. He was actually the first person to let me know that one of our favorite bands was calling it quits. When I decided to put in some overtime in order to buy my ticket I asked if he was planning on attending any of the shows. He said he would be coming to the Dallas show just like he had before. We discussed meeting up either before or after the show, but left it at that.

Of course, once the day came, it was just one set back after another for me. After I made it inside I sent a message letting him know that I’d catch up with them afterwards. I grabbed my beer, and started making my way off to the side. Then, a group of people shifted backwards so I took that opportunity to move forward. Unfortunately, just like at the first show, I again found myself stuck behind two tall people. As I looked around them I noticed that there was a girl standing in front, and directly to the side of her was a nice open spot. I tapped her on the shoulder and asked if I could stand in that area. She nodded, and leaned in saying “Sure, go ahead!” And you guys, it was such a sweet spot! I had a clear view of the whole band so I started taking a few pictures, and I remember thinking to myself that this night was already so spectacular when I heard my name being called out. At first I thought I had misheard what was being said, but as I looked over there was my friend standing one person over.

You guys! It was such a cool moment! From earlier conversations I thought they were at the very front. So, I was so not expecting to see them until afterwards. It was such a surreal, crazy, full circle moment! He said “C’mon, bring it in!” and gave me a hug. We talked for a few moments, and then he asked if I wanted him to take some pictures. So, I fully took advantage of the fact that he’s still a good 4-5 inches taller than me. When a couple of people, who were really drunk kept pushing into me he asked if I wanted to stand in front of them instead. And again, I wasn’t going to say no. Afterwards I was introduced to his girlfriend, and we were able to catch up for a bit before going our separate ways. They had a long drive home, and since they are all in the military they had to be up early for PT the next day. So overall, it was a pretty incredible night. I said goodbye to my favorite band alongside someone I met at that very first show. In the same city as before. And it was awesome! ✨

HIM: Bang & Whimper 2017 Farewell Tour

It’s been seven days since THE concert. Seven whole days, and it still feels like something I dreamed up. A bit surreal, and bittersweet. Not only was the trip up to the city peppered with setbacks, but after checking the venue website I was sure that I would arrive late. I assumed it would be right before the second band’s set, but little did I know that the venue website was wrong by an hour. So, I ended up arriving about 30 minutes before HIM took the stage. It was enough time to get inside, watch the last song CKY played, and grab a beer (or three). Since I’m on the shorter side, and I’m entirely too old to fight my way to the front of the stage these days, I wanted to find a spot that gave me a decent view of the band. Fortunately, I only spent about ten minutes trying to find a place to stand when the lights started to dim, and the show began.

Man, I wish I could put into words how I felt seeing the band walk onto that stage after all of these years. How my mind instantly recognized the first chords of “Buried Alive by Love”, and I was so happy that I couldn’t stop smiling during their entire set. I wish I could put into words how hearing that low deep hum made my insides feel all fluttery. Or how that raspy rumble through the microphone was felt all the way down to my toes. I wish you had been there to feel the drums pulsing through your body the way I did because there’s honestly nothing quite like that feeling. And I wish I could better explain the overwhelming emotions that bubbled up so unexpectedly as I heard Ville Valo belt out those first lyrics too. I’ll admit that I totally cried during that first song because this band had, and still does, mean so much to me. I wish I could tell you how it felt to stand there, and be completely grateful for these humans who got me through some rough years with their music. Wanting to thank them over, and over again. And I wish I could tell you, with more eloquent words, how it felt standing there in awe -- having to say goodbye.

They performed a good amount of the songs that I wanted to hear played live one last time. I’ve seen them two other times, during some of their first ever major US tours, when I was in high-school. While I waited I kept overhearing people talk about this being their first chance to see them live, and I realized just how lucky I had been before. And y’all, when they played they sounded amazing! They have always sounded incredible live in my opinion. It’s like hearing them on a CD, or even a streamed track. It’s perfection. This time was no different. I took a handful of pictures and was able to get some videos, but for the most part I just stood and enjoyed the moment. I enjoyed being in that venue, and experiencing all of the magic that they were bringing. I think my only regret this time is not being able to grab a tour tee since I had arrived so late. Other than that, it was such a phenomenal night. I’m still feeling it days later. And I’m still smiling.