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.

Wordless Wednesday

Sutherland Springs, Texas

I normally don't talk about certain issues going on in the world today, my faith, or even address politics on this blog. It's not that I'm ashamed, or don't pay attention either. I just feel that we're all different, and we all have different views. Sometimes our stances maybe exactly the same, or just a bit similar. While other times they are the complete opposite. And that's okay! I'm good with all of the differences out there. Besides, what could I possibly say that you haven't heard already from someone else in regards to these subjects, huh? However, I felt like I needed to express something today that may touch a little on some of these things.  

As you all know by now, Sunday was a sad day here in Texas. Three hours away from my own little town, while some where at their normal Sunday service and others were enjoying the extra hour of sleep, a coward walked into a church with an assault rifle. Twenty-six people didn't make it home that afternoon. About half of those were children. Now, the survivors and those who have to deal with the aftermath personally, have a long road to recovery ahead of them. Long after the media attention dies down. And long after they lay their loved ones to rest. Sadly, this community will never be the same again. Having grown up in a tiny little town, much like Sutherland, my heart breaks for these people. For their community. 

Now, I've seen some of the media be respectful of those who lost loved ones, or survived this incident. I'm grateful for them, truly. But I've also seen media outlets as well as people in general mock the response some of us have in regards to such tragedies. "See! Prayer does nothing! GOD DIDN'T SAVE THESE PEOPLE!" or "Sacrificed to the Second Amendment" with the pictures of the victims alongside it. Comments of how "Texans were just asking for it" due to our states stance on guns. It's remarks like those that make me mad. Angry. And yet really sad. Sad that this just happened, only two days ago, and everyone wants to turn it into a damn gun control debate. They want to use the deaths as reasons to prove their side; their cause. And I get that these topics are "hot button". I get that there need to be conversations over these issues. And I get that they are important to each person, in different ways. BUT, y'all...babies died. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and friends. They died, on what they believed would be a normal Sunday morning. While they prayed, and worshipped.

So maybe take a moment to think about that instead? To feel heartbroken for their loss. To go home, and hug your loved ones as tightly as possible. To be empathetic, and not make this about politics or healthcare for just a few moments. Unfortunately, there's nothing I can do about any of this. I can't make the smearing of the victims' beliefs stop, or force others to be respectful. We all have our choices. We're all different. Our reactions will all vary. So, instead I've said my prayers. Whether people think that's an inappropriate response, or not I honestly don't care. I've asked for understanding, comfort, and peace on the behalf of those families. And my heart goes out to that tiny little town.

We are with you.

Texas, forever. ❤