Hello again! I know I mentioned in my first post that I would blog about the concerts I've attended beginning from this year, but I just recently went to the Honda Civic Tour on Friday, August 24th featuring Mutemath, Incubus and LINKIN PARK! Yes, I said Linkin Park! I've been to many (exaggeration on the "many") concerts, but Linkin Park put on THE BEST show I have ever seen! I last saw them 2007 during their Projekt Revolution tour, and that show was absolutely amazing! But, they completely stole my heart with their show on Friday. Linkin Park is actually the band that made me fall in love with rock music with their first single "One Step Closer" in their debut album, "Hybrid Theory" <3 I was just 10 years old when I first head that song and immediately got the album. Because of Linkin Park, I have a crazy passion for the rock world. As you can tell, I can't stop rambling on about the show, so I figured my first show post should be about the Honda Civic Tour =).
The 2012 Honda Civic Tour took place at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre in Tinley Park. Unfortunately, after 1.5 hour drive, my sister and I entered the venue late and missed Mutemath =(. But, it's alright because I've seen them like three times already. As we got to our seats in the amphitheatre, we realized we had a perfect view of the stage. Incubus took the stage just ten minutes in. The sound of screeching bats surrounded the amphitheatre (the intro to Incubus's latest album) as the countdown on stage took place. They entered onto the stage performing "Nice to Know You." Incubus of course killed it. I last saw Incubus in 2009 at the Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island. It seems like the boys in the band became more hippie-ish, but I loved every moment! Brandon Boyd, I don't care how old he is, looked absolutely amazing as a hippie with his long brown hair and tattoos. They performed their cover of Lionel Richie's "Hello" after they made a toast with their wine. The ending of the song was very emotional... But I might be saying this because I'm a girl. The lyrics went "Tell me how to win your heart, for I haven't got a clue. But let me start by saying... I love you." Now, if you're a girl and you see Brandon saying this, please tell me how you feel. They ended their set with "Aqueous Transmission" and left the stage after sounding their usual gong.
The sun finally set and the open amphitheatre went dark. I started getting butterflies in my stomach as the lively atmosphere became the queue that Linkin Park would soon be taking the stage. We watched the Honda Civic Tour previews with the bands on the big screen and read the humorous tweets people were sending in. The techs began preparing the stage. They structured a big ramp in the form of an X on the middle of the stage. The stage set up was tremendously exciting to just look at. Everyone in the venue began to shuffle around to find their seats. Unusually, my sister and I had five seats to ourselves. I was hoping whoever had the seats next to us wouldn't come in the middle of the show (they did).
The lights in the venue suddenly turned off, and the crowd began to cheer, blowing out their lungs. The entire crowd stood on their feet. We could faintly see the members of Linkin Park walking onto the stage as the venue's lights were still shut off. The crowd's screams grew louder. I anticipated the intro to "Lost In the Echo" would begin playing, but I was totally caught off guard. The dramatic sounds of drums began filling the venue. The guitars and bases kicked in. The electronics made the sounds more intriguing. The music sounded like a master remix with a bit of familiarity, but I couldn't exactly pinpoint the song. All of a sudden, the music stopped. The crowd roared wildly... And I mean wildly. All at once, the lights turned on, the drums, guitars, bases and electronics sounded, and Mike Shinoda jumped on stage and began rapping to their famous "A Place For My Head!" Completely unexpected! Chester Bennington (the love of my life) jumped in with his screaming vocals. The video that I have posted was not taken by me, but the photo was =). This video is actually much more clear than mine (ask Pearl, Sonali or my sister if you don't believe me). I'm pretty sure I was standing right by this person. Enjoy!
Linkin Park's Intro
As I was enjoying the intro to Linkin Park's set, a couple of people quietly (thankfully) walked in front of us to get to their seats that were to the left of me. I didn't care. But they sat down! Every single person in that venue was on their feet, except the two people next to me. I was embarrassed for them. Eventually, they stood up, but I'm not sure they even knew who Linkin Park was. Odd. They were nice though. I'm proud to say that I own every single one of Linkin Park's albums and I know every single song and lyric they wrote =) So, of course I knew every song they performed. From their metal rock, to their sentimental songs, to their electronic beats, to their hardcore rap lyrics. As I sang along to the music with passion, the strangers next to me glanced and stared every few seconds in shock of this little girl spitting rhymes along with Mike, screaming her vocals out with Chester and dancing along to every beat! It was hilarious! I loved every moment =). Soon, they left, and the next guy next to me was a big, tall buff man that showed the same surprised emotions towards me haha.
Linkin Park's setlist was absolutely phenomenal! It felt as if they performed every single song they ever produced. From "Points of Authority" to "Somewhere I Belong" to "Leave Out All the Rest" to "When They Come for Me" to "Lies Greed Misery." Although, I think my favorite/the most memorable part of the set was when they covered "Sabotage" by The Beastie Boys! They somehow transitioned from "Bleed It Out." It was incredible! Chester belted the vocals and I absolutely loved their spin on the song. On top of their long setlist, they took the stage once again after leaving for the first time for an encore presentation. They ended the show with my all-time favorite: "One Step Closer!" As the boys thanked the audience, blew kisses to the crowd, and threw their drum sticks and guitar picks to the pit, Mike and Chester hugged and stood at the center of the stage to wave to everyone. So precious.
The boys of Linkin Park took concerts to a crazy level. I have heard from several people that they stopped listening to Linkin Park after their second album because they changed. They no longer combined their hard rock with their hardcore rap. I agree, they changed. That's what artists are supposed to do. Change is good in the music industry. They took a chance with different genres of music and took a risk by adding their own twists. I give those boys SO much respect for doing so. Music is about change and the level of extent to which the artist can take, to show their talent and how well they can put their creativity into a certain genre of music. Linkin Park created such simplicity out of their transitions from song to song, from rock to rap to electronic sounds to their unimaginable visuals to their unforgettable themes. If such compassion, talent and creativity doesn't deserve respect, then I honestly don't know what does. Linkin Park is a role model to every artist out there. The end.
Now that the awkward beginnings are out of the way, I'd like to tell you all about the latest show I went to! =) Again, my chaotic semester forced me to suspend my life from several shows and held me back from seeing bands that I wanted to see... Like Sum 41 and Kill Hannah. They'll be back though, right? Anywho, the last show I went to was... unconditionally delightful. The show was in the mist of my best friend, Pearl, returning from her four month study abroad trip to Paris, and my returning from a volunteer trip to New Jersey. Six friends consisted of a few new friends, Diana, Shaheen and Jinit, in our mini-reunion, and my old friends, Pearl and Manthan, and of course the middlegirl, me =). We gathered at the Beat Kitchen to see some local bands. We probably wouldn't have gone to this show if it wasn't for Shaheen. So thanks, Shaheen!
We missed the first couple of bands, but I think the six of us were having a better time creating priceless moments simply mingling amongst one another and with some delicious beers and ciders. Something with "pear" in it, was it, Pearl? We saw Young Jesus at the show! I must say, they were stupendous! I listened to a few of their songs previous to the show, and I considered them good. As Shaheen described them, they sounded a bit like Arcade Fire, some phenomenal musicians. I agree. Young Jesus's music is similar to Arcade Fire's music. Their guitar riffs can be compared to William's, Richard's or Tim's of A.F. riffs... I can't guess who strings which riff due to the numerous amounts of people in the band. Regardless, Young Jesus's riffs are admirable. Another aspect of theirs that was admirable: their energy! I don't know the boys, and honestly, I was expecting them to be the vapid local musicians I've come across at shows in the past. Well, they proved this gal wrong! Amid the singer's shallow vocals, the guitarists ripped at their instruments, the drummer bashed at his set... Shirtless (your hubby, Dianna?), and the best part, their "Family and Friends" (no pun intended) in the crowd moshed, danced and let loose... As did we =). Just ask Manthan, as he returned to us girls with a petite cut on his eyebrow. But most impressive, Jinit's dancing. I didn't know you could do that, Jinit.
By far, this show showcased a local band's soiree at its prime. So, boys of Young Jesus, major props to you! You guys definitely compass some intriguing vibes. So much energy! Mark these words, Young Jesus will go far in the music industry. Well, if they want to and put their hearts into it... I hope everyone agrees. If you would like to fulfill these dreams, Young Jesus, I will support you 100%! I can put in a good word for you =) Here's a link to their music: http://youngjesus.bandcamp.com/. Enjoy! If this band comes to a theater near you, I strongly suggest you make it an outing with some close friends. I mean, if you're reading this blog, you have to have some similar music interest as me, so you'll have fun! 
