First I'd like to start off with this, September hasn't been exactly my favorite month for a while. Of course there was the tragedy on September 11th, 2001. That day is forever etched into my brain. Then there's September 12th, 2006. I lost two of my friends in a car accident. That week was the most difficult week I've ever had in the 21 year history I've been on this earth. So yeah, I know it seems odd but like I said, September has been the worst month out of the twelve for a while. I visited my friend Tony's grave spot at the mausoleum on Sunday but I sat there rather positive. I didn't cry, I was calm it was odd but much better than the past years I was there. I had two days left before 'A Thousand Suns' came out, i was holding back so badly to not listen to it when everyone else had. I did it. Come Monday night, me and a few friends are in the LP chat and skype waiting for midnight and the album to come. It was 5 minutes after midnight I get a new e-mail waiting in my box. FINALLY. Just as I got it everyone ditched the chat and started listening. I turned everything off, got in my bed and listened to the entire album. I was kicking my feet, bobbing my head, smiling and having mixed emotions about certain songs. I loved Iridescent, When They Come for Me removed all the negative press from my head, and I...didn't like Robot Boy. The Messenger got to me but I really feel the best lyrics are... "Do you feel cold and lost in desperation You build up hope but failure's all you've known Remember all the sadness and frustration And let it go Let it go.." Then I noticed...this album connects. It connects just like HT, Meteora and MTM but those lyrics! When I read them out loud to myself it's like the damn band was with me two days prior to the release and read my feelings. It was time to be positive. I listened to the album once more at 5 AM. I plugged my headphones in and went back to sleep learning every word just as the sun was coming up. When I woke up I was anxious, I ended up going out to Best Buy and buying the TShirt+CD package just to kill some time. I wanted to get to NYC so BAD. I knew the longer the day went the longer that line was going to get. I was getting phone calls from Derek, calls from people waiting in line getting updates about what was going on. It was nuts, I was going nuts. I had to wait till dad got home to run me and Nick to the train station. Finally I was on the train at 3:55 PM and onto the 45 minute ride to Madison Square Garden. I had my Chester guitar pick necklace on, I was so ready. I got more updates and kept Derek in the loop about what was going on. Finally I got to MSG and walked a good 6 blocks to the left to get to Times Square. It's not a bad walk, it takes roughly 15 minutes. When I got to Noki...I mean...the Best Buy Theatre the line went from the front door, out to Broadway, and down 42nd and 7th street. Which is where ended up standing for three hours. Again more updates where coming in. VH1 was there, Mark was running around and the media was all over the place. I had a kid behind me was yellin on his phone, 'HEY find out if there's anything new on Linkin Park Association or LPlive!' I just got off the phone with Derek. part 2 will feature a review of the show and more. I've got to run for now and give my fingers a break!
Wow, a VIP already. Congratulations. I'm glad you found the good in September with all the grief that was around you. I'm sorry to hear about your friends. Look forward to the second part.