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Road Reporter
Posts: 1729
   
Location: Baltimore, MD | Good evening my babies!
You knew it was coming... like a gastrointestinal serenade after a trip to Taco Bell…. It is time, once again, for the rarely anticipated, often overrated, highly orchestrated and occasionally duplicated—here now, for your reading enjoyment, I bring you: The Armadillo Road Report: The Official UN-Official concert review of the only projected domestic show this year: Twisted Sister’s concert at the Best Buy Theatre, New York City, April 29, 2011, with all the details you want to know...and loads of useless trivial crap you don't.
This particular show was a personal best—I managed to take six different modes of transportation (seven if you count riding shotgun on Funtazia’s wheelchair, but more on that later…) It began as I left the house before dawn in my truck and hopped on the Megabus to New York City. These buses run every hour on the hour, and often are filled with tourists planning to do some shopping and catch a Broadway musical. The nice lady seated next to me asked: “And what show are you planning to see?” And I, of course, said: “Twisted Sister” to which she replied: “How nice. Is that a matinee?” Uh. Right. “Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Snider will not be performing this evening. Tonight’s lead will be played by Bette Midler’s understudy…..Lady Gaga….”
I soon met up with SMF Cyndi, Funtazia and MetalNY at the Herald Square Hotel, just a few blocks from Times Square, where we learned that the hotel's definition of a Wheelchair Accessible room meant that the wheelchair could *get* to the room…..just not necessarily IN the room. I swear, you couldn’t fit a mosquito’s balls between the bed and the bathroom, but fortunately Funtazia (a.k.a. Dave from the UK) is not only innovative, he’s an exceptional good sport. We were at least grateful to have two beds in the room—I’m sure at least Dave was—I have on good authority that my feet are cold and I snore, so two beds in a broom closet beats one bed in open space. After the four of us chowed down at a local joint, we headed off to the Best Buy Theatre (Formerly the Nokia Theatre) in Times Square.
There was already a fairly nice line at 5:30 pm. Dave and I watched the highlights of the Royal Wedding on the Times Square jumbo-tron while waiting for the doors to open. Yes, that’s right—we willingly missed Prince Williams’ nuptials, just to bring you this report. Such devotion. I was very impressed with the last three Twisted shows at the Nokia Theatre—both with their punctuality and professionalism—and so I was quite pleased that the staff remained the same….as did their practice of getting the doors open on time and the fans inside as quickly as possible.
If you’ve missed previous years’ reports, the Best Buy theatre is a nice size—2100 capacity to be exact—it has a balcony with seats in the rear that wraps around the sides, and two raised bar areas stage right and left. Several vending areas to purchase a variety of soft drinks, SmartWater, alcoholic libations and munchies. Coat check, merch tables and large bathrooms (assuming you can find your way to them without a compass) The general admission floor is completely open, with the barricade just about five feet from the stage. The sound was always good at the Nokia—so I was anticipating a mind-blowing show Friday evening. One of my top secret inside sources told me that they played “I’ll Never Grow Up, Now” for the sound check. Oh, to be a fly on the wall!
Welcoming us was Jim Florentine, a comedian many of us know from “That Metal Show with Eddie Trunk”. The opening act was an all-female band called “Antigone Rising” (that’s pronounced: “Ann-tig’-gone-knee”) –for you Greek Mythology buffs--—Sophocles, anyone? Anyone? Anyone? 10th grade English? No? Antigone Rising was actually quite good. Here’s the "problem" with Antigone Rising—good musicians, excellent vocalists—wrong venue. They just weren’t metal. In fact, the only real complaint I had with them was that they had a bit of an identity crisis—we heard a very Dixie Chick-esque “Don’t Bring Us Down” that was a real foot stomper, some very well-played bluesy acoustic duos, and they closed with a spot-on rendition of Pat Benetar’s “Heartbreaker.” All very well-performed, but I personally get confused when a band plays multiple genres without their own spin--I really wanted them to make the sound their own. I was glad they had a lot of friends in the audience who cheered them on--TS fans can be a tough crowd. Good band, just the wrong place for them to play. I think once Antigone Rising decides who they are, and finds the consistent sound that works for them, AND plays someplace where the bill is NOT heavy metal, they’ll go far. Personally, I would venture to say that if they explore the Nashville route, we will hear their name in the future.
Jay Jay was brought onstage first—sporting his pink…excuse me, SALMON….blazer that he claimed was purchased at a country club in Bermuda. Jay Jay’s quote of the night: “It goes well with the right wing Republicans AND Middle-aged transvestites.” He was joined onstage by his daughter Samantha and Dr. Stephen Foster, founder of the Ocular Immunology & Uveitis Foundation. Quote of the night actually went to the fans from Brazil, standing behind me. Jay Jay introduced Samantha, who was looking quite lovely—and when a few fans whistled at her, Jay Jay wagged his finger saying “hey, careful…you know who I am, “ the Brazilian shouted out : “My future father-in-law!”
All kidding aside, Samantha is very articulate and well-spoken, with wisdom far beyond her years. Very impressive effort from the entire French family. Dr. Foster spoke briefly about how Uveitis is the third leading cause of blindness –over 100,000 people have this disease, 10,000 are children and 30% are left blind because there is a lack of funding to support the research necessary to find a cure. HEY! DON’T ARROW DOWN THROUGH THIS REPORT! I’ll get to the music…. But remember why we were all there. 100% of the proceeds went to the foundation. The band…the crew…the manager…..all worked for free that night. The tickets, the raffle, the tee shirts—all proceeds. More than $40,000 was raised Friday night! So Jay Jay left the stage to, “change into something a bit more uncomfortable.”
Twisted Sister took the stage at 9:20 PM—the place was absolutely packed full and the energy was high.
Your setlist, once again:
1. What You Don't Know (Sure Can Hurt You)
2. The Kids Are Back
3. Stay Hungry
4. Captain Howdy
5. Sin After Sin
6. You Can't Stop Rock N' Roll
7. The Fire Still Burns
8. We're Gonna Make It
9. Shoot 'em Down
10. We're Not Gonna Take It
11. The Price
12. Burn In Hell
[Drum Solo]
13. I Wanna Rock
14. Come Out and Play
15. Tear It Loose
16. S.M.F.
Now before I get into the show itself, I must give a disclaimer here---I have already heard from several people at the show that the sound where they were located was excellent. Jay Jay himself told me that he received several emails from folks who normally do not email him, telling him how great everything sounded. So we’ve established that, right? Lots of folks experienced excellent sound. The sound was very different depending on where you were at the club. This was my fourth time seeing Twisted Sister at this very theater—and all four times I was in the front row, as I was Friday night. So I have a previous baseline here.
The sound where I was standing, was the absolute worst I have heard—ever. Period.
I’m very sorry to have to say this because I know how hard the crew works and how talented a soundman Twisted Sister has—and how perfectionist the band members are. So don’t go sending me nasty emails and private messages about how you’re going to kick my keister at the next show—I’ve never sugar coated the truth before and I’m not about to start doing that now. The sound was really THAT bad for us in the front row on the Eddie/Jay Jay side. I deemed it the “Eddie Ojeda Karaoke Hour” because I kid you not, what we heard was approximately 70% Eddie….20% M.A.M….10% Jay Jay….and 10% A.J. Yes, yes, I know that’s 110%....they gave it 110% …. But I could not hear Dee at all. I could tell he was singing his heart out, but no vocals on our side. For the first three songs—it was as if his microphone wasn’t even on. So the night was bittersweet for me—some songs I had longed to hear….I heard played, but not sung. Even with the ear plugs out entirely—it was to no avail. Normally I would have moved about the club, but I hated to lose my spot up front because for once, there was little pushing and shoving, and I was enjoying it very much. And I had no idea that there were better sound spots--I've gotten "burned" on that gamble one or twice before. C'est la vie.
Eddie was sporting a new guitar—it was a strikingly beautiful purple, iridescent bullseye (Help me, guitar enthusiasts—it was a Fender, no?) Jay Jay sported a new paint job as well—wonderful art—our Twisted Sister logo a la “You Can’t Stop Rock N’ Roll” surrounded by pink flames. I can always tell when Dee is pissed off—not because I’m psychic, I mean, I’m not the “Dee whisperer”, okay? But it was quite obvious that he was already unhappy about the mic cutting out from the first note. During “Kids Are Back” he dropped on the edge of the stage, and rolled on to his back, singing to us in the front. One photographer decided that was his clue to go in for a close up. Bad idea.
I’ve watched Dee time and time again—he loves the camera. He’ll give you great shots. But don’t stand in front of his face, and block him from the fans, and the fans from him. He shoved the photographer out of the way—and when the poor bastard didn’t get the hint and shoved his camera even further up Dee’s nose, he got a stronger message. “Mr. Cameradouche…. meet Mr. Snider’s elbow.” Knocked his glasses clean off. Priceless. That's Old School, baby.
Another Twisted Sister first—Dee gave the crowd a choice between two songs: “Captain Howdy” or “The Beast.” I voted for “The Beast”, myself, but “Captain Howdy” is always a crowd favorite. When Jay Jay motioned to me that I should get my notepad ready….I knew something good was coming, but I never imagined “Sin After Sin” What a treat! Again, I couldn’t hear the lyrics and I find the bass line so rich—but Eddie’s guitar pretty much drowned it all out from our spot. Quel domage. Animal pounded the hell out of it on “The Fire Still Burns” and “Shoot ‘Em Down”—I mean you could see him slamming it—bass…neck…bass….neck….back forth back forth…--one of these days, I swear that neck is gonna come clean off the damn bass.
When the band played “We’re Gonna Make It” I thought I was gonna cry. It was just fantastic and more than I could have imagined. And as some of you saw, my heart to yours Jay Jay—right back at ya—thank you, thank you THANK YOU for the setlist chock full of goodies. I’ve never heard that song live before, and although Dee was a distant muffle, it was a special moment for me nevertheless.
Next it was time for our “special guests”—the first of which was Bernie Williams, from the New York Yankees, joining the boys onstage for “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” I’m gonna tell you something—if you think that song kicks ass with two guitars, holy crap—wait til you hear it with three! Bernie did a fantastic job playing the Pinkburst alongside our trio—I’m sure someone got a snapshot of the four guitars lined up during the solo. It was raw and heavy.
Our next special guest was someone who has graced the conversations of the Slamboard once before—Rabbi Darby Leigh—deaf since birth—found inspiration and wisdom within the lyrics of Twisted Sister. He even quoted “Tear It Loose” during a sermon! I’ll be honest, most of my rabbi’s sermons start with “Good afternoon…” and end with “ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzz ZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzz” My Dad used to fall asleep before the third sentence—I can guarantee you that no one falls asleep at Rabbi Darby’s service! An amazing, inspirational story—a very passionate, fascinating man. A rock n' roll rabbi....how cool is that?
He joined Twisted onstage and signed “The Price” {I saw him off-stage signing the words to “Tear It Loose” by the way—totally awesome!} It was incredibly moving to see a man so enraptured....in tune with the beat, so in touch with the words and the meaning behind them. Many of us get misty-eyed during “The Price”, a song that has lifted our own spirits during our darkest hours. While Jay Jay described the deaf rabbi signing TS as a “Spinal Tap moment”, it was quite an emotional experience for many of us. The hankies came out. And for the record, it was no more a spinal tap moment than playing a hotel lobby in monster makeup….or playing to 300 fans at a Six Flags amphitheater. It’s all good, it really is.
A.J. did his medley drum solo with the red laser sticks…..just as he did in South America. In fact, I have the OFFICIAL A.J. Pero drum solo “set list” from the sound of thunder himself—and we’ll just to have a little contest to see if any of you SMFs can name all of the songs in the medley. We’ll come up with a prize or something.
You know... what completely amazes me, is that after all of these shows, there are people who still seem to think that they can just sit their butts in the seats without Dee noticing. The band played and they stood up....then they sat back down....then they got up.....then back down. Dee compared it to being in church: “Turn to page 75 in your hymn books….All Rise for ‘Burn In Hell’…..” He yelled at the back row in the balcony “All you people sitting down….You’d better be in wheelchairs…I’ll 86 you fuckers…” And so for “I Wanna Rock” we had the crowd on their feet at last. Followed with: “You may be seated…..”
“Tear it Loose” was another big treat for me and the many fans who had not heard it live in years! I don’t recall ever hearing it played on the reunion tour before, and just to make the moment extra special, Mark, Eddie and Jay all played pinkburst guitars—a poignant reminder of what the evening festivities were all about.
Unlike previous shows, they didn’t do the encores in their typical manner, but this was no ordinary show—no matter, we still had band introductions and plenty of thank you’s to be had. Jay Jay thanked the wonderful staff at the Best Buy theatre, as well as the ever hard-working road crew, Danny Stanton (manager extraordinaire), and the French family who has supported him during the three years he has toiled tirelessly on the Pinkburst project.
He thanked his fellow members for their support of the project as Dee danced behind and around him while giving the special middle-bird salute, grabbing the mike to say “We didn’t do it for you [Jay] we did it for Sam!” A tremendous show for a very special cause. For me, it was bittersweet—one of the best setlists I’ve seen in a long, long time—great crowd, great view but for our section, just a bum deal as sound goes, but quite frankly, this night was all about raising money and awareness to help find a cure for Uveitis.
They brought down the house with S.M.F. (and now we know the sign language for “mutha fucka”) A fantastic set, an amazing cause and a few lucky fans went home with signed guitars (including Les Paul’s autograph—wow!) from the raffle—I still can’t believe I was ONE ticket off from winning it! We loaded up on charity tee-shirts and headed off to Junior’s for post-show carbs and cheesecake. Special Armadillo shout out to Donna from Connecticut (DCT) and the front row girls, BIGTSFAN and his chaperone (with my apologies for my horrific massacre of the French language), Ron and his lovely wife, [my apologies—I forgot to text you auction info—I remembered on the plane on the way home!} SMF Cyndi, Metal Mad Lady & her main squeeze , Metal NY, Big Mike and the other Big Mike, Jaysin, Charlie, Marty, UK Paul and his wife, sonfaMitch and any of the slamboard folks I'm sure I'm leaving out--a pleasure to meet you all--of course, all of the fantastic crew….and most of all, Funtazia Dave for providing excellent company and conversation the whole weekend, and of course, George—THANK YOU many times over for your very generous gesture—the cheesecake was divine. Next one's on me.
In fact, Funtazia Dave and I may have found the ultimate post-TS hangover cure: bottle of water, a dark room and leftover cheesecake. We then fought the post-show letdown blues, and boarded a train the next morning. Off we went to the auction at Skinner’s in Boston…..stay tuned for The Armadillo Road Report Boston Edition….
until Part II my babies.....
Armadillo, trotting off to get some precious sleep
Edited by Armadillo 2011-05-02 1:17 AM
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Nearly A Band Member
Posts: 307
Location: Newcastle UK | I can now sleep as the Unofficial OFFICIAL Armadillo Report has landed.
Great job, shame about the sound for you but better that you still enjoyed the night. Dave is a great guy and comes as no surprise that you enjoyed his company, I just wish that I could have made it over. I did log online to the auction and heard most of it although it did break up in parts. Jay Jay seemed to have a great time. I did bid on one item but it wasn't to be, I am gutted but could not do much due to a BIG trip booked down under at the end of the year. I look forward to the auction road report.
As always, your report is witty, detailed and gives a great feel for the night for those that did not make it.
Job well done, A +
Richard UK SMF |
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Full-On SMF
Posts: 79
Location: Warwickshire, England | Just got back to the good old UK after 3 days in NY, primarily to see TS on the 29th. A spot-on report Armadillo, the highlights for me were Tear it Loose and Sin after Sin, totally unexpected and a real treat to hear again live. It was good to meet with Armadillo, SMF Syndi and Dave (your TS in lights t shirt was awesome) and to chat to many SMFs at the bar. Hope to see all you guys again somewhere soon. |
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Extreme SMF
Posts: 158
| Sadly...I could not be there...
But the Armadillo Road Report put me right on the front row. Thanks Terry
Still peeing me'self....too funny as usual ( "gastrointestinal serenade"...... you are a sick, sick boy....and I just howled laughing.....) Hope you saved us some cheesecake...
Congrats to JJ on the show/auction. Brilliant stuff.....
See you all on the road at some point.
Evel Az
See you all on the road at some point. |
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Nearly A Band Member
Posts: 1321
Location: on a Twisted planet | Terry Armadillo..... couldn't be there... but you just brought the concert and the whole Uveitis happenning in front of me here in my home... THANK YOU, thanks to the Boyz and to all the guests, and thanks to JAY JAY and his beautiful daughter for this.... I sure hope they will make some changes in learning more about curing this desease.
Can't wait for July, gonna see 2 TS shows... :D |
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Location: Rocking In The Florida Dark ! | Great report Terry, Ive only been to this venue once , interesting to me cause I love and am into the PA stuff .Build them as a side line. To me the cieling system ( if they are still using that) doesnt really get it for me to begin with, to me while aiming may not play as important a part , balencing certainly does. Its interesting with Five stacks of Marshalls hearing Jay jay would be a problem. You would figure the stage monitors or crew on the floor would tip him off, or the board opperator if vocals were a issue. Its interesting cause years and years ago Eddie ( guitar amp speaking ) often was somewhat louder which seemed weird as Jay jay was just so awesome in so many of the lead parts he did then.
Well all aside thanks for the great report , sorry I had to miss that one but I hope to catch one ASAP .
Edited by Jim Hudson 2011-05-02 8:35 PM
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Road Reporter
Posts: 1729
Location: Baltimore, MD | Jim Hudson - 2011-05-02 8:29 PM
Great report Terry, Ive only been to this venue once , interesting to me cause I love and am into the PA stuff .Build them as a side line. To me the cieling system ( if they are still using that) doesnt really get it for me to begin with, to me while aiming may not play as important a part , balencing certainly does. Its interesting with Five stacks of Marshalls hearing Jay jay would be a problem. You would figure the stage monitors or crew on the floor would tip him off. Its interesting cause years and years ago Eddie often was somewhat louder which seemed weird as Jay jay was just so awesome in so many of the lead parts he did then.
Well all aside thanks for the great report , sorry I had to miss that one but I hope to catch one ASAP .
Thanks Jim. It just may have been I was too close to the monitors, and since I was in front of Eddie, most of what I heard was him. The youtube videos actual sound better than where I was.... and again, many reports from other fans indicated that the sound was absolutely excellent where they were. Just a bad run of luck for me, but still a great show and I loved being up front.
Edited by Armadillo 2011-05-02 8:36 PM
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Nearly A Band Member
Posts: 446
| I agree with the bad sound, when Jay Jay did a solo i could not hear it...
there was fan from Brazil!?!?! so COOL!!!
i saw jay jay in front of the venue sometime before they open the door, he was talking with a fan on weelchair. I don't talked to him but i wanted...
D'ont wanted to bother him while he was talking with another fan..
Dee Snider saw my Quebec flag and was like QUEBEC  |
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Road Reporter
Posts: 1729
Location: Baltimore, MD | BIGTSFAN - 2011-05-02 8:54 PM
I agree with the bad sound, when Jay Jay did a solo i could not hear it...
there was fan from Brazil!?!?! so COOL!!!
i saw jay jay in front of the venue sometime before they open the door, he was talking with a fan on weelchair. I don't talked to him but i wanted...
D'ont wanted to bother him while he was talking with another fan..
Dee Snider saw my Quebec flag and was like QUEBEC
Yes, apparently that gentleman in the chair knew and worked with Jay Jay back in the early 70's. And yes! forgot to mention that Dee did give you the thumbs up on your Quebec flag! well done! |
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Nearly A Band Member
Posts: 717
Location: Chicago | Another great report as usual Terry! Great to see you again! Hopefully the boys will be able to squeeze in another show or 2 state side so we can catch up again. Sorry the sound was a bit off for you up front. That's normally where I would be but hung back a little bit as I had a friend with me this time around that didn't want to go up front. I was still only about 15 feet or so back so still not too far from the stage. Sound was pretty rough for the first 3 songs but they seemed to get it together after that and then everything sounded great for the rest of the night. "Sin After Sin" blew me away! And "Tear It Lose" was a major treat!!! That's the first time I've seen them play either of those live. And I haven't seen them play "We're Gonna Make It" since '84 so needless to say, those 3 songs were the big highlight of the night for me. Rabbi Darby joining them for "The Price" was almost too cool for words as well. I really hope someone posts the entire introduction for that song on youtube. It was priceless!!! Anyway, it was another great show. What else did we expect? LOL!!! |
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Elite SMF
Posts: 214
Location: Da Bronx | Yes, it was high energy- unbelievable. The fans in Europe are in for it- they totally kicked my ass. I got there late and somehow managed to get my usual spot at the Nokia- on the side up against the rail. I have been to shows there- Motorhead, Ace Frehley, etc. and NEVER did I lose control like I did that night. I banged my head- and my whole body against that rail and I have the bruises to prove it. I can't believe Dee Snider had knee surgery- he rocked so hard. The whole band did. The sound was fine for me. It's nice to leave a show and not be deaf. Overall, AMAZING show. And a good cause... Thanx for rocking me! |
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Nearly A Band Member
Posts: 513
Location: New Fuckin Yawk | Terry,
Although I was at the show, reading your report just gave me goosebumps...lol If I blinked and missed something at the show, I was caught up with your report. And yes oh yes, what an amazing setlist even though the sound wasn't the greatest. I was amazed they played Sin After Sin and Tear It Loose........2 tunes I haven't heard in YEARS.
Great job Dee, MAM, Jay, AJ, Eddie..........you guys are the best! And a special thanks to the Godfather himself, Danny Stanton for getting this show for us SMFs to see.
And finally, it was awesome seeing everyone there! |
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Nearly A Band Member
Posts: 2072
| What a great night Friday night was. It was nice meeting some of the members of the board in various places before, during and after the show. Sorry i missed the group at the deli. I'm glad Donna came over and said hello during dinner, it was wonderful seeing her and the front row ladies. It was nice to talk to Cyndi and Terry a few minutes while we waited to see if we won a guitar, sadly no. Then it was a blast meeting so many SMF's at Junior's after the show. Glad you enjoyed the cheesecake that night and the next morning.  I wanted to come back and introduce my friends after we finished eating, but realized a little to late i had missed the last train/bus home that night. Needless to say it was a long and expensive ride home.
Terry your reviews are always enjoyable to read, even if you attended the show.
Hope we can do it again soon. This time I'll make sure i bring the bus schedule with me. |
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Road Reporter
Posts: 1729
Location: Baltimore, MD | Anyone wants to take a crack at the A.J. Pero drum solo setlist?
He dictated me his "setlist" from Brazil and Argentina--I think it is similar...but shorter...to what he did in NYC.
I swear, if anyone can name all 11 songs or even the artists.... I will convince A.J. to come up with a prize...I mean, really. It's almost IMPOSSIBLE unless you are a drummer.....
But fun to try....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47apOqg1PUM
His medley starts at marker 07:20 and one hint: you can hear Mark playing the bass in the background to some of the songs.
I'll have to find NYC's drum setlist and compare it. I believe it was a little shorter |
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Road Reporter
Posts: 1729
Location: Baltimore, MD | George - 2011-05-04 8:50 PM
What a great night Friday night was. It was nice meeting some of the members of the board in various places before, during and after the show. Sorry i missed the group at the deli. I'm glad Donna came over and said hello during dinner, it was wonderful seeing her and the front row ladies. It was nice to talk to Cyndi and Terry a few minutes while we waited to see if we won a guitar, sadly no. Then it was a blast meeting so many SMF's at Junior's after the show. Glad you enjoyed the cheesecake that night and the next morning. I wanted to come back and introduce my friends after we finished eating, but realized a little to late i had missed the last train/bus home that night. Needless to say it was a long and expensive ride home.
Terry your reviews are always enjoyable to read, even if you attended the show.
Hope we can do it again soon. This time I'll make sure i bring the bus schedule with me.
Next time you miss your bus, you come and find me...or text me, my friend..... we'll work something out. (if you can tolerate the snoring) |
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The Official Armadillo Road Report: Best Buy NYC 4/29/11
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