This show was historically important for a few reasons. First off, it was my first trip to San Francisco, the greatest place in the world. (Yeah, I know, SF is far from perfect, but it's a hell of a lot better than Michigan). More significantly, it was a groundbreaking moment between my parents and I. My parents actually allowed me to go all the way to San Francisco to see MTX! Sure it took lots of crying, screaming, and general tantrum throwing on my part, but I finally convinced my mom to take me to see MTX in SF. Actually, after all that she didn't even agree, but she told me if I could get tickets under $200 (why the price mattered to her, I don't know, 'cause I was paying) that she would take me. This was her way of appeasing me while still maintaining confidence that she wouldn't have to go (after all, who sells plane tickets to SF for under $200). Fortunately for all involved, I found us plane tickets for $140 so I was able to attend the show. The last, yet most important, significance of this show was that it was when I was first dubbed MTX's "most dedicated fan." Yay!!!So, I got to the show way before doors opened, because I couldn't contain my excitement any longer. I got to the club and peered into the front window, but I couldn't see anyone. I was the first person there and the street was totally deserted. I waited there for a few more minutes, but then Joel saw me and came and opened the door for me. I hadn't told them I was coming, so the were all pleasantly (I hope) surprised at my arrival.
It was cool, the club manager guy was handing out backstage wristbands to the band, and Frank asked for one for me! (Sure it's a stupid little thing...but it was still neat). Frank also gave me a comb that night, which I still think are the cutest merch item they have. (In case you haven't seen them, the combs say, "DO YOUR PART FOR THE MR. T EXPERIENCE"...hehe...)
Also performing that night were the Donnas and the incredible Hi-Fives. All three of the bands were unbelievable. Seeing two of my three favorite bands perform together was absolutely awesome. I had so much fun that night. Besides the normal excitement of seeing MTX, I got to act all cool and go into the backstage area and stuff. (The club it was at, Slim's, has a *real* backstage, with dressing rooms and everything.) Another exciting thing that happened that night was that I got to meet Joel's parents and his sister Nicole, all of whom are super nice.
After the show was over I loitered around for a while. I needed to call a cab, but the number we called for the cab wasn't working or something, I don't remember for sure. Anyway, I had never hailed a cab before, so one of Nicole's friends (whose name I don't remember) came outside with me to hail me a cab and protect me from the mean streets of San Francisco. He even held the cab for me so that I could run inside and say goodbye to everyone. It was a phenominal show, and I arrived at the hotel the happiest kid in the world.