Sweat Runnin', Good Times A'Comin
 

As the sweltering Florida heat rises, so do expectations on this Friday morning. Tampa is ready to rock on as the Honda Civic tour arrives in our backyard. Five bands at one venue prepped for an awesome show. Here is the tale of how our date with punk band destiny went down.

Early that fateful Friday morn of June 15, we get word that +44 will be having a meet and greet at the Best Buy in Brandon, Fl. at 5 p.m. I call the staff, let them know it’s go time, and that Mike is the lucky writer coming along for the ride. We get to the electronic mecca around 4 p.m. and about 50 people have collected into a line outside the store. I send Mike to pace with the rest of the eager fans, while I dodge inside to try to get a little preview and survey the set up. Not getting any story filler there, I head back outside to wait in the heat with the other cattle for the +44 supper bell.

During the hour wait, we begin to chat-up some of the many interesting people also waiting in line. Passerby's not in the know question why we are all waiting with baited breath outside a Best Buy. The faithful fans brought guitars, drum heads, drum sticks, pictures and many other things to get some Sharpie action from the guys. Just minutes before 5, I spy a vehicle I suspect is their travel car due to the midnight tint on the windows.

Wouldn’t you know, I was right. Shortly after the car’s arrival, +44’s bodyguard laid down the rules of the show to the eager crowd. Each person could get one autograph, and no pictures were allowed once inside the “signing area.”

While the line started trickling into the store, Travis Barker’s assistant, “Lil’ Chris,” walked down the line appeasing the group with Famous Stars and Straps stickers and badges. Barker took this as a perfect opportunity for a little cross promotion since he is the Famous owner.

 

Once we were in the store, the punk rock icons sat before us. Knowing I could only get one autograph scared me. I faced a moral dilemma that would be a challenge for any true music lover. I wanted a drum head signed by the band for my personal 'Wall of Fame' collection, and one for you, the viewers of this site. Do I act selflessly and do for you? But that drum head would look so great signed and on the 'Wall.' The first member of the band on the line was Mr. Barker. I explained my quandary to him as he and Mark Hoppus gave me their full attention. They kindly said “No problem,” and sent their markers swirling over my drum head and the CD cover. Around 5:30 it was time for the guys to move on to the show.

Mike and myself quickly hopped in our rides while the rest of the fanatics chased the guys through Best Buy. We knew we needed to get out of there and get to the venue, since Cobra Starship was the first band to hit the stage. And being as lucky and lovely as we are, we were granted an interview with the band just a few days prior (Bitten By Fangs). Since they were kind to us, we were excited to throw them our applause and show our support.

 

We heard the band starting their first song as we entered the venue. Hearing their sound emit from the stage drew me in faster then one could imagine. Once I reached the stage, relief seized me as my expectations were exceeded. The lyrics, the music and the dance moves were ones that only Cobra Starship could pull off. The crowd was a sea of “Cobra Fangs” saluting the band. After they were done, they announced the band would be signing autographs at the main gate. Immediately, a dash of young girls and boys blitzed the "signing" area.

Paul Wall was next to hit the stage. He was able to keep the crowd alive, and continued the energy that Cobra Starship started. After finishing his set, they announced that he would follow Cobra Starship in the autograph area. The pattern continued with The Academy Is… hitting the stage. Fans were singing every song, gleaming with joy from the venue floor, followed by a mad dash to the autograph table after their set.

 

At this point, the only remaining acts were +44, and headliner Fall Out Boy. The crowd began to thicken, and more people began to take their seats. The stage is ready, and the crew finally pulls across the +44 banner, with the entire venue erupting in applause. Minutes later, the guys from +44 take the stage. They start off with their lead track, from their debut album 'When Your Heart Stops Beatin,' Lycanthrope. The crowd is jumping in tandem, as though a heartbeat has taken over the crowd completely. They played many hits, including, “Make You Smile,” borrowing the skills of Cobra Starship member, Victoria Asher, for the number. Much to the surprise and enjoyment of the audience, the band also broke out with “The Rock Show,” from Barker and Hoppus’ Blink 182 days.

 

After +44 exited the stage, one band remained. Ramps were in place, coverings tightened, band equipment put up, and a huge video screen set at the back of the stage. Screens located on the side of the stage started playing video. The images were a montage of things going on with the band, and in the world today. With a sudden BANG! Flames burst, and the band comes flying up onto stage from below. The crowd goes crazy, and we went from 15-feet in front of the stage, to 5-feet instantly. The band plays many songs from their recent CD, Infinity on High, and several hits from their last album, From Under the Cork Tree. During one song, Gabe Saporta, from Cobra Starship hits the stage to help out on a song with the guys. At the end of the night, fans stroll out the doors, stages get broken down and the bands get going to the next city.

During the day we were able to secure several items that we are giving away to you, our friends and fans. The first prize is a +44 autographed CD and the Famous Stars and Straps giveaway from the meet and greet. Another prize is a Paul Wall autographed flyer. We are hoping to get a few other items to be able to give out, so make sure to head over to the message boards contest section to know what's going on.

By. Drew Zambrano & Lori Bartlett
Drew@getinmagazine.com
Lori@getinmagazine.com