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The Heat is On!!!

As I approached another birthday, the thoughts of growing older with added responsibility were washed away by the sweat and grit of this year’s amazing Family Values Tour. When the day started, the outlook was gloomy. I had no tickets, and all that was left for general sale were the seats in the grass. And, well, in this case – I pass on grass. But being the lucky birthday boy, Flyleaf’s management rang and they were able to pull some tickets for me. They wanted me to grab a few photo ops to run along with their interview next week.

We arrived at the venue around 3pm, to sweat it out in what felt like 100 degree heat. The venue was cluttered with ladies in bikinis, and fellas rockin demin shorts and black t-shirts. After checking out the scene, I called Flyleaf’s tour manager to let him know I had arrived. I was immediately ushered to the back stage area to get an introduction to the group during a local radio station meet-and-greet.

While waiting for the band to get there, I was able to talk with Mike O from 98 Rock, out of Tampa. We chatted about the events and what they had going on for the day. The vibe from the crowd outside the security gate was pure anxiety as they to meet their favorite group.

Moments later, Flyleaf arrived, minus one member, and the fans came into meet the group. The band took time to sign everyone’s picture, and take photographs with the fans. It was at this time we were supposed to snap a few group pictures, but we were told to come back at 5:10 p.m. before they took to the stage. We did meet the members of the group, and they seemed excited about the interview.

At this time Mike from 98 Rock asked if we wanted to join their contest winner, Chubs, playing Madden ’08 with the group Atreyu on their tour bus. Not being ones to let such an opportunity pass by, we made our way over to Atreyu’s bus led by their right-hand-man, Scott.

Soon as we hopped on board, Mark and Travis from Atreyu were there to greet us. Wasn’t long before Chubs and Mark started in on the Madden war with Mark and Travis alternating throughout the game. At this point, Dan came on the bus, and started talking to us about everything from beer bongs, to how they spend their time from city to city. Shortly after, we all took a shot of our good friend Mr. Daniels, and was time for us to meet back up with Flyleaf.

We head back to where we were supposed to meet the group, and were told to wait again. Chubs came back from the bus, told us of his victory over the guys by 10 points (we think they let him win).

While chatting about Madden, Fieldy walks by, and we get a chance to talk with him for a minute, and check out his brand new tatt on his arm. Security got a little jumpy since we didn’t have passes, and told us we would have to wait outside the gate for our escort.

We had a doomed feeling in the pit of our stomach as we hear Flyleaf start performing. Like a music miracle, Flyleaf’s tour manager texts me asking where I am located in the venue and he comes to get us, and brings on stage to get picture of them live performing. Once again, we didn’t expect to get this treatment, but we were more then happy to take it. Exclusive pics, from on stage, who could ask for more?

The band had an awesome set, performing all of their top hits, and moving the crowd so much, you could see tears in some fans eyes. During the whole set, Lacey made sure to throw water out to the crowd, and keep them moving.

Atreyu took the stage next, and since we were just hanging out with them, they let us stay on stage to watch their performance as well. The band continued the build-up that Flyleaf started, and ran with it. They surprised the crowd with a new song from their new album Lead Sails Paper Anchor being released August 28.

After their set, it was time for us to leave the stage as the headliners came on, and head out to promote our Get In site. We met a lot of cool fans, made many new friends, and spent time with our new and current friends.

When Korn hit the stage, everyone was off to their seats. As soon as Korn’s intro came on, track one of their most recent EP Untitled the crowd erupted, and everyone left their seats. They lead off with their hit song “Here to Stay,” and kept dishing out hit after hit.

Jonathan went into the hit “Faget” from their debut CD for the old school fans. Three songs later, and the stage went black, everyone thought the show was over, and started to leave. All of a sudden though, the band rushes the stage, and breaks out with “Twisted Transistor.” They play two more songs, then end the night off with “Blind,” once again making the crowd go crazy.

It was an awesome show, and a night to remember. Meeting all the people we did, and being graced with the opportunity to sit on stage for both Flyleaf and Atreyu’s performances. We can’t wait for a show like this to happen again.

Check back next week for the interview with Flyleaf, and next month we will be bringing you an interview with Atreyu. Check back often!

By. Drew Zambrano

Drew@getinmagazine.com