by kelliDespairFaction on 10/25/13Theatre of Living Arts - PhiladelphiaRating: 5 out of 5 One of the best shows I've ever been to. And I do not say that lightly.....AFI has given me some memorable concerts! The energy was crazy intense, Songs that I have heard hundreds of times, just kind of hit me, and I got so emotional....and it was just awesome. Also, my 1st time in Philly!
The crowd was brilliant! I was so proud! Less crowd surfing then I had expected (always a good thing), there was actual moshing, which it much more awesome. But when there were surfers, I was able to move from my spot on the barricade a bit to help deflect kicks off my new concert friends, and not get muscled out of my place - and that is a rare thing. usually it's a constant battle (...that I never loose...but still!). It was like being surrounded by concert family, hardcore fans there to have a great time. We got a 2nd encore, and I could tell the guys on stage were feeling the same vibe the crowd was.
Got to meet Adam and Hunter outside after the show, they chatted with us fans. Jade hurried onto the bus (he's adorable and shy, and super awesome, so no complaints), but I was super excited that Davey stood on the steps of the bus and let us get signatures. he's a sweetheart, even though i'm sure I've sounded like a mentally challenged fangirl every time I've gotten blessed enough to meet him.
The opening bands were really good. I could hear their vocals really well (which is a problem in some venues).
the TLA is a pretty cool place. didn't see much of the staff during the day, but later on they were all good. They do have an express pass...or VIP thing, you pay $10 to get a ticket that lets you in 1st (and a free bottle of water!) I was the 2nd person in line (6:30am!), so me and all my awesome new concert friends were getting the ticket before the venue guy had finished explaining - because duh. But the fact that they have something that will allow people just showing up to cut in front of everyone who has been there since the morning (if we didn't get the cheat ticket)......a bit of a dick more TLA. but congrats of getting an extra $10 from all of us. But I'm very grateful to the nice guy came out to tell us about it, and let us keep our line intact. And after the show I was one of the few of my friends who remembered to get my free water from concession.
Also, apparently there is no lining up on South Street? The reason was never explained. Around 12 we were told about lining up in the alley down the street....but they left us alone (lined up) in front of the venue until around 4:30, and then they had us all move to the alley. being away from the venue is so majorly stressful. people could start new lines outside the doors, what if there is confusion, what if people are getting let in before us....ugh stress. no worries, everything worked out fine...but still. Closer to when doors open they split up the lines into the fast pass and the other folk. Then they led us down the street back to TLA.
I parked at a garage like a block from the TLA right off south street. There is a pizza/steak place...?... who's owner came out and told us we could use their bathroom any time, and could warm up from the cold and rain. that was majorly nice, even if he was just hoping to sell us foodstuffs.
So, other than making us line up in an alley and that $10 line cheating ticket, the TLA is a great place that I really hope AFI plays there again.