OK, so VIP in Corpus.... here is how it went down:
Got email day before show saying to be there at 3:45. Was there plenty early. They didn't have any of the VIP gear at the gate, so we had to wait for that almost right up until when it was time to go met them. They took us inside the gates to a side stage waiting area (still outside). We ended up still waiting for about what seemed like 30 mins.
Ok, I'll pause there for a second. We're outside. Still. SOUTH TEXAS kind of outside. In the sun. The band shows up (their tables are conveniently in the shade, so we were all happy to have them finally show up.) about 30 people in line, so basically, we pass by the table like cattle off to the slaughterhouse...get something signed, a handshake, yadda yadda yadda..rush rush rush.. Then they stand and herd us through the cattle line again for a QUICK PIC. Seriously, the photographer doesn't really give you a lot of time. And then WHOOOSH, we're off back to the gate. Shannon, Robbie, and Tony were having a lot of fun, and seemed to enjoy us being there. Sully seemed like he wasn't having TONS of fun, but we wan't exactly being a douche, either. So, I'd call it indifferent, maybe? I dunno. But it's all good..
Now about the line thing...Before we went in, I asked the gatekeepers (that's what I call them) if we stay in the venue, or get shoved back out here, and she said we come back out, and maybe they'll let us in toward the front. After me and a few buddies do a little sweet talking, she seemed to sympathize with the fact that we paid A LOT of cash for VIP, and they had a separate gate for VIP that did open just for us, but at the same time as the others, so it was cool I guess. I was 2nd in line, so I got the spot I always get (front row, against the rail, just left of center stage.)
Man Made Machine put on a good showing.
Halestorm absolutely ROCKED the place (and I got Lizzy's pick, so it's a good day.)
Staind. Oh Staind. It was cool to finally see them, but I have to say this. Good Show. I know Aaron Lewis is one of the greatest voices of this generation. I was also born and raised in South Texas, and I can honestly say I don't think I've ever seen anyone as stoned as he was. He had to have something going on, I don't know what it is, so I can only speculate. His voice still sounded amazing, so I guess it's all good, haha. Good Show though.
Godsmack.......Eh. It was awesome to see them again. No Pyros, no Video screens. Just an ol' time ROCK AND F'N ROLL SHOW. They were ok, I would suspect this is not the best venue for sound, cause it seemed a little off as well. They put on a decent show, and the drum battle was awesome. They had NO ENCORE, which was strange. The last time I saw a show with no encore was 1982 when my parents took me to see Charley Pride. (Did I just say that out loud? Damn.)
So, overall I would call the entire experience, eh Mediocre. It wasn't the best show I've been too, but got to see a good overall lineup.
As far as the VIP experience goes. I don't know that I'll PURCHASE another. the phrase "meet and greet" would seem to invoke some sort of conversation taking place, not a quick comment through a cattle line, but maybe it's just me. I'm not saying it's a bad experience, cause you do get to be in the same room (excuse me, AREA) as them, and have them sign something. But I don't see how the whole price is worth it. Just my opinion. I suppose it's up to how much you're willing to spend to quickly say HI to someone and have them sign something. (when I won true Meet and Greet passes to meet Bret Michaels, he spent about 30 minutes with all of us (only about 10 people, and hung out and had some drinks (Coke for him) with us...to me, that's a meet and greet. Again, just my opinion.)
But, at least I have a nice poster that's signed by the band that I can frame and put on my wall with all my other swag.....and a few decent pictures from the day.
So, there it is. Not the best, but not bad either......hope this helps. Feel free to message me with any questions....
ROCK ON!!
