Thanks to X96 I was declared the coolest mom. We won VIP passes for the” A Day To Remember” acoustic performance on September 12 at The Great Saltair.
I already purchased regular tickets as a birthday gift for my 13 year old daughter. The VIP performance was just the icing on the cake. And, let me just say that I didn’t enjoy myself at this particular concert. But this may be a “Mom” thing.
It’s certainly not the radio station’s faults. Anthony and Jon from X96 were super nice to us and ensured that we got our picture with the group and that we were among the first ones in the venue.
Event Staff was Rude
The same cannot be said of the people who worked this event. I am going to about 6-7 concerts a year, if not more. And, I can say with absolute certainty that I don’t remember ever being treated like that. In order to gain back stage access the radio station requested us there by 3:45 pm. The doors for the actually concert supposed to be open at 6 pm.
There were quite a few fans at the location already. The event attendant shouted and screamed at the fans constantly. They either wanted us to move the cars or get closer in line. Nothing was done with kindness.
This guy wouldn’t have a job if it wasn’t for the fans. I think he could practice to be a bit nicer. Due to the floods and unforeseen circumstances in Colorado the bands were three hours late which postponed the whole event. The restrooms were closed at 4:15 pm . Around 6 pm while still waiting in line I kindly asked to use the restroom. My request was denied with rudeness. Heck, they even made the radio station which was actively promoting this event move their vehicle.
My suggestions to the great Saltair is to replace the Event Staff with Volunteers. Because, the fans shouldn’t be treated like that especially when they paid 36 bucks to get in -no matter their age. I also suggest using portable restrooms and outside vendors. I was starving by the time they allowed us to enter the venue.
The scenery, however, around the Great Saltair is absolute gorgeous. Take a look right here.
Acoustic Performance by A Day To Remember
Contrary to my original belief the lead “screamer” from “A Day To Remember” Jeremy McKinnon can actually sing. It’s too bad that he doesn’t do it more often. I was impressed by his raspy voice, clean vocals and great attitude. His answers to the foreseeable questions by the audience seemed rehearsed and predictable. Those answers weren’t wrong per se but pretty boring. They told the kids pretty much that the secrets to their success are hard work, skills and determination. I suppose this is a good thing. Band Member Neil Westfall attempted to lighten up the Q&A session a couple of times. After their performance, a picture was taken from us with the band for the radio station. You can see our picture right here. When Neil heard that it was Abigail’s Birthday he gave her a guitar pic, which was awful nice of him.
The House Party Tour Put Me to Sleep
Then we waited again for an hour and finally the concert started. For most of the night I was leaning against the wall next to a door. Constant screams by all four bands have the vacuum cleaner effect on me. It puts me to sleep. I used vacuum cleaners a lot when my kids were young. LOL Occasionally I got up and peaked at the groups just to remind me that I actually saw them.
Summary of each performance in one Sentence
Admitting the group “The Wonder Years” performed with great passion, great smile and great attitude. Ever since Alex Gaskarth from the punk band “All Time Low” didn’t take himself too serious at Warp Tour 2012 I have a soft spot for him. He almost can’t do nothing wrong in my eyes. And, last week All Time Low showed once again great fan interactions, humor and energy. “Pierce the Veil “was the draw band for my kids and they liked them a lot. Since there are played in my house a lot I even recognized a few of their songs. “A Day To Remember” seemed to enjoy themselves a lot. They couldn’t stop playing and played a song after another at their Encore. The fans certainly liked when Jeremy McKinnon was in the ball above their heads. Please see picture.
Last Words to Fans and Parents
Parents, if your teens like rock music. They most likely got it from you. You know what is going on that type of concert. They mosh! They lose things. Their noses bleed. And, the bands don’t stop it and encourage it in a way. No, it’s not particular safe for your children to attend those types of concerts. But you have been there and survived it. So will your kids. I prefer to be with them so I can check on them in case something happens. Both of my kids were safe at this event and I was glad to be there.
Fans, I have been there and done that. At this time, it bores me. If you are going to mosh and attempt crowd surfing please make sure your shoes are tight on your shoes. Your cell phones, credit cards and money is packed away safely and help each other out a little bit.
I talked to a couple of crying and hurt fans at this event. All I could say was: “I am sorry”.
I am convinced that you can have fun without those mosh pits and crowd surfing. I am, however, encouraged that the Bands at this event kept telling the kids to be careful and to pick each other up.
