| Junko thought fast and had a photo taken of the three of us. I love it! I forget who took the shot, but whoever you are – muchas gracias!!!! |  |
Woodlands Pavilion
Houston, TX
June 4, 2004
Thank you sir, may I please have another?
CT’s sets are short on this tour but my reviews are getting longer. How does THAT happen?!
More babbling. For those with too much time on their hands, carry on. For the Reader’s Digest version – use the links below:
This trip began with the arrival of the one and only Junko in Midland. Apparently my offer to drive her to Houston via the Hard Rock Cafe in San Antonio was too good an offer to pass up.
Yes, I’m a HRC addict enabler! LOL
Anyway, it was great to have our friend as a guest in our home, if only for a little while!
Before we left the next morning, Junko commented that Zach’s bedroom is larger than her living room at home! Doh!
Stupid me, I goofed and left an important phone number at work the day before (more on that later), so we had to stop by TOMCAT on our way out of town. DOH! Oh well. The nice thing was that many of my office mates got to meet the famous Junko!
Armed with the iPod (and all the appropriate auto accoutrements), we had plenty of CT tunes for the 8 hour drive. We’d need them – especially early on. Words failed me as I attempted to explain the barren West Texas environment. LOL! We don’t have trees, but we’ve got plenty of pump jacks and yucca plants! Yee haw!
Unfortunately, we were talking so much that I forgot to fill ‘er up in Big Lake. This didn’t dawn on me until we were about 20 miles south of that town and the gas light came on. Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!
How do you say "out of gas" or "hitchhike" in Japanese?!
"Junko, this is how we flag down another car in America."
We were out in the middle of nowhere, y’all. Oh the irony. Running out of gas in the middle of "oil country."
It seems the gas gods were on our side – we made it to the next town with a few fumes to spare. Never thought I’d be so happy to pull in to Ozona, Texas!
As promised, as we headed east the scenery got prettier. Ahhhh! Hill Country!
Junko got to experience a mainstay of road trips in the US – a rest area! Yes, nothin’ but the best for my guest! ;)
Knowing her proclivity for onion rings, I decided we should grab lunch at Sonic Drive-In. I thought this was the perfect choice – good fast food that we could nosh before arriving at the SA HRC.
Of course this would be the one time when... The. Food. Took. For. E. Ver!!!!!!!!! Wah! 25 minutes later, we were back on the road… Little did I know how much we’d miss those minutes later on!
Our stop in San Antonio took less time. LOL! The HRC is right there on SA’s famous River Walk – so at least Junko got to see a bit of that before we hit the road again.
We still had 180 miles ahead of us. Naive, small town resident that I am, I thought this left plenty of time to get to the venue….
Until we hit the traffic backlog in Houston.
AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
I’m afraid I drove like the a$$holes I usually curse on the road. Junko and I stole anxious glances of the clock as the minutes ticked by much faster than the miles.
As with our gas crisis, luck was on our side. We rolled into the parking lot at 6:02 PM and sprinted (well, as much as you can sprint in flip flops) to the will call window.
Running past semis and tour busses I had visions of techies and band members pointing at the dumbass (me) and laughing… DOH!
Breathless and near hyperventilation, we reached the box office. I spotted Stewart and Heather sporting their backstage passes and confirmed that we’d made it in time.
*Whew!*
After collecting our passes at the ticket office, I flopped down on the sidewalk and attempted to make myself presentable. LOL! The vain actor in me was hurting about then. I’d assumed I’d have time to change out of my travel clothes and primp a bit. Doh!
I’m afraid I swore like a sailor when Stewart and Heather asked what I thought about the power outage in Dallas. LOL!
Brian and Robin Jr. met our group and escorted us to the backstage area. On the way, we were informed that there was filming that night, so if we came across any crews and/or filming of any sort we should just carry on. LOL!
You mean, I shouldn’t get all psycho on Steven Tyler or hump Joe Perry’s leg?! Damn!
KIDDING!
Anyway, we were led to a small room backstage. As we made our way down the hallway, Tom emerged from a dressing room and greeted us, asking how we were.
Of course, I can’t just say "OK" and walk on, I have to tell him about our harrowing drive. LOL
TOM: Why’d you drive
for 8 hrs?!?!
ME: That’s how far it is from Midland.
TOM: Midland?
ME: Yeah.
TOM: You LIVE there?
ME: Ummm… Yeah.
TOM: (really laying it on thick, never losing his
straight face.) Oh my god. WHY?! Midland?! That’s a
TERRIBLE place! Oh my god!
Ahem.
Note to TP: the Midland Convention and Visitors Bureau will contact you soon about becoming their spokeman!
Or perhaps he only associates the Midland area with babies falling into holes (yes, we're home to Baby Jessica) or rabid high school football fans (read Friday Night Lights for a scary peek into our world).
After this hilarious exchange, I excused myself to the green room where Robin Jr. was instructed to hand out photos (to us) and Sharpie markers (to the band members).
That poor kid. He was left alone with us for several minutes. LOL!
Soon we were all in the midst of a full-blown meet ‘n greet. Robin entered the room first, looking a little groggy. LOL Those poor guys – they’d all been on a hellacious schedule. First Dallas, Tampa the next night, then back to Houston!
He patted me on the head as a greeting. LOL! I’ll never wash my hair again! :P
Bun E. saw me and said, "You again?!" LOL Sorry! After complimenting my shirt, he chatted with Junko and me while he looked at the small photo album she’d brought for him that contained shots of the most recent NYE show in Florida. He liked the shot of his kit – noting that it was the only time that autographed drumhead had been used. He assured us that he was feeling well – on doctor’s orders he was eating plenty of bananas and potatoes…
Tom had plopped down on the couch and signed my photo without me having to ask. When I chided him for not asking my permission he replied, "That’s OK. I didn’t sign my own name anyway."
Bwahaha!
I don’t know who gets me tongue tied worse, Rick or Tom.
During this exchange, Steven Tyler popped his head into the room and yelled at Rick. Before taking off, since he was next to the light switch, he pretended to "blow" the light out.
Lordy, that man has as much energy off stage as he does on!
Once again, Rick had plenty of people grouped around him. His face lit up when Junko presented him with "Pocky" – a yummy cookie made in Japan.
Mmmmm…. Pocky….
| Junko thought fast and had a photo taken of the three of us. I love it! I forget who took the shot, but whoever you are – muchas gracias!!!! | |
On that happy note, we wished him a good show and headed back to the Pavilion. On the way out I couldn’t resist the urge to ask him whose ass I needed to kick for their power loss the other night.
He evaded the question. LOL…
Outside, we saw Steven and Joe Perry posing for something. Don’t know if it was related to the taping that night or not.
The Woodland Pavilion reminds me of the Smirnoff Center in Dallas. It’s a similar set up – winding sidewalks, lined with concession stands that wrap around the Pavilion itself. The prices of food and drink were just as outrageous. :P
Remember that phone number I needed? Well, it’s a damn good thing I picked it up! My Houston friend Matt (whom I met through TOMCAT) hooked me up with his friend Paul. He works security at the Pavilion and promised me that he could get Junko and I into the "pit" for CT’s set.
After getting this promise, I involuntarily blurted out, "I LOVE YOU!"
Junko followed suit… "ME TOO!!!"
LMAO!
Paul and a coworker escorted us down front a few moments before CT took the stage at 7:30… Junko and I would enjoy a spot right in the front row, in front of Tom. Woo hoo!
FASHION REPORT
| Bun E | Black jeans and a black t shirt plus the usual bball cap |
| Rick | Maroon suit, some shirt |
| Robin | White pants, white print dress shirt, blue tie, black jacket, the white Bing Crosby hat, shades |
| Tom | White seersucker suit and white shirt |
| Hello There | Lots of energy from all four right out of the gates! Rick handed a pick to Junko. |
| Big Eyes | I don’t care how many times I hear this one, it always gets me going. :) Rick came over and sang "Junko!" then "Lisa!" on the chorus. Later on, I looked over on Rick's side of the stage in time to see a pick coming right at me. I even managed to catch it! Woo hoo! Alert the media. :D |
| IYWML | Rick got a laugh with his Joe Dirt intro – he added that it was on the One on One album when he saw a fan waving it overhead. Junko and I did our arm swaying duty. |
| Pop Drone | Still. Love. The. Song. This has tended to be the song that Rick uses to introduce Tom to the crowd . |
| My Obsession | "This one is another new one, getting airplay all over the world – except Houston, so thank you!" |
| IWYTWM | "I want YOU" <huge cheer> "to want ME!" |
| Dream Police | RZ took off the hat and let his hair down. Thank you! :) During Rick’s bridge, I saw the couple behind us smiling and cheering him on… |
| The Flame | Another fantastic job on vox by Mr. Zander. Rick gave him the usual, glowing intro and Robin reciprocated – yelling, "Rick Nielsen on guitar!!!" Awww! During the song, Rick flirted with a woman standing next to us, just staring her down before saying, "Wow!" then handing her a pick. Later on he walked over and made a face on the "I’m going crazy, I’m losing sleep" line then flicked a pick at my head. LOL I like how RN uses his "Gonna Raise Hell" Hamer for this one. |
| That 70's Show | I think the couple in the row behind us was looking at me funny as I jumped up and down. Oh well. |
| Surrender | Rick let Junko and I strum the 5 neck! |
| Scent of a Woman | Wow! They let CT play the whole thing! It rocked. Robin thanked everyone for coming out. Rick tried to yell something into the mic, but it was off by then. He looked a bit peeved and just waved goodbye instead. Doh! |
RICK SEZ
Once again there wasn’t much time for banter, but here goes…
You had the usual, "In case you’re confused we are the one, the only, accept no substitutes Cheap Trick!" I didn’t hear the precise number, but Rick said they’d sold a lot of copies of S1 on this tour.
As usual, he thanked Aerosmith for inviting them. "We’re almost to the end of the tour and we haven’t been kicked off yet, so we must be doing OK." (Would be nice if ST coulda said a thanks to CT at some point during their set. :P)
He gave Junko a big shout out – letting everyone know that she was at the Budokan shows. "So that means she’s 400 years old… At least."
He acknowledged someone behind us, whose name escapes me now…
Once again, Tom was touted as a former Texas resident…
MISC.
As I said earlier, there was great energy from the get-go. Robin and Rick seemed to be having a lot of fun flirting with the ladies in the crowd. Tom & Bun E were all smiles, too.
Compared to what I’ve witnessed with openers for CT, it seems to me that a lot of the folks at these Aerotrick shows have been on hand for the first act. While it’s hard to compete with the spectacle, IMHO CT has done a damn fine job of holding their own.
Not sure but I think Aerosmith’s keyboardist was in the house for CT's set. As soon as they saw him, Robin, Rick and Tom all gave him a hard time. Rick kept flicking picks at him, finally throwing a fistful. Before launching into the a song Robin yelled at him to sit down. LOL!
Got a couple small thrills…
| #1 – got a
"hi" and raised eyebrows from Robin :D #2 – Tom handed me a pick! He must feel sorry for me because I live in Midland. ;) |
 |
 |
A guy behind us yelled at Tom, "Dude! I love your bass! I’ve never seen one like that before!" LOL
Rick has a new tech. I hear Dave Rule is working with Phil Collins now.
It did my heart good to hear Robin give Rick the props he deserves. Because Rick takes care of all the talking, he rarely gets an intro.
After CT left the stage, the Aerosmith techs were out in force to set up for the headliner. One of them was nice enough to get Junko a set list. Awwww! He also handed out picks – scored a blue S1 pick! Woo hoo!
There'd been a threat of rain all day. Fortunately it held off between the sets. By the time the next act came on, it started to come down...
OK – this was my third show on this tour but only the first time I stayed for AS. (No offense to the Aerosmith fans who might be reading…)
Last time I saw them, I was in high school.
<insert age joke here>
Some random thoughts…
I love how the show starts. There’s this skeleton dude with an umbrella who leads the guys down the runway – a nice touch that really gets the crowd going. I also love how they start the set at the end of the runway, in the middle of the crowd like that.
"Love in an Elevator" was the second song and will always make me LMAO. When I told Tim about this tour, he started singing that song and danced around the kitchen. I’ve never been able to shake that image! Bwahahahaha!
Steven Tyler has an amazing amount of energy. I respect that – even if at times it’s a bit over the top for me. LOL Watching him work the crowd makes me wish I’d bought stock in harmonicas and hats.
Joe Perry’s hot.
Watching ST slam his mic on the ground during "Back in the Saddle" makes me feel sorry for his tech. ;)
Nice use of curtains to hide the "neon" lights. It made for a very effective reveal.
I saw some TOMCAT Swing Wing™ on the set. They’ve got good taste in truss. :D
Two huge video screens on either side of the stage, afforded some good shots. I found myself watching the camera crews in action. The dude with the handheld was running his butt off!
The camera moment that made me roll my eyes came when the camera guys positioned this hootchy mama so she could dance for the camera. Bwahahaha! I’m sure that shot will be made to look like it was completely spontaneous. WhatEHvah! Although the camera got our side of the crowd a few times, we prolly won’t make the shot because I kept pointing to my CT shirt. ;)
Before the obligatory rendition of "Walk This Way" I was very happy to hear ST give a shout out to Jam Master Jay and Run-DMC. RIP Jay. I still can’t believe he’s gone.
During this song, ST sprinted down the runaway, across stage left and leapt onto a trapeze and swung, upside down out over the crowd for a few moments. Wow!!!!
Immediately after WTW they launched into "Sweet Emotion" - making for a very nice 1-2 punch.
Overall – a very fun show.
Joe Perry’s hot.
Oops. Did I already say that? ;)
POST SHOW
Junko and I high-tailed it out of there and made our way to the hotel and fell into bed. Exhausted, but happy. :D
She had to leave early to catch her flights home and despite my best intentions, I pooped out and arranged a cab. I needed more than a few hours sleep if I was gonna make it home!
That morning, as I thought about 8 hours on the road, I wanted to throw myself on the floor doing my best Zach tantrum, screaming, "Doh wah!!!!" (TRANSLATION: "I don’t wanna!")
The iPod got me through… CT tunes were played of course, as well as Ray Charles, Patsy Cline, Ella Fitzgerald, the Urinetown soundtrack and a current fave, There’s a Poison Goin’ On by Public Enemy.
Good music and all, it was still a long drive. Man, was I happy to get home.
THANK YOU!!!
Many folks to thank for this trip… A shout out to…
Junko for being a great travel partner!
Jesse C at TOMCAT for encouraging me to buy the preferred parking. We never would have made it to the M+G on time if we didn't have it!
Matt & Paul for the "pit" hook up! Thanks also to the nice security folks in that section.
Cheap Trick, Carla & Co. for the meet ‘n greets! (When I saw the tour itinerary I thought, "Damn, that’s a tough schedule!" and when I got the news about the meet & greets, I thought, "Damn! What a great bunch of guys to do this for us fans!")
The biggest shout out goes to Zach & Tim. A girl couldn’t ask for two more fantastic guys in her life!
Peace,
Lisa J.
<insert Homer quote here>