Norfolk, VA, Chrysler Hall 2/20/06

[penny74]

Posted by: henry

I hope this is the right place this time!

The Lovehammers: I won’t go too in depth about their performance only because what has been said before is what would be repeated now. (Fantastic, mesmerizing, hot, sexy, etc.) Seeing Marty in concerts is like seeing the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls for the first time. You know that they are a wonder of the world, you’ve learned about them, you’ve seen pictures of them, but when you see them in person you can’t believe what you’re seeing is real. (Does this make sense?) I kept staring at this man that I have had numerous intimate encounters with (on the beach, in my bed, etc.in my head), I watched him move (beautifully) saw his raw energy and talent spill out from the stage and grab and mesmerize the entire audience (even the INXS fans.) Yes, Marty is the eighth wonder of the world.

The part of the show that got me was when Marty did that back bendy thing. You know the move. And there between the bottom of his shirt and the tip of his pants That place that is so lilly white, muscular, veiny and where his cute little scar is. Yeah, that’s where I went "OMG it’s really him!"

Comparison: DC theater was kind of hot so MC and band were a bit sweaty (nice), MC did take off his shirt for This Town. Norfolk, he stayed fully dressed, he seemed happier/healthier in Norfolk. Definitely a lot more energy and messing with the audience in Norfolk. All songs done perfectly, however, This Town was a surprise and a rockin’ treat

Also got to meet some people from ALL the LH Boards. Hi Washington!!!!

DC: I’m waiting in meet and greet line and in they all walk. Marty breaks through the door and he is definitely larger than life. He exudes self-confidence, happiness and beauty. He will definitely take your breath away along with all intelligent thoughts. I got up to the table ready to wow him with my wit and personality and. . .nothing. He shook my hand, I shook his while I stared at his hand. Yes, I should have been looking at him, talking to him but the only thing on my mind was "he’s holding my hand, he bites his nails, my what a big strong hand he has, he needs lotion, wow look at all the jewelry. . ." Then, it was over, you are pushed along and in your head you’re screaming "No, Wait! I have witty banter to go over with Marty." But alas you are then standing in front of Dino, (cute as a button), Bobby, and Billy. It was over. I felt like crap. I blew it. I froze. I would have cried if it wasn’t for the friends I was with afterwards.

Norfolk. I would not fail this time. I would get what I wanted from this man whether he liked it or not! Again, larger than life, dressed very sexy! I would not let that deter me. I got up to him and all my fears go. Said something to him, made him laugh – I MADE HIM LAUGH!! (witty banterer that I am) then I asked for a hug. It was a nice, strong hug. I remembered to smell his hair, I peaked out and looked at his hair, his ear. I had such a moment – too bad he didn’t know what a moment I was having! As we pulled away I whispered "you are so beautiful" and I could feel tears well up in my eyes. Anyway, it was over and there I was in front of cutie pie Dino again. I thought "what the hell" and asked him for a hug too. Got a hug and a kiss from Dino and a hug from Bobby. Chatted with Bobby and Billy a bit (didn’t hug Billy as he is married and his wife was ten feet away).

Went away feeling happy and satisfied. I hung out for awhile with Spiritgateway and Cimee and K who were handing out flyers, etc. I basically sat there and stared at larger than life Marty for another hour. sigh

"We all want what we can't have" He closed the set with This Town. How appropriate.

Holy Crap! I just remembered I was intereviewed by the radio station. This is so funny. We had gone up to 94.9 (who I had requested to play LH so many times and they never would) and we gave them the LH flyer and stickers. They asked to interview me and I said only if I could talk about the LH. They said sure. So then they proceed to ask me a bunch of INXS questions. Now, I like the old INXS, but not the new INXS. When they asked me my favorite INXS song I froze. I couldn't remember. DJ looked startled and didn't know what to do. So I started talking about the LHs! I can't believe I forgot about that.
My husband called me about 10 minutes later to tell me he heard me on the radio.
Damn, I should have told Marty about my 2 minutes of fame on their behalf!

[penny74]

Posted by: wc

I was able to talk my husband into going to the show last minute, when they released more tickets. Bless my mother in law for being able to baby-sit the kids last minute. We had orchestra seats in section L and from what we could tell - everyone down there was standing for the entire show. We unfortunately missed the first 20 minutes but what we saw was terrific. My husband is not an INXS fan but agreed that Marty and the Lovehammers were terrific. I agree with all of the reports that Marty not only is a great musician but also appears to be the nicest guy in the world. He can really interact with a crowd and get them on their feet - and he seems very, very sincere - which is hard to find. The performance was giving me flashbacks to Hammerjacks - which would have been a terrific venue for them to play, in its heyday. I agree that the 930 club would also be a great venue. We would definitely have to get a babysitter if they come there, as I am sure it would be a great show. I also cannot wait until they release their next album! I have to admit I was very upset and angry when INXS did not select Marty to be their lead singer but over time have come to realize that was a blessing in disguise. Marty and the Lovehammers deserve to be a band in their own right - they are exceptional. I am glad they have been given the opportunity to do so....

[penny74]

Posted by: ShyNoMore

Here is my story for what it is worth. I didn’t get any particular special moments with the any of the Lovehammers, but I had so much fun.

I drove by Chrysler Hall on my way to my sister’s house, and I saw the green bus parked out back by the stage entrance. As I turn the corner to go to the parking lot, I see Dino getting out of a car and getting stuff out of his trunk. By the time I parked the car, got my camera out, and walked over to him, he was walking towards the front of the bus. I said “Hi Dino,” and he looked up startled. He had his arms full of stuff and I didn’t want to bother him, so I said “I’m just trying to get a picture of the bus”. He said “Oh, let me get out of your way.” I took a video of him walking away. Then I went around to the front of the bus to get a picture, but the sun was shining directly at me. Then I walk back around to the back of the bus, and the bus driver is there talking on the phone. I go up to the trailer and take a picture of the license plate, and he says “Why are you taking a picture of the license plate?” I said, “Cindy at martycasey.org wanted me to take pictures.” “She wanted you to take a picture of the license plate?” he asked. I said, “No, I was just trying to get any pictures that I could.” He said, “Oh, I thought we might of hit you and you were going to sue us.” He looked at me like I was crazy, so I walked around to the front of the building to see if they had any posters up (they didn’t).

There was a crowd of people standing in front by a radio station van. Everyone was saying how excited they were to meet “them”, and I asked what they were waiting for. They said “We won a meet and greet contest with INXS from the radio station.” I said while opening my sweater to show my “Defend Chicago” tee-shirt, “Oh, I’m here to see the Lovehammers. Have you seen any of the street team.?” They looked at me like I was crazy and didn’t say a word. I went back to the bus and took a picture of the bus driver, who was still talking on the phone. I waved at him and started to walk away when Jeremy came down the ramp. I came up behind him and said “Hey Jeremy” and he turned looking startled. I said, “Can I take your picture?” He said, “Let me take a picture of both of us.” He took the camera out of my hand and took a picture. After he looked at the picture, he said “That’s no good. Let me fix my hair.” He fixed his hair and took another picture. I said my thanks, and the bus driver starts walking toward us, so I quickly left before he called security.

The security at Chrysler Hall was stricter than I have ever seen it before. They searched everyone’s purse. I had my camera in mine, but it was so stuffed with cds and dvds that they didn’t see it. My sister pointed out Tisha and Tara Jordan. They are so nice and had so many stories to tell! I went to my seat (4th row, dead center) and had a blast during the concert. Marty was so awesome! He walked over the seats, passing one seat over from where I was sitting to stand two seats behind me. On his way back to the stage, he passed right next to me and I held his elbow as he climbed over the chair. He had on jeans, the black eagle shirt, a gray vest and a jacket. He eventually lost the jacket and vest and unbuttoned his shirt. It was over way too soon! I was never able to make eye contact with him, but I was having so much fun!

I didn’t go back in to see INXS at all. I gave my ticket to an INXS fan, and she was very happy. I stuck by Tisha and Tara Jordan until the meet and greet. When Ted came out to set up, I asked him to sign the picture that my sister took. At first he said no, but Tara talked him into it. He ended up writing, “All my love, Ted Emporellis”. Randy the roadie also came out, and he signed my picture of him. It was an old picture and he had shorter hair. He wrote, “Too short hair and height, Randy”

Then the boys came out. I was second in line. Marty looked really tired. I was tired from just singing in the audience, so I know he must have been exhausted. He signed my cd jacket cover, and I shook his hand. He looked up, but his eyes never reached mine, like he was so tired (a little later he looked more lively – I suggest that you don’t be at the very front of the line). I said, “I had a blast in the fourth row. I’m so happy to have seen you live.” Then I moved on to Bobby. I just said “Hey Bobby”. He looked up and smiled. When I got to Dino, I said, “Sorry Dino for startling you this afternoon out by your car.” He said, “That’s okay, I was just worried I was in the way of your bus picture.” He is so cute! Last I said to Billy, “I was so happy to hear you play guitar live. It was an awesome show.” He said thanks, and looked up to smile. Marty signed my, “Teri Rocks, Marty Casey” and all of the others just signed my name.

My sisters were behind me and played a trick on me. I told them that I had bought everything off the old website except for the pink underwear. So of course, they bought the pink underwear and had the guys sign it. They all just signed their name, except Marty who also wrote, “Teri is hot!”

I went back to say goodbye to Tisha, and I saw Jeremy. I thanked him for taking the picture with me earlier, and I asked him to sign the pictures I had printed out. He asked which show they were from, and I said the Viper Room. So he signed his name with “Viper ‘06”.

That’s about all. I have to see them live again.