Charlotte, NC, Ovens Auditorium 2/21/06

[penny74]

Posted by: angel

Okay well where do I start. Unfortunatley I didn't see anyone from the web site. I proably looked crazy looking at everyone's wrists, but I didn't see any wristband. Of course by then I had had a few, but I was still on the prowl. When we first got there, my husband and I were parked right "beside" Marty's bus. I was like OMG!!! there is their bus, and he is like really?, lol. Anyway so I finished my biscuit, too nervous to eat, got out of the jeep and started to cross the little roadway way, and who comes walking fast back to his bus (must have went to check on some things) yeah thats right MARTY. I swear I froze like a deer in headlights. He was only like 5 feet in front of me!! And I said OMG!! Its Marty, and I didn't even say anything, yeah I'm still kicking my ass for that one!! He turned around at my gasp and gave a quick smile, then I decided I was going to wait until I knew he would come out sooner or later to walk to the building, so first it was bobby, He said quote "What's up dudes?) I smiled and was like Haey, like an idiot, lol. Mind you it was just my husband and I standing there the whole time for like an hour. Then is was Dino, got a picture of him, I think it caught him off guard, and he smiled, never saw Billy come out, waited and waited, then about 15 minutes before showtime, here he comes, walking straight at me!!! And this is where I felt like I was 15! I put my hand on his chest and said "Will you please talk to me?", LOL!!! what a thing to say, dammit! and of course he smiled and I said I have been waiting for you to come out, and he is like "Oh great well lets get a picture, I have to go on, and my husband took the picture of me and him, and it is ABSOUTLEY PERFECT!! Then I said thank you so much, and he said you're welcome, and I grabed his (Marty's) hand, gave a squeeze and went running to my seat.....NEVER sat down the whole time! So After the show, went for autographs and when I got in front of him he remembered me, and said "Oh you waited, thanks so much, signed my CD, stood up and gave me a hug (got pictures)! Man oh Man that was the most perfect night! I shook bobby, dino, and Billy's hand. Billy was so sweet, he said Hey thanks guys! Such a perfect night! The surprise song, was F*kin awesome! Im still a little light headed by everything, lol. But the sad thing is I was not able to stay around, I had to get back home to my babies, but I will never ever forget this night, and I have the pictures to prove it!!!!! I need to find a way to post them, I have no earthly idea how, but they are great! The concert rocked! These guys are the nicest people/band I have EVER met. Marty with his beautiful eyes, man, I am still in shock!! Wish I would have got to meet some of you...but there is always next time!!!

[penny74]

Posted by: sparkle

Last night was f'in off the wall! It was fantastic meeting all of the MC.orgers...you gals simply ROCK! I'm exhausted still, and would love to close my eyes and sleep, but there's NO WAY that's gonna happen cause I'm still in the HammerZone.

The floor, especially up at the stage was a jumble of shaking bodies and bones. The HammerLove spread pretty fast. I was with my husband and a friend up on the rail in the balcony. We were the ONLY THREE people in the balcony up and ROCKING! The guy sitting next to me did tap his feet a couple of times, I'll give him that, but it was a sit down affair up there. At one point the lights came up to shine on the upperlevel, and Marty looked right up at us three Hammerheads, pointed up to us, and gave the biggest smile. We of course responded, well, yes, RABIDLY!

What a great time. I'm still flying. Love to you all, safe travels for everyone who came in from out of town, and a special hug for ((((Jodi)))) - I'll be sending good vibes your way this weekend.

[penny74]

Posted by: rockfan

Okay here goes my Charlotte story. It started with Jodie coming to stay with me Monday. We headed down to the city on Tues. to see Amy to give her some long awaited discs of pictures from her previous shows and some other stuff. It was so nice to finally meet Amy. Jodie and I discovered the "bus" in the parking lot. We hung around for a bit and decided to get some lunch. When we were leaving to go back to the car, we opened the door to the parking garage and wham, there was Dino coming up the stairs. We stopped and talked a few minutes and I told him I am an MC.org'er and that we post alot of things about him at the site which are all good of course and gave me a kiss on the forehead. He is such a crazy and nice guy and easy to talk to. Jodie and I got a few pics with him which some of you have seen. We then head back to the car and decide to wait and see if anyone else appears.

We were there for a little bit and all of a sudden, out walks Marty. Nearly hyperventilated. We talked to him for about 15-20 mins and got pics which some of you have seen. He is the nicest most humble guy. Everything fans have written that have met him are true. Of course, I was so nervous and babbling stuff but was able to say a few somewhat intelligent things but over all it was that "trance" he puts you in and the mind goes to mush. I said things like , the first time I saw you on RS, I just feel in love with you and all your performances and that he is such a truly amazing performer, etc and other dorky stuff. Jodie and I come home and get ready for the show.

We met fellow hammerheads at Mellow Mushroom Pizza and met so many great fans including, Shuckra, her husband and friend, butterflynclouds, Sparkle from LH.com, Tignor and several others (sorry my mind is still hammered from last night to remember all the names). We headed to Ovens and finally got to meet our dear DG and her sister. So glad they could make it. Then we met our dear Cindy, our website CEO. She is so nice and so smart. We get to our seats. Jodie goes to talk to Amy and Cindy who are in the second row. The lights go down and Jodie comes running back telling me to come down to the first row empty seats. We wind up against the stage. The crowd goes nuts when Bobby starts beating the drums to Ultrasound. The crowd gets louder. In comes Dino and Billy, louder and then our man Marty comes out and the crowd is going wild. There was so much love for them in Charlotte. The crowd behaved, no pushing or shoving but lots of rockin and tons of picture taking. Cameras were allowed (of course I bring my disposables not digital based on previous reports of tight security but not here (except it was no pics of INXS). Marty and the boys were at their finest. He had on the black frayed pants and Mr. Brightside shirt he wore on RS. Did the acoustic version of Mr. Brightside, so cool. They played all the songs from previous shows but the Clinic and one other, wwaahh. Then the shirt comes off and the crowd goes wilder. then it was over . Just 40 mins but a awesome 40 minutes.

During intermission, we hang out in the lobby with other fans and stay there during the INXS show. Did go in and see a couple of songs and they sounded great. Hats off to them. Then comes the meet & greet. They get a loud applause when they enter the lobby and the line was hundreds. M&G went very fast, say hi, sign and move on. We then hung around after that by the parking lot where the bus was. We talked to Shuckra, her husband who is such as funny guy and her friend butterflynclouds. Dino comes out first and said hi and went inside the bus. Billy comes out and stops to talk with us and got a few pics. He is the nicest guy and so funny. Then Marty comes out and stops to talk and of course get more pics. He didn't look tired and was very sweet to all of us and we told him how much we enjoyed the show, etc. Got more pics and he talked with others. As we were leaving for the car, Marty was done talking and before he headed for the bus, he gave me a big hug and I almost fainted since I wasn't expecting it. . I am still on a Lovehammer high as this was one day/night I will never forget. But I owe most of this to my friend, Jodie, who encouraged me to hang around as something may happen which it did. Thank you Jodie. I will have pics to post soon. Jodie has tons more plus videos and will get those on soon. Sorry for this long story but was edited to make it shorter so it could have been a lot longer.

[penny74]

Posted by: Amy

O'my......I don't even know where to begin! I'm EXHAUSTED and Cindy is sick as a dog. I'm at work now, but will be headed home early and going to bed early tonight - I'm either way too tired from staying up 'til 4 am or coming down with the current bug. Cindy was coughing and congested before getting to Charlotte, but it's gotten worse and she felt like poo when I dropped her off at the airport this morning. And, if all those germs weren't bad enough, I was hanging out with the boys last night and Bob is sick, sick, sick with a nasty bug! That poor man was shivering like crazy, not to mention losing his dinner just before we met them on the tour bus.

Okay, enough about illness! Let's pray for quick recoveries for everyone. Cindy & I have TONS of stuff for the site and lots of big surprises in store for you. We had some secret stuff planned while in Charlotte and everything went even better than expected. Marty, Dino, Bob, and Billy could not have been more gracious or accommodating.

I took a few photos, but a friend went with me to Charlotte - by wonderful coincidence he's a photographer. He took a ton of photos, so we'll hopefully have some later this week to show you. I didn't take many photos, but tried a few videos. It was harder than I expected....trying to keep up with Marty! They may be a bit bouncy....I'll know tonight when I try to upload them to the PC.

Please be patient with Cindy & I - I'm still snowed under with my business and Cindy will probably stay in bed for a day or two with the crud.

So, I'll announce one itty, bitty secret for those not at the Charlotte show:
Marty sang "Mr. Brightside!"
That is one of my videos and although I don't think it turned out too well because of all the folks in front of me, I believe Jodie has a great one! We knew about the surprise ahead of time, but didn't give it away - we just gave a few fans some TEASES!

Cindy & I stayed for a few INXS songs and JD did a FANTASTIC job.

Special thanks to Jodie & Tricia for helping secure a place in line for us at the m&g.

Sorry we were unavailable to meet with many of you - we had our, um, "plans" that you'll see later and Cindy just kept getting sicker and sicker.

[penny74]

Posted by: tignor

well, DH and I just got home. Let me know when and where you post the pics from Mellow Mushroom and the show pics, Jodie. They were fantastic. I'm still kicking myself for not bringing my camera but was so afraid it would be confiscated and I'm not the richest chickie in the world that digital cameras become disposable, you know?

It was great meeting everyone, especially Meridith and her hammer hubby Mario. You were all fantastic.

I got to meet Marty but he was tired by that the time we got to him. I made DH stay in line while I ran to the car (yes RAN) to get both LH CDs we had in there, and was out of breath and sweaty when I got back, but thankfully was ok when I met him.

I handed him my CD sleeve and told him that we drove from Roanoke, VA to see him, over 3 hours away, and he mumbled something. I leaned forward and said, "sorry?" and he said "I hope it was worth it" I tried not to be a freaky-stalker-obsessed person and not gush but oh, my...when he looks at you he makes it a point to look right in your eyes and Marty was so sweet and softspoken, I just melted. He had some eyeliner running under one eye and I wanted to rub it off but unlike everyone else, I felt weird asking for a hug or anything. DH shook his hand but all I did was touch the back of his wrist. He was so sweet and gentlemanly and seemed very gracious. I said something that I can't remember, something along the lines of yeah it was or something, then we were pushed down the line to Dino, Bob and Billy, who were very nice. We got in right at the end there and I can't talk from screaming. They were all fantastic and I feel it was a priviledge to meet them all.

All I can say is I'm pis*** at Ticketmaster for putting me in the balcony. We scarfed the first tix up thinking they would sell out soon (and they didn't) and I am so jealous of you on the floor. BUT we also were in the front row of the balcony and had an unobstructed view.

OH, yeah. And INXS was good too. ;D

[penny74]

Posted by: hammeredinmn

:)Yeah the Charotte show was a blast! It was great to meet so many of the MC.org writers and put faces with the names! Thanks so much for the quick smiles and fast friendships!

Got to be the first one to meet the guys! Marty spotted my tattoo right away and was blown away that it was real! "I said of course it's real!" and he had all the guys check it out (on my lower left side). It was great to finally meet Marty as I have met the other 3 prior. He asked if he could sign right on me and alas I had to ask him to sign my tank instead. (Jodie informed me I would need to tattoo over any writing they put on "me" hence signing the tank. HA!) Dino signed high, Bobby signed my stomach, and Billy went for it and signed my left uhem...breast. Too bad we didn't get to spend more time talking but there were quite afew others waiting.

My last words were "I'll see you in Mpls--" and they said they'd look for me there!

ROCK ON HAMMERHEADS!

[penny74]

Posted by: shuckra

The Journey of the Pink Banner - A Concert Review

My mission was simple - to meet the Lovehammers face to face.

My strategy - make a big pink banner with caricatures of the band and have them autograph by their "portraits".

My accomplices (hammerhubby Mario and butterflynclouds) and I circle Ovens Auditorium at 4pm. We see a hotel shuttle van dropping off LH at the green bus - we drive as close as we could get and try to get their attention, but the door was shutting as I yelled "Marty!" So accomplices hang banner out of window of car and after 15-20 minutes, LH leave bus - we honk and wave and Marty smiles and waves back. Excellent...

The preshow dinner at Mellow Mushroom was a much needed diversion from the stalking. We met Sparkle and hubby Steve, Terri, Melanie, Tignor and hubby David, Jodieca, and Rockfan. We had great pizza and great conversations and the staff at the restaurant were so cool to us. Everyone was so kind to indulge me and my mission by signing the banner.

We found it frighteningly easy to get into the Auditorium with cameras and whatever else we may have wanted - all they did was scan tickets. When LH took the stage, EVERYONE on the floor stood up to watch. On a personal note, I screamed, I jumped, I sang, I sweat, I danced and I howled through their set of a bit of Ultrasound, Straight as an Arrow, Hold On, Riddle, Tunnel, Eyes Can't See, Ring of Fire, Mr. Brightside, Trees, and THIS TOWN!!! Everytime the stage lights lit up the audience or Marty came to our side of the stage, we held up the banner as well as our green flashy light up necklaces we got from Q101 at the Aragon show. They totally saw us! I think... I hope... ;D A special thank you goes out to the INXS ladies in front of us for not being too bothered by our screaming lyrics. The show rocked and Marty was great with the audience - they really seemed to dig what LH were doing.
I did watch some of INXS as I am nostalgic for the love I had for them while growing up. They seem to have all the right ingredients for a great thing, but except for Afterglow, nothing moved me emotionally about the performance...Okay, back to my mission...

We were very efficiently processed through the autograph line and when I got to the table with the banner, Marty smiled and said "the banner!" They took the time to find each of their pictures on it and sign by their portraits. How cool is that? Mario made sure to show them our Aragon Q101 lights to get in some extra "coolness" points.

The final test of my mission involved patiently waiting near the bus for the all imortant photo with banner and band members. We talked to Dan - I figured that he might exchange pleasantries and politely excuse himself, but he talked for several minutes and was very cool. We also talked to Rockfan and Jodieca - it was so much fun to hang with kindred spirits - plus they were SO sweet to wait by the bus with us for SO long!

Finally Marty and Billy make their way up the stairs - as Ted sees that they will be here for a bit he says something like "play nice". It was too funny. I ask Marty if I could get a picture of him and the banner. He took the time to check it out, laughing and commenting that I got Dino's hair just right. So then Mario became the photographer for all of us lovely ladies who needed their pics with the guys. It was great. Mario got to actually talk to Marty for a few minutes - Mario plays classical guitar and is trying to learn rock, and Marty says something like "I'd love to learn classical". Hubby will be a fanguy in no time... ;D We then talked to Billy for like 10 minutes (an eternity in fangirl time, you know!) He was so down to earth and sweet - it was like catching up with an old friend. He loved the stickers that I made, so we gave him the remaining few that we had. Marty was very sweet also, but there were many other ladies there that needed their own moment with him that our moment was brief.
After awhile, we were the only ones left out there, so we pulled butterflynclouds away from her conversation with Dan, said our good-byes to Jodieca and Rockfan, and floated on home.

There was something in the air - something so positive and true - on my mission to get an autograph, I had a great night with my lovely husband and lovely friend, I met great people, had great pizza, and saw a great rock show...cool...

My advice to anyone that hasn't had a moment with the band is patience, respect, honesty, and a genuine smile are all you need to make it happen...

Mission accomplished dudes!

[penny74]

Posted by: homecrew

Wow. We watched Marty on TV and felt the connection - bought the cds - bought the tickets and hoped for a good show - then suddenly we are standing next to the stage and the charisma from Marty is blowing me away. It is my daughter's first concert and she is rocking and then Marty is holding her hand! You can just feel Dino, Bobby, and Billy reaching out to the audience.

24 hours later - I'm wishing I had more tickets and my daughter still hasn't washed her hand - she may never !

[penny74]

Posted by: jodieca

Hey everyone, just a quick note for now to start this thread, I'm about to pass out I'm soooo tired & I'm on a plane early! Today & tonight was just fantastic! Rockfan & I got to hang out & talk to Dino for a couple of minutes - he got his stitches out!

Dino is just a riot!
And then little bit later we found Marty...SO GRACIOUS to indulge us & all our questions...more on that later...

Pics removed

there's several more, but the ones of me talking to Marty I will just be cutting me out...& there's some other great ones of RF that I have on my camera but we gotta see if she'll let me post those (ask her!)

We had dinner at a pizza place & got to meet up with Shuckra, Sparkle, hammerhubbies and many others...took some pics there....

the concert was just unbelievable, we were centerstage AT the stage - I think I have well over 200 pictures plus 4 songs on video - wait'll you all see the surprise song...Cindy & Amy will be posting on that!

And the meet n greet...we were first in line, no pictures allowed while you were IN line, but we took tons while people were going thru the line...

and then there was after the show...we waited out by the bus & got several more pics with the boys + fellow fans.

I know this is vague, but I'd like to add some pics with the re-cap & I have to do that when I get home. I'll work on it on the plane (along with LA, Viper Room & Vegas hee hee)

signing off from Charlotte for now...
xo
J

BEFORE:

All the glorious details….Ok so by now you all know what happened before the show…I just wanted to add for anyone that still has not met Marty & the boys, you can make it happen. Just say it is so – that’s all I did! (for Vegas, too…but I will get Charlotte up & then backtrack…lol)
I just kept telling RF we will create our own Marty Moment, never fear!!
We went to drop off Viper Room & Vegas pics off to Cindy & Amy & low & behold, we find the tour bus. So glad I had the previous escapade of following it & getting on it, so I think I knew it, err, intimately.
We played the silly teenagers & took pictures by the bus, touching the bus, etc. We were cracking up thinking what if they are ON the bus looking out the windows & just laughing at us? (still not sure if they were or not). A man walked by & asked what we were doing – RF gushed about Lovehammers & have him one of Radioclashes postcards & told him to check it out. He then took a pic of both of us in front of the bus. He wished us luck & went on his way.
Well we were in primo parking – right between the bus & the door the boys would have to come out of to GET to the bus. So we wondered, do we wait for potentially 4 hours?? We were hungry, so decided to get lunch. I said “why not here? You never know, maybe THEY are eating, too!” well…they weren’t. We left the hotel & went to open the parking structure door & comes flying Dino (I think that could be his new name from Dancing Dino!)

So we talked to Dino… He’s really quite the comedian! I love his eyes – they are just smiling all the time. He showed us his finger, got the stitches out…said it looked like Frankenstein or something like that. We talked to him about the show, how they were doing, he said he just woke up! (I think it was around 2:30pm LOL) We asked him for some pictures & so we started snapping away. I got 2 & RF got 2. I reminded him I was from CA & on the tour bus after politely following them to say hi. He laughed & said oh yeah! It all happened so fast but at some point as we were taking pictures he grabbed RF & kissed her head. It was adorable. I didn’t have the camera on them right at that moment, damn! Sorry RF. We talked to him I’d say for about 5 minutes. He had to get inside…
We then went back to the car & chatted away. I called Klly in Fl & had to tell her the good news. The man that walked by us earlier & took our pic by the bus then walked by again, saw us & giggled at us that we were still there waiting (gosh Strange Man, it’s not like we didn’t ever leave the parking structure & go eat!) Then my phone rings. I look down, it’s Penny. RF goes who is it, & I go LOOK!!!! Grabbed her arm, & in through the door walks Marty & Jeremy. I said it’s Marty! I didn’t answer the phone. But Penny he must’ve known it was you calling (keep calling, keep calling) cuz that’s the moment he chose to make his grand entrance. Marty was about in front of the car when RF goes get out! Get him! (lol) & we jump out. She yells Marty! Nothing. I yell Marty! Nothing. I think we then said his name again in unison & he turns around with a surprised look on his face & said hi! We asked him if we could get some pictures with him. I have to start with how much I am overwhelmed & impressed with Marty’s desire to really connect with his fans when he’s talking to them. He makes direct eye contact, & like so many people have said before, you think you are the only one in the world with him. He’s talking to RF about touring plans, possible HOB tour, there’s offers, etc. I asked him what about the rumor with Bon Jovi? He smiled & said, “it’s a rumor”. (hmmmm) I asked him if he was sick, he had a little raspiness, he said no I’m good! & smiled huge. modified to add: I think it was about this time when I was talking to Marty that all of a sudden I felt this hard slap on the a**!! & someone started laughing! I turned around & of course it was Dino, he is such a crack up!! I yelled HEYYYYY!! He just ran by onto the tour bus & left us with Marty. RF told him this would be her first time seeing them live & she couldn’t wait…she first saw him on RS INXS & he was so amazing & he had such a seductive voice! He looked at her & had this GENUINELY surprised & thankful look on his face, as if that was the first time he had ever heard that before.
RF then asked him if he could sign something for her…he said of course! And so he signed one of RC’s postcards saying RF, to my biggest fan in Charlotte! – Marty Casey
Sooo cute. Actually when he was writing it he goes “spell Charlotte for me, I’m [tired] & don’t want to get it wrong!
Then he turns around to me. & He smiled & said “OK so where do I know you from?” & my heart just melted! I mean I in no way expect these guys to remember people’s names, etc…but O-M-G. Well I said well, the tv show tapings & I had all the Marty shirts …he smiled, nodded & he goes yes! Ok! & then I said & then there was the Metro, & then there was the tour bus chase & he was asleep – he smiled & kinda laughed. He said “& you came all the way to here, too?!” I said of course! They are the best! And then – this is my most favorite part & a moment I will cherish forever – I told Marty I was supposed to be also going to the Boca show but wasn’t able to go now, that my Grandma had just passed away. He said oh no! I’m so sorry! & put his hand on me & pulled me to him for a big long hug. He seriously cares about the people he is with, even if for just that moment. He then started asking questions – how old was she? What happened? - and said how sorry he was again. I said I know, me, too – but I’m glad she will get to be with my Grandpa again & a son she had given a stillbirth to years ago. Marty then asked how old was my Grandpa? When did he pass away? & I think – RF correct me if I’m wrong – he said his Grandma was 82 also. Not sure if I mentioned this on the board before, but a really good friend of Marty’s told me that he wrote Bulletholes for his Grandma. That’s all the details I know…but I am playing that song at her memorial service on Saturday.
So then we started taking pictures with Marty - & RF keeps yelling Jodie! You’re too close! (lol) & Marty’s cracking up. We went back & forth a few times & then both of us were snapping away at each other talking to Marty. I will be cutting me out of mine cuz I hate my profile & I look retarded… When Marty took his picture with me he ducked down (I’m 5’0”) to get closer. Too cute. He didn’t do that in my pic in Vegas with him so I look like I’m 12. I digress.
THEN comes the big story about Penny getting a Bobby lick, (she said to Marty, I’m sure you already know this…) & RF tells Marty – you don’t have to actually touch my face, but it would be so funny to one-up Penny! & he goes “how ‘bout I KISS your face instead” I think that was the official moment when RF turned to jello inside but she held it together just fine. J I then said oh I want one, too! So he stood by me & I thought I was close enough for him to kiss the side of my head, when he grabbed my head & pulled me closer. (that was MY official melting moment!)
I thanked him for taking his time with us, indulging us & being so nice. We gave him another hug & I think that was about it…this was all about 15 minutes of Marty Magic. He was so gracious & said he’d be looking for us tonight (that night) & we told him where we’d be. Of course, we were in an actual BETTER position….

(a little more before) &
DURING:

So we decided we better leave & get ready for the night, but we drove by Oven’s to scope out the parking. There was the bus! Our parking was going to be right next to it so we already had an idea of how the end of the night would work out.
We raced home to get ready, but I got sucked into the Asylum Rec Room (now I know why it’s so addicting to stay in there all the time! You guys are so much fun!) & next thing you knew it I think we had 10 or 20 minutes to get ready. Amy called & said Cindy was feeling sick so we had a little extra time.
We then went to the Mystic Pizza place (don’t remember the name lol) & met up with lots of hammerheads. Shuckra & her hubby, Sparkle & her hubby, Butterflyinclouds, Tignor & oh my gosh some other really nice people we met on the way out. It was so cute, Sparkle came running over to us & goes Rockfan!! Everyone was really nice…we checked out Shuckra’s pink banner – sooo cool! & exchanged funny stories & took pictures. DG called while we were there & when I said DG! She didn’t answer me. LOL

Soon after, we got to the auditorium & called DG, she & her sister were already inside. I had the camera strapped to my leg but it kept falling down so I was walking in like I was limping! (I left the famous rip in the purse lining purse at home) Well we walked in & I saw a girl looking at us & I ran over & said DG!! & met her & her sister. It was soooo cool to finally get to meet the one & only DG. Then Amy came up & there was Cindy behind her & we finally got to meet the .org Goddess herself – now we had met both of Goddesses & it was just so cool. They are really the reason all of this could happen – how else would we ‘know’ each other before meeting!
We all hung out for a bit because the doors weren’t opened yet. Once we were in we were IN, & the camera just went into my purse. RF was right, it was SOOO easy, ridiculously easy. I think I could’ve brought in a tripod & a Panavision camera & filmed the whole thing. Saw a few people passing out flyers & I went up to one of them to get one. I thanked her for doing the flyers, it wasn’t the warmest reception but still a great flyer & everything counts.
Everyone went to their seats while I went in line to get a drink. Met some INXS hubbies in line & of course had to give them each the RC postcard & Sandra’s bizcard. Showed them my still stored Metro pic of me & Marty & told them they would LOVE the show & to hurry up with their drink orders so they wouldn’t miss anything. I saw another couple of fans from Lovehammersfanclub & got their postcard. They were really nice.
Drinks in hand (what, ME? Double fisted?? Lol) I made my way in…stopped at our 6th row (great) seats & then asked the guard lady (that’s an overstatement) if I could go talk to friends in 2nd row (Cindy & Amy). She said of course you can! So I went around the front row – this theatre reminded me of just a very big movie theatre with a stage - & spied 2 empty CENTER seats. We were less than 5 minutes from showtime so I filed that thought away for later (that I was going to hijack the seats). Talked to C&A for a few minutes, showed them some of the ViperRoom pics I still had on my camera & she said she’d get them online after all the current ones were up. Lights started to go out, I ran back to RF & screamed GRAB YOUR PURSE, FOLLOW ME! & the place went black. I went back to the front row seats & couldn’t see RF. I was screaming her name over the crowd, finally our eyes adjusted & I grabbed her to the seats. I said we weren’t leaving til someone kicked us out! (yay!)
So drums start pounding to Ultrasound – I tell you the audio doesn’t do that justice! Bobby is soooo freaking hot on the drums & it’s just so kick-ass! -- & I grab RF & we run to the stage. We were front & center. We had our hands on the stage. This is Marty when he came out:
*Pics removed*

I think at some point I went back to the seat to grab my purse & glass of wine but most of that spilled out. So… front & center. We were screaming our heads off. DG joined us I think during Ultrasound. DG to my left, RF to my right. PERFECT! My stupid arm kept getting in the way of RF’s photo opp’s. What more can I say about the show…the songs were awesome, Marty did his ‘I’m going to connect with as many people as I can’ thing - & he did! & was just so amazing to watch that close. Even closer than Metro & even closer than Viper Room.

No pushy people either. Everyone was so great. Imagine the front area in a movie theatre in front of the front row. The ‘screen’ is the stage. That’s how close we were. Marty did grab my hand at one point, & he also got down right in front of me (us) & oh he is so intense. I got a bunch of pics & then a little bit of video of him taking a bow at the end of a song. Then came the big moment – he said “it’s not Marty & the Lovehammers or Marty Casey & anything, we’re the Lovehammers!” (got that on video, too!) & the crowd went wild. He was brought an acoustic guitar & said he was going to do a special song for us, that they don’t normally do songs from the show, but this night was special. I got the whole song on video & it came out GREAT!! Wait’ll you see it. It was so great to be at the stage cuz I could rest my arms so it wasn’t too shaky.
Marty went out in the audience & was awesome. He went right up the row where C&A were & was stopped right there for a few, & then went to the back & climbed the seats & sang on top of one. I have dark pics of that. DG said did you see what Bobby was doing!? Lol cuz she was watching the stage, too. Great moment for her to see Dino getting his hair mussed up.
The concert was of course much too short. They are just so incredible live. The best live show I’ve ever seen. & I’m not prejudiced, I’m not! Hee hee I got Ring of Fire, Rain on the Brain, Trees on Video. Rain on the Brain he stayed pretty much still but the other 2 I had to chase him around the stage with my camera to keep up. Crowd went crazy when the shirt came off. MMM MMM.

[penny74]

jodieca continued.

AFTER PT. I (M&G):

So the concert was over…too short but I think the whole place was PUMPED, LH & INXS fans alike! I think Marty’s performance, including the well known Ring of Fire, Trees, & going into the audience & connecting with so many people really gets LH new & forever fans!
We went upstairs where Marty said they’d be to meet everyone (he always says “& we want to meet each & every one of you so come check us out after the INXS show!”) & we got first in line (imagine that!). RF went back to check out some of INXS for a bit & I called the bf to do a little bragging. (he’s SUCH a good sport & an evolving hammerbf). Sparkle & her hubby came by & hung out for a bit & then went to go downstairs for a bit & I saved the spots. Not many people upstairs for the M&G yet…lots of people in line for the bar. Soon a theatre employee started moving tables around to the center & I said “just be sure wherever you put the line barricades up make sure the beginning of the line starts right here!” he laughed. Ted soon came out & started arranging everything perfectly (who wrote about his OCD, DG? That was sooo true) & then soon people started coming upstairs. We were actually sitting in chairs, waiting…it was too comfy! I swear this was just the best place for this!, everyone respectful, very cool. So DG sends me on a mission to get some INXS photos…of course I took her up on the challenge (challenging for soooo many reasons! Eh hmm!) I got inside & couldn’t even GET to our seats! I went down the aisle on one side & broke out the camera & I immediately got NO CAMERAS! It really seems to be a combo of the venue & the band’s request, FYI. So, I ran around to the other side to get some more, this time I got out of eyeshot of the staffpro guy & snapped away, but because I was about 15 rows back they are dark. I got a quick snipped of video, too. So…BEWARE of DG & don’t p*** her off! All said & done, JD is really the best fit for INXS & did a great job, sounded much better than Vegas & I wish nothing but the best for him.
Back to the line – it was forming by now & looping around the upstairs. The bar was cut-off already I think…so we waited. Ted came over to us right before & said “ok, I’ve got good news & I’ve got bad news” – good news is I’m here telling you this, bad news is no cameras – gotta keep the line moving. I asked him can we take pics if we are OUT of the line & others are going through? He said Ok, I don’t mind that. Then I asked Ted, well can I take a picture of YOU?? (hee hee) he really IS a looker…(& also the reason the tour bus had not yet taken off from KLOS when I won the tickets & then followed the bus, so I owe Ted!) he giggled & smiled & posed for about a milli-second…check him out:

When the boys walked in the crowd went crazy & it started happening fast. Hammered in MN was up first, I backed out to take pics (I have pics of Marty checking out your tattoo girl!) & then we tried to get the line to stall to get some other shots with fans in them but they didn’t quite come out like I had hoped. Anyway, went through the line myself as soon as RF got back, & went up to Marty & he said so glad you made it! I had already printed the pic of me & him so he signed it. Said something about wow you’re quick! (since it was just taken that day) & I shook his hand, said the concert was awesome, on to Dino. He is just so silly. He was making wisecracks the whole time. He signed my pic with him, too, but not sure he even realized it was us from earlier. Bobby signed the RC postcard & I told him he was hot, fantastic show, etc. Poor baby was illin’. Had his ski hat on & was really a good sport for hanging out for the M&G considering how he was feeling. Next is Billy. Billy is the BEST. I gave him a hug & handed him the postcard & he goes Hey! You made it out here, too?! We were just talking about you today! (OMG) I said well it better have been only good stuff! & he said of course! (liar!! Hee hee) he is just such a doll. Love Billy. Thanked him for the best show, etc…then was scooted away. Well I detoured & did exactly the opposite thing of what Ted told me to do & went directly in front of the tables to snap more pics. Imagine a velvet rope in front of the tables & then a theatre rounder for seating, right in the middle of the upstairs. I just stood there & took tons of pics. Lots of similar but great ones! Billy was ragging on me for my delayed red-eye camera, Dino kept making funny faces at me, flipped me off at one point & started belly laughing. I tried to get a pic but my camera took too long & then he was being a brat (an adorable one) & wouldn’t do it again. Billy told me to PM pics to him. Well DG came back & that’s when I devised the plan to have her stand in front of the rope with Bobby off to one side in the background. Took about 10 of these. They are hysterical. Check back for pics of that.
The line started dwindling down, Ted was saying OK!! FIVE MORE MINUTES!! Like recess was almost over…so I then said OK DG, we’re getting BACK in line! They won’t know! What’s the worst thing they can do if we’re last in line, say get out?? LOL!! I said I’d go after her, I would stall & hang out with Dino while she stood with Bobby & her sister could take a pic. (It didn’t work on my camera but she got the Bobby Love HUGS!!) So she got in line, I took more pics, & then when she got closer I jumped in. When I got to Marty again, he just started laughing. I said “hey, had to have you sign the only LH shirt I made!” (oh, I told him at the parking garage I was wearing a LH shirt & not a Marty shirt & he laughed & said good! The rest of the guys will appreciate that!) So, he signed my tank – I’ll get a pic up of that later, too - & reached up to give me a hug & a kiss on the cheek. Sigh…& then he said “LOVING the white jacket! You look hot!” (ok I’m really not bragging & saying I’m all that, I just couldn’t believe he said that & I had to share!) & I think I just turned bright tomato red & said thanks Marty, thanks again for everything today, you are the best. The rest of the boys signed my shirt, Dino of course had his signature wandering upwards…hee hee - & Billy thought it was awesome. Said don’t forget those pictures! & thanked ME for coming to HIS show. Crikee. A few others got in line behind us, & then it was over…as they were packing up I got a pic of Marty gathering his things & then YAY!! Dino holding A86’s SP pic! Dino’s arm is up in front of his face but the pic is so clear.
Sigh…see why I always take forever? The details are for me, too, to re-live the moments!!
Feet are killing me…but now we’re off to catch the bus….

Gotta re-load the M&G pics so check back later for some of those in here. The bulk of the pics will be sent to Cindy tho, it takes forever to put in photobucket…

AFTER PT II (At The Bus):

For the end of the night…we walked outside (I honestly barely remember that walk! Not from drinking but just the sensory overload of the night!) & got pics with DG & her sister in front of Oven’s…

*Pics removed*

then went around to the bus. Just a handful of people waiting, maybe 20 or so.

We hung out a while, chatted with Shuckra & her hubby (he is great!) & Butterflyinclouds and a few others (forgive me for not remembering everyone) & then Dino came up the stairs…got a cute pic of him walking by.

We didn’t stop him…he seemed to want to get to the bus. A little bit later Billy came up, he stopped & chatted & took pics! I REALLY REALLY like Billy & his personable attitude is just the best. He said the show was incredible, GREAT energy…RF asked about HOB again & he said maybe! Lots of offers for lots of places, they didn’t know yet…he checked out Shuckra’s banner again (the stick figures of the guys was just hilarious & sooo perfect!) & took some pics with the banner.

A little bit of time went by, some people left, & then Marty came out with Ted. (never saw Bobby at the end of the night, for all we knew he was wisked around the other side of bus in a car & we would never know cuz we were so zeroed in on the theatre door!) & Ted is so funny, he goes “OK, now play NICE” & put his hands palm down out in front of him (as if to say keep it mellow, I’m giving you guys a few minutes with Marty) & Marty stayed outside for awhile. SOOOO gracious, as always!! He did seem more energized after the show. He chatted for a few minutes with Shuckra’s hubby Mario (he loves talking to the guys & getting their honest POV) & then RF & I got some more pics with him, & some more hugs.

We watched a few ‘interesting’ conversations he was having with some others…and then RF tells me “I want a pic of the 3 of us!” & believe it or not, I was hesitant. I didn’t want to cross that line of being a pest – but then I remembered, hell! I already had! Hee hee (thanks RF for making this pic happen)
– we got the pic with Marty, got our last hugs, said our goodbyes to the other new friends we’d made & went home.
I couldn’t sleep, went to sleep around 4:30am I think…was SUCH a great time, RF thank you for being such a terrific hostess! I must say this trip/concert/m&g was just first class all the way.
Hope you enjoyed the story!

[penny74]

Posted by: keish72582

hi guys.

i'm new to the board.

but, i was at the show in Charlotte, and was standing outside with all of you guys by the busses. heh. after reading all of your reviews i feel like i know all of you. we didn't really talk, other than Jodie showing me the picture she had taken of Bobby signing the drumstick. (b-t-w Jodie, could you send that one to me? ;D) but all of you seemed really nice and cool.

as everyone has already said, the show was beyond amazing. but the highlight was definitely the M&G and getting a chance to talk to them outside. they are awesome guys.

Marty has an excellent memory too. when we (my mom and i) were going through the meet and greet line, he was busy signing things and Ted was being anal about people hurrying up so Marty didn't get a chance to shake our hands as he pointed out when we were at the end of the table. but outside by the busses when i went up to him and started talking he was like "hey, you two are the ones that ran off without shaking my hand in the line". i told him it was Ted's fault, he was hurrying us along. he laughed a little about that.

i took a crapload of pictures, but i'll only post a few on here. if you'd like to see the other ones just let me know. ... i hate photobucket, all of my pictures are perfectly clear until i upload them on there and then they look like crap. lol.

*Pics removed*

~Keisha

[penny74]

Posted by: rsweetfan

Hi all,

First of all I have to say It was the most amazing shwo ever. I was front row right at the stage ;D and believe me for someone like me who is in a wheelchair that is no easy task. I thought i was gonna have to be pushy just to keep people from jumping in front of me. Luckily the people around me were very nice and helped me out. Lovehammers came out and they were awesome. ;)The SCARY CONDUCTOR was definately there last night. LOVEHAMMERS brought the HOUSE DOWN. Marty jumped into the audience halfway thru the set...The place went nuts. He announced a autograph session for the fans after the show and everybody freaked. After LOVEHAMMERS then It was time for INXS. They started off with Mistify...J.D. was really good. I must admit I was impressed by him. During INXS performance J.D. kept coming over to where alot of us were and kept singing to us. When he grabbed my hand and almost pulled me out of my wheelchair, I thought I would faint right out of my wheelchair. He has the most dark mysterious eyes I think I have ever seen. Poor Tim walked over to us several times and tried once to get down to us but unfortunately his tight pants got the better of him and he couldn't bend down....POOR GUY. Kirk Penguilly was over there joking with us.....about a pair of underwear that someone had thrown up on stage. He made jokes that the underwear was too small for him...LOL...guess you had to be there to get that one....The look on his face was priceless. The show was phenomenal. We went afterward to the LOVEHAMMERS Autograph party. Marty signed my pictiure i had printed from the Internet of his DONT CHANGE performance from ROcksTAR INXS. He asked me my name and extended his hand to mine and shook my hand and I thought I would faint right out of my chair. When he talks to you he looks you right in the eyes and he has the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen. Talking to those guys was like talking to an old friend I had known for years. We were all joking around and stuff. It was great. These guys were really down to earth. All in All it was a FABULOUS NIGHT.
.
Meredith Stallings

P.S. Someone Took a Picture of Me and Marty and said they would Email me the picture but I don't remember who it was. I think it is the Moderator of this board or at least that is what i was told. If anyone knows please letme know.