Toronto, On - 2/7

[nats]

I went to the concert last night with my best friend, Who I have converted to a lovehammers fan as of last night. She thinks the guys rock!!!

The concert was awesome. Marty is so electrifying to watch. I watched the whole concert then went down to the meet and greet. I think I only waited 5 mins. in line before meeting the guys. Marty looked up at me and posed so I could get a good picture of him. I told him the concert was great and wished him luck. He said Thank you. I said hi to the rest of the band, all seem very nice. My friend took one of the posters from outside for me and had them all sign it for me.

I can't wait until May. I hope The Lovehammers are opening again. I'll be there for sure

[luvinmarti]

Thanx for the heads up trees. I posted the address in a different thread, but here you go again. www.fallsviewcasinoresort.com I sent it to that address with the hopes of it being directed to the right person.

I'm keeping me fingers, toes, eyes, any and everything crossed...don't know how I'll make it to school to pick up my girls that way,,, but anything for our boys

[franny2]

It's going to take some time for me to write my review . . . but all I can say is what an AMAZING NIGHT!

The boys were on fire, by the end of their show the whole place had caught the bug and there were a lot of people who had never even HEARD of the Lovehammers before and didn't know Marty because they didn't watch RSINXS. Kate and I were Street Teaming like crazy and I have to tell you, after the Lovehammers played it was incredibly easy to talk to people, everyone we spoke with thought they were fantastic and we convinced quite a few of them to buy their CD. Everlong, I'm so sorry I didn't get to meet you . . . yes we did have some of the best seats . . . right at the front of the balcony, and Marty climbed up and walked right in front of us!! He didn't miss a beat through the whole thing, and is he EVER in a zone when he's performing . . . isn't that just what everyone loves about him though??? Those weren't actually our seats though . . . in fact Kate was {ahem} supposed to be in the gallery. I don't even think she put her foot on the stairs to go up there. The place was almost full, but she followed me in to the balcony level hoping for an empty seat beside mine. I didn't ever sit in my seat either, where I would have been hugging a great big pole all night . . . we sat in two empty seats in the aisle and talked to the people around us about the Lovehammers. When the lights went down we scooted down to a whole section of empty seats at the front of the balcony . . . the only thing we had to do was casually move over one seat when four people came in near the end of the show.

And Nats . . . Li is that you? I almost didn't recognize you here. Everlong, Nats is the one you talked to last night. Nats, you forgot to mention that your friend is a HUGE JD fan, and the only reason she came for the Lovehammers is because she was with you. She didn't want to see them at all, and didn't even like Marty from Rockstar . Well let me tell you, when we talked to her after the show she was definitely converted, she had a big smile on her face and called herself a new fan. People I have to say, you have no idea how good this tour is for the Lovehammers. If they could convert someone like Nats' friend in 40 minutes, and bring her over to the other side of the fence . . . imagine how many new fans they may get from this exposure from people who were neutral and knew nothing about them??? Or people who knew and loved Marty from the show but knew nothing about the Lovehammers (I'm pretty sure all of those people bought the Lovehammers' CD afterwards). There were a lot of people in line before the end of the INXS show, but the line after INXS finished was huge . . . that should tell you everything. I just know the Lovehammers are going to make it big, and although I have a huge story, all I will say for now is that they deserve every bit of this . . . they are working their butts off, and they really love their fans . . . they'll do everything they can to be there for them . . . it really couldn't happen to better guys.

And yes Cindy we got pictures, although most of them aren't mine . . . and more stories which I will be back to tell . . . the Toronto show absolutely ROCKED.

(BTW, good call Luvinmarti . . . I would definitely be in for a Niagara Falls Show, or ANY show the Lovehammers do that I can get to.)

[Trees]

Marty walked in front of you OMG Franny

Looking forward to the pics

Come to Vancouver or Calgary!! (If we find out there playing here!)

Just the thought of you being there makes me hurt myself

[gutless]

I don't know why people say that there isn't a bad seat in Massey Hall as there are plenty of bad seats!

Everlong - be careful when you wash the black t-shirt. I bought the $40 one for my daughter (out of guilt because I was unable to get my hands on another ticket to the concert for her). I washed it in cold water yesterday and layed it flat to dry and it shrunk, big time.

How were Dino's fingers?

[franny2]

I'll be honest, Dino's fingers are a mess. They are all bandaged up, but even through the bandages they look bad. I'll start with that little story, since you asked.

Kate and I missed the whole INXS show. We were wandering around, talking to people to get their impressions after the Lovehammers show, handing out LH cards and flyers to promote the new album, and after INXS started to play we ended up downstairs by the merchandise booth, across from the Bar where the Lovehammers would be for the signing later, at 10:45 according to the signs.

This was below street level, everyone had gone back for the show and only a few people were there. As Kate and I, and another girl we met who lurks here but has promised to start posting now, came down the stairs, guess who was wandering around with a glass of red wine and chatting to the merchandise people?? Holy cow, MARTY!

He stayed and talked to us for about 45 minutes . . . do you think the gods were smiling down at us last night at all??? There were only a few other people who came down there during that time, and all of them wanted him to sign something and have their picture with him, but for the most part he was all ours. We talked to him about everthing, like the boards and all the things people are doing to promote the Lovehammers. I mentioned my dear friend Palari in New Zealand which started off a whole Australia conversation . . . he knows what all you Ozzies and Kiwis have been doing for the band, and says it's thanks to you that their album is selling there now, not because of anything Epic has done yet. He loves you guys and it was so obvious how much he appreciates what you are doing for them there . . . keep it up people! You are doing a fantastic job. Oh and by the way, Marty knows there is a little horse named Trees in Australia . . . his whole expression went soft and he had a little grin when he mentioned that. I really think it blows him away to hear what people out there are doing for him and the band.

OK, I almost forgot about Dino. Marty told us the whole story, and I don't know how much has already been told here so I'll just tell the whole thing. Dino was on his own and coming off the elevator with Frankie. Frankie was out of the elevator already but his leash got caught when the doors closed. The elevator started going up with the leash and Frankie went with it. Dino jumped back and grabbed the leash and I can only imagine how hard he had to pull to get it free. Marty was showing us on one hand exactly what happened to Dino's fingers, and I think I have this right. EDITED BECAUSE I JUST READ DINO'S DIARY AND DISCOVERED I HAD THE FINGERS WRONG (or Marty told it wrong ;D) On his left hand, the middle finger was split open and he has about (14?) stitches. The ring finger was shredded . . . skin came off, and the same thing happened to his pinky but I don't think quite as bad. (EDITING OVER) Still very bad. It's going to take a long time for them to heal. Dino didn't tell the rest of the guys anything until they saw him the next day, but I'll tell you, he has got to be playing through his pain. Apparently he has changed things around a bit so he can still play his songs, but he still sounds great and I honestly didn't notice any problem at all when I was watching him on stage. He was still all there and playing his heart out. Marty did tell us, however, that Tim Farriss offered to stand behind the curtain and play for Dino!
don't tell me that INXS isn't there for these guys.

So much more to tell . . . the show was incredible and the guys themselves are fabulous. Marty was the one we got to spend real time with, and out of my impressions of him I'm pulling the words kind, funny, warm, intensely private, but at the same time friendly, generous, caring, gracious, intelligent and graceful . . . very focused and very centered . . . he's got an incredibly warm and bright "aura" around him, and I think it's hard for him to do the meet and greets the way they are set up, because he can't get personal with anyone, there just isn't enough time. But when he gets time, he really talks to people. He's really interested, and when he says thank you he means it, and the way he says it, you know exactly what he means. I don't know if he understands yet though, exactly what it means when he gets a "Thank You" back. Marty . . . the Lovehammers . . . they are really very special. If you all are going to be fans of anyone, be happy it's them. You are not wrong . . . these guys are worth it.

[everlong]

nats/Li - it was great to meet you and your friend. I was feeling really lost being there all by myself so it was nice to find someone I could talk to.

Franny2 - I'm sorry I missed you. It sounds like you and Kate found yourself some great seats. I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures.

The lovehammers definitely sold a lot of CD's last night. I was somewhat surprised by how few Marty fans (specifically Marty fans) were in the audience. The person behind me was thrilled when she found out who the opening act was. She had no idea.

[franny2]

everlong said:

nats/Li - it was great to meet you and your friend. I was feeling really lost being there all by myself so it was nice to find someone I could talk to.

Franny2 - I'm sorry I missed you. It sounds like you and Kate found yourself some great seats. I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures.

The lovehammers definitely sold a lot of CD's last night. I was somewhat surprised by how few Marty fans (specifically Marty fans) were in the audience. The person behind me was thrilled when she found out who the opening act was. She had no idea.

Everlong, I'm sorry I missed you too! I also talked to people who didn't know the Lovehammers were opening . . . and yes they were thrilled about it!!! I can't figure out how they couldn't have known, but it could be because they had no clue who the Lovehammers were . . . that it was Marty Casey's band. So I'm thinking Epic was right, Marty's name has to be out there right now and not just the Lovehammers . . . even though Marty makes it clear that it's really just the Lovehammers. But Marty has a lot of fans from RSINXS who will be jumping on board as soon as they know where he is.

I still have stories to tell, but I have to leave for work now . . . more later. It could take days ;D

[skye]

franny2 said:

[
I still have stories to tell, but I have to leave for work now . . . more later. It could take days ;D

Franny,

Thanks for the update! I'm dying to hear the rest of your stories!

[shuckra]

Franny 2, I loved your stories! To talk to Marty for 45 minutes! AAHH! I know where I'll be during the INXS portion of the Charlotte show, just in case!

I can't wait to hear more stories and see pictures ;D

[chk]

FRANNY!!! YOU HAVE MY MY DAY! Am so happy to think that the guys went thru all the Asia/Aussie stuff I gave them in Chicago. I am in tears of joy!

[Trees]

I just finished reading this thread and all I can say is I am proud to be a Marty Casey & Lovehammer Head Oh and Canadian

Franny what can I say hummmm "You little sneek" World Domination!!

Chk what a great idea you had with giving Marty all the Auzzie stuff

Levis12 you really need to bring your bicycle to one of the concerts and change the picture on the seat Let Marty take it for a ride

Julianah you need to come to I can hear # Elebben is calling you hummmm maybe that's Tooks calling

Stiletto would you please fire up the Stilettomobile and pick us all up darlin

The Creator works in mysterious ways eh?

I apologize for not mentioning everybody that is soooo memorable here, there is just to darn many for my sieve of a mind and I'm too excited and tired due to what I just read. I am from Canaduh I do love all Hammerheads and to prove it I'll give you the old Mod motto "HTH"

[everlong]

Franny,
Wow! I'm bummed I didn't go down there earlier.

Poor Dino, that must have been so painful.

It was hard to say anything much at the meet & greet. There were so many people there you had to go through so quickly.

Kim

[Trees]

Everlong just re-read your report LMAO girl. You poor darling! (still LMAO) Felt really sad when you talked about the horrible seats, but when I got to the part of your hubby not thinking the FART part, hehehe, not being funny that's when I really lost it in LMAO. Glad you shared this in your post, sorta made the concert a scentsual experience don't you think?

Think I would have thrown myself off the balcony after that I'm sure glad you had some humour with all those lemons.



An Experience is the next move to another experience

[franny2]

OK, so I need to write about the actual show before I forget the details.



Kate and I snagged our front row balcony seats while the stage was dark and the drumbeat of Ultrasound was taking over the room. We were in place when the lights came on and THERE THEY WERE . . . how great to have them right there in front of us after only seeing them on the screen all this time. They were honestly riveting, and if people who didn't know them yet were a little slow to get into it, they sure had caught the energy by the second half of the show. I can't remember the set, too focused on trying to be part of the music, but I do know that it was put together so that the energy built in layers . . . Marty sang to the whole audience and "played" on stage, with all of his famous energy, conductor moves, backbends and crouches . . . losing layers of clothing as the set progressed . . . sunglasses . . . black jacket . . . red Aragon shirt . . . down to the Speedfreak Tshirt.

At one point he was crouch-conducting right behind a security guy who was sitting on a chair up against the front of the stage (because you wouldn't want anyone to get up and actually ENJOY the band!) We all know the Lovehammers' feelings about the security . . . and Marty felt the need to do some magic conductor moves over this guy's head . . . a little hocus pocus. . . a sweeping abracadabra . . . even a presto or two . . . singing the whole time while the security guy remained with his arms crossed, looking stony faced out into the audience, completely unaware that he was part of the show. When Marty had finished with him he got up and walked over to our end of the stage . . . laughing . . . and so were we because it was really very funny and he didn't miss a beat. At another point the lights were aimed so the audience could be seen from the stage . . . . . . he spotted a pretty girl in the balcony who was dancing like crazy and he did the same little shimmy-wiggle she was doing . . . then he laughed . . . it was just really cute. He's very good at connecting with his audience, it's very natural and you can tell he's enjoying it.

He also climbed up to the balcony. . . singing. . . singing . . . walked all the way around (remember that Kate and I were right at the front row of the balcony, so we had to stand up to let him walk in front of us - talk about front row seats to the show, how awesome.) Anyway, he walked all the way around the balcony to the other side, stood on the outside edge for a moment . . . singing . . . and scrambled back down to the stage . . . AND DIDN'T MISS A BEAT THE WHOLE TIME!!!! In fact, I still don't know how he got up or down - did he jump? Because although there were speakers there, they weren't exactly stairs. He climbs like he was born in the jungle . . . makes it look so easy. Marty told us later he had promised the day before to climb up to the gallery (second balcony) this time, and he thought about it on the way up, but decided against it because he didn't know exactly what was up there, and didn't know where the exit point was or how he would get back down. I really think he could have done it though. So all this was going through his head while he was climbing AND singing . . . when he passed me and I had a look at his eyes . . . he just looked focused . . . so focused that when he looked at me he DIDN'T quite focus . . . sort of glassy-eyed . . . he saw me but didn't quite register . . . caught up in the song and not losing any of it, all the while trying to figure out how to get inside the audience . . . what a performer. Man I'll tell ya . . .

After the balcony walk, the energy in the room must have doubled. I was expecting him to climb, but this was the first glimpse of Marty for many of the people in that room and they really responded to it. Marty was up on the speakers after that, and the drums a few times. He had everyone standing up for Trees, and they just stayed up for Ring of Fire . . . I was looking around to see if I was blocking anyone . . . but the only ones who weren't standing were people who had just come in and were obviously there for INXS. Even they were grinning and obviously enjoying the part they caught, and they certainly understood and didn't complain that we were standing up in front of them.

Bobby and his drums were amazing . . . very clean, strong, loud rhythm . . . Dino was playing his heart out, sounded great, and you never would have known there was anything wrong with his hand. And Billy . . . well I could go on for a long time about how much I love Billy's guitar . . . Billy was moving back and forth across the stage a lot more than Dino, for obvious reasons, but that worked out nicely for us because we frequently had them both on our side of the stage. I loved being able to actually watch them move, instead of just seeing them in pictures. Marty practically cuddled up to Billy during one of Billy's solos . . . very cute to watch.

I've already covered some of our Marty experience . . . very, very special. I couldn't have imagined getting that much time with him to just talk. . .and he was so relaxed with only a few people around and no security. The meet and greet was different though . . . no time for photos with the guys and only time for a sentence or two. Kate and I had little gifts for all of them, a Canada Toque and Guitar pick chain for Billy, a skull cuff bracelet and braided leather armband for Bobby, and a handcuff bracelet and braided leather armband for Dino. While we had our time with Marty we gave him a razor blade dogtag chain with a cross . . . and by the way, he really loves jewellery he gets as a gift . . . and loves to wear it. If he wears this one, I fully expect it to last only a few weeks . . . before it either goes missing, gets torn off his body, or he gives it to someone . . . but that's ok because there will always be someone else to give him something he will love to wear . . . for a few weeks ;D But every moment counts while they are on tour, and even if it's something that only lasts for a short while, the impact is very big.

Billy, Bobby and Dino . . . what can I say. There was nothing about them that didn't impress me. They know exactly who they are and they are so natural . .. no pretense at all. Dino could probably strike up a conversation about anything . . . he's very responsive if you catch his interest. Bobby unfortunately I didn't get to say much to . . . but I hear from my dear friends Sheowl and Hellosun that he is great to talk to. Billy is incredibly cute and animated, you just can't see it in his pictures. There wasn't a moment where he wasn't grinning . . . really sincere smile . . . full of energy. He's an absolute doll. Kisses to his wife because I think she has something special there. At the end when he was leaving Kate got a hug from him. Security was hustling them out, but I asked if he was giving those hugs for free. He looked at security and said "Yes, but . . . " and then he shrugged them off and came over and gave me a big one. So I got to tell him how much I loved his 'guitar'. And I meant it.

So then they were gone, off to Detroit. But they definitely left some good stuff behind them and I sure know who will be there to watch them when they come back to Toronto again.

[klly]

wow franny, I feel like I was there with you. What an incredible review. Thank you!

[keysunset]

franny! Thanks so much for all you wrote about this show. YOU are pretty special to do all this work. I appreciate it so so much!

[franny2]

You know it's funny, I would never have written about it at all if I didn't think there were things to say that you all wanted to hear. It's actually been a lot of fun bringing it all back for you . . . it made me think a little deeper into things than I normally would have. It's a really good exercise and I should probably do this for a lot of events that happen in my life . . . except I don't always have people who want to hear it !!! ;D And it would be nowhere near as much fun writing it for myself!!!

[aussiefan]

Franny,

I have tears of joy right now to know that Marty mentioned he knows of a little horse in Australia named Trees.

That has really made my day, I have been telling all my family and messaging all my friends, I am so rapt!!

Thanks for sharing that with everyone in your post, you don't know how good that makes me feel. Wait til Trees starts winning out there in the show ring Marty will be really proud of 'his' horse then!

Cheers, Helen.

[sheowl]

FRANNY AND KATE ARE MY HEROES! .........ok, so I had to mention that, but wanted to thank you guys for the posts, I cant wait till the Lovehammers are hosting their own shows and touring the world, making hammerheads out of everyone!!!! Special lickles to Franny from me and Hellosun, and here is a cheer to the Lovehammers in hopes of a very successful year headlining sold out shows throughout.