Music as a Weapon Tour, 2006, by Matt Stevens

From MemoryArchive

Who: Me and my friends
What: Music as a Weapon Tour
When: Dec 22, 2006
Where: Alliant Energy Center

Ah yes... I remember it like it was yesterday. The "Music as a Weapon Tour". Flyleaf, Stone Sour, Nonpoint, and the headliner, Disturbed, all in one night. That was quite the night. It all started with me driving Brian, Jason, and Austen into Verona to meet up w/ my friend Erik and his super-awesome Eurovan. Since I had a little bit of a feeling of fatigue, we decided to go get some energy drinks and, of course, shotgun them. With this newfound blast of caffeine induced energy, we were off. We got there early and did the whole obligatory "sit for an hour, see a random roadie, and decide to rush the stage, only to be packed sardines for thirty plus minutes" process. Not to complain though, rushing the stage is fun.

Anyways, it started off with Nonpoint, who were great, like always. After their set, we went out to get their autographs (they signed my pants), although that meant missing most of Flyleaf's set. We retuned for the end of Flyeaf's set then stood around, staring at the empty stage, waiting for Stone Sour to magically appear. While their walk on stage wasn't as mystical as we had hoped, we were not disappointed. Of course, since I had yet to go crowd surfing, now was my time to shine. While floating over the crowd was fun, I did end up separated from my friends for the remainder of the set. Still worth it, I say. Once the lights returned, I reunited w/ my buds, and waited in great anticipation for the main event.

Disturbed. My God were they amazing. Such charisma, such talent. I was thoroughly blown away. The on stage persona of the band members was truly a sight to behold. They are easily the best band I have ever witnessed. If I had to break it down to the top 5, it would go something like this: Disturbed, Dope, Nonpoint, Flogging Molly, and Nickelback. This was a euphoric experience, no doubt. Even my little personal "accident" didn't keep this from being one of the best nights of my life.

I'm sure you're wondering what this little "accident" was. Or maybe not, maybe you're wondering why you can stick silly putty on newspaper and pull the comics off. Regardless, I'm the narrator so I'll be telling you about the "accident". My friends and I had decided we're going into the moshpit for "Down With The Sickness." I ended up getting knocked onto the ground and receiving a jolt from my friend's, Brian's, knee to my forehead. I got up, walked out of the mosh pit, and proceeded to lose conciousness. My friends dragged me out into the little hallway area where I regained my bearings for a couple minutes before we left. Ah, it was an amazing night ...so fun.