I've been working in radio for almost eight years and this by far was my most exciting experience and now you get to share it with me.

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to grab tickets to see Weezer, Panic! At the Disco and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, N.J. I had been waiting for this show for months! In fact you may remember when they announced the tour how excited I was. I couldn't stop talking about it on air. I mean how could you not be floored to see such an awesome line up but seeing the show wasn't the only thing that got me pumped: How about getting meet one of bands!

Now, I'm not bragging at all. Just because I work in radio doesn't mean I get to rub elbows with rock stars, so when I got the news that I could actually meet one of the bands I was over the moon. So I asked you, my listeners, my peeps: who would you want to meet? Weezer or Panic! At the Disco? And without hesitation you flooded me with your choice, and so I listened to you (I know--strange change of pace) and Weezer it was.

 

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Just the idea of meeting the band was thrilling. I didn't know what to expect really. I had never met a band of this magnitude before but all I know was just being in their presence was exciting (at least for me anyway).

You could tell the guys had done this sort of thing a million times and although they didn't seem too hyped up (gotta love Rivers deer in the headlights look), the fans had enough excitement for everyone. All in all, it was amazing. A little strange, but amazing. In fact, I got a little shoulder rub from lead guitarist Brian Bell who told me he was ready to rock and even showered for the occasion. Plus, I made Rivers Cuomo shake my hand even though he seemed very against it. What a memory and so glad I can share it with you. (Well, I can once the official photo is posted!

After the Meet & Greet there was a little down time. We heard Andrew McMahon and Panic! doing their sound checks and got first dibs at the merch table. Got a pretty sweet Weezer shirt to mark the occasion. After we chilled a bit, it was time to get the fun started with the opening act, Andrew McMahon and the Wilderness.

 

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He did a quick set, his energy was amazing. Super tall guy btw and can play the heck out of the piano--even with his feet! We're very lucky in the Hudson Valley to have Andrew come hang out with us but believe it or not this was the first time I was able to see him and he rocked. If you didn't see him at the Chance a few months back be sure to check out our Youtube channel for a sneak peak of how awesome he is. He likes to crowd surf.

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After Andrew McMahon the next band up was Panic! at the Disco. They were also super amazing and got the crowd on their feet. I know the band has had a bit of a rough patch these last few years (Brendon Urie is the only founding member left) but it was as if they never left and certainly they never missed a beat. In fact I think seeing them live made me a little more obsessed with them...and I mean that in the most healthy way possible.

If you haven't grabbed their new album Death of a Bachelor check it out. I'm honest, not all the songs are the best, but overall a good record. However, it's one of those albums that you have to listen to a few times before it gets good. Strange, I know, but that's just my opinion.

Ok, moving on. It's time for the main act...the headliners...the piece de resistance...Weezer!

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And, as you may have guessed, they too were amazing. Playing every Weezer hit in the book. I'm talking "Undone," "Say It Ain't So," "Beverly Hills," "Pork and Beans," "Island in the Sun" and so, so many more. It was sweeet!

Again, like the meet and greet the energy was a little different, maybe a little strange in fact. Not sure if that is just how they are or if they were having an off night. Rivers did say he had an incident with a security guard earlier. But no worries, he said we were making him feel better! Score! A handshake and I made Rivers' night better. So strange or not, it was a day I will never forget and again so glad I get to share it with you!

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