7/2/10 Kettering, OH Fraze Pavilion For The Performing Arts

[Alinite27]

Decided to stay at Cedar Point for a few hours early in the day after being there during the day off. We eventually left around Noon and made the drive toward Kettering. Stopped at a Denny's along the way and made it into the venue around 5. Went for a walk and ran into Nancy. She had an extra ticket for the show, which she gave to Mom. Glad that Mom could see an extra show. Listened to the soundcheck stuff. Wasn't a whole lot. The band played a snippet of their soundcheck song, and then later played another snippet of Canadian Idiot. Spent the rest of the time around the lake and the park, as I saw on my ticket that the show wouldn't start until 8:45...as there is a direct view of sunlight on the stage there. Not exactly sure what time the gates opened, as I went in a little before 7:45. Listened to the pre-show soundtrack, gathered a few promotional items for their main entrance area, took some notes on a few songs, and the concert began pretty much on time.

Pretty normal show. There is still some sort of echo effect on Al's mic, which distorts stuff in a few different places. Not sure if it is on purpose or what. Steve was asked for the Let Me Be Your Hog request. We got You Make Me and Good Old Days for the two alternating song, which are my perfect combo. Al did a few different things with lyrics in different places, although it mainly enhanced most stuff. Steve was having an awesome time on stage tonight. It seems to me that he really enjoys these outside venues the best.

After the show was perfect. I ran into Kevin from on here and we talked awhile. About 15 minutes later, they told us that Al would be out in a bit. Steve came out with Wayne The Bus Driver, and picked up an orange cone that was blocking the bus and used it as a megaphone to announce the bus driver's arrival. Wayne The Bus Driver signed a few autographs and seemed to be having a great time. Al eventually came out and while I was in line for him, I got to see Jim. It was nice to finally have a good talk with him and get a picture. Got to see Al. We talked a little about the backstory around the "Weird Al SHREDS" and I told him to wish Suzanne a Happy Birthday for me. He seemed touched, and said that he would. After I met Al, Wayne The Bus Driver was standing around the bus. I talked to him for awhile. He told a lot of different stories of transportation and different methods of getting places. It was a really interesting talk with him. He seemed very surprised about my tourchasing.

Overall, a very awesome night. This is always a nice venue, although, they seemed very strict. They wouldn't let you walk on the sidewalks or let people bring in snorkels and VHS Tapes. Other than that, nice place.

[Kevbo1987]

I definitely enjoyed this show. I was a little irritated with the venue staff at first because I brought my UHF VHS tape with me for Al to sign and they wouldn't let me bring it in. I guess a VHS tape is dangerous weapon. Anyway, they had a booth where you had to leave forbidden items, so I left it with them. I tried to explain that I was bringing it in for Al to sign, but they kept telling me there was no way he was signing autographs for anyone who had a backstage pass. The show itself was very good. I love the new polka, and it was very cool hearing "You Make Me" and "Good Old Days" live. CNR, Craigslist and Skipper Dan all sounded great live, and I especially liked the Craigslist costume. After the show, my Dad ran to get my VHS tape while my brother and I got in line by the buses. We were about fourth in line, so I was pretty excited. After they announced he would be coming out to sign autographs, they had the line move down the sidewalk a little to get closer to the buses. It was a pretty big line, though not as big as it was the last time he played this venue. Anyway, after waiting for about a half hour, they finally let the line start moving toward the buses. The problem with this was the fact that they let the people in the back of the line go first. So my whole being excited about being fourth in line thing didn't really pan out. When I finally got to the front of the line, Al seemed surprised to see the UHF VHS. I made a comment about the whole "It's wacky, it's zany. It's TV according to 'Weird Al' Yankovic" line, and he chuckled and said, "Yeah, I didn't write that." He was extremely friendly and gracious, and despite his security staff's instruction not to pose for pictures with him, he posed for pictures with everyone who wanted to.

The concert was also cool because I brought my Dad along. He's always tolerated Al, but he's never been a fan, per say. He was extremely impressed with this concert. He said he couldn't stop himself from smiling through the whole thing, and he was especially impressed that Al took the time to talk to and take a picture with every fan in line.

I attached the picture of Al and me together. While this was my second time meeting Al, it was the first time I got to have my picture taken with him. Despite the fact that I look like something out of the end of the "Thriller" video, I love this picture.

[weird_el]

It really doesn't matter where you are in an autograph line. Al signs for everybody. I think it's better to be closer to the end -- longer anticipation time.

[Alinite27]

Yeah, there are times where I enjoy being in the back of the autograph line...although, there are times where I'm completely tired and just want to get out of there and to the hotel. Last night was one of those, so I was kind of disappointed that they took the back of the line first, since I was right behind Kev. Ah well...I'm just really glad that I got to see Al and that I could tell him to wish Suzanne a Happy Birthday...wherever I was in line.

Also, thanks again Kev to you all for taking my after-show pictures for me!

[bryce87]

One question. How do you get backstage passes? I have talked to Bermuda via email and he tells me you cant' so I'm very confused.

[Kristine]

One question. How do you get backstage passes? I have talked to Bermuda via email and he tells me you cant' so I'm very confused.

This has been discussed on here many times. In all honesty, it's all about who you know (that's the case for life, isn't it? ). Sorry. You've gotta be friends with the right person- whether that's a band member, crew member, or sometimes the promoter/venue. But please don't go begging people you don't know.

[bryce87]

haha I'm not begging anyone. I seem to remember Bermuda telling me about knowing someone. By the way can you meet Al without a pass?

[NH Weird Al Fan]

haha I'm not begging anyone. I seem to remember Bermuda telling me about knowing someone. By the way can you meet Al without a pass?

This has also been discussed many times on this forum. In fact, I responded to almost the exact same question just last week:

Meet & Greet passes cannot be purchased. You usually have to have a close connection to the band, or win them in a contest.
Try calling and/or emailing the venue and the local radio stations to see if they will be having any meet & greet pass giveaways.

If you don't win any passes, you can try waiting by the tourbus after the show. Be prepared to wait for a while. Although he does try to meet with fans by the tourbus as much as he can, there is no guarantee that Al will be able to do a public meet & greet on any given day. There are many factors involved, such as how far it is to the next city on the tour, the physical setup of the venue (where the buses are parked), how big the line is, and how tired Al is that day.

If you go to the concert with high expectations of meeting Al and it doesn't work out, you will probably be very disappointed.
Instead, go to the concert just for the enjoyment of being at the concert. If you happen to get lucky enough to meet him, it will be a great bonus.

If you want a guaranteed meet & greet without a pass, go to the concert in Watertown, NY tomorrow night. Al tweeted that he will meet with every single person who goes to the show!

[Kevbo1987]

It really doesn't matter where you are in an autograph line. Al signs for everybody. I think it's better to be closer to the end -- longer anticipation time.

Yeah, I know. Al would never leave one of his fans behind. Like Jeremy said, I was just tired and would have preferred not to wait the extra 45 minutes. But hey, I met Al, so it's all good.

[Big Spoon]

re-how to get backstage: Yeah, in all honesty, it's all about who you know. I've been backstage three times, and all three times it's been through a different person either involved with Al, or the venue.