Blaqkpearl's Journals

AFI IN BUFFALO

It was beautiful Fall weather, October 7th, the day we drove to Buffalo, making for a relaxed, happy and highly anticipated journey. Later, during the balmy night, my friend and I made our way to Town Ballroom feeeling very excited, as we looked for a parking lot. Pulling up to the traffic lights, we spyed one ahead, just then I looked out of my window, and there is ADAM stood at the crossing! I shouted 'Its Adam!. Its him! omg, open the window!" He looked into the car, probably noticing the commotion, but before we could open it fully, the lights changed, someone hooted behind, we had to move along, and Adam has crossed the road.

By now, we are of course in AFI mode to the full. The Ballroom is beautiful, old, worn, but such a wonderful atmoshpere, cosy, steeped in music history and a great lay out around the stage. Gallows, opening punk band from England, were great, hard rocking, funny and full of praise for AFI. They really gave a great performance, with some good songs.

THEN after Smith and others set the equipment up, including a golden Crash Love drum face, comes screams from the crowd as Davey walks on stage, dressed in his gold suit, Hunter, Adam and Jade in black. They burst right away into 'Torch Song' from Crash Love, which was truly amazing! With gold floodlights flashing, the guys jamming, Davey doing his thing; twirling, jumping, prancing around, fans going wild; It was one of the best opening songs Ive heard, left everyone sort of shell shocked. Afterwards, Davey took off his gold jacket, which I was so happy about, Im not a suit kinda person, esp gold ones, lol, and hey let me see those tattooed arms Davey!

And he did, wearing a black Zu-boutique t.shirt, which he very kindly lifted for a few seconds, giving us a fleeting view of his beautiful belly to make us melt. His voice is amazing. It also astounds me that he can actually sound even BETTER live then on a recording. It gives you a high as he reaches the highest notes, carries the melody so clearly with deep, mellow tones. He has such a distinct voice, match that with his poetic lyrics and what more could you ask for? I was in sheer bliss by then.

I thoroughly approved of the song set. They played some of our fav songs from Sing the Sorrow and December Underground, with about four new songs from Crash Love slotted in. The fans went crazy when they played one of the older punk songs 'Love is a many splendoured thing(I hate you)' I was blown away by how they change tempo so rapidly, without a pause almost. They were 'tight' together, all in syn and utterly serious and committed over their music, oozing confidence and knowing its what they love to do most, made me feel happy and part of something.

My friend had an obnoxious drunk guy next to her, who almost slumped over the railing, wobbled about and yelled during the performance, we didnt let it spoilt our enjoyment, but WHY do some fans HAVE to get SO loaded they cant stand, let alone know WHERE they are, or even what they are listening to?,,,and spoil the show for other die hard fans? On the same subject, WHY do some people come TO TALK TO EACH OTHER?? We had two guys behind us, chatting about the party they went to last week, everyday stuff - really loudly (!) during the actual song set! (the same happened at my NIN show this summer, as Trent delivered his best, the 3 people next to me, stood in a group, backs to the stage and discussed PROBLEMS AT WORK! I mean, come on, GO CHAT OVER A COFFEE GUYS!! Im here for the MUSIC and to see my guys of course.

Anyway, had to VENT my pet peeve here. Mid way, AFI sang the wonderful sad and meaningful 'On the Arrow' which was beautiful, esp as Adam came out from behind his drums for once, to shake a rattle-maraca-thingy lol* After that, at one point, Daveys earplugs came out, lol, it was funny how he shrugged and told us he had lost them, carried on singing, but then retrieved them from somewhere around his neck lol* and gave an 'ok' signal with his hand. Things like that, endear him to me, he seems so down to earth in some ways, yet in other ways he is this enigma, this fascinating man with many facets to him. Once again, I am in awe of Davey Havok and his talent to perform for us in his unique way.

After the encore, I got the usual sad feeling, the anti-climax feeling; it was over. I had to stand by the railing just waiting, as everyone streamed out, hoping they would come back on stage, do another encore, lol* silly I know, but I didnt want the night to end. But it did, and I do know how lucky I am to even be there,,AND to be seeing them again in exactly four weeks time , Nov 10th, in Toronto! and I cant wait. THANK YOU GUYS AND LONG LIVE AFI.

INFINITY - FOR D

INFINITY

HOW do I capture your infinite beauty?

HOLD it in a glass and gaze upon it?

HOW do I touch your skin of honey brown?

REACH out and stroke Celluloid?

HOW do I taste the salt of your lips?

PRETEND your mouth wants mine?

HOW do I live life devoid of your love?

WATCH you sing from afar and die??!

,,,,I cannot kiss you.

,,,,Cannot hold you.

,,,,Or capture your pristine beauty,

,,,,Cannot live in my silent world without you,,,,

POEM FOR ____

Tears of blood

If your saw the colour of my tears

Would you kiss them from my face?

If you knew how you've carved a hole in my heart

Would you want to fill it?

If you heard my tortured voice cry out for you

Would you reply with your mystical words?

If I needed you in the night, would you come to me?

No. No. No. and No.

And so fall my tears of blood.

2 DAYS & 3 HOURS UNTIL I FINALLY SEE AFI

Well here it is at last,,the week I see AFI. June 20th 2009, 7.10pm,,at first it seemed to drag and now the time if flying by. I am starting to *orbit*, Im getting more excited every day, playing all my AFI CDs, watching vids and gazing at my posters, esp looking into Davey's eyes and imagining what they are lke in RL,,, and cant believe one of my dreams will be coming true,,,,Rain is forecast in Toronto for the weekend, but maybe it will only be showers. I have advance tix so I dont have to stand in line, but all I hope for is an occasionall good view of Davey, Jade, Hunter and Adam, because their music will already be flowing all around and I will be in AFI HEAVEN*. Maybe they will sing some new songs from 'Crash Love' or a mix of old and new, I love it all so I'll be happy and on cloud 9. I hope to get some pics and maybe take a bit of video so look out for me posting next week. I will be taking with me a whole bunch of 'BUZZ-LOVE' from all you AFI buzzies and I will scatter that love around along with VIBES from us to them.

RECIPE FOR VEGAN COOKIES

Here is the recipe for the Vegan cookies for those of you who wanted to try it. They have a buttery taste, but are not that sweet, so you could ice/frost them. Let me know if they turn out good for you. (This makes a lot,,,about 4 doz small ones or about 2 doz larger ones like the Valentines ones I did.â™¥

VEGAN COOKIES

2 CUPS ALL PURPOSE FLOUR
1/4 TEASPOON OF SALT
1 CUP (2 STICKS OF 'EARTH BALANCE' NON-DAIRY SPREAD (FOUND IN HEALTHSTORES)
1/2 CUP ICING SUGAR (OR FINE POWDERED CASTER SUGAR).
1 TEASPOON OF PURE VANILLA EXTRACT
METHOD:
SOFTEN NON-DAIRY SPREAD. IN A LARGE BOWL, BEAT CREAM SPREAD UNTIL SMOOTH. (ABOUT 1 MINUTE) WITH ELECTRIC MIXER.
ADD THE SUGAR AND BEAT UNTIL SMOOTH (ABOUT 2 MINUTES)
BEAT IN THE VANILLA EXTRACT
SEIVE FLOUR AND SALT TOGETHER, THEN GENTLY STIR INTO MIXTURE, AND MOULD IT INTO A BALL. (IT WILL BE QUITE STIFF)
FLATTEN THE DOUGH INTO A DISC SHAPE (I WRAPPED IT IN PLASTIC WRAP AND PRESSED A ROLLING PIN DOWN ON IT)
CHILL IN FRIDGE FOR ABOUT AN HOUR
PRE-HEAT OVEN TO 350*
ON A LIGHTLY FLOURED SURFACE, ROLL OUT THE DOUGH TO 1/4 THICK. CUT INTO HEARTS OR WHATEVER SHAPES YOU WANT USING COOKIE CUTTER.
PLACE ON LIGHTLY GREASED COOKIE SHEET AND REFRIGERATE FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES. (THIS WILL HELP THEM MAINTAIN THEIR SHAPE WHEN BAKED)
BAKE FOR 8-10 MINUTES, OR UNTIL THEY ARE LIGHT BROWN.
COOL ON RACK.
MAKE TEA, PUT ON 'SING THE SORROW' AND MUNCH AWAY!

NINE INCH NAILS REPORT

Stunned and amazed once again after last nights NIN concert. To me, even better than the August concert I went to, mainly cos it was a smaller venue and we had front row seats!!,,, so we could see the FANTASTIC light show/special effects close up. Ive never seen lighting and visuals like it, it takes your breath away. Plus Trent seemed more energetic, despite this being right after the Montreal concert,,and in fact, in the middle of a heavy duty tour. His fit physique and stamina keeps him going and going and looking good as he tackles old and new songs. I just can't describe them live,,,you have to see them,,,its unbelieveable. Although 'Head like a Hole' is not my all time fav NIN song, its definetly the best performance, done as a finale,,before the encore songs. With sheer white strobe lighting and such a tight 'togetherness' in both vocals and backing, I felt sort of trance-like as the sound and effects fill you with awe, they take a hold of you. Trent's voice is so powerful and his confidence oozes out of him on stage. We had a show-within-a-show as a quite drunken guy next to us was 'performing'..lol* despite people around being rather annoyed, we did all have to laugh at him, he was so funny. And even though he spilt a full beer over my foot, swung his shoulder length hair in my face as he danced wildly, and almost fell over the balcony, I didnt care and forgave him with a happy grin. lol*

NIN come across as such a 'tight' and confident band, totally in sync. I love 'Discipline' from The Slip and 'Head Down' which sound almost better live than recorded. 'Closer' is still a big favourite of mine and the crowd, and Trent has some of the same moves from his younger, long haired, rebellious days. I just love his arms outstretched, high clapping and the little steps backwards that only he does. He is also polite, always thanks the audience, comments on the location and seems truly appreciate of his fans. Towards the end, a huge red screen descends, lit up with NIN in black lights,,,its mind blowing and gives you such a powerful and proud feeling somehow,,,,I didnt want last night to end. And BTW,,,I was the one who shouted; 'I love you Trent' after the encore,,,,â™¥â™¥â™¥â™¥â™¥â™¥