Thursday, November 22, 2012

The Finale

Playing: Keep Rising-Jack's Mannequin
Reading: World Design: The Best in Classic and Contemporary Furniture, Fashion, Graphics, and More by Uta Abendroth, Karin Beate Phillips, Christian Pixis, Volkard Steinbach, and Bernd Polster
November 12, 2012 marked the very last concert for my favorite band, Jack's Mannequin, at the El Rey Theatre. It's hard to explain how I feel about Andrew McMahon, the lead singer, and his music without sounding fanatical or insane. To get these tickets, I actually woke up really early one morning and sat at the computer, refreshing the page every two seconds. For the first ten attempts at buying tickets, ticketmaster told me there were no tickets left, so I began to panic, but I finally got them. This was my fifth time seeing Andrew McMahon and while I was standing in line, I got a chance to talk to some other super fans like the guy that flew in from Texas and the two friends that drove for eight hours from Arizona.
The show opened with Matt Thiessen of Reliant K, singing old favorites and some new material. Bobby "Raw" Anderson, the lead guitarist of Jack's Mannequin, joined him for a song. I had no idea he'd be there, so when he walked on stage, I kind of screamed a lot at him and now I can't get "Sadie Hawkins" out of my head. During the encore, he got on stage and I got a chance to briefly talk to him, which was pretty exciting and he seems pretty nice from our miniscule conversation and from when he talked to the audience.
Since the concert was general admission and I'm a tiny person, I was able to squeeze right on through the crowd, so that I was only five feet away from the stage. With the help of a new camera, I was able to get some really clear close up shots. Andrew was his usual charming, funny self and he did his fun, spastic dance moves, so needless to say I enjoyed it tremendously so.
Since I was so close to Bobby "Raw" Anderson, I got the chance to take some amazing photos of him. At all of the past concerts, I focused mostly on Andrew and I got to see how great Bobby is at performing. He's amazing and I kind of regret not paying more attention to him earlier on. Andrew wrote "No Man is an Island" for Bobby's wedding song, so I guess the two of us will have the same wedding song.
Dr. J also returned after leaving the band for awhile. It was nice to see him again. I apologize for my recap being so poor this time, but I feel like I've written about Andrew so much that to write out how much I love him and his music again would just be repetitive. At the end of the concert, Andrew was joined by all of his friends and it was a beautiful moment, as the confetti fell. It was definitely a weird feeling for me. After seeing him so many times and listening to his music for around eight years now, I find it hard to believe it's all over. I've actually found myself getting really depressed during class, if I think about it too much. However, this isn't the end. I would like to believe that Andrew isn't ending his music career completely and that he's just moving on. After all, I still haven't met him and that's definitely one of my life goals. Here's the set list:
  • Holiday From Real
  • Crashing
  • Release Me
  • Annie, Use Your Telescope
  • Spinning
  • My Racing Thoughts (It's about getting in a fight with someone who knows you too well.)
  • Casting Lines
  • The Resolution
  • Bloodshot
  • Amy I
  • Swim
  • Restless Dream
  • The Mixed Tape
  • Last Straw
  • I'm Ready
  • Bruised
  • Hammers and Strings
  • Dark Blue
  • Caves ("This song is hard to play. I mean it's emotionally hard, but it's actually hard to play.")
  • MFEO Part 1: Made for Each Other
  • MFEO Part 2: You Can Breathe
  • La La Lie
I just want Andrew to know that his music has really inspired me and has helped me through many a tough time. He's just amazing and I want him to know that he makes me happy and that this isn't a good bye; it's a see you soon. I would also like to thank him for all the amazing memories and for putting so much into my life. See you soon, Andrew, and I wish you luck with your next adventure!

Also, happy Thanksgiving to all of my America readers!

17 comments:

  1. Oh you are such a hysterical
    fangirl Audrey c: I'm not sure
    but is the band going to be
    disbanded or what o:
    Which song do you recommend?
    I want to give it a try!

    Happy Thanksgiving btw xx

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  2. Thank you so much sweetie! I love the photos, that must have been an amazing time
    x

    www.be-your-own-hero-now.blogspot.pt

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  3. love all your pics !

    www.heymarsya.blogspot.com

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  4. I love them & i heart your blog!
    i'm a new GFC follower :)
    xo
    www.domesticsweetheart.com

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  5. haha I love how into them you are!! have a great thanksgiving and black friday!!

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  6. Cool event!
    Kisses, Den.

    http://thebsheep.blogspot.it/

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  7. you got a new camera?!?!? what type :O

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  8. Ice Pandora-My favorite song by them is probably "Caves" or "Dark Blue." Check them out and let me know what you think!

    Jaz xo-Thanks! And don't be! (:

    mafalda-Thank you! It was wonderful! :D

    Marsya Aulia Rizkita-Thank you! (:

    Domestic Sweetheart-Awesome! Thanks!

    Mr Lonely-Thanks! You too! (:

    Pop Champagne-Thank you! Have a great Thanksgiving! (Although wasn't Canadian Thanksgiving on the 6th?)

    Denis Arman-Yup! (:

    Sarah S.-I was using my dad's camera, which is capable of taking photos in the dark, while my camera sucks royally at it.

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  9. Sounds like fun and cute shirt you're wearing. Thanks for visiting, you have a great blog.

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  10. Nice pics, looks like you had a great time!

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  11. Oh this looked like fun! I understand what you mean, I get the same way when I try to talk about my favorites, I get so passionate but that's one of the lovely things about music and how it speaks to you.

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  12. @REPLY:
    I have tried Caves and Dark Blue!
    Caves was abit gloomy at the beginning then the scary piano
    play started and it became much
    alive :P I think Caves was better,
    I like the lyrics, it's not cliché.
    xx

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  13. Blythe-Thank you so much! ^^

    Song- Thanh-Thank you! (:

    Katie Q.-Exactly! There's just too much to say!

    Sharina-I don't have a sister. D:

    Ice Pandora-I've always enjoyed his slower tempo songs, but if you like faster ones try "The Mixed Tape," "My Racing Thoughts," or "The Resolution." Who do you like listening to? I'd love to see some of your musicians!

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  14. Great post!

    Thanks for leaving a sweet comment on my blog!

    P.s. I am now following you!

    xo
    Deanne

    http://myfashavenue.blogspot.ca

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