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YEAH  DETAILS !!!!!!!!??????!!!

OK, I guess I'll delight all of you with my story of the show. But first, I'd like to make two things perfectly clear. Number one: I didn't remember the setlist. All I remember is that "Storming the Castle" was the first song played and "Curse of the Ice Miaden" was played somewhere along the line. Number two: Mr. Smalls' security didn't let me bring my camera in. Now that that's settled...

The members of Icarus Witch looked like gods as they walked onstage. They walked with spirit and vigor to their instruments and made the theater come alive. It was overwhelming seeing them in the flesh for the first time. They brought so much energy into the theater. It makes one wonder why the audience didn't match their energy and emotion until being called upon by Bizilia to go "fucking crazy!"

With a slight smile on his face, Matthew Bizilia cried out, "This song is called... 'Storming the Castle!'" and IW immediately erupted into song, releasing energy that one could feel in one's body by standing near the stage or speakers. Steve Pollick is very talented at playing guitar solos. He got a lot of cheers. I particularly enjoy how these guys sway and dance a little to the rhythm of their music. It's also really cool when Bizilia breaks out the tambourine! The way these guys move adds a great visual effect to their show. They're not over-the-top flashy; the way they move is enough of a show.

After their performance, the only thing that crossed my mind was meeting these guys. I first encountered Jere Jameson, who said that he remembered me from the crowd (since I was a little more active in headbanging and cheering than some other audience members.) My eyes frantically darted around the room until I saw Jason stroll up to the merch booth. My first thought was, "Wow, he's just about my size and THIN! (Wonder how he stays in shape...)" I told him hi for all of you. He was very gracious. One thing that struck me about all the members of Icarus Witch is how kind they are to their fans. They're really great guys and meeting them was a wonderful experience. Jason sent me off with "Go see Matt, he wants to meet you." I'm still not sure if he was being honest or if that was just to get me out of his peroxide-blonde hair. (I think he was being honest.)

While wandering, I saw Steve Pollick and approached him for an autograph with a shy smile. He, too, was kind about my request. I soon returned to the merch booth and had a five- or ten-minute conversation with Jason about subjects which I don't remember anymore. Jason Myers is a brilliant conversationalist. After a few more minutes of searching, I finally found the elusive Matt Bizilia. Finally, the god I'd heard on a recording, seen in photographs, and watched onstage was a real man. He smiled, shook my hand, and told me that he enjoyed seeing me in the audience. He, along with the other three members of IW, signed my forearm, gingerly smoothing the area with the veins of my inner elbow before allowing the pen to dance across it. Matthew is such a gentleman. Being in his presence was a very nice experience.

I found a little extra money in my pocket and decided to buy an Icarus Witch pin. When I went to give the money to Matthew, something delayed it- we just stood there both holding this dollar bill. I was thinking, "Geez, does it really take that much to take a dollar bill from someone?" He was probably thinking, "Geez, does it really take that much to give someone a dollar bill?" But eventually, the transaction was complete and my dad informed me that it was time to go home. On the way out, I turned to look back at the merch booth and Matt waved at me. I smiled, waved back, and almost walked into the men's restroom on the way out of the building. It was a great night.

The thing I'll remember most about May 11 is how kindly all the men in Icarus Witch treated me. They are all true gentlemen and very good people. One of the best things about metal is that, to a certain extent, one can get to know one's favorite bands on a personal level. Icarus Witch is a group that leaves a lasting impression not only because of their music, but because of their good natures and addictive personalities. People like them make life worth living.

EDIT: These two photos are of the autographs I got on Thursday. I apologize in advance for the blurriness.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v640/ledzepfreak2003/Adventures%20In%20Art/cdautographs.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v640/ledzepfreak2003/Adventures%20In%20Art/forearmautographs.jpg

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