Post by ♡ dsangel ♓ on Mar 21, 2015 16:45:39 GMT -5
I'm running on about 6 hours sleep so if I screw something up, please forgive! 
After a long hiatus, some personnel changes and a few bumps in the road, HINDER returned to the stage at Piere's in Ft. Wayne, Indiana last night. It was AMAZING and that's putting it lightly. I'm going to try and take you along for the ride so hold tight!
We arrived at the venue a bit early because I had to meet up with Fabrizio for details about giving their Intro. (You can STILL get some really cool stuff by going to PledgeMusic.com/projects/hinder and choosing something like introducing them before a show! There are a lot of options left and lots of extras come along with a pledge!!!) We talked to everyone out back of the bus bc they were doing their first BBQ with Hinder...it was more like a Freeze Your Ass Off with Hinder BBQ but hey, it was still a cool thing for those people involved! I finally had the pleasure of meeting Arvol, he's a great guy, just great. He's another member of the Hinder family & it shows, super nice, laid back, good people. I love their crew just as much as them I do believe!
I've had the pleasure of being on the bus just a few times and I sorta feel like it's mini Vegas, you know, "What happens on the bus, stays on the bus." But I will divulge that this was Riff's first time ever getting to just hang out with the guys and as always they made him feel like part of the family. (I know he's been with me through the entire ride, but he stays mostly in the background so this was really special to me on a lot of levels.) I want to thank each of the guys for welcoming him. The other thing I'm gonna tease you with is When The Smoke Clears. I can't say a lot but I WILL say I think each and every Hinder fan is going to love this album and I think they'll be disappointed if they don't pre-order it so they have it when it's released May 12. Personally, I feel like it's a return of sorts, a return to solid rock'n'roll with a few twists thrown in here and there. This album, beginning to end, there's not a song I would skip over, not one. It plays to so many emotions and all the songs kept my toe tapping. Like Marshal and I discussed, this is one to put on in your vehicle, crank the volume and go drive a narrow country road, FAST (while you tap along to the beat on your steering wheel)!!! It's THAT good start to finish. Honestly, May can't get here soon enough for me, that's no lie. And while I don't think I've ever written a negative Hinder album review, there are songs on the 3 middle discs that I WILL skip, I already know that's not gonna happen this time round.
Moving on... For a minute there, Arvol and I thought we were going to have to do the entire intro ourselves but FINALLY the radio station guy showed. (You've heard the term "3 sheets to the wind?" Try 4 or 5...just sayin' ) So he does his radio thing, we throw out some shirts signed by the guys and then I did my little intro bit. I've been asked if it was recorded, I have no idea, it's probably on YT somewhere. I don't need to see it bc all that matters is I said what I wanted and the guys liked it. 
When you've loved something so long, it's the little things that really count; those comments, hugs, "thank you's," and high fives after the show said it all about how I did. AND my knees didn't buckle or lock so it's all good!
If you've seen the guys live in the past you know what sort of show they can put on. I am being honest when I say last night was like no other Hinder show has been for many years. Just seeing how happy they ALL are to be together, making music as a unit is part of what a rock show should be, but it goes beyond that somehow. The energy level was over the top, they were all smiling, joking, engaging the crowd (Joe addressed the crowd and I'm not talking "Hey how are ya?" I'm talking he engaged the crowd, talked about how good it was to be back and how they were ready to rock the entire place again. It was really cool and besides who doesn't love Blower?? ) and their happiness was genuine. And for the first time, in a long time, there were no hidden undertones of problems or visible tension, and that was so incredible to witness. Marshal did one helluva job working the crowd himself. He's taken the reigns and works hard on stage to keep everyone going, from the front of the house to the back! A lot of great things happened last night, but the best was seeing the crowd react to Marshal and the entire band. Marsh is definitely where he should be IMHO, and Cody, Mike, Mark and Joe continue to work hard around him, supporting him and giving their all. It's so cool to see them enjoy themselves on stage again. If you see them live now (you SHOULD) and you don't have a good time, YOU are doing it wrong because THEY are firing on all cylinders!
As to the rest, Riff and I hadn't ever been side stage before based mostly on the recommendation that it's not really the place to hear the show. It's not, but it's like Arvol, Riff and I agreed, it's cool to experience it at least once just to see the "other side", so to speak. The sound was actually decent from where we were (thanks to Fab) and we enjoyed it. But honestly I prefer being on the rail bc I feel like I'm more "in" the show. Still we can't thank everyone enough who took such good care of us (seems like it should be the other way round!)
A few final observations. I have to say, I know a lot of people have been skeptical about Marshal coming on board. I also know a lot of people who haven't seen them live or who've only listened to "Hit The Ground" probably still are skeptical. I'm speaking directly to those people now, give them and Marshal a real chance. If you've only listened to HTG go find the posting of "Rather Hate Than Hurt," or wait until the album comes out, but honestly don't write them off just yet. I feel people need the chance to cleanse themselves of the first version of HTG and then hear this album as a whole. It makes a world of difference hearing it as a body of work with Marshal at the helm. He's a very talented guy, in so many ways, but he really does carry Hinder forward.
On a personal note, I have to say thank you again to ALL of the Hinder family for last night. From Fabrizio for making sure I knew the deal on the intro (and just being Fab bc he is fab!), to Arvol for his help and support and genuinely being an all around great guy. I'm sorry I haven't met him before, but I'm glad I know him now. Darren it might only be for 3 shows, but I'm glad ours was one of them, it was great seeing you again after so long!! Finally to Cody, Mark, Mike, Joe and Marshal...the music you create brings happiness to my life, to the lives of my family & friends. You don't have to treat your fans like family but you do and for that I will always thank you. I always tell people who I'm introducing to Hinder, that I've never felt so much a part of something that I'm not really a part of, until I first heard your music and then met you all, over the course of many shows. It's not about being recognized, or being put on the guest list, or getting on the bus, or anything people would call preferential treatment, it's truly about knowing that you care about what we, as fans, think and that you care if we will love the next single, album, tour, etc.
And last but not least, overheard all over last night....
"Yeah we're havin' meatloaf tonight!"
"It's a secret!"
"I'm cleaning the water bottles outta my bunk bc they roll around and it sounds like a trash bin in there!"
"I'm just old and broken."
"Enter at your own risk, you just can't put any paper in it."
"I'm one of two."
"OH f**k!"
"If you ever want a job in broadcasting let us know!"
*Disclaimer* If any of these aren't quite exact I'm gonna claim too much alcohol and way too much fun....oh hell who cares, close enough.
Do yourselves a couple favors kids, pre-order When The Smoke Clears and get yourselves tickets to see HINDER LIVE this year. You won't regret either of those decisions. Trust me, I know.
~ds
P.S. I ALMOST forgot, the new video for "Hit The Ground" is also very cool. It's got a very laid back, fun vibe. Again the fact that they are really happy and relaxed comes through. And if you watch you'll see some special people in there.
After a long hiatus, some personnel changes and a few bumps in the road, HINDER returned to the stage at Piere's in Ft. Wayne, Indiana last night. It was AMAZING and that's putting it lightly. I'm going to try and take you along for the ride so hold tight!
We arrived at the venue a bit early because I had to meet up with Fabrizio for details about giving their Intro. (You can STILL get some really cool stuff by going to PledgeMusic.com/projects/hinder and choosing something like introducing them before a show! There are a lot of options left and lots of extras come along with a pledge!!!) We talked to everyone out back of the bus bc they were doing their first BBQ with Hinder...it was more like a Freeze Your Ass Off with Hinder BBQ but hey, it was still a cool thing for those people involved! I finally had the pleasure of meeting Arvol, he's a great guy, just great. He's another member of the Hinder family & it shows, super nice, laid back, good people. I love their crew just as much as them I do believe!
I've had the pleasure of being on the bus just a few times and I sorta feel like it's mini Vegas, you know, "What happens on the bus, stays on the bus." But I will divulge that this was Riff's first time ever getting to just hang out with the guys and as always they made him feel like part of the family. (I know he's been with me through the entire ride, but he stays mostly in the background so this was really special to me on a lot of levels.) I want to thank each of the guys for welcoming him. The other thing I'm gonna tease you with is When The Smoke Clears. I can't say a lot but I WILL say I think each and every Hinder fan is going to love this album and I think they'll be disappointed if they don't pre-order it so they have it when it's released May 12. Personally, I feel like it's a return of sorts, a return to solid rock'n'roll with a few twists thrown in here and there. This album, beginning to end, there's not a song I would skip over, not one. It plays to so many emotions and all the songs kept my toe tapping. Like Marshal and I discussed, this is one to put on in your vehicle, crank the volume and go drive a narrow country road, FAST (while you tap along to the beat on your steering wheel)!!! It's THAT good start to finish. Honestly, May can't get here soon enough for me, that's no lie. And while I don't think I've ever written a negative Hinder album review, there are songs on the 3 middle discs that I WILL skip, I already know that's not gonna happen this time round.
Moving on...
For a minute there, Arvol and I thought we were going to have to do the entire intro ourselves but FINALLY the radio station guy showed. (You've heard the term "3 sheets to the wind?" Try 4 or 5...just sayin' ) So he does his radio thing, we throw out some shirts signed by the guys and then I did my little intro bit. I've been asked if it was recorded, I have no idea, it's probably on YT somewhere. I don't need to see it bc all that matters is I said what I wanted and the guys liked it. 
When you've loved something so long, it's the little things that really count; those comments, hugs, "thank you's," and high fives after the show said it all about how I did. AND my knees didn't buckle or lock so it's all good!If you've seen the guys live in the past you know what sort of show they can put on. I am being honest when I say last night was like no other Hinder show has been for many years. Just seeing how happy they ALL are to be together, making music as a unit is part of what a rock show should be, but it goes beyond that somehow. The energy level was over the top, they were all smiling, joking, engaging the crowd (Joe addressed the crowd and I'm not talking "Hey how are ya?" I'm talking he engaged the crowd, talked about how good it was to be back and how they were ready to rock the entire place again. It was really cool and besides who doesn't love Blower??
) and their happiness was genuine. And for the first time, in a long time, there were no hidden undertones of problems or visible tension, and that was so incredible to witness. Marshal did one helluva job working the crowd himself. He's taken the reigns and works hard on stage to keep everyone going, from the front of the house to the back! A lot of great things happened last night, but the best was seeing the crowd react to Marshal and the entire band. Marsh is definitely where he should be IMHO, and Cody, Mike, Mark and Joe continue to work hard around him, supporting him and giving their all. It's so cool to see them enjoy themselves on stage again. If you see them live now (you SHOULD) and you don't have a good time, YOU are doing it wrong because THEY are firing on all cylinders! As to the rest, Riff and I hadn't ever been side stage before based mostly on the recommendation that it's not really the place to hear the show. It's not, but it's like Arvol, Riff and I agreed, it's cool to experience it at least once just to see the "other side", so to speak. The sound was actually decent from where we were (thanks to Fab) and we enjoyed it. But honestly I prefer being on the rail bc I feel like I'm more "in" the show. Still we can't thank everyone enough who took such good care of us (seems like it should be the other way round!)
A few final observations. I have to say, I know a lot of people have been skeptical about Marshal coming on board. I also know a lot of people who haven't seen them live or who've only listened to "Hit The Ground" probably still are skeptical. I'm speaking directly to those people now, give them and Marshal a real chance. If you've only listened to HTG go find the posting of "Rather Hate Than Hurt," or wait until the album comes out, but honestly don't write them off just yet. I feel people need the chance to cleanse themselves of the first version of HTG and then hear this album as a whole. It makes a world of difference hearing it as a body of work with Marshal at the helm. He's a very talented guy, in so many ways, but he really does carry Hinder forward.
On a personal note, I have to say thank you again to ALL of the Hinder family for last night. From Fabrizio for making sure I knew the deal on the intro (and just being Fab bc he is fab!), to Arvol for his help and support and genuinely being an all around great guy. I'm sorry I haven't met him before, but I'm glad I know him now. Darren it might only be for 3 shows, but I'm glad ours was one of them, it was great seeing you again after so long!! Finally to Cody, Mark, Mike, Joe and Marshal...the music you create brings happiness to my life, to the lives of my family & friends. You don't have to treat your fans like family but you do and for that I will always thank you. I always tell people who I'm introducing to Hinder, that I've never felt so much a part of something that I'm not really a part of, until I first heard your music and then met you all, over the course of many shows. It's not about being recognized, or being put on the guest list, or getting on the bus, or anything people would call preferential treatment, it's truly about knowing that you care about what we, as fans, think and that you care if we will love the next single, album, tour, etc.
And last but not least, overheard all over last night....
"Yeah we're havin' meatloaf tonight!"
"It's a secret!"
"I'm cleaning the water bottles outta my bunk bc they roll around and it sounds like a trash bin in there!"
"I'm just old and broken."
"Enter at your own risk, you just can't put any paper in it."
"I'm one of two."
"OH f**k!"
"If you ever want a job in broadcasting let us know!"
*Disclaimer* If any of these aren't quite exact I'm gonna claim too much alcohol and way too much fun....oh hell who cares, close enough.
Do yourselves a couple favors kids, pre-order When The Smoke Clears and get yourselves tickets to see HINDER LIVE this year. You won't regret either of those decisions. Trust me, I know.
~ds
P.S. I ALMOST forgot, the new video for "Hit The Ground" is also very cool. It's got a very laid back, fun vibe. Again the fact that they are really happy and relaxed comes through. And if you watch you'll see some special people in there.
