Hey everyone, just want to share with you my tale of seeing Shinedown three times in three nights.

I went to the 7-18 show in Philly, 7-19 K-Rockathon in Weedsport, NY and the 7-20 show in Worcester, MA. It was exhausting.

I started from Rhode Island (where I'm doing training for my job) and drove back home to the Jersey Shore (my home) on Thursday night (9-2am). I then acquired a new (used) car back home and had to register and insure it before I could do anything. I hit a snag when the plates wouldn't come of, so I drilled them off...anyways - I then made the trip to Philly. I caught most of Black Stone Cherry and saw the rest of the show. Afterwards, I drove to my father's house in northern Penn (11-2am). The next day I drove to Weedsport (1-4:30pm) and got there just in time for Shinedown (easily the best of the headliners, more on that in a bit). After the show, I declined my mom's offer to stay at a hotel (she had gone there too with her boyfriend and his son) and then drove to Connecticut (10-3am). It was there I met up with one of my old Navy buddies, then on sunday evening, we drove to Worcester (6-7:30pm). Apparently, some of the locals were shocked I made the trip a bunch of girls screamed "You're from New Jersey?!" and the parking lot attendant (cool guy) talked to us about Jersey and Shinedown. After the show we drove back to Connecticut (11-1) then I had to drive back to Rhode Island (1-2:30am) to get ready for my business training at 8:30 on Monday. I used two cars and drove over a thousand miles, just to see Shinedown three times. Worth it.

Anyways, my reviews...

7-18 (Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA) - The E Factory is in a very, very bad part of Philly, it didn't help that I parked 10 blocks away. Anyways, I hung out at the bar area the entire night, and drank pretty much until Shinedown was on. They were great, I couldn't see Barry and Nick because I was blocked off by an amp. Brent's monologue about sex and rhythmn was great. We all chanted "Simple Man" when they finished 45, but only got the original when they finished Fly.

7-19 (K Rockathon Weedsport Speedway, NY) - It had rained before I got there was it was muddy as all hell, the outhouses and beer stands looked like mud holes. I got there at the end of Sick Puppies set, then Shinedown came on. They omitted Crow & the Butterfly and Second Chance from the set, but still easily out performed Seether and Three Days Grace. Seether was pretty good despite me not liking most of their songs. 3DG pissed me off, they showed up 15 minutes late and played all of their singles immediately, and then started playing songs like "Time of Dying." Shinedown should have been the headliner. SD opening for Seether and 3DG is like Rush opening for KISS...oh wait, that happened!

7-20 The Palladium (Worcester, MA) Got there just in time to miss BSC, the entire area was hot as balls. Again, Theory of a Deadman was not worth mentioning, but Shinedown came out using the same setlist but did different monologues. Brent claimed Worcester a "second home" and before they played Second Chance implored anyone who had not talked to their parents in a while to call them. Another great song, despite the sweating.

Overall, I have to say the travel was so worth it. Class acts, each show they dedicated "I Dare You" to those who serve in the military. And did an awesome "segway" to "Save Me" which if I'm not mistaken is called "Save Her." Only downside to the show? No Simple Man and no Junkies for Fame.

The aftermath, I could not keep myself awake at work today...hope someone enjoyed this tale.