Veggie Philly Steaks & The Escape from NY

Just as I was becoming accustomed to the dirty locker room smell of bus 11 "my tour ends here".  I believe that was the phrase Brett Michaels used on the VH1 reality show Rock of Love.  Don't deny that you all watched that!  I could have bet my life he was going to choose Daisy, the skanky chick at the end.

Right now  I am at the LaGuardia airport reflecting on the past day and a half.  Prior to arriving in Camden (near Philly), I heard horror stories about this place being the murder capital of the US.  I decided to google it to find out for myself.    Move over Camden you are no longer labeled the #1 "most dangerous" city in the U.S. according to a few loose stats I read online.  St. Louis has claimed that hot spot for 2007.  It seems Detroit and New Orleans are duking it out for the highest murder rates.

The Camden  signings included  Forever The Sickest Kids, The Devil Wears Prada, Mayday Parade, and Norma Jean.  Back to back action at the AP booth, fans will do anything to get a signature or if lucky, a photo.  Luis, our booth manager, instilled a great structure to this process.  Hand out 100 PunxDirtySecret cards to the first 100 in line with a recyclable.  A dual purpose is being served, saving the planet and creating less chaos.  In-between I managed to check a few bands from the back stage perspective, and work my magic using the video phone.  Story of the Year played an amazing set with my highlight being the newest release of "Wake-Up".  Unfortunately I only caught the tail end of Anberlin who rocked as well, and Max from Say Anything  pumping the crowd up.  The grueling day paid off once Luis brought dinner, the most amazing veggie Philly steak sandwich.  Warped Tour catering is fabulous!

On my last day we rolled into NY around 6AM after a restless night of no left turns in Jersey.  I got a chance to connect with our street teamers one last time.  They ruled!  All was going well.  I finally caught the stellar performance of the Hororrpops, my bags were packed, a cab ride to the airport  was schedule, and said my last goodbyes.  Should be smooth sailing home right?  Ha...not quite!  Anyone check out the girl walking through the venue with two bags and a suitcase?  Yep that was me.  The simple goal at hand was to make it to the Marriot to meet the cab right across the street.  Initially it seemed like a solid plan until I found out the venue was under lock down.  For those of you not at the NY venue, a huge fence scales the perimeter.  Logically I assumed there must be an entryway from the hotel to the venue.  Negative.  Security half heartedly tried to find a key to the three existing padlocked entrances as my ride followed me on the other side of the fence.  After walking the entire length I threw my suitcase at the driver and climbed it. Honestly I felt like I was attempting an escape from Warped Tour prison.

As you already know I made it to the airport, yeah!  On one hand I am anxious to get back to my own bed.  However, I will miss seeing some top-notch bands, the routine that kicked my ass daily, and most of all the friends I made along the way.

Until next year...over and out!

DM