Daughtry

The VIP thing went really really well, other than the failure to receive timely notification of the arrangements from the company that runs the paperwork (not Daughtry's people). Luckily I requested and received information the morning of the event, where several others never got the info. A few missed most of the activities, including a group who had flown in from Maryland. Many of the VIP group for this show were from out-of-state, as many fans fly around to the weekend shows. I wouldn't have a clue about that *cough*. We met others from Minnesota and New Mexico.

Daughtry's head of security kind of ran the VIP group, keeping us wherever we were supposed to be at the moment. I'm really sorry I missed his name, because he ROCKS. He's handled security for U2 and Rob Thomas and a lot of other bands as well. Lauren and I kept trying to get a picture with him, but couldn't, usually because he was running around... I don't know... working. :)

There were maybe 60 of us. We started by watching a couple of songs in soundcheck. Very cool. Then we lined up to meet and have our pics taken with the band. You could have the photo taken alone or with friends. The security guy warned us not to kiss anyone or grab anyone's butt. Curses! Foiled again.

The guys are so nice. I'm sure they're exhausted as all get out, but you wouldn't know it from their attitudes in there. Before we posed for the pic, they each shook Lauren's and my hand and Chris gave us each a hug. Nice. For all the AI votes we gave him way back when, I'm sure. ;)

After photos, they gave us pre-signed programs and we got to shop the merch tables, which is great because they always run out of Lauren's size or shirt choice at concerts. Then we were routed back to the VIP area, where they opened the VIP bar and we had snacks and stuff. We stayed there and the ticket folks came through and scanned our tickets. They let us into the arena ten minutes before the doors opened, so VIP'ers with GA floor seats (like us) were right on the barrier up front.

We were allowed to go in and out of the VIP lounge all night, but there was no way we were leaving our standing area. We got to know the Erwin Center security guys pretty well there. They were very chatty. When Daughtry came out, our VIP security guy happened to be right in front of our section.

Cavo was good. We didn't know any of their songs though. Theory of a Deadman was really great, and David the Erwin Center Security Guy gave Lauren the set list that was nearest us when they left the stage. So nice!

Daughtry- amazing of course. We knew all the songs except the very last one they sang during the encore. lol. Did anyone know that one???! I don't think many did! I was sure "No Surprise" would be one of the encore songs, but SURPRISE! they sang it during the set.

The single lowlight of the night began when this guy fell into me and then apologized "I'm sorry... I'm really drunk." Luckily our Daughtry VIP security guy saw it and came right over. He pulled the guy up to the railing and told him to straighten up. The guy moved over and stood behind Lauren, and I eyed him like a hawk. I didn't realize he was way too close for her comfort (she could feel his gross breath on her neck). Within a few minutes his being there really started to upset her. At that point he happened to leave. Smart move, buddy!

One of the best songs was Chris' cover of Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight." Holy wow. It was amazing. Joey's lit drumsticks were ubercool there in the dark. The cover of "Helter Skelter" had everyone singing and rocking out.

Superfun afternoon and night!! I have around 600 photos to sift through now...