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Not too long ago we had a lil’ contest on the blog to win backstage passes for a Taking Back Sunday show. Well the big show has come and gone, and our winner had the time of his life, it would seem - read what he has to say about the experience!!

By: Giancarlo Consoli

The crowd cheered and cried out as the shadowy figures made their way on stage. It began slowly, the bass began and shook the floor. The band teased and made us want them more. Finally, the lights flickered, and the crashing guitar melody enveloped the room. The stage illuminated, and there Taking Back Sunday stood, awe-inspiring. They forcefully opened their set with, “What’s it Feel Like to be a Ghost?”. However, all I could think of was Eddie Reyes whispering in my ear, “I just farted”, as we posed for a picture.

This was the beginning of my experience with Taking Back Sunday.

Standing outside their dressing room, mere moments from meeting my favourite band, it dawned on me - “I’m not ready for this, what the hell do I say to rockstars?”

And that’s when Ian from Warner Music said, “You ready for this?” My stomach lurched as the door was pushed open. And there, lounging around like any group of guys would, were TBS.

When I was finally introduced to the band, I looked up at the grinning lead singer, Adam Lazzara, and all I could manage to say was: “Wow, you’re tall.” To which he replied, “Uh, yeah.” Look, it’s not easy being smooth in front of your favourite band, and in my defense…he was pretty tall.

The other members chuckled at my squeamish behavior and I instantly felt at ease. It was clear to see, these were just a group of cool friends that happened to play music for a living. To be blunt, Taking Back Sunday is one of the funniest and most laid back bands out there. Hanging out with them was like being able to hang out with your cool older brother’s friends… if those friends happened to tour the world playing amazing music from hit records.

Aside from their relaxed nature, this is a band that knows how to put on a show. From beginning to end, they commanded the audience’s attention, and took them on a high-energy thrill ride. It’s hard to imagine Taking Back Sunday as a ten-year-old band from the way they perform on stage. The album New Again is appropriately titled, because there is definitely a different spark of life in the band which might be attributed to new guitarist, Matt Fazzi.

But, this is definitely a band to see live! They feed off and reciprocate the energy that crowd feeds them. It’s definitely an experience that most bands aren’t delivering on these days. They proudly perform old classics, which the crowd practically sings for Adam. They ripped through their new songs with a forceful intensity that never lets up. This was most evident during the track, “Everything Must Go” , where Adam belts out his most personal lyrics to date, amid a crescendo of guitar riffs. Taking Back Sunday has returned, new again, and better than ever.

Shoutouts:

To MuchMusic, Ian K. and Warner Music: You’re the best! I can’t thank you all enough for arranging all this guys!

The Band:

Matt Fazzi: Dude, with your leg, go with the bar fight story, it makes you sound so much more badass!
Eddie: Flatulence will always be funny sir.
Mark: I promise you, I will watch Bruno!
Adam: I know you’re busy, but you should see Transformers if your song is on the soundtrack! Thanks for being so chilled out with me.
Matt Rubano: You are one witty guy! I would follow you anywhere with a megaphone dude, despite what cigarette throwing jerks at the show will say!

Ron: You’re welcome for me inviting your ass!
Emily: This is what don training costs you!
All the people I met: Proving that Donald Duck Pez dispensers make for some damn interesting conversation!

Oh and Squeaky, I told you my week would be more interesting than laying on a beach!

Tags: concerts, Contests, taking back sunday, tbs

Posted on Friday, August 21st, 2009 at 3:24 pm by admin and is filed under Concert Reviews, Contests.

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