ecko: Incubus 2007

Christy and I went to go see Incubus on Saturday evening at the Paramount Theater. Late last year I had won some meet and greet passes and we got to meet Incubus before their performance. It’s not everyday that I get to meet rock stars, especially rock stars that I have followed for the last seven years and who have inspired me in all ways imaginable. Needless to say, I was really nervous about meeting the band. Before the meet and greet I had prepared a list of questions/comments for each band member in my head, however by the time I had reached the meet and greet table the list had disappeared by the sheer presence of the band.

The first band member we met was Chris. I couldn’t help but notice that his dreadlocks are really really long in person. We introduced ourselves, and he began working on signing our card. While he was signing he made a comment about getting in to Seattle late. I asked if they (the band) had gotten a chance to explore the city at all. Chris told us that they had checked out the Bodies exhibit that was just across the street. Christy and I get a little excited—we have something in common with him! We went on to explain that we, too, had checked out the Bodies exhibit a few weeks earlier. The three of us begin talking about how cool and interesting it was. Then we mentioned to him that just last week someone had stolen one of the hands-on kidneys from the exhibit. We start joking about the type of person who would steal a non-functional plastic kidney and before we can finish our jokes, we being nudged to move on.

Next was Jose. Introductions and then he began singing our card. He was quiet and came off less-sociable compared to Chris. We weren’t talking—we both felt a little lame. He took his time signing our card. I think Christy commented on how cool his signature was and he played it off as if it was nothing. I make a comment about being excited for tonight’s show and want to explain that I dig his art but before I can he is handing me my card giving me the non-verbal head nod to move down the table.

Next is Mike. Before we get to meet him the girl in front of us is still trying to talk to him about her MySpace profile. She eventually gets nudged forward and Christy and I introduce ourselves to Mike. He’s saying something about MySpace profiles. I’m trying to put words and thoughts together. I try cracking a joke with him as he’s signing my card. I tell him he looks taller in person (WTF!?! Did I really just say something that stupid). He gives me a stern look for what seems like a good 20 seconds and starts chuckling. I tell him he is one of my guitar hero’s, Mike’s handing me my card and thanking me for the comments and for supporting the band and charity.

Next is Ben. Before I get to meet him Christy is already talking with him about MySpace. I found out later that Christy had mentioned to Ben that she didn’t think that rock stars read their MySpace messages. Ben replied with, “I do…I read the first line and if it’s really creepy I hit delete.”

I introduce myself to Ben. As he begins signing my card I mention that I’m on the Ghettocrush board and that my username is dv8. He looks up to me and is shocked and replies with a “NO SHIT!?!” He thanks me for coming out and then he remembers that I post links on the board. He starts recalling a link I had posted a few weeks earlier and half-way describing it he remembers that I’m the same guy who ran the Incubus fan site. He tells me that he used to check it out, that he liked the layout, how clean it was, and that it was updated. I mention that I had to give up the website when college started taking over my life and before I can explain any further, it’s time to move on. I thank Ben and mention that I’ll see him on the boards.

The last band member I meet is Brandon. While he is signing my card I’m drawing a blank on what to say. I tell him that I’m excited for the show and before I can tell him that I saw them play at the Paramount six years earlier, the girl behind me had rushed me off the table.

The show was amazing. One of the best Incubus concerts I have seen. As always, the band was tight. The band performed a perfect mix of new and old songs--new spins on old songs and songs they don’t usually play. I sang along to all the songs. Halfway through the show Christy makes a comment about having surround sound with me singing in her ear. I stop singing but mouth the words. Before I know it I've started singing again.

It seems like every time I have the opportunity to have my photo taken with rock stars, my head gets cut out some how.