Anyone who knows me knows that Alkaline Trio is one of my top bands of all time. My Xbox gamertag was Alkaliine311 (it was also my AIM screen name for a time). The Alkaline Trio logo is one of the two (2) tattoos I can think of that I would get if I ever got a tattoo. I’ve had the world’s most awkward encounter with Dan Andriano and have the embarrassing photo to prove it.
But I never thought I’d actually get to be in the photo pit, inches away from them, and shoot them for my radio station.
It’s actually a miracle they’re even touring right now. Back over the summer, singer and guitarist Matt Skiba had a motorcycle accident, and they had to cancel their European tour. Even now, he’s still rocking multiple braces and clearly pushing through a lot of pain. He had some moments during the show where he got off track or forgot what he was playing, which is understandable. Plus, it’s only the 2nd show of the tour, so he’s not in the routine yet.
Despite it all, Matt, vocalist and bassist Dan, and new drummer Tosh Peterson still blew me away.
But of course, it wasn’t just Alk3.
Fellow Chicago boys, who apparently go way back with the Trio (we’re talking young teenagers), Rise Against closed the show, and MAN, what a show.
This was actually my first time ever seeing them, despite listening for over two decades at this point.
They were absolutely incredible. They put on such a show that it was hard for me to actually get any decent photos!
Lead singer Tim McIlrath mentioned during the show that they “stole” one of our citizens for their band, as guitarist Zach Blair is a hometown boy – a fact I never knew until Wednesday night.
I know I’m biased, but it is really hard to put into words just how special this show was. The rain held off, and we just got to revel in an amazing show outside under the moon and clouds.
Everyone from little kids to middle-aged punks came together and swung life away.
*Reading Rainbow voice* And don’t just take my word for it! Fellow KOOPer Lauryn Darci was also there and had the time of her life!
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