I volunteered for Music for relief so we were instructed to meet at the venue at 4. I arrived with a friend that was also volunteering. We met with a guy named Paul who worked for Reverb, which is an organization partnered with Honda Civic Tour that aims for a Green or economical tour. It was raining and the wind had really picked up. He explained that they have a new storm system that detects weather and determines how things are ran. Due to the storm factor, we had to wait around for a while before we could set up the tent. Even though it was still raining, we got the OK to set up and eventually the wind died down and we were able to fully set up.

Nikki (left) and her friend

There were several different things going on at the Music for relief booth. There was a $1 raffle for an autographed drum head signed by the band. Under that raffle box, there was a long banner that kids could draw on and write what they would miss with out energy. Some of the drawings were VERY questionable but cute that kids could actually say what they would miss. There was also an energy unit that was supposed charge phones but since it runs off of solar energy and the sun wasn’t out, most phones couldn’t keep a charge, but it was still pretty cool. We also had earplugs to give out. 1 dollar donation was suggested but most people just took the earlplugs or passed by. The booth next to us encouraged people to register to vote and they had 1$ raffle to win the shows poster which featured the artist Jamie Oliver. It was one of my favorite posters thus far in the tour, so had to get it. Had a great time working with them. Missy from MFR was also checking people in for the LPU Meet and Greet. So a few minutes prior to the meeting time for that, we walked over and got checked in.

For the M&G, we stood in line outside and had to walk under trees trying to form a line. They came by to check ID’s. Missy said to me ” hey I know You” and smiled. She actually remembered me from a few years ago back in 2008 when i had worked with them prior. We waited in line for several minutes and then got laminate passes and were led to the front where the M&G was taking place. Most of the people selected were meeting the band for the first time so there was lots of excitement among fans. Although a few were concerned that there were only 4 chairs sitting on grass. I think plans had changed because you could see from afar, Maurice, Corey, Missy and Fiore discussing something. Then Missy walked down the isle and said that we were to stand in line and Band members would come down the line to you so it would be more personal. The main reason was because there were some diesel trucks nearby and it smelled really bad.

So the band members that showed up right away were Phoenix, Mike, Brad, and Chester…in that order. For some reason Joe and Rob were not present. I had remembered that I forgot to thank Mike for the trip to LA last year so when he came up to me he looked at me and said HI. I had told him that I had won the referral contest last year and his face lit up and he smiled and said YES (excitedly), acknowledging that he remembered. Then he extended his hand and shook my hand and thanked me for coming back out. When Chester came up to me, smiled and asked how I’ve been. (I think he recognizes my Julien-k tattoo every time) I thanked him for the signed DBS posters I got at LPUHQ last year. He said you’re welcome and that it was awesome and gave me a high five, smiling. Then we walked around to the area where the group photo was being taken. Shelley from Kansas, who I’ve been to other m+g’s with, said she thought it was funny that Chester always remembered me. Then Rob and Joe stroll in for the photo. Afterwards they were getting swarmed with people wanting autographs so they made everyone get back in line to get their things signed by the other 2 members since they were extremely late. I didn’t mind though. I got my Hybrid Theory Vinyl signed that I had got at LPUHQ. All the members were in good spirits so it made for a fun m+g. Good times 🙂

Click here to check out Nikki’s report of her LPUHQ visit last year!

Then we went out to our seats for the Linkin Park show. They displayed a video of Mike and Chester talking about the Honda Civic Tour and about the car and motorcycle that is being given away. It was nice distraction while waiting for the crew to set up. Someone had mentioned how much Mike likes to talk. lol Then the lights dimmed and came out and opened with Faint. I was very shocked because based on the set rotation, I had expected With You to be opening. But at the same time I was excited.

They brought back some older songs which was awesome, such as With You, Points of Authority, Somewhere I Belong, that I haven’t heard live for a while. Also some familiar songs, such as Papercut, Faint, The Catalyst, Numb, Breaking the Habit, One Step Closer. From the start, the band came out with amazing energy and gave 100 percent on nearly every song. The crowd was hyped and everyone that I could see was into the music, moving, jumping and rocking out. There was a guy in the pit that attempted to get on the stage but we was quickly removed from the show. Although the security guard was a little heavy set so he has a hard time getting the guy over the barricade.

The encore consisted of Burn it Down, In The End, and Bleed it out. Mike from Incubus came out for a guitar solo towards the end of Bleed it Out. It was awesome addition to the show. After the show, I heard many comments about how impressed they were with the show. The visuals were really awesome and the Pyro Technics could even be felt from the seats. Others commented on how great Chester’s performance was.

Overall, they give an incredible experience for fans to witness. Even those who aren’t there for them, were impressed. In my opinion, every year keeps getting better and better and every show is a new experience.

Adie: Thanks so much, Nikki, for this great review! Again, you’ve made awesome pictures. Check them all out in the gallery below!

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