Mudcrutch - Ventura - 04/20/08

[Refugee]

I'm so fricking tired. Stood in line for about 7 hours today, got sunburned, got a little testy with line crashers, but OMG! What a night! Tonight's show was more amazing than lasts night in Santa Barbara. Maybe because we were front row, dead center, lol. :003:

Bootleg Flyer, oh yeah.

[Starfish]

Front row in Ventura... sounds heavenly!! Tell me more!

[WildflowerNJ]

Yay!!!!! I can't wait to hear all about the show!! :041:

[Magnolia]

I knew you guys could do it! I gotta hear all about these line-crashers.
Grrr! After you sit there all freaking day! I don't think so!
Front row center, YAYAYAYAY!!!! Details, please!!

[Wingspan91089]

Review! Review!! :D I love reading about the concerts :heart:

[Refugee]

The show was amazing! Very high energy from the crowd and band, but the band did talk less than the night before.

In Santa Barbara, Tom Petty and Tom Leadon did a bit of chatting about the songs, in Ventura, they kept the chatter to a minimum. I think they sensed that most of us were there the night before, lol.

I loved every song they played and I can't say that about every band I see in concert.

They are loving this! You can tell by their interactions. Benmont is having way too much fun, LOL! I have never seen him smile so much. It's a great pleasure to see that.

You can tell how much fun this is for Tom Leadon and Randall Marsh. I'm so very happy for them. This is a kick ass band!

Songs that stood out for me - Crystal River, Wrong Thing To Do, Scare Easy, Summertime Blues, Topanga Cowgirl, and of course my favorite, Bootleg Flyer! Mike's guitar playing is out of this world fantastic. Everytime I think he just can't get any better, he just takes it to another level. *sigh*

I really enjoyed the smiles from the band, that just makes your heart feel so good. I know, I'm such a silly fan, but...I just love these guys.

I'm very grateful to my very dear friends. Standing in line all day, working it out with each other, makes the whole experience so much more.

:heart:

[WildflowerNJ]

Oh Linda, I am such a silly fan, too......and am so excited to be seeing these guys play together. Thank you for sharing these shows with us...this music is amazing, I love hearing how happy the band is playing together.....how much fun they are all having.

You are so right about dear friends making the experience that much more special......I love reading these reviews because I feel like I was there, too.......so thank you so much for these...

[agirl]

Great review, Linda. This was such an awesome show. You can tell the band is having a blast. The crowd was so excited and the energy level was so high. The whole Mudcrutch experience is fantastic.

[Wingspan91089]

I love to hear that the band is having such a great time!!

[Echosoftom]

Wow! I'm just getting back today and I'm still in a fog. The weekend went by so fast it almost felt unreal.

The Ventura show was amazing. And definitely spending it with so many of my dear friends made it even a much more memorable experience. Sometimes it's hard to take it all in, so I hope I didn't slight anyone. It just gets overwhelming at times.

I must thank Michellemybelle and for getting me to the front row. Thank you so much! And all the friends for saving places and such.

Nice review Linda. I think we liked a lot of the same songs. Except I would have to add "Six Days on the Road", man that song rocks!

I think I'm all reviewed out this week, but it was one incredible weekend and I enjoyed every single moment of it. I always say, good friends and great music, you can't beat it!

[HeartbreakerFan]

Thanks for the review Linda. I love to hear that Benmont is smiling a lot and having a great time (as well as the rest of this band).

[Marion]

As much as I love Santa Barbara, this show blew me away even more.

As Linda said, we camped out and waited in line all day. There were a few tense moments when we thought our efforts were wasted because there were some very selfish people who were trying to get in in front of the line for all kinds of reasons. One lady even snuck in with a family who had a man in a wheelchair!

Also, they took their sweet time getting the will call tickets there and we were beginning to think the people who bought tickets in the general sale would get in before us because they had a ticket in hand. Anyway, it all worked out and we all got the spot we wanted so WHOOHOO!! There is nothing like being on the rail baby!

Here are all of my better pictures. I think there are some others who did much better but here you go.

http://www.mudcrutch.com/photos/data/592/medium/DSC02271.JPG

http://www.mudcrutch.com/photos/data/592/DSC02275.JPG

Here are a couple of my fellow fans leaning on the rail, waiting for the band to come out.
http://www.mudcrutch.com/photos/data/592/DSC02289.JPG

My delicious photo of Benmont. He was singing his song. He's GREAT!! I think I'm going to frame this one. :045:
http://www.mudcrutch.com/photos/data/592/medium/DSC02292.JPG

Tom was just smiling and smiling. He was having the best time.

http://www.mudcrutch.com/photos/data/592/DSC02305.JPG

Here is a smile from Mike. He was so serious during this show but I loved it when we caught a smile.

http://www.mudcrutch.com/photos/data/592/DSC02306.JPG

Smiley Tom and Mike and Tom L rockin' out.

http://www.mudcrutch.com/photos/data/592/DSC02309.JPG

Classic Gator!!

http://www.mudcrutch.com/photos/data/592/DSC02310.JPG

Smiley Tom!

http://www.mudcrutch.com/photos/data/592/medium/DSC02311.JPG

http://www.mudcrutch.com/photos/data/592/DSC02312.JPG

http://www.mudcrutch.com/photos/data/592/DSC02314.JPG

http://www.mudcrutch.com/photos/data/592/DSC02313.JPG

I loved every single song and the Ventura crowd was just amazing. They were totally into the band. I love energy like that. Everyone was signing and cheering.

I can't say enough about Crystal River. That song is just gorgeous. Everyone in my area was mesmerzied. Bootleg Flyer and Lover on The Bayou blew me away. Funny, I really got into Oh, Maria this time. Tom sings it so sweetly. Everyone gets into the Wrong thing to Do also. After a couple lines from the chorus, the fans have it and everyone is singing it. I think that one is gonna be a big hit along with Scare Easy. They are such catchy songs. But really, I've had them all stuck in my head for days.

I think it's so cool that Tom decided to take this band out for some gigs. Where else could he play whatever he wanted without being expected to play the TPATH greatest hits? The fans who are coming to the shows seem to be very open to the new songs. Everyone is actually anticipating what they will play next. It's great fun! It's a dream come true for this fan! :003:

I had the best time this weekend with all of my friends. I truly love you guys. We had some knights in shining armor amoung us this time too. Lots of kindness on this adventure. It sure overshadows the few selfish and greedy people we ran into.

[Marion]

Oh and looky! Tom is wearing a Mudcrutch t-shirt. I thought that was cute.

Everyone just looks so happy.

[Tara]

Oh my gosh, you got some beautiful pictures Marion! Thanks so much for sharing them.

I'm so happy you all had a great time :)

[Katie]

Fabulous reviews, ladies! So glad you have a fantastic time! Thanks for sharing with us!
Wonderful photos, Marion!

[Nylle]

Hey I know that guy on the sawhorse LOL!
What a wonderful weekend - good friends, fabulous music and a spot on the rail in front of Mike. Need I say more?

[Echosoftom]

Marion, nice review and great pictures! :cool:

You know, I thought Tom P. was wearing a Mudcrutch t-shirt. Too funny. :)

[WildflowerNJ]

Marion, great review and I really love those photos...what a special time this was for everyone....thank you all for the sharing....

[Marion]

Thank you!

I forgot to mention...before all of the shows, they played songs from Tom's Buried Treasure show including his theme song and Bert's Apple Crumble. Awesome music!! It was the perfect vibe.

[Starfish]

Great pics, Marion! I have a few text messages from someone in your party claiming she'll never do GA again, sent while she was standing in line - I wonder if being on the rail in front of Mike changed her mind? ;)

[Dynabeat Tim]

Great Photos !! I was wishing that someone would post the guitars that they are using. Thanks

[Marion]

Hey I know that guy on the sawhorse LOL!
What a wonderful weekend - good friends, fabulous music and a spot on the rail in front of Mike. Need I say more?

I know! That guy just sat there on the saw horse reading the Sunday paper.

Nancy, we all say we would never do GA again but we should never say never because once we got inside and the band hit the stage it was all worth it. Honestly, the waiting part wasn't so bad, and we had fun spending time together and we could handle that but the way the venue stressed us out with worry with the double lines and being so unorganized....that was unnecessary. You would think they would get their act together a little more since all of the shows there are GA.

[Wingspan91089]

Great reviews and photos Marion!! :heart:

[Magnolia]

GREAT pictures, Marion!!!

[Nylle]

Great pics, Marion! I have a few text messages from someone in your party claiming she'll never do GA again, sent while she was standing in line - I wonder if being on the rail in front of Mike changed her mind? ;)

Busted! LOL I said this a few times Sunday, GA is like giving brith, once the end result is obtained you forget all about the pain you went through to get there. Still, I'd have to think long and hard before doing this kind of GA again. If everyone would follow the "GA Code of Conduct" it would be fine, but unfortunately you have to deal with venue employees on power trips & people who think it's ok to arrive 15 min before the doors open & slip in the front of the line. That said, it did pay off in the end.

I forgot to mention, Tom Leadon is just a doll! So cute, talented and fun to watch. I loved how he dedicated Love Please Come Home to his old girlfriend (who was in the audience both nights) from the Mudcrutch days. Very sweet.

[wild1forever]

Great photos, Marion! I'm so happy to see that there was finally a venue that was OK with cameras.

[Ladywiz]

Great pix, Marion! Thanks for sharing!

[Refugee]

Great Photos !! I was wishing that someone would post the guitars that they are using. Thanks

Mike uses a 1956 Fender Telecaster mostly. He also plays the mandolin. He used one mandolin on Saturday night and then the famous green one on Sunday.

[Refugee]

The only problem I had with GA that day, was the confusion from the theatre about how they were going to handle the Will Call tickets and the people who tried to jump in line in front of us or along side of us, sorry, the line forms that way, bye bye.

But otherwise, it was so much fun hanging out with everyone!

Plus, I got a nice tan!

[Rickenbacker32]

Fantastic photos! Much better than the ones I got with my crappy little camera phone, hehe.

But I right there, front row and right next to Mike and Benmont! I'm still a bit deaf in my left ear from standing next to the speaker, but it was oh so worth it! It was an amazing night to be sure!

[Echosoftom]

You know I don't recall it being that big of a problem at the Fillmore. But then again, they had these big burly security guys manning the lines. So it never got too out of control.

Ellyn, I love your analogy of GA. It's so true. I'm already thinking of The Black Crowes for my birthday at the Fillmore.

[fandlinvegas]

Great reviews and pictures! Thank you so much for sharing them. I'm so glad you gys had an awesome time and that everything worked out in the end.

Man, now I really can't wait for this weekend! :003:

[KansasPettyFan]

Marion, your pictures are beautiful! I love the one of Tom smiling at Mike. I was watching him watch Mike and he seems as amazed (after all these years) as we do!

In line all day was fun because of the people we were with, but I honestly can't believe the nerve of some. That lady that went in with the wheelchair! Karma, baby...watch out because it will get you. :045:

Front row in front of Mike Campbell, well, it doesn't get any better than that. I have been in front before but not at a small venue like this...it was up close and personal. :) Every single song was GREAT. Benmont was having a ball! I love his little bow with that hand thing he does during the introductions. lol Randall and Tom L., what a dream for them. They are both so good! Of course, Mr. Petty never disappoints. :heart:

Crystal River blew me away from the first notes on Saturday night and Sunday's rendition was even better (probably because I was up close lol). These guys are having the best time and I love that for them. The security guys along the front had no one that needed security (thankfully) and all of them were totally into it. They loved it! lol

It was a great weekend spent with great friends! I can't wait until our next adventure. :045:

Thank you, Mudcrutch, for two awesome shows! :003:

[KansasPettyFan]

^ And speaking of the security guys, I always love the looks on peoples' faces when I say I flew in from Kansas to see the show. HAHAHA

[Softanimal]

Thank you ! Now I know what awaits me in Toronto !

[Marion]

Those security guards were sure enjoying that music, weren't they? I liked watching their faces. They were all bobbing their heads.

I liked talking to other fans waiting with us that day. Most people had no idea what to expect but came because it was Tom Petty. After the first song, everyone just stood there anticipating what was to come next and I know everyone was so taken with the music they didn't even think about TPATH songs. It was just really cool and fun to be in a crowd like that. The energy was very high. Good stuff!

[LizzieB]

Thanks for the review and pictures, Marion. Tom really was smiling a lot! I'm so glad he's enjoying this. He's a prisoner of his own success with TPATH. I hope he's loving it enough to make it happen again in the fall. I love this band!!

[Relic]

Wonderful photos Marion!!!!!!!

(Snoopy dancing!!!!!!!!!)

:)

[Zombie Zookeeper]

I don't even know where to start! What a week!! I haven't had a chance to read what everyone has said yet.. so many posts to keep up with. I just had an amazing trip, 4 fantastic shows and countless wonderful friends. I truely enjoyed seeing everyone again, or meeting them for the first time. I know I'll leave someone out so I'm not even going to try to list names. You ladies did good though.. sooner or later you just might get me completely out of my shell.

The shows were just incredible, and to me.. they progressively got better. Ending it in Ventura really topped my trip. Front row rail surrounded by awesome people. We owned that rail!! I'm working on my "reviews", and they'll be up shortly. I've got some prime footage for you folks, so don't ruin your dinner by filling up on cell phone footage on youtube:)

[SingsInFrench]

Wow , great pictures, Marion!! Thanks so much for posting them and for your comments on the show. I love it!

[Refugee]

I don't even know where to start! What a week!! I haven't had a chance to read what everyone has said yet.. so many posts to keep up with. I just had an amazing trip, 4 fantastic shows and countless wonderful friends. I truely enjoyed seeing everyone again, or meeting them for the first time. I know I'll leave someone out so I'm not even going to try to list names. You ladies did good though.. sooner or later you just might get me completely out of my shell.

The shows were just incredible, and to me.. they progressively got better. Ending it in Ventura really topped my trip. Front row rail surrounded by awesome people. We owned that rail!! I'm working on my "reviews", and they'll be up shortly. I've got some prime footage for you folks, so don't ruin your dinner by filling up on cell phone footage on youtube:)

LOL!!! My on the rail buddy, god, I love you. :003:

[Marion]

Hi ZZ! Welcome back. Can't wait to see what you've got for us!

[Starfish]

Sounds great, ZZ!! Looking forward to seeing your video!!

[surfnburn]

I love the photos, Marion!!!! ZZ you rock!!! It's going on my iPod as soon as you upload it.

[KansasPettyFan]

Hi, ZZ! Welcome back! I can't wait to see what you got! Oh, yeah!

[Magnolia]

ZZ you rock! It was so much fun hanging out with you. Can't wait to see what you've got in store for us!!!

[Nylle]

Fun meeting you, ZZ! You did do good, we are an overwhelming group. Looking forward to your footage - from where you stood it has to be amazing!

[HeartbreakerFan]

Marion, your pictures are really fantastic! I enjoyed looking at those, and I also love that photo of Benmont that you said you were going to frame. Thanks so much for sharing.