I6Z6A6N NOTE: This post was originally on Wacken Trek, and set up as a PhotoBucket dump of pictures with no commentary. This is me being a lazy bastard (at least I'll admit it =D ). After much thought I have made the decision to make a proper Metal Trek Post out of it. Take note this post was up originally on February 4, 2013, while the trek itself was from March 2 - 4, 2012, and that's why it is placed before the Euro Metal Festival Tour with a post date listing of September 30, 2012 (to keep things organized chronologically).
Also, Instead of the usual "dedicate one page to each day", I decided to condense everything into one page as the weekend trip was very "hit and run" and the limited amount of pictures won't allow for one of my usual epic "Saga of the Icelanders" type of posts.
The weekend trip was what would you call a "concentrated" dose of Iced Earth as their tours tend to be limited. When they tour Florida, they usually go no further south than Orlando and after that they head off to their next northerly destination. This tour allowed the more hardcore Florida Iced Earth fans a chance to see their favorite band twice since they had 2 Florida shows (one in Orlando and the other in Ft. Lauderdale). Aside from myself being one of the aforementioned hardcore Iced Earth Fans, I had the distinguished pleasure of having 2 travel companions who shared my fandom level appreciation of Iced Earth throughout this trip in Alex Flores of Sinistre Division and Shirley Moonspell, paparazzi of the dark kind.
Day 1, March 2, 2012
The first concert of the this tour was the Ft. Lauderdale show at Revolution. The tour itself also had Symphony X where the 2 bands would alternate the headlining spots each day, and on this day Symphony X was last to play.
While waiting in line to claim our VIP tickets, a sweet promo poster was staring right at us. If they would have given these out, it would have been the cherry on top of this trip.
For the Ft. Lauderdale show, we decided to do the VIP tickets. For those on the outside, the VIP tickets allows fans to meet the band before a performance in a private part of the venue, and sometimes they include some additional items like a VIP neck pass (not that it give all access to the venue), a poster, sticker and VIP shirt.
Metal fans, still living in the stone age (aka the late 80's/early 90's).
In case you didn't know, this fan is exclusive to the band (for 50 bones).
They also did the professional photo ops with the band (courtesy of www.icedearth.com).
Complete fanboy. Without the flag, there will be no fanboy in existence.
The Ft. Lauderdale show was my fourth time seeing Iced Earth, but it was my first with Stu Block helming the vocal duties. I will say this much, Considering those who have come before Stu, he has done a phenomenal job on Dystopia and handling the live performance. As much as I hate to say it, he has brought a breath of fresh air to Iced Earth.
The merry-go-round of death.
Flying the colors.
Wearing the colors.
A world tour that ends with a "Iced Earth" \m/
Day 2, March 3, 2012
While on our way out of the hotel we stayed the previous night, we encountered a lizard with its tail curled up. Probably happy to see Shirley \m/ .
Another item I encountered during a pit stop were some skull ash trays that was discovered thanks to Alex ever epical "Elecric Eye". As a result, Channel 13 was beefed up to a \m/ HEAVY \m/ level. Many thanks for the discovery dude!
When we arrived to Orlando, we only had enough time to freshen up, grab a bite to eat and do some quick shopping before embarking to the Beacham venue.
A funny story came out of this part of the tour. Originally Iced Earth was supposed to play at the House of Blues, but due to Guns and Roses either not being able to effectively sell out (aka, their few remaining fans caught on to the tardiness of a prima donna past his prime) the original venue, they managed to get into the House of Blues on the same day Iced Earth was supposed to perform. House of Blues threw out Iced Earth in favor of Guns and Roses and thankfully, the Beacham at the last minute gave Iced Earth a venue. To the owner and management of House of Blues, this is my personal message to you; Congratulations on being assholes of the stupidest level for putting up with Axl Rose well known crap (in case you don't know, read here for full details).
ROUND 5! FIGHT!
Day 3, March 4, 2013
Before heading back to South Florida, we had to go and fill up on some gas, and the car needed a visual upgrade.
Aside from the series of concerts, this weekend needed to end with a medieval twist in 2 ways.
The first medieval twist? Going to one of the biggest renaissance festivals this side of the Atlantic.
It seems the KISS shirt Jon Schaffer was wearing was an omen of the KISS Armies invasion of the Renaissance Festival.
I will say this about the renaissance festival, they had the goods Metalheads need for the impending war that was to come with the "Flying Frog" (inside joke that will be referenced later).
This helmet was *this close* to being procured by me.
Something for the Venom fans to wear during their concerts.
If I need to explain why this helmet had its own photo, you're reading the wrong blog.
This guy walked out of a Blind Cover album cover in front of us, I swear it.
Peter Pan peddling his peanut butter.
For those of us on the refined side of drinking, there is something for you as well.
Some people lost their babies at this renaissance festival.
This is what you call "experience meeting youth".
The only thing missing was the grand castle in the background (I6Z6A6N NOTE: Hoodie was also procured, and if your wondering how the back looks, just look at the aforementioned front of the short and longsleeve shirts).
:::INSERT RANDOM FOLK METAL JOKE HERE:::
:::INSERT RANDOM ACT OF VIOLENCE HERE:::
The Flying Frog has finally showed its face, and ready to combat the fearless few who dared go on this trek.
Paganfest USA really needs to coordinate its tour with this festival.
All-in-one \m/
The dogs with Wolfhearts to do such feats of skills.
Shirley slinging an axe to the kids from earlier.
With the Renaissance Festival now explored and enjoyed, we proceed to an exit worthy of this trips \m/ HEAVINESS \m/
The second medieval twist? Going to a restaurant with a medieval torture device influence \m/
The forbidden tales of the road...
A Onion of Life and Death \m/. These are A LOT more bigger than they look, and very tasty (especially with the horse radish).
Seventh Rib Of A Seventh Rib \m/. These ribs were beyond amazing, and if you add some of the drummers spice, you got a Powerrib \m/
The drummer spice, made from drum sticks (not the fried chicken). All you got to do is beat-bop the top, and the spice is out like a hop.
Shirley adding a evil touch to the meal \m/
Alex enjoying a meal fit for a knight after conquering the Flying Frog.
The best way to end this post? The last group shot before parting to our "normal" lives.
Now comes the "thank you" list, as this trip had many encounters with interesting individuals.
Symphony X for putting on a hell of a performance (sorry I didn't get any pics of you guys).
The horny lizard for letting the world know of your affection for Shirley.
Axl Rose for not letting us down on your inconsiderate asshole approach to life.
The KISS guys at the Renaissance Festival.
The heavily armored knight walking around in full gear in the Florida sun (and on a clear day too).
Peter Pan for the peanut butter.
The new legions that just joined the ranks of Metal, you got a long journey ahead of you.
The "True RenFest Folk Metal" musicians, good show \m/
The Flying Frog for beating the odds of being a rejected album cover and still coming out on top only to die at the hands of Alex.
The dude with the dogs, may the hellhounds consume you in a glory of gory death.
The Axeman for having axes to throw.
The Staff at Rock N Roll Ribs, for having the good chow to end this trip on a high note \m/
Alex and Shirley, thank you for being good friends for so many years and allowing me the chance to know you, you guys fulfill my life to a \m/ HEAVIER \m/ level!
...The End
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