I am Queen Melon Head!!

I've just returned from our Blind Melon Palooza, and I'm still buzzing!!!!! Two nights of amazing performances, DH by my side, it was heaven on earth!

Friday night was the zoo show. It was toned down due to the fact it was at the zoo and families were spread around with strollers, but Blind Melon still rocked it! It was surreal to look over and see lions roaring during the show. I was worried we wouldn't get our usual stage front position. We weren't Lincoln Park Zoo members, who were allowed in first. When we entered, I was a bit shocked to see so many people setting up their blankets so far from the stage. No one, and I mean not one body, was standing up by the stage. At first we felt strange but then I thought, what do I care? If security wants us away from the stage they will ask us to leave. Security left us alone and soon other official Melon fans began surrounding us.

I can now officially say Rogers knows our Melon Head Mugs! At the past 2 concerts, DH and I ended up stage front, right in front of Rogers the guitarist. (Tall dude in photo) I guess our crazy rocking has made an impression because he remembered us. At the Madison concert he hand delivered me a pick and a handshake. At the zoo show, he made a point to hand deliver the set list directly to me before the crazy drunk posers behind me could jump over me to grab it!  After the performance, every single band member signed the set list for me! Ahh...my second set list, this time with signatures!  This set list also rocked because its handwritten instead of typed, and its double sided, indicating which guitars were played with which songs.

It only gets better. I knew the zoo show was a shorter set list and several songs had to be left off to protect young ears, but I was still more than satisfied, and I knew within 24 hours I'd be rocking out again.

The Libertyville show was magic. I had strong doubts our luck would hold out. Could I possibly end up stage front yet again in front of Rogers and Travis? DH and I ended up first in line before the doors opened, but I knew several people had been allowed into the Fuel Room already to listen to the sound check.When we were able to walk in, again, not a soul at the stage. I staked my real estate claim and even though the waitress kept asking, I kept saying no thanks to the drink offers. I couldn't afford a bathroom visit!

Very soon we were surrounded by fans and it did pack in tight. It didn't matter. I had a front stage, full view, pole position, and there was no chance I was going to lose it! DH was on one side of me and my new friend Emily was on the other. That's another benefit to Blind Melon shows, the friendly vibe. Melon heads are a loving bunch and we're now running into each other at all these shows!

Near the beginning of the show Rogers came right up to me and handed me a pick! He didn't have to do this. He had given me the set list the night before and while we were waiting to be allowed into the Fuel Room, he signed my CD sleeve at the bar! Oh yes, did I fail to mention that!! I SAT NEXT TO ROGERS HOURS BEFORE THE SHOW AT THE BAR!

That's what is so cool about the members of Blind Melon. They are regular guys who appreciate their fans. They will pose for photographs, sign autographs and have a drink with you at the bar before the show. (I had a Diet Coke & Rogers ordered himself some supper. Travis (new lead singer with glasses on) had tea with lemon. Very rock star huh!)

I was sorry I didn't bring my camera, but to be honest, I didn't want to worry about it during the show. I wanted to rock out and get lost in the show. Lots of people were doing the photo thing and trying to hold tight to valuables, but I was complete hippie mommy, hair flying, arms waiving. I had a blast!

After the show, crazies grabbed set lists but no worries, I'm Queen Melon Head! Mitch the head road manager hooked me up. He brought me an intact, (not ripped), set list with a gooey bonus. Christopher's gum! (Christopher is the guy in the jean jacket and hat.) The set list had been taped to Christopher's keyboard, and I guess he had forgotten to dispose of his gum before the show! Afterwards I had all the band members sign the set list with the gum still stuck on. That's a souvenir!

Another bonus - I can't stop gushing I know!- Nell Hoon was at the show! She's the late singer Shannon's mom. She's a beautiful artist. She autographed the special poster made in honor of the 2008 Blind Melon tour. Its so wonderful! I can't wait to hang it up. We want to have it matted and framed if we can come up with the money. I also hope to commission a piece of her jewelry.

So now I'm exhausted. I have two new set lists, a new pick, lots of signatures and most importantly, wonderful memories! I'm going to crash now. I'll have to share more tomorrow. Goodnight!