MY TRIP WITH ALTER BRIDGE....

Here is a little story that I would like to share.  Most of you know that I went to see Alter Bridge last night, 29th November 2011, since I bragged so much about it.  And instead of telling you all over and over again, I thought it would be good to share it in writing instead along with some pics.  I will share a piece of my life in my little trip to see Alter Bridge at Wembley Arena, London.  There were moments of pure bliss, and moments of frustration and moments of pure tiredness - but all in the name of 'FUN'.


On Tuesday, the 29th November 2011, our day began really early.  Earlier than normal, considering we only had to be there for 6pm.  I managed to force and drag my fiance, Brett along with me and began our train ride at 9:30am, of which I'm sure Alter Bridge were still in bed.  Our train ride took us into Fenchurch Street, London half and hour later, and we made our way to the underground jumping enthusiastically onto the circle line to get onto the Jubilee Line and head off to Wembley Park station.  The closer we got to Wembley Park station, I was buzzing.  I have to say the exit at Wembley Park station was impressive - a massive walkway into Wembley Stadium - a pure grandeur of an arena - it was HUGE!

Despite the endless space of construction around Wembley Stadium, it was still impressive.

We towered around Wembley Arena and noticed some really dedicated fans already there.  My fiance thought I was talking rubbish when I told him people will be already there - way before us, and some may even have slept over to get first place.  Low and behold!  I was right :)

Since my fiance was starving and I was bordering on hunger, we made our way to have a bite to eat.  Good old Wimpies :)  We devoured our burgers, and felt a bit more alive and energetic to make our way back to Wembley Arena and tower around even more.

Basically, I didn't want to miss and opportunity to PERHAPS bump into Alter Bridge.  I wasn't thrilled about standing in the queues outside - so Brett and I just walk around a couple of times and soon figured out where a good standing place would be.  Right near the car park entrance.  From 1pm, we just stood outside right near the car park entrance and chatted and gooved around, and waited.  I got a little bored and started nosing around near the doors, since I could hear rehearsels taking place inside - only to notice a steward supervisor coming our way.  He came to see if we were standing or sitting, and to get into the queue as soon as possible.  We ended up having a little chat about the bands, and soon noticed some photographers who were placing a camera on the floor, outside of the car park entrance.  Oh my suspicions grew...and thought 'That has to be for Alter Bridge' since I knew they were going to be filming this event.  My eyes were fixed....








I then asked the supervisor if it would be alright to hang around there, and he had no problems with it.  But I just waited to see first.

And to my wonderful surprised - look who begins to ROCK UP? hehe .... ALTER BRIDGE'S bus.  I got all giddie and nervous and explained to Brett in my new broken English - this is Alter Bridge for sure!  I really wanted to run up to the bus and just wave or something, but I didn't want to look a bit weird and just watched from a distance - I'm sure they saw us standing there staring - Alter Bridge?

I didn't just stand and stare - I had to take a picture 'Oh so exciting!'
'What a grand entrance!'
The coach slowly reversed in and at the same time, I slowly began making my way to the entrance. Is this now perhaps bordering on a little idiotic?  I don't ever usually do this kind of thing - hunting after a band I think is absolutely fantastic.  But I wanted to break the rules, and have a go at something I don't usually do - otherwise life gets boring - and boy, did it pay off!!

I made my way down and slowly began watching inside the car park, and who do I first see?  Mark Tremonti - WOW!  and then Myles' wife Selena (I think - it surely looked like her - forgive me if it wasn't).  Both Mark and Selena looked snug and warm in jackets, gloves and hats.

Now my optimistism really began kicking in, more so than before.  Right there and then I said to Brett 'we are staying right here!'

So we did and we did and time moved on, and soon enough a couple of photographers came out, a guy and a lady - we shared some friendly words about Alter Bridge and low and behold who comes up the ramp - Steve Wood.  He came out and had a good natter with the guy and lady photographers.  I had hoped to get a chance to say HI, but I didn't want to rudely interrupt their chat, and then he disappeared off whilst talking on his phone.  Oh well!!   That's what you get for being polite lol :) x

But things are really looking up here :)

So I waited a little longer....and to my uttermost surprise here comes....

Scott Phillips

I was so so surprised to see him coming out for a quick ciggy.  I was expecting and hoping for some luck, but when luck comes to you, you are stunned and not sure what to do, and that is exactly what happened here.  For sure I was really friendly and gave him a great big hello, asked politely for a pic and he was more than glad to take a pic.

And then we got chatting - we chatted about the general things of life...like how's the team doing?  Enjoyed a bit of London?  Any more tours to the UK?  What to do before heading off to Australia?  I will always remember this conversation.  There were awkward silences, because I hadn't had the foggiest thing of what to ask next, and just couldn't believe who was standing in front of me having a ciggy.  

Has anyone realised yet what I forgot to ask?

Oh yes!  His AUTOGRAPH!!  I mean seriously!!  Judith, what is wrong with you, woman!?  I had it all ready.  Not only that, but I clearly didn't think of asking him to get me the rest of the team's autographs.  

Someone please tell me - 'why am I so damn polite?'  All I kept on thinking was - these guys must be exhausted and fed up by now - so I won't be too overwhelming or strange.

But when I look back, I say 'At least I got a pic' that is still good to me.

And Scott, thank you so much once again.  It was by pure luck that I managed to say HI to you.  Oh yes and I was the ONLY ONE THERE.  I couldn't believe that no one else was standing there and waiting.  Then my optimism went through the roof and was expecting Myles, Brian and Mark to come out soon.  Uuuum.....three hours later no luck :(

Bugger!

My fiance said that was the biggest smile that he has ever seen me give, he couldn't believe how happy I was.  He could see that he wasn't the center of my attention that day afterwards.  I was in the clouds - hoping and having a blast.

I started getting worried when no one showed up and started asking security if I would have any luck - they gave me no luck.  We ended up wandering around looking for a loo and headed off to Wembley Stadium and nosed around :) 

Brett on his phone to work, typical.

Oh the bitter cold wind of London, chills me to the bone. (feeling a little poetic)

Trying to show my excitement hehe :) 

From here we continued to hang around until the time began to start queuing, looking for autographs (maybe, just maybe) or change my ticket (ah...not possible LOL).  And soon enough time came and we had to queue, and the sound began to pound through the walls and our excitement was getting bigger and bigger.

This queue was just the beginning, it got so long that it went all the way back and had to bend carrying onto the right hand side wall, and that's just NE entrance - ALL FOR YOU ALTER BRIDGE, all for you :) xx

And then we were in.  Flip me!  By now I was so grateful for any warmth that could soothe my aching hands and feet.  But only to discover how TIGHT-FISTED Wembley was with their seating.  There was a steward at every flipping damn stupid door :(  but that didn't stop me hehe.

We got comfy, and eagerly waited for Alter Bridge, and straight after 'Black Stone Cherry' I crept my way as far down the back as possible, and just casually walked through the last set of doors - only to find myself at the back of the stage - my first thought - 'oh shit, not supposed to be here' and because I'm such a good girl and a law-abiding citizen I worrily walk out again, and as I took two steps away - I realised there was no one there to stop me - so I went BACK.  Hahaha!!!aaah NO!  A very big man (security) came towards me and I thought - 'SHIT' really?

Do you have a pass? 

No, I just want to take one pic and I'll be gone.  

Did you think he let me through??  As usual no luck.  I kept on thinking 'Why didn't I just go in, no one would've probably known the wiser'  

Yeah, that's what Scott Phillips said as well - we both agreed - just be confident and let people think that you are supposed to be where you want to be and it usually works.  And usually it does - but I cocked up!

So I kept creeping down each door nagging to get a pic, and finally found a lucky spot close-up. The view was so nice and close, and I managed to take some pics of the stage being set up and one beginning shot of the grand start to Alter Bridge's intro.....mmmm GREAT!

And then it began..... 'WOW!!!!'  I had no words to describe how great the intro was - nicely done Alter Bridge!!!

Myles was definitely standing there and he began to sing in the dark 'slip into the void, into the dark.....'  

Please go to your seat - is the next thing I hear.  Argh!  Seriously, and hence I got this blurry picture - blame security for this PERFECT picture.

So I rushed straight down the corridor, to my seat and continued taking in this glorious moment.  I have to say that it was so loud that I could STILL hear Myle's voice singing as I ran down the long corridor.

I nearly killed myself as I tried to fly over chairs to my seat, but survived - phew!

And just watched......

Straight away Myles poured all his energy into his talent and just shared it passionately through the microphone, and then the whole band poured in - the experience I certainly had was a goose-bumpy experience, and my focus and attention locked onto that stage.

Every single song that Alter Bridge played was hypnotizing and overwhelming beyond anything I have every experienced at a gig.  This was ultimate.

I never heard Myles sing out of tune - not once!

And the band never missed a beat or hit the wrong note.

It was perfect, really perfect, and they really enjoyed themselves - by the looks of it all.

Alter Bridge put so much passion into their gig, and really showed us what they are made of - PURE TALENT and HARD WORK!

Alter Bridge's gig will be resonating through my mind and soul for a good few months and hopefully years.  It was a fantastic experience.  Myles and the team gave 120% of themselves, pouring out their extremely talented skills and bringing their music to life more than any of the other concerts I've seen on youtube.com.  Myles managed to reach epic tones to clear perfection.  And I have to say Myles - you certainly sprussed yourself up - looking refreshed and fitter than ever.

But the guitar playing was divine - a sound that would mark your soul and leave you aching for more.  Great talent!  The lasers and fire were a fab effect that just added the magic to the sound.

I surely enjoyed Myles' jazzy moment - it was different - giving a taste of alternative sounds, but when they began again with their own sound - it surely reminded you of how awesome they are.

And seriously....I couldn't believe Myles did his movie scene (Rockstar 2001) on stage.  I was just like 'Oh no.  This doesn't suit you.'  But someone dared Myles to do it and he delivered - it was fun. He continued to remark that if he ever had to put on another leather outfit with that wig again - someone just shoot him.  

I thought you really got a kick out of wearing leather Myles?  hehe...only kidding

Myles really got the crowd on his side, he was relaxed and had a good time - thank you Myles :)

Then after a good few songs they were off, but I knew they were not done.  The audience lights hadn't changed and I said to Brett 'wait, they'll be back' and soon enough they came back once the crowd began an encore - you gotta have an encore, because we always want more.

And flip me! Did they come back or what - even better!  With my one and true song that first caught my eye and fascination with Alter Bridge's 'Open Your Eyes'

I had never screamed and shouted so much that night as I did at that very moment - when the guitars rang with the chords of 'Open Your Eyes'  

My mind and soul elated with joy that made my mind burst - I was ecstatic!  I had asked them to play that song on facebook, and you guys delivered - I cannot thank you enough - it was mind-blowing - thank you, thank you and thank you a thousand times more.

And then the final humming tones for the final song 'Rise Today' - oh we certainly lifted the roof with that last song - my energy levels tripled after that.  The band went off and Myles jumped off-stage and high-fived the crowd below

And it was all finished.  I really didn't want to leave, but the stewards...oh the stewards - thanx for doing your jobs lol :) 

So...we were off and started heading towards the station and ended up passing the car park again - and I saw quite a few people there.  So I naturally assume...great!  Alter Bridge will be coming out for pics and signings.

(This pic was actually a test shot to see that if I did take a pic with one of you guys it would be right)

And now here is the time of testing our loyalty and patience lol

I begged my fiance to let us wait with the crowd, because this doesn't happen very often - especially for me and chose to stay a little longer.

Hahahaha! Should I laugh any harder?

A little longer ended up becoming a solid 3 hour wait.  I mean, you would seriously start thinking after one hour 'nope no one is coming'.

Of course not!   After two?  Surely you should get the message...ah nope.

Then Dan comes out and sits outside on the pavement and whilst waiting for a cab shows us an edited version for the new DVD.  So cool, but I wasn't really sure who this guy was and didn't bother to take a pic - dum ass!

Anyway, he then tells the small crowd of loyal fans - Alter Bridge is gone, Myles buggered off to the hotel already, along with the rest.  He then says to make our way down to the Arch Angel pub, which is apparently straight across the street from their hotel.

Now you would think to believe him.....hahaha no.  We didn't...yes I know - bang your head against a very hard cement wall and bleed, because he was right.   Yes!  he was right!  Because after waiting until 2:30am, we gave up, the cold was killing us - we could barely walk.  Not only to mention that Brett and I missed our last train home, and were now stranded in London until 4:30am.  By now my fiance (love you darling xxxx) found a hotel for us and told me stupid porkies - saying it cost us £150.

Now I'm thinking great!  In the name of Alter Bridge I have jeopardized our way to get back home, left in the cold, feet, legs and hands cold STIFF! And have to pay £150 for a room, so I can eagerly get an autograph and pic - oh Judith!! hahaha 

The things us humans do - we are simple little beings aren't we?

I made my way to a nice warm bed and sleep - dreaming that I was still waiting for an autograph (yep!  I've been traumatized lol) and got up early - God knows why!  And when reality hit, I remembered what Dan had said about the pub and hotel, and thought let's see what I can find.

So I got my iPhone out and 'google' mapped 'Arch Angel' - oh look!  it's in Kessington.

Darling......by now you've got to understand, my fiance was fed up beyond understanding - but LOVE has no boundaries.

We were off.....

....had some breakie (breakfast) 

....and made our way to Arch Angel

We missed our final bus stop at Kessington Palace and got off ahead, followed the map to a 'T' and got a little lost.  After putting common sense onto the map, realised that our first bus stop would've dropped us right outside Arch Angel (sort of), and what is on the other side?

A big fat whoping HOTEL!

ARCH ANGEL....ladies and gentleman

And their hotel (supposedly) the 'Royal Garden Hotel'...ladies and gents

I only had the nerve to take some pics and not try and find Alter Bridge, because I'm sure by 2pm, they weren't in their hotel - they were probably heading home, and I didn't feel like harassing anyone lol :)

If Alter Bridge, you are reading this and realise out loud amongst yourselves 'uuum nope, we weren't there' please let me know in a PRIVATE message on facebook, because I don't think I can be fooled for the third time :(   the waiting around for 6 hrs in the cold for an autograph is all I can bare xxx

By heck, I'm still a 'Die Hard Alter Bridge' fan :)  love ya guys and once again THANK YOU SO SO SO SO SO MUUUUUCH FOR A FAAAAABBUUULOUS SHOW!!!!

Then I buggered off and did some shopping in Kessington :) xxx