New here, just saw my first show, need somewhere to vent (a novel)

[ruralt]

Despite being into this band for ten years I never managed to see them live, mostly because no one was around to implore me to do so and partly because my actual passion for them bloomed later in the game.  But I finally saw them, at Hangout.  I suppose I should have seen them on their own for my first time, but circumstances and convenience dictated otherwise - I have family around Mobile, so I was able to get two birds stoned at once.  And I definitely wouldn't trade it.

I'll try not to ramble but... As soon as they walked on stage and I realized it was finally happening, I had to choke back tears.  I wasn't hysterical or anything, but I'm pretty sure the chick next to me thought I was crazy.  I held it together long enough to get through the evening - I was having too much damn fun to cry, and Beck's closeout was a nice cushion to fall back on, but I bawled my eyes out on the way back to the hotel.  I'm still trying to process the feeling of seeing them there in front of me for the first time.  And though I've always admired Jim, as he is responsible for all of these songs that have become a huge part of my life over the years, I suddenly felt ineffable things about him that I hadn't felt before.  He just has this peculiar energy, and I was in its presence, and I guess I'm several rungs down on the karmic ladder.

But man, CARL.  I knew if I ever made it to a show I'd want to be on his side of the stage, and I was completely blown away.  He went above and beyond.  The full 110%.  He was so into it, moreso than usual, at least compared to all the footage I've watched.  At one point he was hitting the strings so hard he almost fell over.  He was like a little kid up there.  I'm amazed that someone can get that physical with their instrument and still sound so damn good.  An incredible showman.  We made eye contact a couple of times but I kept looking away.  I already had too much on my plate at the moment, so I definitely couldn't deal with all that.  I was afraid to make eye contact with any of them, really.  You couldn't tell with Jim, because of his shades, so I felt most comfortable watching him.

And it wasn't even that long of a set.  I was so deep into the experience that it feels like it happened in the blink of an eye.  I can hardly imagine how much shit I'm going to lose when I see them in Dallas.

Everything feels different now.  John Muir would talk about his mountain baptism... I feel like I had a Jacket baptism.  I now understand why people followed the Dead.  Just wondering if this is normal or if I've finally gone off the deep end.

Thanks for reading.  I'll proceed to lurk now.

[searchinbig]

ruralt, that was beautiful.

[millerjustin]

welcome to the fold!  the feeling never diminishes!  see y'all in Dallas

[ellisintransit]

Love this!  millerjustin is right....that feeling never seems to go away.  Every show you see will be better than the last.   

[Jenfarr]

Jacket baptism...I like that!  Welcome!

[Crispy]

Outstanding! Yes, Carl Side!

[walterfredo]

Awesome!

Please, please don't scream "we love you Carl" the entire f'n show.

[Crispy]

Awesome!

Please, please don't scream "we love you Carl" the entire f'n show.

Yeah, just join in the "Carl Side!" chant right after Victory Dance. 

[BH]

Love these stories!

[RobRoy286]

It never ceases to amaze me the transcendence and spirituality that people feel from their shows. I don't know any other band that moves such a wide range of people at any given show. It seems like EVERY show review I read includes some kind of magical or spiritual feeling, whether it's the person's first show or 100th show.

[dub82]

It's so funny you posted this. I am in Dallas, and was listening to the ticket, a handful of their guys went to hangout. One of the guys had a "religious experience" when the jacket came on. I have seen them many times, and I shed a tiny music tear every single time. I don't know why, it just happens.

These guys have that effect. It's pretty awesome.

[amskinz]

I couldn't agree more with all of you. From my first time seeing them, which was only a six song set opening for Pearl Jam, I've gotten teared up every time they walk on stage (not to mention countless times during each set). It always makes me feel so good knowing so many others experience the same things with this band. And yes, I don't know another band, especially of this generation, that can do that to people of so many different ages and backgrounds. We're all so lucky to be a part of this experience with them, no matter where you may have come in to the fold along the way.
No matter how many times you see them, that feeling will never diminish, and you will always leave amazed. See what I did there?
Also, I'm new to the forum scene, and I think there should be a thread dedicated to peoples first show experiences with MMJ. The positivity and good vibes would be intoxicating. Discuss...

[APR]

Buckle up for more of the best live music you will ever see.  And get ready to plan for another one after Dallas.

amskinz.... great comments.  There is a thread dedicated to what you are suggesting called "How did y'all stumble upon MMJ" the top of "The Band" link.

[bhyman]

I find myself being truly envious of those attending their first MMJ concert. That first experience is really hard to beat. The only way to top it is a 3 night run...

[ncjacket]

I find myself being truly envious of those attending their first MMJ concert. That first experience is really hard to beat. The only way to top it is a 3 night run...

Dont lose hope... I'd seen jacket 4 times and my fifth was at a show in Raleigh.

For what ever reason, that show in Raleigh was the most memorable. Just takes the right set list and setting!

[timandre22185]

It's so funny you posted this. I am in Dallas, and was listening to the ticket, a handful of their guys went to hangout. One of the guys had a "religious experience" when the jacket came on. I have seen them many times, and I shed a tiny music tear every single time. I don't know why, it just happens.

These guys have that effect. It's pretty awesome.

I'm also in Dallas and a Ticket P1.  I'm assuming it was Corby who was talking about his Hangout/MMJ experience??  If it was the Hardline, what day was it?  I'd like to go back on the app and listen to their recap.

[RastaRunner5]

Great post ruralt 

[rdylanoconnor]

Ruralt, quite an inspiring post. Thanks for sharing. So happy to hear you had such a wonderful experience. I think you've come to the right place to express your love. I feel the same way every time I see them. I'm seeing them for the first time on Saturday since OBH and my entire family feels it -dad is in a great mood. They are simply the greatest band on earth. Their music is different, inspiring and original with a positive energy.  And it also rocks hard. The band members are incredible musicians who play with passion and give it their all every single time. And jacket fans are courteous, pleasant, peaceful and positive people who create such an amazing energy. I feel very fortunate to have such influential music in my life and to be able to share it with like minded people like those on this forum.

Thanks again for a moving post and I hope to see you at a show real soon.

Adios

[ruralt]

Wow. Thanks for all of these awesome responses. Wasn't expecting that. It is so wonderful to read these things and know that these feelings are shared. Very glad to be here among people that understand. I already made one friend at the Hangout show, and hope to make many more.

Re: the spiritual experience. The other great part about the show was seeing other people being moved, when I managed to tear my eyes away long enough. There was one guy there who was so enraptured that I will never be able to forget the image of him. I couldn't help but smile any time I caught a glimpse of someone you could tell was a huge fan. I've never seen anything like it at any other band's show. These guys are special and bring a beautiful thing into peoples lives.

Much love to all y'all.

[ffghtrs]

Yeah the Jacket sure do move people...I highly suggest making it to Red Rocks...I don't have the words to tell you what it felt like to be there for the first time...the sea of people in between two red mountains...the music making your soul tingle.  I wish I was there to have experienced that show with you...and give you a hug...so off topic now...how many of you have dreams that feature music?  I was about 11 years old the first time I did.  I was learning Hey Joe on the guitar and listening to it and playing along with it constantly and then I was crashed out one night and technicolor dream with the song Hey Joe playing almost in its entirety...I ask this question because my History of Rock and Roll Professor and I had a real riveting discussion about ASMR Autonomous sensory meridian response which is basically when you get the chills or cry or have a physical change when listening to music or watching a flick...but I think my point is that some of us...especially Jacket Heads and Wilco fans are just people who get the ASMR effect so often that we fall in love with it...I remember being 14 and listening to Murder By Death's album entitled LIke the exorcist but more break dancing....anywho the opening cello riff followed by the falling guitar chords with the drums building just made me weep and have chills all over...my mom wanted to take me to the hospital I was having a serious religious spiritual experience and it made sense to me.  but no one until understood it until I started playing guitar with other musicians.  Us die hard music fans and especially Jacket Heads we are a special breed.  I use to dance down the aisles at the bookstore i worked at singing to the Temptations...it's fun.  i ramble a lot.  i love you guys!