Staind Camden, NJ May 18th, 2008

Coming Soon!

Aaron Lewis solo show with special guest LoPro at the Mohegan Sun February 23, 2008

Coming Soon!

Aaron Lewis solo show at the Borgata February 09, 2008

Day Two of Madness in AC and yes this is another small novel of a review.     I woke up to the sound of the phone ringing. Everyone knows, when the Staind family is together, Rule number one, "sleep is not an option". LOL!  We started off with all my peeps coming to my room, one by one. We pretty much just sat around chit chatting and reminiscing about the night before, with everyone still on cloud nine from the "Aaron Lewis experience". The day was flying by, before we knew it, the day was almost gone. We all agreed to meet in the cafeteria to grab a bite before the show. Time to say goodbye so we could all get ready. I was nervous, not knowing what was going to happen that night. I mean after the first night, I don't think I could take any more excitement with only a few hours sleep. I jumped into the shower, got dressed and out the door to the Borgata to meet up with everyone. I was excited for that night, but yet in the bottom of my stomach I was sick just knowing that it was our last night together. On our way to the cafeteria the girls wanted to stop in the Borgata gift shop, so we made a fast pit stop and off to the cafeteria we went. We grabbed a slice of pizza and sat for a few minutes. Time was ticking and it was almost time to get our tickets at will call. We all chatted for a bit and then headed upstairs to the venue, I grabbed our tickets and when I open the envelope, I see four backstage passes. Here we go again, woohoo, back to the dressing room.     The night before, Aaron's Aunt Jeanna had called and told me she was going to surprise the girls and be waiting in the dressing room. I turned to the family and told them that we will see them later, I felt bad leaving everyone behind. I turned and looked at everyone as I walked threw the big red doors, knowing I won't see them until after the show was over. I let the girls go in front of me knowing Aunt Jeanna was waiting in that dressing room. They walked in the room and boom, here comes the tears again, haha!. They were so surprised she was there. They hugged and said their hello's. It was great to see Jeanna again. I haven't seen her since July of last year. We all chatted, laughed and took a few pictures. Jeanna had her husband, Harold, was with her too. It's always a pleasure to see him, he's so funny, he keeps you laughing when he is around. As we were all chatting away and hanging out, Aaron walked in. He sits down and starts chatting away, yes Aaron really does talk. LOL! He was telling me all about the new record, and he gave us a lesson on guitars, which I found fascinating. It was nice to see the more relaxed Aaron, a side of him most never see. The girls had some stuff they wanted Aaron to sign and they grabbed a few more pictures with him and it was show time. I felt like I was in that room all night but it was only an hour, time to say goodbye and knowing it was the last time the girls were going to see him, it was a sad moment. After leaving the dressing room we headed to our seats to await the last and final show of the weekend. Me,Pixie,Jeanna,Adina Pixie, Auntie Jeanna, Adina Adina saying goodbye to Aaron Pixie saying goodbye to Aaron     After a few minutes, the lights went out and Aaron strolled out on stage with guitar in hand, he started with "Please", then "Home", "Devil", "Let it Out", a flawless cover of Johnny Cashs' "Hurt", "Fade", "Schizophrenic Conversation", "Massachusetts", then started a few teases of Justin Timberlakes "Senorita", "Sweet Leaf" (Black Sabbath), "Love on the Rocks" (Neil Diamond), "Love Song" (Tesla), "Bobby McGee" (Janis Joplin), "Summer Breeze" (Type O Negative), followed by "Bong Hits For Breakfast", "Fill Me Up", "Tangled Up in You", and "Black Rain". Aaron then takes a moment out to thank everyone for still sticking around after all these years, followed by another dedication to our beloved Kim who has passed and then "So Far Away", Aaron walks off the stage and returns a few minutes later. The encore started with "Epiphany", then "It's Been Awhile", "Outside" and then "Intro" ala no mic no amp. That was it, the end, as Aaron walks off stage and says goodnight. The show was over and we left to go find everyone, they were all waiting outside the doors as we came out. They were surprised to see Jeanna with us, camera's out again and a few group shots later we were done. Jeanna had something for me up in her room so we had to leave the group again for a bit. We followed Jeanna up to her room and she gave me my Christmas gift along with my Birthday gift. lol We stayed in her room for a bit and chatted once again, then headed back to the casino to meet up with everyone. We said our goodbyes to Jeanna and we were on our way back down to the cafeteria where the gang was waiting for us. The night was almost over and so was our weekend, we headed back to the hotel for one last after party and performance by Otan Vargas. Me and Auntie Jeanna Saturday group shot     I ran into my room to throw on my PJ's, took a deep breath and headed to room, # 906 with tears in my eyes, knowing this was our last night together. When I walked in the room everyone was sitting around as they were the night before, except this time there wasn't a sound, no laughing, no talking, just everyone sitting there listening to Otan. I looked around the room for a place to sit and my eyes immediately spotted one right next to my girl, Stacey. As I sat there, in my head I kept wishing I could stop time, that I didn't want this weekend to end. One glance at Stacey and that was all I needed to start the ball rolling with the tears. I tried so hard to fight it but I couldn't hold back, another glance at Cyndi and it was all over. The tears were flowing and I couldn't stop it, I love those girls so much it was breaking my heart knowing it was our last night together. My insides were screaming don't let this end, I didn't want to say goodbye I just wanted more time with them. The clock was ticking, time was running out. When it was just about over, before everyone said their goodbyes, I was handed a card. This was not just a card, this was the moment at which I realized how much everyone means to me, and how I'm so glad I have met so many wonderful people. I opened the card and started to read it when all of a sudden I see this "Gift Card" taped to the side. OMG! NO FUCKIN WAY "A SPA"? is all I could say, I was speechless , shocked, and emotional. I continued to read all the names as I read each one, the tears were flowing down my face as if it was raining. I repeated saying "A Spa", over and over again. I couldn't find the words to express how I was feeling at that time. My peeps had all chipped in and got me a gift card to an all day spa here in my town. "A SPA" WOW! I thanked each and everyone and I was still shocked and speechless all I could say was, thank you. I have never felt so loved and appreciated in my life, my emotions were out of control and I couldn't fight them anymore. The tears just kept pouring out of my eyes. '"THANK YOU EVERYONE"! I still can't find the right words to express my gratitude for this gift. The night was just about over and with my emotions out of control at this point, how was I to say goodbye? Stacey said they were going to breakfast in the morning that she would call me so I could join. That made me feel better knowing I still had time to say goodbye and that maybe tomorrow won't be so bad right? Wrong, but I will get to that in a minute. One by one everyone disappeared into their rooms to get some sleep before hitting the road back home. At this point we all agreed to have breakfast together so back to my room for a little rest before our real goodbyes. Otan playing for us one last time Ashlee,Me,Stacey,Pixie Reading my card A SPA!     A few hours sleep, and the phone rings, it's Stacey telling me she is downstairs and they are having breakfast. I'm half a sleep at this point so I say I will be there soon, I hang up and roll back over to go back to sleep. I was so tired from not sleeping for days cause remember this all started on Wednesday and it's now Sunday. After a few minutes I jump up and say WTF am I doing? this is my last chance to see everyone. With that I throw some clothes on and wash my face with ice cold water, I then woke Rocco up telling him he will be kicking himself later, if he misses this. He gets up and goes to Justin's room and bangs on the door to get him up too. We all went down to meet up with the others. I sat at the table with Stacey, Cyndi and Craig and after a few little Pixie joined us. She looked so sad as she sat next to me with tears in her eyes, as we all had tears, knowing this was our last meal together. After I inhaled a few cups of coffee it was that dreadful time, I didn't want to see come. It was time to say goodbye, the hugs, the tears, the when will I see you again emotions. "IT SUCKED" but as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end at some point. I stood there watching everyone get into the elevator, watching the doors close to get my last wave in. I headed back to my room and at this point I just wanted to go home I was so depressed. Justin, Otan, and Ashlee who I didn't get to spend time with cause the weekend just went way to fast, they all came back to my room to hang until it was check out time. We all sat around watching the clock knowing we had to leave at some point soon, but didn't want to knowing once we checked out it was really over. Pixie stopped by for one last hug, saying goodbye to her was so hard not knowing if I will ever see her again. Check out time was creeping up so it was time to get out before they threw us out. HAHA! We all headed out to the lobby to check out and one last hug or two it was over. Goodbye everyone, I have missed you all so much since that day. Well most of you cause I had Adina for another week or so and Justin, Raina and Otan came over after that weekend. LOL! Until next time peace out yo!

Aaron Lewis solo show at the Borgata February 08, 2008

I must warn you this is as long as a small novel. haha!      It all started on Wednesday Feb. 6th, this day the power of the Staind Family would be proven. On this day we were heading to JFK airport, to pick up Adina. We took the kids out of school early and we hit the road. We were all so excited to meet Adina in person and to get this big adventurous weekend started. When we arrived at the airport we were greeted by Tony, a Staind fan from North Carolina who was in town visiting family. We waited with anticipation watching the door open and close, waiting for Adina to finish going through customs. While my kids stood there with their welcome Adina signs, out walks this custom agent with a sign reading, huh, Lisa Patto. Wow that was wierd. Adinas passport was missing my address. After clearing up that little problem we knew she would be coming real soon. Then all of a sudden there she was, the joy on her face was indescribable.She walked out the door and dropped her bags.  We ran to each other to have our first official hug, the real hug we have been talking about for so long. There she was, right in front of me for real, and not on a computer screen. She was so beautiful in person, her eyes were so bright, she was absolutely stunning, and so tall too. LOL! We chatted for a bit and then headed back home, we didn't talk  much on the way home. I wanted her to take it all in and look out the window as we drove. Her first car ride in the USA, we took the long way home so she could see all the stores and buildings on the way. I knew she was excited to be here. I could see her grinning from ear to ear in the side view mirror of the car. We arrived at my house and all I kept thinking in my head was WOW! She is really here. We chatted and laughed as if we knew each other forever. Tony had picked up some pizza on his way so we threw it in the over and dinner was served. We all chatted and laughed till the AM hours. Now it was time for some much need rest. Me and Adina at the airport     The next morning, after I got the kids off to school, we all headed out for some breakfast at our favorite diner. We decided to go for a walk on the beach, and after freezing our asses off, we ran back to the car and headed to Looney Tunes, a must see for any Staind fan. Even though it had burned down and was rebuilt the history of Staind still lives on, on the roof top. Tony and Adina were buying the store out with handfuls of CD's and other stuff. The day was going so fast it was already time to head back home to pick the kids up from school. After picking up the kids we had time for a fast cup of coffee and it was back in the car to head back to JFK to pick up Little Pixie. Justin, my bro from the 413, had come in so he could join us on the journey back to the airport. We all jumped into our cars and headed on our way to pick up Little Pixie, same place as we were the day before. Now here we go again watching those doors and waiting for our Little Pixie to come out. The doors open and there she was, in all her cuteness waving to us as she came around the bend. WOW! she was so cute I wanted to put her in a baby doll carriage and play house with her. HAHA! We all chatted and hugged before heading  back home yet again. On the way home we stopped at Dairy Barn, which is a drive through store here on Long Island. I have told both girls about this little store we have here, but to see the look on Little Pixies face when we drove through there was priceless. She couldn't believe you could order milk, bread, cookies, etc through a drive through store. LOL! Little Pixie at the airport     We got back at home, and now with a house full, Adina, Pixie, Justin, Tony, Rocco and I with my 2 kids. WOW! where was I putting everyone? The rule was where ever you place your ass is where you were sleeping. LOL! Rocco had ordered a three foot hero with all the trimmings so it was time to have a bite and relax. Ramona stopped over to say hi to the girls and meet everyone. I could see this was going to be a long night with all of us together, who could sleep? Hours had passed and now it was after midnight, one by one they dropped and the sole survivors were Justin and I, who sat at my kitchen table on our laptops as if we were playing battleship. HAHA! We laughed our asses off till the wee hours of the morning, but knowing we had to hit the road to AC we needed a few hours of rest. In order to stop the madness with us I had to sleep in my kids room with the door shut so we would stop laughing. Adina and Pixie learning how we say hi in NY Yo!     Friday morning came quick, it was almost time to start our AC adventure, WOOHOO! ,where is Tony, Adina and Pixie? Tony decided to take the girls for a ride. So they were on their own little adventure. I packed and got everything ready to load up the car. Rocco headed out to pick up Otan,  so Justin and I waited for everyone to get back so we could hit the road. Tony, Pixie and Adina returned, and shortly after, Rocco and Otan. It's time to load up the cars and hit the road Yo! This is how we say goodbye in NY Yo! It's been awhile since I said fuck off!     We are finally ready to get on the road to AC, I wondered what my neighbors were thinking, with all the out of state plates and all of them with Staind decals on them. Once on the road it was like a Staind parade with the Staind mobile leading the way. Traffic was moving well, one pit stop to gas up and boom "Welcome to Atlantic City". We checked into our hotel, took a  fast shower, grabbed a bite to eat and it was time to get to the Borgata. Back out the door and on our way to the Borgata, get on the expressway and Rocco misses the turn. If you look back on my review from July 3rd you will see this has happened before. LOL! Back around again and hmmm I think we are lost, Rocco says we aren't but yes we were. My phone rings, it's my girl, Stacey from Tampa, she is telling me they are going to start the meet & greet. UGH! Here we go again, go back to that review from July 3rd same thing happened then too. Phone rings again, it's Stacey saying the meet & greet started. I tell her to put Richie on which she hands him the phone. I explain to him we are just a few minutes away and that I have Pixie and Adina with me that they can't start the meet & greet without them. He tells me to hurry up which was impossible since we were still trying to find our way to the Borgata. Back around one more time and into the parking lot of the Borgata. We parked and ran in. As I came up to the long line of people waiting to get into the venue, I see Judd, Aaron's tour manager. I tell him what happened and he asked me how did I want to do this? I was like huh? Do what? In his hand was a stack of backstage passes. I knew about this but didn't know how it was going down, unsure if it was going to be before, or after the show. To my surprise it was before and after but I will get to that in a minute. He asked who was in my group and I told him. He then began handing out backstage passes to everyone. My heart was racing from running and being nervous that we missed the meet & greet, little did I know we didn't miss a thing. We were escorted to Aaron's dressing room which was hooked up with beer and soda for us. We were all very excited to not only be in Aaron's dressing room waiting for him, but to be together as well. After we all piled into Aaron's dressing room, who walks in with a ciggy hanging from his mouth and a shit eatting grin on his face? Yup! You guessed it, the man himself, Mr. Aaron Lewis.     As soon as Adina and Pixie saw him they both started crying, they couldn't believe Aaron was standing right in front of them. Aaron walked up to them and gave them both a hug, he told them "don't cry", he was trying to get them to stop crying but that was impossible. They were so happy and excited to be here in AC in the US and with Aaron, there was no stopping these girls, their emotions were flowing. After they were able to pull themselves together it was picture time, we took so many pictures in that dressing room. If I posted them all on my site it would crash. HAHA! Adina's first hug Adina and Aaron Pixie's first hug Dreams do come true =) During the meet and greet, Tony called Harrison (AKA) H-Cookie and handed Aaron the phone, a few minutes later, who walks in, H-Cookie. Now the whole family is here, roll call please, Me, Rocco, Adina, Pixie, Justin, Craig, Cindy, Stacey, Jess, George, Eric, Gretchen, H-Cookie, Raina, Otan, Bill, Emily, George, Kathy, Laura, Cindy, and Danny. I think that's all of us, I hope I didn't miss anyone. Group Shot     After everyone had whatever signed and took a pic or two, it was time for Aaron to go, he had to get ready for the show. We said our goodbyes and then were told we could come back after the show and hang some more with Aaron. WHAT? Not once, but twice hanging with "Big A", we left and got to our seats. I turned to look for the girls and there they were with tears still in their eyes. Their dreams had come true they got to meet Aaron and talk with him. Their long trip to the US was well worth it, not only did they get to meet Aaron for the first time they are now going to see him perform solo for the first time. I was so happy for the both of them, as they sat next to me holding each other in excitement waiting for the show to start. The lights went out and here comes Aaron, walking up to his stool, he sits and says. Hey! He starts with Novacaine, then Massachusetts, Zoe Jane, Everything Changes, Something Like Me, and Something in the Way  (Nirvana Cover), Waste, Tangled Up in You, another beautiful song Aaron wrote for his wife, Vanessa. He continued with Anywhere But here, (another new song), a bluesy version of Bong Hits, a cover tease of "What's Up" (4 Non Blondes) and "Still Loving You" (Scorpions), a few more teases of "Sexy Back", "I Want it that Way" and then an outstanding cover of "Wonderful Tonight"  (Eric Clapton). A few fans yelled out "Sober" but Aaron wanted to make them beg by teasing them with "Dead or Alive" then "Sober", then "Dead or Alive" again. LOL! He's such a goof, after he was done messing around with the fans he played "Sober" in it's entirety, and then he played "Falling". Which was a treat for me since he hasn't played that in about a year. Then he stopped and did a little dedication to our beloved "Kim", she just passed away a few weeks before the shows. She was supposed to join us in AC that weekend but we know she was there in spirit. Then after he dedicated "So Far Away" to her, I know she was smiling in heaven as she looked down on us.     After "Kim's" dedication he walked off stage for a bit and Pete Ricci from Lo-Pro came out to say "Is that all you guys got on a Friday night in Atlantic City"? The crowd roared in anticiaption of Aarons return. Gotta love that guy for always knowing how to get a crowd going. After that Aaron walks back out on stage with a ciggy hanging from his mouth. He sits down and plays "Epiphany", then "Outside" a pause, and he starts to play "It's been Awhile" he stops and says "I would like to take a minute out to say Happy Birthday to Lisa, I just want her to know how much I appreciate everything she does for me, Thanks Lee, *Dies* and then plays "It's Been Awhile" and then he stepped down from his stool and sat on the edge of the stage, unplugged his guitar and played "Intro". That was the last song and the show was over. Wow! What a great show I was ready for bed after that one, but nope, not so fast,  time to go back to the dressing room to hang with Aaron again. We all piled back into the dressing room for round two, this time it was more layed back and just relaxing. Just hanging out chatting about the show and taking pics of each other. After a while Aaron joined us and after a few hugs and pics  it was over. Aaron needed to rest and we didn't want to overstay our welcome, after all there is still tomorrow. We were heading out the door and Aaron said see y'all tomorrow with that "I said y'all"? WTF! is up with that? Aaron said he gets that from this idiot, meaning Richie. LOL!  Until tomorrow Yo! Now it's time to head to our favorite spot, the cafeteria, as we always do when we are at the Borgata. We all sat down to grab a snack before we headed back to the hotel for the after party starring "Otan Vargas" Me and Aaron Me Aaron and Rocco     The after party was in Justin and Otan's room. Most of us still had one eye open to hang for a bit and some of us went back to their rooms to get some sleep. Otan was warming up when we heard a knock at the door "SECURITY" uh oh! um apparently there was a party next to our room and security thought it was us making too much noise. We were a little worried at this point but that didn't stop us, Otan started to play, the after party was in full swing and "KNOCK KNOCK", "SECURITY". Now we were warned that if we didn't keep it down that they were going to throw us out. Don't fret we have 10 rooms with all of us so lets bounce to another room. hehe! We went to another room and continued, Otan begain to play as we all edsat around and just listen to him. It was like having Aaron with us since Otan sounds a lot like Aaron. He played covers of Staind and a few of his own songs. After a while he even started taking requests. HAHA! It was now 3am WOW! time to get some sleep. We said goodnight and headed back to our room, see you all tomorrow. Otan Vargas

Aaron Lewis solo show with special guest LoPro at the Mohegan Sun December 31, 2007

We headed out on the road at 11:30 and anticipated a very uneventful ride to Connecticut. Rocco, the kids and I all ready for New Years Eve at the Mohegan  Sun Casino. We arrived at our hotel at 3:00. Nope no horrific storms, no falling trees, no breakdowns, just a smooth calm ride, for once. After a little rest we dressed and headed to the show. As usual we always end up parking in the summer garage which is as far away from the cabaret as you can get. Once inside we begin manipulating the casino floor maze, sign after sign reading Cabaret this way. They should put a sign that says Cabaret So Far Away. Turn after turn after turn, the cabaret was in our sites, when (of course things were going to smooth, you should have expected this part)we'll call her rude, obnoxious, dimwitted, clueless mohegan employee # 1, starts screaming at Rocco. Rocco hard of hearing as he is doesn't even know that this crazy woman is chasing him. When she finally catches up to him she says that underage children are not allowed in this area. We're going to the cabaret, right there 20 feet away. To no avail and we were instructed to turn around and go back to the beginning and go around the other way. Once we got back to start we didn't see another way to get there, so Rocco decides to ask the information desk, here we introduce Mr. Dumb and Mrs. Dumber, who instruct us that there is no other way to the cabaret and that it didn't matter because you have to be 18 to enter. Quickly we tell him he's wrong and he grabs for his guidebook where it says, "Children under 18 not permitted without a parent or guardian", after Mr. Dumb reads this to Mrs. Dumber she says no, that's wrong. So eventually she calls her supervisor who tell her its up to the cabaret and they send us on our way. Oh yeah the nightmare is over, eerrrrkkkkk, What do you mean my name is not on the list and you dont have tickets for me. Not too worry a quick phone call and wala, enter Richie with 2 tickets and all our troubles faded away. Into the venue we went escorted to the VIP section and we were ready for Mr. Lewis to set the tone for the new year.      At around 8:30 the lights went out and out came Lo Pro, who as usual performed an amazing acoustic set. They did "Letting Go" where just before the first chorus a very clean shaven Aaron Lewis slithered out on the stage to sing with Pete. They did "Sunday", "Fake", "Bombz", "Hang On", and "All I Have". They thanked the fans for all the support and exited the stage. Pete Ricci did the ceremonial walk off only to turn around and set up Aarons guitars.      Shortly thereafter Aaron emerged said his usual hello and sat down with his guitar. After a few moments of thinking aloud about what song to open with, he opened up  with "Novacaine". His impromptu list included "Please", "Home", "Excess Baggage", "Let it Out", "Everything Changes", "Zoe Jane", "Waste", "Something in the Way", "Angel", "Hurt"(Johnny Cash/Nine Inch Nails Cover), he teased us with "Sexy Back",and an almost complete version of "Whats Going On", the Outfields "Your Love", a few of his newly written songs, "Massachusetts", "Tangled Up In You", and"Anywhere But Here". He concluded with "So Far Away", "Epiphany", "Outside", "Its Been Awhile", and a micless rendition of "Intro" ended the night. Aaron left the stage and  the New Years Eve show was over.        As promised Lo Pro was outside the venue hanging with the fans. We went over and I got my usual big hug and hello from Pete. It was good to see them again. They posed for pics with my girls and signed a CD for them. We chatted for awhile and  said goodnight.      We then hooked up with Raina, Ally, her husband and son and went down to the casino to bring in the new year. Dancers from Cirq' de soleil were dangling from the casino ceiling doing their act as the seconds ticked down. We got to see the NYC ball drop and said our well wishes to each other. We all shared our first meal of the new year and some really kick ass shakes. At 2am we decided to call it a night. Yet another wonderful night spent with Aaron and friends. See ya'll in February.

Aaron Lewis solo show with special guest LoPro Nokia Theatre NYC August 28, 2007

We set out on the road to Manhatten on the afternoon of August 28th, 2007, on the way to another Aaron Lewis Solo Acoustic Show. A quick stop in Queens to drop off the kids and we were off. We arrived early and spotted Anthony and Angela waiting on line. We parked the car and headed to the venue. We picked up our tickets and all access passes at will call and we were in. Once inside we met Aaron's current tour manager Judd White, who made sure we were all set and we headed downstairs. Outside the meet and greet room we were informed that an all access pass doesn't get you into the meet and greet, WHAT? B.S. if you ask me. I didn't care, I just wanted to see Anthony's girlfriends' face when she finally got to meet Aaron. Didn't get to see it, but her face was still aglow as she walked out of the M & G.      We checked out the venue and walked around a bit. Much to Rocco's dismay I didn't abuse my all access pass, in fact I didn't even use it, I didn't want to bother Aaron before the show. We wandered upstairs before the show started to have our last smoke. Upstairs we ran into Dave Licursi, Aaron's old tour manager and Chris Ballini. We chatted a bit, took a few pics and headed back downstairs for the show.      Eventually we sat down in our seats in the balcony and awaited the evening to begin. Lights dimmed and out came Lo Pro. They played a really awesome acoustic set. They opened with "Not Me", and before their second song Pete introduced Aaron and Chris Ballini and they joined Lo Pro on "Letting Go". They did "Sunday", "Oblivion", "All I Have" and ended up with "Hang On". They put on a great set and I'm still baffled on how these guys dont have a record deal. They said their thank you's and told us to get ready for Aaron.      Aaron finally emerged and opened up with "Please', followed by "Something Like Me", "Schitzophrenic Conversations", "Excess Baggage", "Fill Me Up", and a new tune which he wrote in a parking lot in Sioux Falls South Dakota called "Anywhere But Here". He teased us with "Freebird", the whistle intro to "Patience", "Stairway to Heaven" and two by Neil Diamond, "Love on the Rocks" and "Turn on your Heartlight". Continuing with "Home", "Everything Changes" and then breaks into a speech about how he has to play certain songs like "Epiphany" and then plays "Zoe Jane". He teased us again with tidbits of "45" by "Shinedown", "Vera" by "Pink Floyd" and explained how many brain cells he lost due to that album. "On and On" by "Stephen Bishop" was his next tease followed by "I Want it that Way" by the "Back Street Boys" and created hysteria with "Sexy Back" by "Justin Timberlake" and then "The Sign" by "Ace of Base". He then attributed the next song for his success in music and broke out with "Rainbow Connection" by "Kermit the Frog". Two by the "Eagles", "Hotel California" and a very lispy "Desparado". He concluded his tease set with "More Than Words" by "Extreme", "Dead or Alive" by "Bon Jovi" (words of advice Aaron , never do a Jersey song in New York) and did a second run at "Shinedown's" "45". Back into the Staind world again with "Let it Out" but quickly left with "Puff the Magic Dragon". Chris Ballini came out to join Aaron on the next few songs. They did "Angel", "Black", "Comfortably Numb", a "Bring it on Home" intro into "Bonghits for Breakfast", still unsure how he makes that harmonica sound, and they finished up with "Sober".      After a long applause Aaron thanked Chris and he perched himself back on his stool. He did a tease of "Be Quiet and Drive" by the "Deftones", and "So Far Away", he then got up said goodnight and walked off the stage. He reemerged and did a mocking tease of "Nickelbacks" "Photograph", and finished up the night with "Outside", "Right Here", and "Its Been Awhile". Aaron thanked us all for coming and said goodnight.        As we were heading out we saw Lo Pro hanging out, taking pics and signing autographs. I introduced myself to Pete and he immediately knew who I was and we had a very pleasant conversation, Pete signed my all access pass then we headed out the door in desparate need of a cigarette. Once outside, the usual bunch of peeps converged together. Ramona, Rocco, Raina, Anthony, Angela, Valerie, Lanie and I hung outside the venue along side Aarons bus. A short while later Aaron emerged, cigarette in mouth and walked right over to us. He asked us to do autographs first and then pics. We all got our stuff signed and took pictures. I asked for a second pic and Aaron said I could have as many pics as I wanted. With that I asked Aaron to sign my new Staind Tribute Tattoo on my ankle and he obliged. As he signed my leg he looked up at me and said Lisa you got me on my knees here, yes Aaron Lewis was on his knees on a Manhatten sidwalk signing my ankle, it was awesome. We all said goodbye as he boarded the bus and Aaron looked back and said Lisa keep doing what your doing, and I answered I will. Yet another kickass show to add to my memory bank. Aaron on his knees Aaron and Me My Tattoo Group Shot

Staind Mohegan Sun July 05, 2007

This review was written by Rocco:      The rattle and hum of fireworks had now passed, the brightness of the summer sun began to squeeze its way into every crack and crevice of our windows. The  fifth of July was upon us, yet another day to be added into the Staind show log book. Lisa, the kids, and myself were ready and we headed out towards Connecticut for hopefully another memorable evening filled with riffing guitars, beating drums, and crazed fans. The ride was pretty much uneventful and went by pleasantly quick.      We arrived at the casino early, our kids looked around in awe at the amazing decor and craftsmanship of the Mohegan Sun Casino. Yet our early arrival was not to appreciate the fine handiwork displayed there, but to enjoy our meeting with 5 very special people who will remain nameless. After our little get together we headed towards the arena area. It was the usual flock of fans screaming out to Lisa and whisking her away like some A List celebrity. We all met some real cool people that night, some new acquaintances and some friends we hadn't seen in a while.      Once the doors opened we headed inside to find our seats. The utter look of terror and excitement on our kids faces was priceless. As each roady walked across the stage our littlest one, Lindsey, kept asking is that Mike, is that Aaron. It was obvious she was psyched. Our older one , Leeanna was being more subdued, however her excitement was building inside.      Once the lights went out and the little flickers of people wandering onto the stage was completed the light came on and Fuel was all ready to kick some serious ass. Fuel put on a really great show which surprised us since when a band changes lead singers, it is usually its downfall. Toryn really stepped in and didnt miss a beat. They did Shimmer, Falls on Me,  and Gone, along with a handful of other Fuel songs. All in all I think really impressed the crowd. Toryn ended his set and asked the crowd if it was ready for some Staind. That question brought on such an explosive roar from the crowd. Fuel thanked us all and walked out. Lights back on, let the countdown begin.      Staind came out with a vengeance, almost having a chip on their shoulders. It was as if they were out to shut the nay sayers up and prove to the world that Staind could still rock wth the best of them. They opened up swinging, belting out "Suffocate", and following it with "Open Your Eyes". When the opening chords of "Just Go" emerged from Mikes guitar, the whole place kinda looked puzzled. They tapped into "Chapter V" with "Falling" and "King of all Excuses". Then they blew us away with "Spleen". By this point in the show, both our kids were standing on their seats singing, my little Staind fan was on her chair belting out the words with devil horned hands and all, pounding them at Aaron everytime he passed our side of the stage. After "Come Again",  Aaron looked at my little Staind fan and flipped her a guitar pic, which missed her and proceeded drectly into my mouth. Who was this up on stage. Had we somehow been beamed back into days of "Dysfunction". They mellowed a bit with a few of their slower songs. They did "Fade", "So Far Away", " For You", and then a crowd pleasing version of "Epiphany" featuring Aaron alone  onstage armed only with his electric guitar. After settling down into a mellow state from "Epiphany", the guys flew back on stage to rip our hearts out with "Come Again". They wrapped up the show with "Right Here", "Outside", "Its Been Awhile', and ended the night with the usual "Mudshovel". All in all it was one terrific show. Was a prelude to a much harder Staind CD, or just something to prove to a lot of people that they still have what it takes. Either way only time will tell.

Staind The Borgata Atlantic City, NJ July 03, 2007

Part 1      After weeks of counting down the days, the day was finally here. It felt like forever since I had seen the boys last. Headed out at 2:00pm, to Brooklyn, to meet up with my BFF Ramona at the "Secret Staind Spot". I said my goodbyes to Rocco and the kids and jumped into the team Staind mobile. Then we proceeded on our way to pick up Ramona's brother Michael. After that we were on our way to NJ. Traffic wasn't too bad, a few stops here and there but within minutes, it would start to flow again. Before I knew it, Welcome to New Jersey, then onto the Atlantic City expressway. Checked into the hotel, dropped my bag, and started to get ready to see those four faces that I have missed so much. Rushed out the door to get to the Borgata on time for the meet & greet. Back onto the Atlantic City expressway which the Borgata was right there around the bend. My heart started to beat faster due to the excitement of knowing I was going to see Staind in just a few minutes. My phone rings, it's Jess, wanting to know where we are cause Dave is reading names off for the meet & greet. I tell her to stall him and tell him we are about to get off the exit. My heart starts to race and I start to get nervous thinking we will miss it. With that Ramona missed the exit and now we have to go back around again. Now there is no way we are making that meet & greet for those who don't know how the Atlantic City expressway runs. It's like a maze with no way out, it's very confusing. Back onto expressway get off the exit to the Borgata. At this point we were taking our time knowing that we had to have missed the meet & greet. One minute I was having an adrenaline rush next minute it was an adrenaline crash and