Epica in Salt Lake City Utah

Epica

This past Thursday was the first Epica concert in the Beehive State . I wasn't too sure to go because I had no one to go with but on Thursday morning I woke up and decided to go no matter what.

While in the trax ( I didn't want to drive up there so I took the trax to go and I asked my bf to pick me up after the concert) I was thinking in all the things I wanted to accomplisehd there in the concert:

- Be front row
- Talked with Mark (the guitar player and vocalist)
- Get Mark's pick

I was being quite ambitious while wishing those things but I believe that everything you want you get it as long as you feel you have it already, so I kept those thoughts in my head. The one that really would be impossible would be talking with Mark, VIP session is not what you would say "talking" so yeah I was quite ambitious on my wish.

When I got to the venue around 11 no one was in the line so I was the first one yay! Front row spot accomplished!!! It was such a windy day and I'm sure a lot of people didn't want to stay in a dusty windy day. While I was there waiting I notice Mark hanging out in the parking lot, I thought I better hide I really don't want him to think I'm a psycho fan lol so when I thought I was in a place where he can't see me he appears in front of me! He was taking pics of the venue and said hi to me! I didn't feel nervous, he's so down to earth! we talked about the weather, why i'm there so early, about my hair!! lol I can't believe I got to talk to him more than a simple hi! I got to talk for a good while!! Not even when you get VIP you talk this much so I felt quite blessed! :) Talk with Mark accomplished!!



Mark and I :D
My hair was in a braid becuase the wind was killer!!
 

I saw the other members but it was only a hi, I felt uncofortable with Coen because I was walking towards the Gateway Mall to get something to eat and he was going back to the venue and I said hi  to him and he just looked at me, What a difference! Mark was so amazing!! but Coen was so weird, definitely not friendly at all.

Diring the VIP session I was the first one of course and when all the members came to ther places Mark saw me and waved at me :) then I went to have my poster signed and I think all of them were more curious of my iphone case which is Rilakkuma one :) lol



VIP Session at the Complex

 

After that we all had a chance to take a photo with the members, it was nice! Mark definitely is a people's person! I can't stop saying what a great celebrity he is! all of the other members where so serious and even Simone seemed a little annoyed, so I guess they are tired of doing this which is understandable but I was amazed how Mark is! Great Musician and person! my highest respect for him!

After the VIP session we went inside the venue and of course I got my front row! :) and great spot! The waiting was terrible!! I think almost two hours with a horrible techno background music lol

First band that played was Insomnium which wasnt too bad but I think would be your generic metal band.



Insomnium

 

Then Alestorm, what a weird band!! lol So weird!! all pirate-ish lol  It was entertaining though :)



Alestorm

 

Finally it was Epica's turn! It was great! They are prefect live!!
The setlist was great!

1. Karma
2. Monopoly on Truth
3. Sensorium
4. Unleashed
5. Martyr of the Free World
6. Serenade of Self-destruction
7. Black Infinity
8. Cry for the Moon
9. The Obsessive Devotion
10. Quietus
11. Sancta Terra
12. The Phantom Agony

Encore
1. Chasing the Dragon
2. Storm the Sorrow
3. Consign to Oblivion



Mark like a boss!!



During Quietus



Isaac without shirt

The crowd was good as well, I was a little worried because for the previews bands it was almost dead! with sooo many akward silent moments but with Epica was better! I'm happy for that! The venue was so full of smoke that all the pics I took don't look that good :/ but oh well

And now my last wish was realized! at the end of the concert The band threw some bottles to the audience and then Mark gave me his guitar pick!! yeah!! Getting Mark's pick accomplished!! Wow I got all the things I wanted! I'm so glad I went to the concert!!

I love Epica so much!! I can't wait for future concerts! Now I'm still healing from all the headbanging lol my neck hurts and I walk like a grandma because my legs hurt so bad! and it's Sunday already! that means I really went for it at the concert! lol :)

Well have a great day!!

T.