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1997.10.30 Hammerstein Ballroom, New York

Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2012 1:31 pm
by complications
Ok so this was the opening night of the aptly named "Relapse" tour A.K.A Itz My Party Tour...
It didn't take much digging on my part to remember this show for it was my first JA show. I was 17 at the time and I went with my uncle and two friends of mine. Now since this was my first adult show, I was stoked! Goldie, the drum and bass master was the opener. I dug rave music at the time but I was there to see the mighty JA! So it goes like this...
I made my way up front for the opening of the show. At that time, I had never seen a room erupt the way that room did that night. Even to this day, I don't think I've ever experienced anything like it. Ocean Size was the opener. I was little and was getting crushed in the front so during Ain't No Right I was making my way towards the back of the venue. I found shelter by this make-shift stage in the middle of the venue. I danced my little ass off during Three Days which was my favorite track at the time. Then something strange happened.
As I was leaning up against this middle stage, a lot of commotion was going on closely around me. Next thing I know, the band is right in front of me, on this mini stage. Instinctively, I climb onto the barricade when they get onto the stage and shake everyone's hand except Fleas. (Maybe he thought I had cooties?) So for the next three songs, it was like I had a private show for myself. Security was cool with me, they told me just to kneel down during performances.
So the band wraps up the acoustic set then makes their way back to the main stage to close with Ted. After Ted, people just wouldn't leave. So Perry and Dave came back out to play I Would For You. I was making my way out when I heard it and immediately turned right back around. Looking back the crowd was rough, really rough. I remember going back to school on Halloween the next day thinking I had arrived. People didn't believe me and honestly a lot of people didn't care. But I knew at that time that I probably would never have another experience like that again. Halloween evening I sat home to watch the MTV showing of the concert that night.
For my first real adult rock show, I couldn't have asked for a better time. Atmosphere was big that evening. I really felt like I was transformed and made my way into another dimension for those few hours. And I still think to this day, Man, those guys know how to throw a party!!!

Re: 1997.10.30 Hammerstein Ballroom, New York

Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2020 8:59 am
by Mike
Here’s a poster for this date and the 31st that I’ve never seen before. I found it via Google search.