THE GUILD THEATRE, MENLO PARK - MON May 4
If you know anything about me, you'd know that my favorite band is I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME. I've been a huge fan since I was fifteen years old. So you can imagine my excitement when I found out they would be having a show on Dallon Weekes' birthday in my part of California!
I spent the entire week before the show preparing by making handmade photocards to hand out to people in line. I picked out my outfit days in advance, and finally bought a new camera that I'd been eyeing for a while. I felt like a kid getting ready for a field trip.
I got to the venue a little past noon, blasting 'Small Cuts' by The Brobecks as I passed by the four people waiting outside. I got really lucky and found free street parking just around the corner, and giddily headed to my spot in line.
Usually I'm too nervous to start conversations with strangers but I've never had a bad experience making friends at iDKHOW shows. I found myself at ease as I made introductions with Hannah, the person next to me in line. We had previously followed each other on twitter, so I felt like we already semi-knew each other. I was also internet mutuals with two other people in line, Wil and Em. I felt comfortable chilling out in this fun little group.
For the next couple of hours, it was just the five of us waiting outside the venue. At one point Anthony, Ronnie, and Max walked past us and said hello. A while later, people from the venue started opening up the equipment trailer and setting things up. Harrison, from iDKHOW's team, pulled out an A-frame sign featuring Bart and the White Shadow that read "WE WERE EXPECTING YOU." My nerves started to get a little frazzled. It was truly sinking in that I was going to see iDKHOW!
A little while later, more people started showing up and the line got very long very quickly. I was glad for this, because I'd been worried I wouldn't be able to hand out all my photocards. I felt a little awkward walking up to everyone but I made myself be brave. I ended up speaking with literally everybody who was in line up until it was time to go inside for the VIP early entry. I also met a couple more of my internet mutuals!
Disaster almost struck as the venue started to check us in. Apparently, they had a special tier of "golden tickets" that I'd been unaware of. The front section of the floor was reserved for those tickets, and my hours of waiting in line couldn't change that. I felt a sense of dread sinking in as all the people around me pulled out their tickets and got their special wristbands. I'd never heard of a small venue doing something like this before. It was very confusing. The person checking us in was very helpful, though, and told me that I could check with the box office to see if any upgrades were available.
I quickly found out there was nothing I could do... yet. I was told to check back after the opening act to see if they were allowing upgrades. They reassured me that we would all be let into the very front for the VIP Soundcheck and Q&A, but that once the actual show began, I wouldn't be permitted there anymore. Honestly, what I was most upset about was that I wouldn't be able to experience the show with the people I'd made friends with in line. I was a little stressed out, but it was time for VIP, so I pushed the bad thoughts out of my mind. It would have to just be a problem for later.
As we all shuffled in, I realized how truly small a 500 capacity venue is. It's one thing to see photos of it online, and another to actually be there in person. We all settled into our spots along the stage - a couple people opted for the comfortable seating on the side - and made conversation as we waited.
Max eventually walked up and started a video on the Xbox set up on the stage. "WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME VIP EXPERIENCE," began the robotic dialogue. There was a little pop up notifying us that the Xbox controller was low on battery, and then disconnected, but the video continued. After it ended, Dallon walked on stage. We welcomed him with cheers and birthday wishes.
For the soundcheck, they played 'KISS & TELL,' 'Make a Lot of Money,' and 'TURN TO STONE (ELO COVER).' I was pleasantly surprised when they started the notes for 'TURN TO STONE,' as they hadn't been playing it at every VIP Soundcheck for previous shows. It's a recent one of Dallon's covers, and it had quickly become one of my favorites.
After the song ended I noticed Isaac heading towards me. To my surprise, he gave me his pick, and then walked off stage.
I suddenly felt like nothing else could go wrong that night. Even if they kicked me to the back section of the floor, I still somehow had a special momento from the show in my hands. I was happier than ever as Dallon read through the VIP Q&A.
Once that was done, Harrison opened up the merch table for us. Our VIP tickets included an orange pick, a signed poster, a one-of-a-kind polaroid which were all taken by Harrison, and a lanyard (that I somehow missed and had to go back for after the show). I was one of the last people to pick out my merch, because I had immediately gone to check with the box office about upgrades, still to no avail. For the polaroids, Harrison said that I could shuffle through until I found one that I liked. The first two I picked didn't really speak to me, but third time's a charm - I ended up with a photo of Dallon from the perspective of behind the stage. I really liked that one, and Harrison said he did too.
I also asked if he wanted any of the photocards I had made. He picked out one of Ronnie first, and then one of Anthony. He asked me if I was planning to give the boys any, and I laughed about how I wasn't even sure they'd want them, but he told me I should! So I said I would if I got to meet them after the show.
Through the magic of friendship I eventually got in to the front section. Everyone around me was so sweet and they let me go back into my previous spot right in the middle at the front, despite me having been gone for a long while. I was ecstatic as more people started being let into the venue. I ran around the whole room handing out the rest of my photocards as we waited for the opener. I even met another person I knew, Kat, who I met at my local Hot Topic!
Finally it was time for the opener: The Trims, a local band from San Jose. I wasn't familiar with their music but I always love discovering new artists as opening acts. I was also excited to test out my new camera for the first time. This one could actually shoot in RAW, unlike my previous camera.
The Trims were awesome, by the way. Very solid opening band. I'm going to see them again very soon, which I'm quite excited for.
After what simultaneously felt like hours and seconds, it was time for iDKHOW's set to begin. The lights dimmed, and the unmistakeable intro to 'Leave Me Alone' began:
Play us some music, music machine
What kind of music shall I play?
How about some RAZZMATAZZ?
Here's some music, with pizzazz!
They blew through their setlist faster than I could blink. From 'SPKOTHDVL' to 'GLOOMTOWN BRATS,' I only had more and more fun with each new song. Like myself, many of the people I had met at the show had already seen iDKHOW multiple times. But the repetition could never make their shows boring - I'd rather say it makes it more enjoyable. With each show, Dallon continues to impress with his strong vocals and incredible bass skills, and Anthony, Isaac, and Ronnie make each song feel like you're hearing it for the first time. And as they played the oh-so-familiar song 'A Letter,' Dallon surprised us with a new dialogue, different from both the iDKHOW and Brobecks versions of the song. Instead of a robotic voiceover, he spoke into the mic himself, adding a new twist to a song we've all known for years already.
But not everything needs to be revamped to feel new. 'Visitation of the Ghost' was a couple songs after, and like usual, Dallon prepared to split the crowd like the Red Sea. I nervously side-eyed Hannah to my right, as we were the two directly in the middle of the crowd. This venue had no barricade - just an elbow-height stage that we were all leaning against. This was the closest I had personally been for this song.
I knew what was coming, but I'm not sure the people nearest me did. When Dallon held out his hands for us to help him down to the floor, Hannah and I were the only ones to reach out at first. I got so much more nervous than I already was, awkwardly just resting my hand against Dallon's, so I frantically turned to the people behind me and asked for more hands. It felt like ages, but really it was only a few seconds. Everyone quickly got the memo and reached out. Despite the numerous people helping, I ended up being pulled down a little bit as Dallon hopped down. I mean, the guy's six-foot-three, and I'm not very strong.
Although I knew Dallon was going into the crowd I somehow forgot that he'd need a way back. Until, that is, Max (politely) grabbed my shoulder to get my attention so he could place a stepladder where I was standing. My bag was also in the way on the floor, so I kicked it away, bending and creasing my poster in the process. I didn't really care in the moment. I was just focused on helping him set up the ladder.
Only three songs later and the band was exiting the stage. I knew they would do an encore but it still felt so sad to know that the show was almost over! People desperately chanted for one more song, and I waited patiently for the inevitable: 'Nobody Likes the Opening Band' and 'Razzmatazz.'
Another surprise came when Dallon started his first stomp-and-snap for 'Opening Band' - Max and Harrison walked on stage with a birthday cake and decorative sash. We all sang happy birthday to Dallon, and after Harrison attempted to light the candle on the cake, Dallon grabbed it and took a quick bite, grinning as he waved for us to quiet down.
They continued with the encore and gave us one last surprise when, during the final part of 'Razzmatazz,' Anthony started playing an actual saxophone! So long to the "invisible and free saxophone" of tours past. It was a magical ending to such a memorable night. We cheered and screamed while the band did their final bow. And then the show was over.
I gathered outside the venue with the people I had become close with for the night. My voice was raspy and half-gone, but we all talked about how fun the show was anyways. We hung out near the tour bus in the hopes of meeting the band. It started out as thirty or so of us, but as the time passed by, people slowly started trickling away. The venue eventually asked us to move further back so that they could load the equipment back into the trailer, until we were stood in front of a nearby Japanese restaurant. I don't entirely remember when, but at one point Harrison told us that Dallon would like to rest, so he wasn't going to meet up with us that night. I gave him the photocards I had set aside on the off chance that I wouldn't be able to meet the band, and he said he'd make sure it got to them.
Dallon ended up going into the bus when it was about ten or so of us left. We all had a silent, strange conversation of sorts that entirely relied on hand motions and facial expressions. Nobody spoke a word until Dallon waved goodbye and closed the tour bus door behind him.
A few more people left after that. Suddenly it was the five of us once more, plus one other person. It was quiet and cold, but still we waited until Anthony, Isaac, and Ronnie left the venue and headed over to us. We had lovely brief conversations, which included me telling Ronnie I'd be at the Boys Like Girls show the next day - he asked me where it even was and I said "Wheatland??" instead of Sacramento because I knew damn well I was going to have to drive half an hour past the actual city to get to that venue! They also signed my lesbian flag. It now has all of iDKHOW's signatures, as well as Dan and Phil's. My original plan was to collect whatever signatures I could, but I think I'll let it be complete with these ones. It's a nice assortment of people who really creatively inspire me.
One by one, Anthony, Ronnie, and Isaac went back into the tour bus. I said my goodbyes to my new iKDHOWie friends and headed back to my car. I had a long drive ahead of me... and another one the very next day.
HARD ROCK LIVE SACRAMENTO - TUE May 5
I was so excited to check out the pictures I had gotten during the first show that I ended up staying up until five in the morning editing and posting them. Luckily, I knew I'd be fine to get to the venue a mere couple hours early for this next show. I had early entry through iDKHOW's VIP once more, and I figured I wouldn't end up on barricade anyhow, since Boys Like Girls had their own VIP packages.
Even with this knowledge I still woke up a little before noon. I was mostly just restless and excited for the show to come. I spent some time deliberating on the perfect outfit and eventually started on my way towards Wheatland, California, a town I didn't even know existed before I'd gotten my ticket.
I became a fan of iDKHOW a little before West Coast Content Tour, which was their first proper tour. Even so, this was only my second time seeing them as an opener. The first was this past November when they opened for Waterparks. I hadn't been able to see them open for Waterparks in 2018, even though I really wanted to at the time - the consequences of being sixteen with no license or car. But now, as an adult, I was able to fly out to see the opening show of Prowler Tour in San Antonio. I actually bought my ticket to see them open for Boys Like Girls while I was in line for that show. My excitement was insurmountable.
I got to the venue at a great time. They started checking in the people with meet-and-greet about half an hour after I got there, and I was the third person in line for the early entry tier of VIP. I did have a second daunting sense of doom, however, when the security asked me about my ticket and I said I had the opening band's VIP. He told me, and I quote: "...I'll get back to you."
I knew that there had been problems with their VIP at previous Boys Like Girls shows. There was at least one where the venue forgot about them completely. I was nervous, but I had a feeling that it would all work out. So I waited patiently in line until they started to let us in.
When I got to the check-in table, they told me that they had no idea whatsoever that they were even doing VIP. I showed them my email and ticket for proof and explained that it had nothing to do with Boys Like Girls' VIP, just that I would get early entry and merch from iDKHOW. I could tell that they were very confused; they even told me to contact Harrison myself? Luckily, a man who was a manager or supervisor told me that he would let me wait in line with the rest of the early entry people, but that they essentially needed to figure what was going on.
They were still waiting for the meet-and-greet to finish, anyhow, so I just waited in line and sent Harrison a hail mary message request on instagram, even though I figured he wouldn't see it as he was busy with whatever show preparations he needed to do. Again, I felt like it would all be fine, so I just scrolled through twitter as I waited.
After a while Harrison came by with the merch bundles! I found out that it was literally only me and one other person who had bought iDKHOW's VIP for this show. Harrison remembered me, greeting me with, "You're back!" I was relieved that he said this in front of the supervisor (who I wish I'd gotten the name of, because he was really nice and helpful the whole time); earlier, when he was asking me about who was in charge for iDKHOW's merch, and I described Harrison, he asked me if I knew him. I awkwardly was like, "Um, I mean I met him yesterday and spoke with him a bit." I feel like people who don't know of iDKHOW don't realize how much they pay attention to fans, compared to other bands of their caliber, so I was just glad to feel a little bit justified in this.
Harrison and I chatted for a bit while I picked out my second polaroid. I chose one of the whole band playing on stage. In it, Anthony and Ronnie are closest to the camera, while Dallon is slightly less visible behind the drum set, and Isaac is almost hidden the furthest away. Harrison brought up Wil's video of Dallon with his birthday cake, and then he showed me the video he had tried to get of it, until Isaac walked in front of his camera and blocked the shot. I showed him a couple of the pictures I had taken the night before, and I told him how excited I was to get the chance to see iDKHOW twice, because my birthday was the next day. After all, these shows were like the best birthday party I could dream of.
When he left, I happily tucked my new merch away in my bag and got back into the line. As we were being let in I thanked the supervisor one last time for helping me out. And then I walked into the show room -
And saw that there was plenty of open barricade space available!
I settled into a spot near Isaac's part of the stage. It's funny how I've ended up near his side of the stage the last few times I've seen iDKHOW, and it's been a surprise each time. I mean, I could have gone over to Anthony's side of the stage for this show, but that was on the opposite side of where the doors were and I had just made my natural beeline to the closest part of barricade possible.
The first opening act was Arrows in Action, whose music I was unfamiliar with, but they were amazing. I know they're close with the iDKHOW guys, and during one of the songs Ronnie even hopped on the drums so their drummer, Jesse, could sing and roam the stage. It was a really fun time and they did a great job amping up the crowd.
Soon enough, it was time for my personal favorite opening band to go on stage. They opened their set with 'Nobody Likes the Opening Band' and I just about lost my mind. Once again, I couldn't help from thinking about how the first time I heard this song live was back on their first tour, also in Sacramento, when they didn't even have an opening act for their shows.
As they played through their set, I only got more and more hyped. At one point one of the venue photographers very obviously took photos of me, and I didn't really know how to act... should I have continued jumping and screaming, or calmed down a little bit so the pictures would turn out more clear? I figured if I was taking pictures of someone I'd want them to keep going as if I wasn't there, so that's what I did. He didn't end up posting any of those photos, but that's alright because I was having the time of my life.
It was a little bit strange being surrounded by people who mostly didn't care about iDKHOW. There were definitely other people cheering and singing, but from my perspective, I was the most excited compared to anyone in my direct vicinity. I took a few photos, but mostly I just jumped and shouted. There were a few moments where Dallon walked towards my side of the stage and definitely saw me. I can't really describe the feeling of making eye contact with your favorite musician while screaming his lyrics, unless it's something you've experienced yourself. It was the most fun I've ever had.
I was a little disappointed that Ronnie's drum set was set up pretty far from where I was standing. I was hoping to cheer him on as I had the night before. But I guess that didn't matter because after they finished their set he crossed the stage straight to me! I just remember screaming and waving, I was so happy to see him. And then he tossed me his drumstick and I dropped it, like I've done literally every other time an iDKHOW guy has thrown me something. But one of the guys in the security team near me picked it up and handed it to me.
It was all so perfect.
When the band walked off stage, I startled myself by tearing up. I know I'm definitely going to see them again, but it's just something about not having a planned next show that got to me. I also couldn't stop thinking about how special the past couple of days had been. I was overcome with emotion and surrounded by people who didn't understand it at all.
I even tried to ask the women next to me what they had thought of iDKHOW, to which they responded: "They were... interesting!" That would have been the perfect moment for me to nonchalantly talk about how cool the band is, but instead I started blubbering like a baby about how much they mean to me and that Ronnie had remembered me from the night before. I think they thought I was a little bit delusional, maybe. Especially when I said that it was so sweet how Ronnie recognized me and wanted me to have his drumstick. But their thoughts of me meant nothing, because I posted the drumstick on my story and Ronnie replied saying "Siiiiick!!!!!"
Next was Boys Like Girls, the headlining band. I knew about half of the songs they performed, so I had a fun time. But I'll admit, I couldn't stop thinking about iDKHOW the whole night.
After the show I sat in my car for a while so that I could properly start off my birthday not in the middle of a random dark freeway. The sweet notes of 'Razzmatazz' ushered me past midnight into my twenty-fourth birthday. I hadn't been able to keep myself from replying to Ronnie that these shows meant a lot to me as it was my birthday celebration, and he ended up being the first person to wish me a happy birthday. I may or may not have shed a few more happy tears as I drove home. It was the nicest ending to the most amazing couple of shows possible.
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