Christina and I just returned home from attending the gala event of Trent Reznor, et al., and after washing the blood and sweat from my body (some of it my own) I am ready to give a reasonable recounting for those who have never experienced the "Minnesota Mosh"

Through some strange Ticketmaster Computer Glitch of Fate, we ended up with two tickets to the main floor of the concert at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. We arrived during the Queens of the Stone Age set, and had some drinks and took to the floor during the intermission. I let Christina pick our spot; I was just happy to be so close - Usually I end up with seats so high up you get a better view by looking over the shoulder of the guy in the next row, who is using his cell phone to view lo-res still pix being posted to the Interweb by some drunk guy in the twentieth row. Little did I know Christina would march us up to front-and-center, about 15-20 rows back from the front line.

Of course, this is where the mosh pit broke out. So I got two shows for the price of one, and I can't say which was more visually entertaining. I did learn more about the Mosh, and identified several helpful tidbits to help you if you are at a Lutheran Potluck and a Mosh breaks out.

First, the people not wearing shirts (usually male) are Professionals. Watch them, they know what they are doing, and tend to enforce the rules.

Second, The Circle usually spins widdershins (anti-clockwise).

Third, It is OK to run full-tilt-out-of-control straight into another person, but punching or kicking them is frowned upon.

Fourth, If you knock anyone over, help them back up.

Fifth, If anyone passes out or gets knocked out, (or if you don't really like them), 'put them up' which means to raise them up so the crowd gets them body surfing, then Security will quickly haul them out, as body surfing is not allowed.

As far as NIN, they were awesome with one exception. I would have loved to believe that Trent just lives and breathes for touring, but I know that he doesn't. There is something to be said for the days when you couldn't be informed about the artist's personal life to know that they are having management or financial troubles, or just had a shitty day, unless you read it in Rolling Stone. As it were, I knew that his previous drummer was off the tour due to health problems, well, maybe it gave Trent more fuel to burn, because the concert was spectacular. The show was awesome, and I was even closer to Trent than when I visited his home in New Orleans' French Quarter, two years ago.

It is funny to watch a angry moshing group try to hold the slam dance together when Trent shifts to his more ambient, passive movements. Make that Really Funny.

Blog on,
-CZ

Labels: A Day In The Life, Concert, music reviews, NIN