What up y'all.
This past summer I had the fortunate opportunity to see the deftones in
Northampton, MA at the '98 Warped Tour. Although the majority of the bands on
this years Warped were very ska-oriented, the deftones never the less stuck
out as of course the best band there. I went with a friend of mine, and we
arrived at 8 in the morning for a show that started at 11:30. We were there
before security was even set up, and we got in without even using our tickets.
This would prove to be very advantageous to us later. While we were walking
around the Three County Fairgrounds, we saw some crew members setting up some
stage equipment. They asked us for some help and, having nothing better to do,
we obliged. We set up a couple microphones and a drum set, and the guys gave
us two backstage all access passes! We immediately made our way to the area
where the bands' buses were parked. We found the deftones' bus and waited
eagerly outside for anyone to come out. Stef emerged first, and started
casually riding his BMX bike around. We walked up to him and he was very
approachable, although he had just woken up. My friend and I talked to him
briefly, and we got pictures taken with him, as well as his autograph on our
unused tickets. We thanked him then let him go off on his way as we walked
around the concert area some more.
When the bands actually started performing (about 12:15) people with all
access passes were allowed in the backstage area, free to converse with anyone
back there. We met up with the guitarist from Anthrophobia, who told us he was
very excited to meet any member of the deftones that he could. As soon as he
said that, who strolled up behind him? Chino, Chi, Stef, and Frank. (Abe was
elsewhere, still catching up on sleep back on the tour bus I think.) We talked
to the members of the group for a couple hours, just making small talk about
everything from a new album or video to why they chose the Warped Tour over
Ozzfest. (<---which was also a very good concert I must say.) When the
deftones time slot finally came on, about 4:30, we had so much built up
excitement, you can imagine our appreciation when the guys told us we could
watch their set from right on the side of the stage. We were seriously no more
than 15 feet away from the band as they ripped through a very energetic 40
minute set. They started with Lotion, and than went to a mind-blowing version
of My Own Summer. After that was Root, followed by one of my fav. deftones
songs, 7 Words. Around the Fur was next, and then Be Quiet and Drive. As BQAD
ended, you know, that long part at the end where its just a long drone of the
guitar, they suddenly went right into their finale, Headup. This was
absolutely incredible, with Chino flying about on stage and the other band
members equally as great. I was able to take pictures of their whole set from
right next to the stage. They have made for quite a photo album since then.
After their set, we talked to the band for a while longer, managing to get all
thier autographs and pictures taken with us and the band together. They were
all very approachable and personable, and I can't wait for my next deftones
concert, which is Nov. 22. I'll be sure to write in a review of that as well,
but I'm sure nothing will ever top this experience.
Peace
NICK