Standing in line, I still couldn’t believe that I was there at the Granada Theater with my sister about to see Serj Tankian perform live that very night.
After getting our tickets we made our way into the stage area where there were a lot of people already inside. After settling by an area on the left I took my camera out and sat on top of the small barricade right by the wall. I talked with a couple of people that were sitting around there too, and the guy asked if we had signed up for the pictures, which meant that the Granada Theater had a photographer there taking pictures for the show and they would be emailed out to everyone who signed up for it. I said no, no one had said anything about it when we were getting the tickets, I shrugged and said I will ask about that after the show is over.

I could see a lot of people there right by the front of the stage. We stayed there and waited for the show to start. We could see the technicians there checking all the equipment with what seemed like a along time, but I cant remember how long it was because my cell phone was in my pocket and I really didn’t feel like taking it out to check the time.

Finally! the lights were dimmed a bit and Saul Williams came out. I have to admit I was a little disappointed when I heard that it was Saul Williams opening for Serj because I had really wanted to see Tom and the Nightwatchmen but I would say that disappointment faded fast as Saul Williams was amazing and said he had been honored when Serj asked him to support him on his tour. He went through his set which was around 30 minutes or so. I briefly remember him saying one last poem as I was hyped up just by the feeling of being there.


Serj & The FCC

After he left the stage, the crowd waited anxiously for Serj and the FCC to come out on stage. I could hear people screaming in the front. We waited for what seemed like an eternity. Finally the lights went out and we could hear Serj singing, I stood up on the barricade and then Serj and the FCC ran out on stage and erupted into 'The Unthinking Majority' and that’s when the crowd went wild.
I would have to say hearing it played live was truly awesome. I could see Serj looking like he was truly enjoying himself on stage and just having fun. I remember having this huge smile on my face while I sang along with the rest of the crowd.
After he finished the song, He asked Dallas Texas, 'what the Fuck is up' which enticed more screaming from the crowd and then after introducing his band as the Flying Cunts of Chaos, he started on 'Empty Walls', at the point my sister suggested I get closer to the stage, I jumped down from my spot and made my way down to the front and pushed my way through right toward the middle. After he finished Empty Walls, he asked us to give it up for Saul Williams.

Then he went into 'Feed Us', which while the crowd wasn’t too rough at that time I managed to get some pictures, It got pretty hot there crammed in with everyone else. At the end of Feed Us, He did a little speech right before the band started on 'Lie Lie Lie' and also said "I love you guys" which resulted in the audience screaming.

The crowd picked up a bit during the song and a mosh pit formed right by me, so I stepped back a bit cause I didn’t feel like getting into it. At the end of the song, he mentioned Fair to Midland.

'Saving Us' was another great song and well sung by Serj. Right before he sung 'Baby', he solemnly said a few words, the audience stayed silent during this.

Immediately followed by 'Sky Is Over', and one that I had been especially looking forward to hearing it played live.

'Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition' was a very catchy song and the crowd was really into it. A small pause right after the song was over in which Serj said the next song was called 'Charades'. After he finished, he went right into 'Honking Envelope' and while the crowd wasn’t too rough, I took advantage and took some more photos as I was able.

At the end of it, Serj introduced each member of the FCC individually by name. The crowd loved it especially when he introduced the next song which was a cover of the Dead Kennedy’s 'Holiday in Cambodia'. Another pit opened, I retreated, I could see people punching and pushing each other.
Once the song was over Serj said they would be playing some of the videos right after the show, so not to go anywhere when it was over. Then 'Beethoven’s Cunt' was next, I remember the guy screaming next to me "Fuck yeah! Beethoven’s Cunt!!".

The crowd went wild over this song. After this song was over, Serj said thank you and left the stage along with the rest of the FCC. The crowd started chanting "Serj...Serj", after a few moments they came back out and sung 'Girl' a cover by the Beatles. The crowd loved it and showed their appreciation. After it was over, he said he had one more song to play and that we needed to be quiet for it. Once it was over he left the stage and the crowd cheered.

A few moments later they started playing some of the music videos on the screens on the side of the theater. I made my way back to where my sister was standing. It had been an incredible night so far. As I was standing there, they brought down another screen right in front of the stage. Everyone was absorbed watching the videos on the screens. I made my way to the lobby to pick up my CD and poster that I had purchased right before the show. As soon as I got those, I walked back to finish watching the videos myself.

I asked my sister how she liked the show and she said she had a good time. Everyone started drifting off once they were over and we walked to the lobby to get something to drink. But the best part of my night still hadn’t happened yet.

There was a line along the wall with people who had passes to meet Serj were waiting About 20 minutes after the show they closed the doors to the stage area and let us in. Erika, my sister and I were right at the end. I can remember seeing people get their turn with Serj and getting their picture taken for the Rock Radio Station KDGE. They weren’t allowing people to take their own picture and some guy was walking along the line and saying we can only get one thing signed.

As the line drew closer to Serj Tankian, I was extremely nervous and excited. I was so nervous so when it was my turn, I introduced myself and said I was a representer from SOADFans and told him he was an inspiration to me and that it was my birthday. He looked at me and told me thank you for coming and supporting and also Happy Birthday. He was very gracious and soft spoken. I managed to get a picture with him with my camera after the Rock Station people had left. Even now while I write this review, I still can’t believe it happened.

Watch All the Photos in the Gallery

Set List:

1.Intro
2.The Unthinking Majority
3.Empty Walls
4.Feed Us
5.Lie Lie Lie
6.Saving Us
7.Baby
8.Sky Is Over
9.Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition
10.Charades
11.Honking Antelope
12.Holiday In Cambodia (DK cover)
13.Beethoven's Cunt
14.Crowd Interlude
15.Girl (The Beatles cover)
16.Elect The Dead

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