I am a firm believer that the only way to get the true measure of any band/artist is to see them perform live. I have been to my fair share of concerts. Many of them were fantastic. Amazing. Face-meltingly awesome.
But there's nothing like a Blue show.
I have tried to describe a Blue October show several times, and I don't think I've ever been able to explain it right. It's one of those things that you can never really understand until you experience it. There is so much raw emotion in Blue October's music. While I love the albums, there is a certain amount of that that emotion that just can't be recorded. When you go to a concert, you get all of it. I read a review recently that described a show as a "sing along love fest" and that is probably the best description I have heard.
This show was a little different than the others I've been to. The Pick Up The Phone tour was about more than the music, it was about suicide prevention. All the proceeds went to benefit Hopeline, To Write Love on Her Arms, and PostSecret. These organizations are trying to chip away at the stigma surrounding things like depression, and get people talking to each other. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death, yet the most preventable. The tour had a simple message: If you know someone who is depressed, or going through something traumatic, or even just having a bad day, talk to them about it. You don't even have to talk, just listen and don't judge. Make sure they know you love them. Don't be so quick to label someone crazy. And if you are the one with toxic thoughts in your head, don't keep quiet about it. There is help out there. Your life is not expendable. I can't think of a better cause for the cost of my ticket to go to.
The show opened with Independently Happy. Personally, I think every show should open with this song. That opening bass line alone is enough to send a bunch of Blue fans into a frenzy. Some of my other favs from this show were: James-so awesome live, a jumping, screaming, get out your anger song. Picking up Pieces and Congratulations-both very close to my heart. Into the Ocean-great song, and awesome guest vocals by Steve from Hurricane Bells. X Amount of Words-this is one of my all-time favs, and and the super extended jam at the end totally blew my mind. Video -here-
I was fortunate enough to get a spot on the rail on Ryan's side of the stage. I must say, it is fascinating to watch him play. He is an extremely talented musician, and that's an understatement. I don't think there was a single song where he didn't play at least two different instruments, usually more. He adds a certain beauty to Blue October's sound that is not present in most bands. It seemed like the guys were having a ton of fun on stage. There was so much energy, even more than usual. It was a great show, even by Blue standards.
Set List:
Independently Happy
Say It
HRSA
She's My Ride Home
Been Down
Dirt Room
James
Chameleon Boy
Picking Up Pieces
Congratulations
Into the Ocean
X Amount of Words
Jump Rope
My Never
Encore:
Come in Closer
Hate Me
Should be Loved
The openers for this tour were The Hurricane Bells and Stars of Track and Field. I didn't know it until the show, but The Hurricane Bells features Steve, the lead singer from Longwave (an awesome band I was introduced to at another Blue show last July). They played a great 
set, and toward the end of it were joined on stage by Jeremy and Ryan from Blue October and the drummer from Stars of Track and Field (who's name escapes me at the moment). After the show I picked up their album Tonight is the Ghost, and I love it a little more every time I listen to it. I highly recommend giving Hurricane Bells a listen. Stars of Track and Field were also pretty good. They had great energy and stage presence, and were fun to watch. Their sound is a little synth-heavy for my taste, but they were entertaining.
I (and the other people beside me) owe a thank you to whoever it was that moved the smoke machine behind the curtain. You saved us all from inhaling more of whatever they make that fake smoke out of. I thought I was gonna die during Stars of Track and Field's set.
Stay tuned for further adventures in Music on the Brain!
P.S.
Sorry it's taken me so long to get this review up! If you lived my life, you'd understand why. ;) Big thanks to James and Kelly for donating pictures. And gotta send some love to my Mile High Meanies! Waiting in line all day was half the fun. :D
