The *Thank the Wombat for MRF2* thread

[kgdjpubs]

Just an incredible experience that you can only get at one event ... Melodicrock Fest. In time, this thing will grow legs and become much bigger.

Maybe it will grow into.... AussFest?

I doubt it would happen, but if Andrew could get fellow Aussie John Farnham over here, it would be VERY cool to see---even though the guy might scare away any singers from opening for him That being said, I certainly wouldn't want to be the singer who goes on after Farnham either...

Seriously though, I doubt Andrew has anywhere near that amount of money, so it's a moot point.

[LtVanish]

Thank You Andrew! I had a blast over the weekend, it went way too fast! I hope you are able to put another show on someday, I would be perfectly happy if it was held at the Roadhouse again, great place! It was also very nice to meet a lot of you guys as well, it made the event even better. Hope I get a chance to hang out again soon!

LtVanish ,
You're a top notch guy, dude. Glad to have met you and hope to see you again at a get together in a near future.

He definitely is, and so is MrSromek. I got them confused at first because they could be brothers!

Yeah, those two guys are really cool. I'm hoping that they can both make the Frontiers show on the 22nd of this month at Durty Nellies. I know LtVanish said he was probably going to make it.

LtVanish got my attention that first night by saying DOKKEN, LOL. I turned around and KNEW it had to be someone from the boards.

Thanks guys! It was really cool meeting you! Yeah I am planning on going to the Frontiers show hopefully, I just need to get someone to cover for me for a couple hours at work so I can get out of there. Takes a little while to get up to Palatine.

When Rip was selling T-Shirts on Friday night I yelled out "Do you have any Dokken shirts for sale" as soon as I said Dokken his head turned so quickly, I just knew for certain that just had to be Rip!

[Rip Rokken]

When Rip was selling T-Shirts on Friday night I yelled out "Do you have any Dokken shirts for sale" as soon as I said Dokken his head turned so quickly, I just knew for certain that just had to be Rip!

I couldn't believe there weren't any Dokken shirts to be honest. What was Andrew thinking? I SERIOUSLY thought about paying that forward and yelling out DOKKEN while Andrew was on stage about to introduce a band. I wonder what he would have said?

[LtVanish]

When Rip was selling T-Shirts on Friday night I yelled out "Do you have any Dokken shirts for sale" as soon as I said Dokken his head turned so quickly, I just knew for certain that just had to be Rip!

I couldn't believe there weren't any Dokken shirts to be honest. What was Andrew thinking? I SERIOUSLY thought about paying that forward and yelling out DOKKEN while Andrew was on stage about to introduce a band. I wonder what he would have said?

You should of! That would of been funny as hell. Heck why didn't you have a Dokken table set up there, those shirts would of been selling like hot cakes, Andrew would of thanked you later as Don Dokken would of found a way, even if just on a tshirt, to push this event so far into the black, Andrew then could finally book Rick Springfield.

[Everett]

That pic doesn't leave much to the imagination for his man area

[KenTheDude]

That pic doesn't leave much to the imagination for his man area

What the hell are you looking at his "man area" for anyway? No wonder you have to resort to Craigslist for chicks. Deano might be right about you.

[Everett]

That pic doesn't leave much to the imagination for his man area

What the hell are you looking at his "man area" for anyway? No wonder you have to resort to Craigslist for chicks. Deano might be right about you.

It's kinda hard not to notice ken

[Behshad]

That pic doesn't leave much to the imagination for his man area

What the hell are you looking at his "man area" for anyway? No wonder you have to resort to Craigslist for chicks. Deano might be right about you.

It's kinda hard not to notice ken

That's what she said !

(even more funny without the comma between notice & ken )

[KenTheDude]

That pic doesn't leave much to the imagination for his man area

What the hell are you looking at his "man area" for anyway? No wonder you have to resort to Craigslist for chicks. Deano might be right about you.

It's kinda hard not to notice ken

That's what she said !

(even more funny without the comma between notice & ken )

^^^^ I LIKE THIS!

[Saint John]

No wonder you have to resort to Craigslist for chicks.

Classic shit right there, Ken!

[Tito]

...where you can sit down

WRONG!!!!!!!

[Behshad]

...where you can sit down

WRONG!!!!!!!

Sorry but I agree with Titorino.

[Saint John]

...where you can sit down

WRONG!!!!!!!

Dude, sorry you pan-handled tickets and weren't there when the place opened. Had you been a paying customer you, too, would have been able to stake claim to a table or chair ... which was one perk of being a die hard (and did I mention paying customer? ). I sat upstairs along the balcony, the VIP perch, enjoyed a set from the comfort of a couch and we had a table downstairs a few times. No venue complaints from me, and I was one of the biggest opponents of this venue prior to actually being in it. That place was fucking perfect.

[mrsromek]

First of all, thanks to Andrew for not only signing my poster and organizing an amazing weekend, but thanks for booking it at a place literally 3 miles from my front door. I am looking forward to MRFIII in due time! I bet the Roadhouse would love to host it again, and I bet D2 would come and play it again as well.

Thanks to LtVanish for being a cool dude, and it was great hanging with him and his buddy all weekend. And our table saver, Gene, and my buddy in the 'Geek Squad' Greg and his wife, Bobbie. Good times for sure. The Lt and I will most likely be trading discs like crazy from here on out and attending shows together. We already have penciled in Candlebox/Soul Asylum in mid-July. I've seen the Asylum 10 times or more and they never disappoint. Some of you should join us as well.

StJohn, Rip and Beshad seemed cool too, as did all of the other board members I said hello to. I just may head out to Nellies on the 22nd. That place is great to see any band at.....however, I am nowhere near as big of a Journey lover as any of you on here, but I'd sing some 'Higher Place' for any of you anytime. Rip....you and I need to share more autograph stories in the future. We have been cut from the same cloth, or Sharpie....however you want to look at it!!

The question now is....who would like to attend the Sheyboygan Fest in August to see Winger/Trixter? That is one hell of a fest, and the last bands I saw there were the BoDeans/Smithereens/10,000 Maniacs.

[LtVanish]

First of all, thanks to Andrew for not only signing my poster and organizing an amazing weekend, but thanks for booking it at a place literally 3 miles from my front door. I am looking forward to MRFIII in due time! I bet the Roadhouse would love to host it again, and I bet D2 would come and play it again as well.

Thanks to LtVanish for being a cool dude, and it was great hanging with him and his buddy all weekend. And our table saver, Gene, and my buddy in the 'Geek Squad' Greg and his wife, Bobbie. Good times for sure. The Lt and I will most likely be trading discs like crazy from here on out and attending shows together. We already have penciled in Candlebox/Soul Asylum in mid-July. I've seen the Asylum 10 times or more and they never disappoint. Some of you should join us as well.

StJohn, Rip and Beshad seemed cool too, as did all of the other board members I said hello to. I just may head out to Nellies on the 22nd. That place is great to see any band at.....however, I am nowhere near as big of a Journey lover as any of you on here, but I'd sing some 'Higher Place' for any of you anytime. Rip....you and I need to share more autograph stories in the future. We have been cut from the same cloth, or Sharpie....however you want to look at it!!

The question now is....who would like to attend the Sheyboygan Fest in August to see Winger/Trixter? That is one hell of a fest, and the last bands I saw there were the BoDeans/Smithereens/10,000 Maniacs.

It was nice meeting you too Guy! I think we just might be long lost brothers. Gene sure was a trip, and if anyone is wondering who that is, remember the guy with the patches and pins all over his entire outfit? It was nice to have a nice little network of people to save our table all weekend. Greg and Bobbie were very nice people I hope to run into them again sometime.

We most definatly will go to some more shows this summer. Don't forget the Night Ranger show on July 2nd in Arlington Heights also.

[Saint John]

who would like to attend the Sheyboygan Fest in August to see Winger/Trixter?

I'm in.

[SuiteMadameBlue]

who would like to attend the Sheyboygan Fest in August to see Winger/Trixter?

I'm in.

I'm hoping to see this show It's on August 7th, Trixter is opening. Brat Days in Sheboygan is a great time, I heard.

[SuiteMadameBlue]

We most definatly will go to some more shows this summer. Don't forget the Night Ranger show on July 2nd in Arlington Heights also.

Night Ranger is also playing here in Wisconsin......

July 1 - Oshkosh
July 24 - Waukesha County Fair - Headeast is opening

[Rip Rokken]

who would like to attend the Sheyboygan Fest in August to see Winger/Trixter?

I'm in.

Let's do it!!!!!! Where the heck is it?

[SuiteMadameBlue]

who would like to attend the Sheyboygan Fest in August to see Winger/Trixter?

I'm in.

Let's do it!!!!!! Where the heck is it?

Wisconsin - about 2 1/2 hours North of Chicago

http://www.bratdays.org/

[Rip Rokken]

Rip....you and I need to share more autograph stories in the future. We have been cut from the same cloth, or Sharpie....however you want to look at it!!

Hey, man! Oh, listen -- I have a GREAT autograph story for you, fresh from MRFest II!

You and I were just talking about getting our Winger stuff signed, when I think either Stockton or you told me Rod Morganstein was standing right behind me. I turned around and kept thinking he looked taller than I remembered and had cut his hair, but people were snapping pics with him so I got one too, told him he was a phenomenal drummer, then he signed 3 my Winger booklets quite beautifully in gold Sharpie! Shoot forward a few hours later at the hotel, and the real Rod Morganstein walks in, much shorter and with longer hair. LOL!!!!! After Kip and John signed those covers too, they look so great I doubt anyone's going to notice. Now I just have to figure out who that dude was...



Listen, it was great meeting and (s)talking with you and we'll definitely do it again!

[Rip Rokken]

Here are my official thanks, and I also apologize if I leave anyone out. I'm still in a daze...

ANDREW for pulling off the BEST rock festival I've ever seen, and for being so cool and patient with me. Hell, thanks for EVERYTHING! I'll never forget you man, and if you don't come back to the U.S. anytime soon, I may have to show up in Australia next time.

SAINT JOHN, LYNN, MELISSA, CRAZY DEB, DRFU, MICHIGAN GIRL, DSHinMICH, RHIANNON, BLUEJEANGIRL, BEHSHAD (and his gorgeous wife!), GAYLE & TONY, STOCKTON2MALONE, for being my lunch and late night dinner buddies.

STOCKTON2MALONE, MELISSA & BLUEJEANGIRL for holding down the front line with me. And Mel gets a merit badge for hanging there during EDEN'S CURSE!

LTVANISH, MRSROMEK, SNIPER16, PAM, SUEinFL & HEATHER -- always excited to meet more board folk, and you all are the best!

ROCKNROLL -- I think we've met before, at the Neal Schon show in Vegas last month? Always good to see you and so glad you won that guitar! It's beautiful!

SUEinFL, HEATHER, DEB & FU -- 4 rock and roll warrior angels!!! I have a picture of the 5 of us I'll post soon. And to Heather, Ted Poley had a big smile and got a kick out of it when I told him a real life auditor had counted his money twice and certified the count.

MELISSA, KIM, PAM, and anyone else I tossed my camera to for being my photo buddies. Jimi Jamison!!! LOL!!!!!

ALL of the above mentioned for signing my MR Fest II poster -- it's going on the wall in my music room.

EVERY ARTIST who played that weekend for being accessible, nice, patient, and just for being consummate professionals. You all really made this event special.

ERIK, TY, JIM & ROB from BOMBAY BLACK -- was proud to see some old friends from back home representing!!!

JOE & JOEY VANA -- awesome to meet you and hope to see ya again!

ERIC RAGNO -- you ROCK man, and glad I know how to pronounce your last name now!

CHUCK GIACINTO from KEVIN CHALFANT's band -- great to see you again, and a pleasure meeting your wife.

THORSTEN KOEHNE, PAUL LOGUE, PETE NEWDECK & MARCUS THURSTON of EDEN'S CURSE -- you guys ROCK!!!

TED POLEY, BRUNO RAVEL & STEVE WEST from DANGER DANGER -- it was great to be back in touch again after 11 years, and awesome to finally meet you in person!

REB BEACH for indulging a few fans while you were warming up on the guitar.

ROB MARCELLO -- for breaking the ice w/Reb by being the first to ask for a picture with him... LOL!!!!

JESS HARNELL -- thanks for the laughs while we manned that makeshift merch table Friday night!

KEVIN CHALFANT & JIMI JAMISON -- for KICKING ASS and jamming out some of my favorite songs of all time!

("HOLY S#$T!!! It's...") KIP WINGER for being the coolest dude on the planet!

BIG HIGH FIVES to STEVE WEST of DANGER DANGER, TERRY BROCK, TOMMY LAFFERTY from CROWN OF THORNS, and JOHN ROTH from WINGER for the special time and conversations. Hanging out with you guys was a real honor, and something that money just can't buy. Special thanks to STEVE WEST & WINGER's road manager DAVE for the t-shirts!

and last but not least....

MICHAEL EDEN MICHAEL EDEN

[mrsromek]

Yeah, Rip...if you find out who that tall curly-haired dude was, let us know. He signed my Winger LP already signed by Kip and Reb. I still think he looks like Rob's brother. I still can't believe I made that mistake. That's like a 'rookie' autograph error, and I've been collecting for over a decade!

LtVanish....I know about NR in Arlington Heights. That's a great fest. I actually saw Brian Howe and Eddie Money there years ago.

That's great we may have a mini-reunion in August in WI. Winger is too good live for me not to see them again in 2010. Trixter rocked as well.

Anyone on here seeing RATT? I just got my VIP details via email today!

[bluejeangirl76]

MELISSA, KIM, PAM, and anyone else I tossed my camera to for being my photo buddies. Jimi Jameson!!! LOL!!!!!

Did you already tell the Jamison Picture Story, or do I get to?! Holy god, that was funny.

[Rip Rokken]

Yeah, Rip...if you find out who that tall curly-haired dude was, let us know. He signed my Winger LP already signed by Kip and Reb. I still think he looks like Rod's brother. I still can't believe I made that mistake. That's like a 'rookie' autograph error, and I've been collecting for over a decade!

He certainly reminded me of Rod! Just taller and with short hair! So someone please ID this guy.

[Rip Rokken]

MELISSA, KIM, PAM, and anyone else I tossed my camera to for being my photo buddies. Jimi Jameson!!! LOL!!!!!

Did you already tell the Jameson Picture Story, or do I get to?! Holy god, that was funny.

I've been saving that one for you! Go for it!





Hey, where did his cigarette go? I thought he'd just lit one up. Did he toss it just to take those pics?

[Saint John]

Yeah, Rip...if you find out who that tall curly-haired dude was, let us know. He signed my Winger LP already signed by Kip and Reb. I still think he looks like Rod's brother. I still can't believe I made that mistake. That's like a 'rookie' autograph error, and I've been collecting for over a decade!

He certainly reminded me of Rod! Just taller and with short hair! So someone please ID this guy.

He's one of the backup singers every year at Jim Peterik's World Stage. He and Lisa McClowry are always there every year. No idea what his name is.

[bluejeangirl76]

MELISSA, KIM, PAM, and anyone else I tossed my camera to for being my photo buddies. Jimi Jameson!!! LOL!!!!!

Did you already tell the Jameson Picture Story, or do I get to?! Holy god, that was funny.

I've been saving that one for you! Go for it!




Hey, where did his cigarette go? I thought he'd just lit one up. Did he toss it just to take those pics?

OMG Rip!!!! I love that picture!! (and I NEVER like pics of myself!!) That's awesome! Thanks!!

He hadn't lit the cigarette yet. he was about to when you accosted him, I think. LOL!!
iOk, this was about the funniest thing I saw all weekend....

A few of us were inside, and Chalfant and Jamison were signing and taking pics with people. A couple people wanted pics, and I'd been standing there talking to Rip, so I said I would hang in line with them and be the picture taker for those who wanted them. Rip was trying to buy the professional shot of the Voices of Radio guys so Kevin and Jimi could sign it. As he's doing this, Jimi is leaving. I see him leave and I grab Rip as fast as I can.... "Come on, hurry up, Jimi just walked out!"

So Rip dashes out the door, and I chased him because I knew he wanted a picture, and I didn't see whether Jimi left by himself or not, so who would take the shot? (I'm an awesome friend... lol) ... the Roadhouse sits on a corner, and by the time I run out behind him, Jimi is just rounding the corner about a half a block down. Rip chases him, I chase Rip.... by the time I make it around the corner, Rip is just catching up with Jimi.

So he asked for the autograph and picture and Jimi was so nice... he told Rip absolutely, no problem, even though he was clearly on his way somewhere. So in classic Rip fashion, he presents not just the picture he bought, but also pulls out two CD covers, and gets Jimi to sign everything, and then take a pic. Then Jimi, again, even though he's on his way someplace, even takes another minute and poses with me, even though I didn't even ask for a pic. Now that's class. Totally nice guy.

So as we went back inside I tell Rip I will never tell that Augeri story again because this one's better! I told him "At least you didn't chase Augeri around the BLOCK to get eleventy things signed!"

[Michigan Girl]

^^^^^Great story ...even GREATER photo!! You're a doll, BJG ....but he is !!
Isn't he supposed to be in his late 50's ...NO WAY!!

[bluejeangirl76]

^^^^^Great story ...even GREATER photo!! You're a doll, BJG ....but he is !!
Isn't he supposed to be in his late 50's ...NO WAY!!

Yeah, he doesn't look it. I'm a little ticked. I want to use the "Kimi & Jimi" pic for an avatar, but I can't change my avatar because the Blackhawks have won all but one game since I put up the current one. Can jinx it!