The Post-Apocalypse (APOst)
Review of Apocalyptica concert in Seattle(by larsengirl)
24 September 2005
Incredible show on an incredibly small stage with poor lighting.
Eyes of Fire was on first. They were a bit LOUD the first night but the music was good and the guys are all really, really nice. My friend chatted with them before the show (we thought they were fans in line for the Apo show!) and three of the guys came to find us afterward to chat.
Set list:
Path
Master of Puppets
Somewhere Around Nothing
Fight Fire with Fire
Quutamo
Heat
Betrayal
Nothing Else Matters
Refuse/Resist
Life Burns
Hope
Fisheye
Bittersweet
Seek & Destroy
Prologue
Creeping Death
Inquisition Symphony
-----------------------
Encores:
Enter Sandman
HOTMK
This got changed up a bit, after Somewhere Around Nothing (or was it Fight Fire?), Mikko stood up and called to Perttu “I need to take a break!” “What?” “I need to take a break” and held up a beautifully broken drum.
Off Mikko goes and voila, set list changed. Nothing Else Matters got moved up on the list and I think Hope was moved up too. My admiration increased even more for Eicca (didn't think it was possible) the entire time he played, he kept an eye on Mikko's progress. Back yet? Nope – ok, how ‘bout another slow one.
The stage was really terrible for them, not much running around since they were all on separate risers with about a foot worth of space between them but they did manage to move around. Really proud of Perttu, he didn't trip once and I was just cringing waiting for him to smack into the nice pole he was sitting next to (see photos for that lovely obstruction).
We were on the Antero end of things and damn, that man is incredible. Although I tried, it's impossible not to stare at him, I think he's got a Medusa thing going on and Eicca makes him wear the shades for the protection of the fans.
The fans were a bit nuts with the screamy girl thing going on. Perttu kept getting his hair pulled and finally got this resigned expression on his face, took a deep breath and leaned all the way over into the audience so they could get their petting done.
People also kept touching ‘cellos and grabbing at the broken bow hair (while they were PLAYING grrrr). Eicca didn't seem to appreciate it much but handled it very well by just subtly backing just out of reach. Not sure how the other two felt and forgot to ask afterwards.
After the gig, got several comments from the crew over the Eicca for President shirt I was wearing. James (the merch guy) was really nice and got a picture and conversation in with Meelis (sound guy).
Waited out front on the fringes of the mob, still chatting with Pete from Eyes of Fire. Perttu was first up, said a lot of cute things (shocking I know), one of the best:
When asked by another fan who his favorite ‘cellist was, he took awhile in answering so I thought I'd help by pitching in ‘Eicca!' I was rewarded for that with an injured look and then he turns to face the blank wall, pauses and says “We need to get a mirror out here!”
He signed my Eicca for President shirt and after my inability to answer his question about who my favorite president was, added a comment just below Eicca. I couldn't see what it was and he answered my pleas with a devilish grin and “It's the son of your first president.”
Paavo was no help either, he signed next and dragged me over to the light so he could read Perttu's comments. Got a mischievous grin from him too but no answer. Back at the hotel later, turns out Perttu added the name ‘Washington' under Eicca. Butthead.
Perfect frozen moment, posing for a picture with Eicca – I've now got my sweatshirt on since it's COLD and I hear this deep Finnish voice next to my ear say quietly, “I saw your shirt.” Not sure that the camera quite captured the deer in the headlights look that was on my face. He enjoyed the Eicca for President shirt and signed with a grin.
Paavo, when talking with Jennifer (Seattle forum fan) about the last show of the Cult tour when Perttu destroyed his ‘cello, lost his smile for the first time that night. “That was not a good night. We had like, four more songs to play. Not a good night.”
Later that night Eicca, trying to find words to describe a crew member mowing down fans with a hand truck for the 15th time, pauses to give a perfect dad look, looks back down at me with a shrug and a smile “Men at work.”
Perttu getting the last picture with Jennifer's daughter before we left. Me “sorry Perttu, one more picture and then you can go to the bus for pizza.” Pained expression on his face as he looks toward the camera, “I've been eating pizza for two weeks!”