Through false starts, traffic jams, detours and delays, Mrs. Highbury and I somehow still managed to make our way to Stage AE in Pittsburgh this past Friday. And somehow, we managed to weasel our way down to the front of the stage to take in an incredible show from the Swedish supergroup, Ghost!
During my previous venture to Stage AE (coincidentally to also see Ghost, back in 2012), I wrote about a nasty confrontation with a bouncer who apparently took dislike to my camera. This time around, there would be no such issues, as my camera was denied entry at the door. So after a quick sprint back to the car for a drop off and then an even quicker sprint back to the venue, I met back up with Mrs. Highbury, who had already procured 2 pumpkin ales from the bar...
Luckily, I was able to snap away freely with my phone. And while the pics aren't the same quality as my camera, I still managed to get some decent shots. We had a great vantage point to take in an incredible set which mixed a lot of the new as well as some of the old songs, which book-ended a cool mini acoustic set in between.
After their set, the Mrs. and I were blown away. An amazing set, and we were then ready to head back home. Nothing could top that...
But before we left, we decided to use the potty before the drive home. And that's when it happened...
There was a line for the men's room, so as I got in line, I watched some drunk guy stagger past the line and in. And while I was saying, "WTF!?!?" a voice behind me was echoing the same sentiment. I turned around to share a laugh, and I was immediately frozen. I did a double-take, and sure enough, standing right behind me was...
Pinhead himself, DOUG BRADLEY!!!!!!!
I sheepishly asked if he was Doug Bradley, and he replied "yes" with a coy smile. I tried my hardest to keep my cool as we had a brief chat about how amazing the show was and where we had seen Ghost play before. I also got to introduce him to Mrs. Highbury.
After we both took care of our business, I gave him a wave and told him to have a great night, and he returned the pleasantries. I really don't know how I was standing in a big group of people and I was the only one who recognized a legitimate horror icon. C'mon Pittsburgh, you need to do better!!!
So not only do I get to see an amazing show, but then I get the surprise of meeting Doug Bradley. Not many days could top that!
Ghost's "Black To The Future" tour continues now and I cannot recommend highly enough to see them if they play anywhere close to your town. This was the third time I have been able to see them live, and with each show, they get better and better.
And one last update. It looks like my luck ran out, because I'm going in for a quick surgery on my broken finger on Tuesday. I get to have two pins (HA! Pinhead! Doug Bradley! Ha!) inserted into my finger, so I'm going to take the rest of the week off, until October 1st. The Countdown to Halloween begins again, and I have been collecting the posts, ready to share all that I can with the Halloween community. Wish me luck and I'll see everyone on the first!!
