Lights made her 6th visit to Salt Lake City, Utah over the weekend as part of her Little Machines Tour. The show took place at The Complex on Saturday, November 8, 2014. With the show being on a Saturday, I made the decision to spend the entire day waiting in line. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
I arrived at The Complex around 11:45 AM. I was the first to arrive, and the only one in line for about one hour. I noticed an employee taking down some banners for shows, including the one promoting the Lights concert. I asked him what they do with the banners, and was told they hang them in an office after the artist signs it. I figured that would be the end of it, until I saw him walk out a few minutes later with a rolled up banner in his hand. He mentioned it was an extra one that had torn. I was all to happy to claim it. A short time later I witnessed the arrival of Lights' tour bus, which signaled the start of many great things to follow.
It didn't take much longer for a few more dedicated Lights fans to arrive. I was happy to have some company for the long wait for doors to open at 7:00 PM. It didn't take long for one of the biggest highlights of the day to occur. Lights, Beau, and Rocket (in her stroller) made their way from the bus towards the gate. We were all excited to see Lights. She greeted us with joy. At this time, I presented her with the stuffed lion I purchased for Rocket, and a card (containing illustrations of lions) with a personal note written inside. She appreciated the gift, and was happy to take pictures. Beau snapped a couple of pictures with my phone. I was able to get the sweet banner signed, along with 2 vinyls (Little Machines and Siberia Acoustic). After everyone had pictures, Lights (and family) made their way over to The Gateway (nearby shopping mall).
While basking in the afterglow of that wonderful moment, the few of us gathered in line began to become acquainted. It turned into a wonderful bonding experience with fellow Lights fans. It turned into one of the most wonderful experiences I've ever had waiting in line for a concert. I may have started the day on my own, but I feel I ended it with four new friends (Summer, Winter, Leah, and J) from that time spent together in line. We looked out for each other. Ensuring that each of us were part of the 50 for the post show meet & greet, while also have a place along the front of the stage.
Speaking of being up front, I was front and center for the show. I had heard nothing of the opener Wild Party prior to the show. They ended up putting on an entertaining set. Playing a catchy brand of music perfectly suited for dancing. Not a bad way to be entertained while waiting for Lights.
Finally just before 9:00 PM, the big moment we had all been waiting for arrived. Lights hit the stage to the extreme delight of the near capacity crowd. She opened her set with "Muscle Memory", followed by "Toes". The crowd was into it from the start. She played a nice mix of new and old songs. Lights was definitely on her game. I'm always impressed with her liver performances. Her voice sounds better than the recordings, and she just knows how to connect with the crowd. Seeing Lights live is an experience that everyone Lights fan should have at least once. I'm lucky enough to have experienced it seven times now.
Lights closed out the pre-encore set with "Same Sea". The crowd noise was tremendous. That room was as loud as I've ever heard it. We just didn't want this show to end. A chant of "One more song" broke out. When Lights returned the stage, the excitement went through the roof. She played a two song encore with "Up We Go", and "Oil and Water". It was a great way to cap an incredible show.
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| Setlist picture courtesy of Summer |
After the show, it was time to prepare for the meet & greet. I caught sight of my good friend Shannen on my way out to the lobby, and had to go say hi. I was happy to talk with her about the show, and found out she had a wristband for the meet & greet. We made our way out to the lobby, where I introduced her to my new friends met in the pre-show line. We then were ushered to the line to talk with Lights. It really is wonderful the way music, especially from Lights, can bring people together. I was presented with another example of this when I was approached by Ryan, who recognized me from the Lights Forum. He traveled to the Salt Lake show from Wisconsin. I had a good chat with him, and was glad he made the decision to approach me.
We all took our turns chatting with Lights, and getting signatures. I took my turn along with Shannen. She presented Lights with another copy of her wonderful book "Pwned". I should explain that Shannen is an awesome author. She dedicated an entire chapter of "Pwned" to Lights, with the characters attending a concert. Shannen was overwhelmingly delighted to find out that Lights had actually read the book she previously sent to her manager. I was so happy to experience this bit of awesome news. As for myself, it was just great to have a chance to connect with Lights again. She's always been so incredibly nice to me, and I love that she knows me by name at this point. She recognizes me each time I attend a show. It's a personal connection that I really appreciate, and hope to continue for a long time to come.
The wonderful day full of Lights concluded with a post-show hang out session at Denny's with the new friends made in line. We talked about our thoughts on the show, and the events of the day. It was a great way to close out the day. I've had some amazing experiences at Lights concerts, and this one ranks right up there with them all. I love creating these magical memories that I am able to look back on with fondness.
THANK YOU LIGHTS!!!
