Meeting AFI - Chapter 1I always met to share this story as a fan letter ~ may still ~ but a little girl on myspace asked about our pictures with the boys because she wants to meet AFI very much. Just because she was kind enough to ask I took the time to finish writing about our adventures. Unfortunately there's no magic to it ~ we've always run into the boys mostly by accident. We have been devoted AFI fans for about 6 years. We also like a lot of the same bands they do, ( Jons fav is hardcore, I like the thumpy industrial and pop likes psychobilly) so we go to some of the same shows they go to and have the good fortune to live in LA where lots of opportunities just happen ~ though some of our run-ins seem rather cosmic. I wish I had magic advice to give to help folks connect with them as the boys really are as nice as they seem and lovely to meet ~ persist in your desire to meet them, it's so worth it! VNV @ the Avalon, New Years Eve 12/31/04~ Were big VNV fans (especially me!) and got tickets for both shows since one was 21. This was the first time I met any member of AFI. It was at this show that I actually had the audacity to poke Davey in the arm and introduce myself as his oldest fan. I had watched him do some fine dancing for about an hour before finally sucking up enough courage to bother him. At my age I've learned the hard lesson that you always regret things you dont do and seldom regret what you do! And VNV Ive had few experiences as moving as hearing the entire audience sing Beloved acapella with Ronan! What a way to start the new year!

 VNV @ the Fillmore, San Francisco 1/6/05~ Six days later, we were on the road to San Fran and hoping to get across the grapevine through the storms. We left a day early and stayed in the lovely Buttonwillow Wednesday night ~ drove into San Fran Thursday and checked into our hotel about a block from the Fillmore. My son went down to get in line about 4pm and he was so early he got to start the line! We returned to the hotel to get my camera and couldnt find it so the hub went to the car to check for it. When he returned and got in the elevator who should get in with him but Ronan! Of course, if he hadnt gone to the New Years concert ~ he would never have recognized him! He introduced himself, said we were there from LA to see them tonight and had enjoyed their New Years show. He also said how sorry his son would at missing the chance to say hi as he was already in line. Ever gracious, Ronan offered to meet Jon if he would come to the hotel lobby at 6:30 just before he and Mark left for the venue. A cute group of kids from Modesto held our place at the front of the line in exchange for an autograph (we had all our VNV cds with us for driving music and Ronan signed 3 covers for us). We all met and had a lovely visit ~ such nice people ~ just like AFI! After they left, it was time to go stand in line, which we did for the next 2 hours. We were still 1st in line, thanks to our new little Modesto friends, so soon as they opened we headed to the door. At that exact moment, a car pulls up and who should pop out but Mr. Havok AND Mr. Puget!!!! Since my son was bothering Davey for pics, I decided to assault Jade ... it was a pleasure and huge personal thrill to shake his hand! So beautiful in person. The show was spectacular as expected ~ Jon and friends hugged the front rail and got to touch hands with both Ronan & Davey during Beloved ~ I lost 5 pounds in sweat alone dancing! What a night!!!
VNV Formation Tour 5/19/05~ We also went to see VNV at the Avalon in May! It was Girls Night Out ~ Me, Vickie and Leann (and our bodyguard ~ Cale) and guess who shows up again! We were so excited! Davey & Ronan did a lovely duet of Perpetual!
The Next Big Thing! VNV DJ Set with Ronan next Saturday 7/15/06 at the Cyberball in LA! See VNV site for details! Im so there!!

Traveled to "half way between Hell & Nowhere" (otherwise known as Victorville, CA) on Sat. night to see I Am Ghost ~ Very good show (as always) in a tiny venue! Amazing no one got bonked in the head or knocked over on tiny stage but they managed it with grace and showmanship! Drove home at 1am in a snowstorm and worried all the way about the band having to do the same only later at night! Next show "Take Action Tour" at HOB Anaheim & Sunset ~ 3/22 & 3/23! Don't miss it!