Houston, TX. July 5, 2005. Meridian
Tue Jul 05, 2005 6:19 pm
Hell's Breath Upon Us
Combine all the bands and all the bands shows that played tonight - and none of them can remember a hotter, more suffocating, wrenching night.
Pilotdrift couldn't finish their set because Kelly had to exit the stage with heat exhaustion. We found him throwing up in the shower. It took him several hours to recover.
Weston is still recovering... we almost decided to take him to the hospital. After an hour, he couldn't stop throwing up.
This very, very sold out show was quite the night to remember... There were at least 100 turned away, some said 200 because many just left after they were told it was a sell out. Some stayed and about 20 got to go in. I hated it - because friends/fans were outside, calling me, calling at me from below, "boyd, boyd... the show is sold out, can you get me in?" I was distressed. Our guest list was filled. Sold out shows aren't a problem I'm used to dealing with. It's good... except, I hate for everyoen not to get in.
I have a lot more to say, but - you guys know the drlll; I can't stay awake. I sweated gallons tonight along with everyone of you. mygosh... you couldn't breath in there.
To me, the show was very, very special... perhspas the band's favorite. Surviving it was a major accomplishment.
more tomorrow. thanks!
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*Kim's bit:
As I was packing up merch at the end of the evening, Wade (famous Uncle Wade, Boyd's brother) came and told me that we needed to get Weston to the hospital, that he was outside in the parking lot throwing up and could not stop.
I ran down the stairs to find Weston's tall lumbering body barely able to stand. I immediately told him to sit down. He had thrown up everywhere and was swaying back and forth. He sat down in the side door of the van and I began to pour water over his head and back. I kept washing his face down and trying to get him stable. What a night. We finally got him to a stable situation, then we all piled in to go to a local hotel.
I kept checking on him because he had a migraine now. Next thing I know, Chauntelle, (who was sitting next to me in the van), was dealing with a milder case of dehydration. She had a migraine, and was freezing cold. Sheesh....can we just get them all to a hotel and snuggly in bed?
I just checked on Chauntelle a few minutes ago. I could see a strained look on her face, even in her sleep. I know she is still not feeling well, but it seems that sleep has come over her. Hopefully, a good night's rest for everyone will do the trick.
So much to say, but I too am falling asleep. I wish I could fall asleep, but I am waiting for my laundry so I can put it in the dryer.
I just want to give a heartfelt thankyou to all of you Houstonian's, that inspite of the heat, you made Eisley feel so welcome to be back in Texas, and back in their birth city.
nite~all 
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I wake up and... what do I see? My wife has comandeered my post... and added detail much needed.
Since we're on the topic, I got this email from my brother Wade, who's entire family was at the show. (cousins. many). He sent this to the venue:
[i]"Last night was inexcusable. I was there for the smaller stage show. I got the feeling I was in a slum lord type of establishment. I know things happen - like air conditioners malfunctioning, but you should have given free water and refunded any tickets upon request. You should have put fans to blow air on the stage - I heard your employees at the door had fans. You should refund the merchandise money that you collected from these poor bands that you nearly sent to the hospital - even though these bands displayed the best of professional attitudes throughout the evening. And what was all that noise from the other stage? Inexcusable! Are you guys that desperate? This was a bad experience and I am vocal about it today.
I know that the bands were extremely offended as were the fans. And what bad business - I heard more than a hundred fans were turned away due to a sell out that you had to know was going to happen. Maybe you don't care but in my opinion you should try to do some kind of damage control with the bands at least and if possible with the fans.
Wade DuPree[/b]
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I know Eisley aplogized throughout their set and were worried about the health of fans jammed in the front. Guys, it had to be 115 degree's. More? I tell you, you couldn't breath. Eisley survived Cornerstone Festival in 2002 in 114 degree's - almost passed out; beat red faces, all; But this was worse. Kid's were trying to leave in droves, asking for money back... Eisley fans! - who drove distances to see the band! You have to figure that's the kind of heat where self-preservation comes into your mind. ha ha... anyway, it didn't bother me much, but there were issues throughout the night...
I have to go... haircut, shower, pack, Austin. Not sure how the show is doing ya'll, but fans have been trying to get tickets thru the Parrish's site with no luck. I think it's something like redrivertickets.com ? google it. Anyway, i know there have been at least 200 advanced sales.... Last night there was 280 presale, but the landslide came as walk-up. I dunno about Austin. The last time they played the Parrish, it totally sold out...but, who knows what will happen tonight. Austin loves Eilsey, but... wow, it would be hard to compare to the love they felt from Houston last night. jeeze. Insane. Thanks to everyone who endured. Love you guys.
boyd
ps. I shot video. if i have time, it'll be some good stuff.
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