My Day with the Dave Matthews Band–Busch Stadium, St. Louis, June 7, 2008

It’s been nearly a week, but I’m finally back home (and rediscovering the joys of unsupervised computer time–while staying with my parents, I got a glimpse of what my life would have been like had home computers been the norm when I was a teenager. And it wasn’t pretty.). And now I’m ready to give a full report on the historic first concert at the new Busch Stadium in St. Louis featuring my musical boyfriends, Dave Matthews Band (a report for which I’m sure all four of my readers have been waiting breathlessly).

First, although my title implies otherwise, I did not meet the band. Not that I didn’t try, of course, and I probably got closer to doing so than I ever have before (more on that later). So maybe next year’s my year. But despite not getting to bask in the band’s up-close-and-personal glory, the day was nonetheless filled with lots of random interesting moments that don’t even take into account the show itself which, as should go without saying considering this was DMB, was awesome. The setlist was filled with lots of what Dave termed “old shit” (”Recently” with the Water/Wine Jam and “Pay for What You Get”, a personal favorite), and on a personal note, I finally got to see “Grey Street” (one of my favorites) live. A special highlight was the encore, during which Dave put down his guitar and busted some moves while singing Sly and the Family Stone’s Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), which the crowd happily sang along with him.

However, this One of the Most Awesome Concerts I’ve Ever Attended almost ended in personal tragedy when, after spending nearly five hours outside in the 90+ degree heat, I had to start sitting down between songs in order to avoid passing out. And anyone who knows me knows that I don’t sit down at DMB. Ever. I dance, I sing, but I don’t sit down. But when I started feeling a little woozy and getting stomach cramps during “One Sweet World,” I knew I had to either pace myself or risk leaving the show on a stretcher.

On a side note, I now have a newfound appreciation for anyone who plays outfield in Major League Baseball. Because I was sitting in what would have normally been right field and there was no air. Anywhere. At all. Of course, I’m going to assume that most Major League outfielders aren’t standing on the field breathing in hot air that’s ripe with stale beer, pot, and the sweat of several thousand of your new closest friends.

And I also have complete respect for how the band can get up there and bring it night after night, year after year, in some of the hottest summer weather. Amazing.

At any rate, I referred above to random interesting moments, but as this post is getting a little long, I think I’ll save those for later. So, for now, I’d just like to congratulate the band (and opening act The Black Crowes, who also rocked some socks off) and Busch Stadium for pulling off this historic show that was hot in every sense of the word.