Altar Bar: Stain Glass and Rock n' Roll in Pittsburgh

It is official.
Imagine Dragons is #2 on Billboard charts for best selling albums.
Night Visions is the biggest Rock debut album in 6 years selling 83,000 copies in the first week.
"It's Time" is being sung on GLEE.
We need to celebrate tonight.


So many incredible things are happening and none of them seem to be sinking in to anyone. How can you really comprehend this sort of thing? I haven't figured it out yet but I know I am grateful to be here at this very pivotal moment in their careers. My favorite thing Daniel said today was "If you are wondering how to stay humble, just load your own gear every night ," which they do night after night.

The day started with a trip to the children's hospital for a fundraiser and acoustic performance. In an emotional moment, the band was able to talk to some of the sweet kids they were helping raise money for. After the performance, we were able to meet Matchbox 20 (currently #1 on Billboard) before their set. They were very complimentary of the band and their music. The lead singer, Rob Thomas said he was a fan of the band and continues to use Imagine Dragons as his answer to the question "what bands are you listening to?" in interviews.

Dan has the cold/flu of the century and D. Wayne has a relentless cough, so we had some Pho for lunch with the hope that it would relieve some of their symptoms before the show. Not sure it helped but it was mighty tasty.

All day we planned on watching GLEE and celebrating but when it finally came time, we realized that the episode would play at the exact time of the band's set. I saw that as ironic; they work so hard so that they can achieve this sort of success and when it actually happens, they are working through it.

The Altar Bar is an old church that has been converted into concert venue; crosses, stain glass windows and all. The venue wasn't very large but it was beyond packed. I forced my way up the stairs to then turn around to see the path way had closed up behind me like quicksand, I was stuck. I made my way around the upper-level to get as close to the stage as possible but if you weren't leaning against the railing, you weren't going to see the performance.

The energy in the room was out of control. At one point, the guy in front of me left to get a drink; finally, I could see the performance, at least Dan's fist in the air every once in a while. Five minutes later, the bald beefy specimen returned and tried to physically shove me out of the way, I fought him back, not caring that he was twice my weight and told him he gave up his spot when he left. This argument and pushing match continued half way through "Radioactive" until he called me a b****. On that note, I was out. I admit I was pushing his buttons but I never raised my voice and my actions hardly classified me as a b*****.  After the show, the entire band volunteered to go in and intimidate the baldy, though I appreciated their offer, but it was over. Part of me wishes I hit him myself.

On a positive note, I met some great fans down in the Lobby after Imagine Dragons played. It turns out that they had met my in-laws, Jeff and Debbie at Firefly and so they wanted a picture with me to document that they had met the whole family. They had been waiting in line since 4 that afternoon and scored a spot right up front for the concert. It was fun to hear about how much they love the band and their fun experience at the concert.

Our act of "celebration," was going to get late night sandwiches, popping a bottle of cheap sparkling wine on the side walk and a Passion Pit dance party on the bus. I think some more partying went on after the sickies and myself went to sleep in the hotel but only the walls of the bus could tell those stories. And now back to work.