Jared Leto and crowdsurfing memories

In case you were wondering, Mark and I didn't actually ride our bikes to the 30 Seconds to Mars concert last night but we did stay for the whole show and bask in the punk glow of Jared Leto. I don't have any pictures, unfortunately - I didn't take my purse because I didn't want to hold it the whole time and a camera doesn't really fit in my jeans pockets. So you'll just have to deal with my description and use your imagination.

Neon Trees opened - their lead singer was either drugged or trying FAR too hard on his rock star act but at least he was entertaining to watch. Mutemath was next - the New Orleans-based band is one of Mark's favorites and definitely worth seeing live. Jared Leto was the main attraction though - pink mohawk and all. I'll probably forever associate the words "rock star" with him - he knew how to create loyalty with his fans by interacting with them, bringing people onto the stage and encouraging crowd surfing and sitting on shoulders (usually banned, depending on the venue). At one point, he somehow made his way to the back of the crowd and played a couple of acoustic versions of songs, including a segment of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance". He was quite the showman so if you ever get a chance to see 30 Seconds to Mars live, it's well worth the entry money.

It had been about three years since my last concert and it brought back memories of concerts past...

1. Jason Mraz, 2005. Jason was incredible to see live - don't you love it when the live performance is even better than the album? An unknown James Blunt opened the show - who knew he'd shoot off into fame the way he did. After the show, my friends and I were walking back to our car when one of us (Nicole, I think?) happened to glance into a hotel lobby and saw, of all people, James Blunt! We ran in and snapped a picture with James and his keyboardist, Paul. Now the moment is immortalized...

2. P.O.D., circa 2000 or 2001. The only time I've ever crowdsurfed, and I'll never do it again. Don't get me wrong, it was quite thrilling. Being held above a sea of thousands of fans where nothing is between you and the band takes your breath away. The first time during the show, I stayed aloft for several seconds but was somehow dropped - a concrete floor ALSO has the ability to take your breath away. I got over the jolt and was vaulted up a second time, this time making my way to the front of the crowd and getting tossed over the barrier into the security guards. The guards don't take kindly to fans passing the barrier so I was shoved off to the side and got stuck near some of the speakers (my hearing wasn't the same for days). I'll never forget the feeling of crowdsurfing but I have absolutely no desire to repeat it... one show was enough.

But enough of my reminiscing! Any favorite shows you've been to?