I unfortunately could not attend their Hollywood date, which was held at HOB Sunset, but I was fortunate enough to attend their Anaheim and San Diego dates. I met the band in Anaheim, at the HOB in Downtown Disney through my friend JessieLee, who is good friends with their bassist Lukas. I had lunch with Jessie and Lukas, which then immediately after we went to hang out on their bus. I met the entire band, all of whom were complete sweethearts. I was interested in seeing A Skylit Drive live for the first time, so I attended their part of the show. They were amazing, full of energy and had an excellent stage presence. We went back to the bus and waited for Thursday to hit the stage. The time had come, as they filed into the venue, loading in their equipment, we stood side stage and waited eagerly. Tucker counted into the song, they started off with "Understanding a Car Crash". They played the entire "Full Collapse" album in its entirety. The crowd was ecstatic, screaming every lyric and jumping along to the songs. As the band finished, they thanked the crowd over and over, then exited the stage. The crowed screamed for one more song, but unfortunately did not receive their wish. We all headed back to the bus, where it was a non stop party. Thursday bunked with Animals as Leaders, which also was a group of super nice guys. We all joked around with each other, shared stories, made fun of one another and listened to music, until it was time for them to leave to Vegas. After they played in Vegas, they came back to southern California and played SOMA, in San Diego. Jessie and I also attended that show as well. We showed up a few hours before the show and had dinner with Tucker and Lukas. It was constant laughs, I was amazed we even finished our meals! We headed back to the venue, where I proceeded to go shoot A Skylit Drive's set. Again, like in Anaheim, their set was amazing. I headed back to the bus, where I spoke with the band and talked photography with them. It was their turn to play, this time, I got to shoot them, unlike in Anaheim, where the HOB was super strict about what pass meant what. I guess if you have back stage at HOB Anaheim, you have to stay there. Odd. I digress, I was super excited to shoot Thursday. I've been a fan since the 9th grade, which is about 8 years ago for me. It was like reliving my high school years all over again. After the allotted 3 songs photographers received, I ran back stage and jumped on stage with them and began shooting them. I stood next to Andrew at first, snapped a few photos, then ran back to Tucker. There is no words to describe how amazing of an experience this was... To stand there and watch a band I've listened to since my high school years, and to joke around with them while they were playing was absolutely astonishing to me. After they played "Full Collapse", they played a song from their new album entitled "No Devolucion", called "Turnpike". The crowd was pleased with the new material. Jessie and I hung out with the band until their curfew hit. It was a bittersweet good bye to leave the boys. It was becoming almost routine to see and hang out with Thursday. It was my first time seeing them live, and I must say, "long live my high school years!" Good to meet you boys, you put on an outstanding show, I look forward on seeing you all very soon!!
To view the rest of the photos from that day, click here: Thursday Photos
Until next time kiddies, hugs&kisses, Hanna.