You'd better make up your mind...

Finally, another chance for me to see the Outfield LIVE!!! This time however having a newborn baby and all, my wife stayed home and I took my brother, Sean, who happened to be in town! We set out for Columbus, OH. We left around 9am. We pulled into our hotel, checked in and found our way to Easton Town Center, got there about 4:30. As soon as we parked at the Johnny Rockets parking lot I heard echoes of the sweet rhythms we all know and love!! "They're doing the sound check," I shouted to Sean! We ran around the corner and sure enough there they were between a huge Barnes And Nobles and a Virgin Megastore!! We trotted up to the barracade where there were a handful of other die-hard Outfielders. We listened to them play a little "Tiny Lights" and a couple others. Afterward, each of the guys made their way down to say "hello" to us. I heard John say "Hi Connie" to one of the fans and I knew it was Connie who I planned to meet finally after talking to on-line after about two years! We chatted with the guys, Tony and John were both quick to head back to the bus but Simon stayed to talk for a bit. He said that they'd had many offers from smaller independant labels but wanted to get with a major label that would promote them and (hopefully) get them on the radio! The disc was finished and how they'd almost turned down the Houston gig but the promoters were begging them and flew them back to the states for that one show!

So while we were waiting, Sean and I headed around for a look about the square! It was very nice!! I was quite impressed. We headed for the mall and were checking out Planet Hollywood paraphernalia that was all over and then went into the All-Star Cafe for a brewskie and some food. We played a little NTN (and yours truly whipped Sean and the bartender in both games!! :) ). Then we headed out hoping to find Jeff and Pat whom we also were planning to meet who drove down from Cleveland.

We got out there and there they were, chillin' stageside. So we got some frothy beverages and sat around getting acquainted. We also met up with a fellow I met in Cleveland the year before Ron from Pittsburgh! So all of us and Ron's buddy, Jim, had a few smooth ones and hung out. It wasn't long before the guys started popping in and out of the bus. Soon they were on, I jumped into the crowd and began jammin!! They rocked!! They blew through the night opening with "Tiny Lights" and ending with a cover of the Police's "Message In A Bottle", closing with "Your Love" and 10,000 people shouting the chorus into the night. It was truly a feast for any long-time fan to see so many supporters on such a beautiful night.

Of course they came out to the side of the stage after 15 minutes or so and signed EVERYTHING that needed signing, talked to EVERYONE that wanted to talk to them, and could NOT have been more cordial and appreciative. After all that, we all had another drink but Jeff and Pat had to venture home so they only had one more and me, Sean, Ron and Jim partied into the night! (sorry no pix of that however! :)...)

Some pics provided by Jeff Hippely - thanks as always my friend!



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