We got to Albany fairly early. There was hardly anybody in line, in fact, it was questionable where the line was supposed to be, since event staff were giving different stories. There was a group of 4-5 guys who had travelled up from South America for the show waiting outside the doors of one side of the building (which ended up being the correct entrance). While wandering around the building trying to figure out where we were supposed to get in line, we ran into the world-famous Louis "Blou" McLean, and subsequently Mark and Melinda, and then Yuri and Matt (from Jersey). I ended getting in line behind the guys from South America (I totally forgot what country they were from), while the rest of the group grabbed some lunch. After a long day of waiting, the early entry went fairly smoothly. VolBeat and Lamb of God did there thing, and then the real show started.

This is what I have to put up while waiting in line

This show was a lot of fun for me. It was good to be back on the rail with some of our "classic" touring buddies. While I thought the set wasn't as solid as Buffalo's, it was still an awesome experience, with "Battery," "Ride," and "Motorbreath" being the major highlights of the set for me. I'm still really digging the new stuff live, as well, "All Nightmare Long" + Jeff Holland = Quite an experience. (I got poked in the eye in Buffalo during "Nightmare"). Oh, and "Stone Cold Crazy" has become the "Sandman" of cover tunes, for me.

(picture courtesy of MetOnTour.com)

The Good: Awesome group of fans/friends at the show
The Bad: Ordering a pizza just down the street from the venue and trying to pay for it with my Visa, only to be told that they don't take credit cards having to walk out leaving the guy standing there holding my pizza.
The Ugly: The ride from Albany to Jersey. I haven't been that tired in a long time.