Us: "What's there to do in Indianapolis?"
Anybody we asked the question to: "Do you like racing?"
Us: "No."
Anybody we asked the question to: "Oh, well...umm....nothing really."

We spent a good bit of our day off in Indianapolis either watching talk shows (Springer, Maury, Steve Wilkos) or drinking milkshakes at Steak 'n Shake. The next day we headed to the venue. The was my first time in Indianapolis and there was actually a decent line forming by the time we got to the arena. Ran into Kevin and his wife again and talked for a bit. Saw a couple of other familiar faces in line, as well. The mad dash to the rail when the doors finally opened was a little more hectic than the last couple of shows, but all things considered it still went fairly smoothly...except for Big Jeff who was reprimanded by an event security dude for running and had to walk all the way back to the gate before being allowed to proceed. Jeff eventualy made his way down to the rail after his walk of penance. Gotta love power-tripping event staff. Space on the rail was much tighter than it had been at the first couple of shows, but it still wasn't bad.

"So wake up, sleepy one. It's time to save your world."

Gojira and Lamb of God were beginning to really wear on me at this point. I've tried napping while hanging over the rail, but it's not really working out for me. Metallica did not disappoint, once they hit the stage, not that they ever would. Tonight we were treated to "Damage Inc." which is one of my favorite tunes, along with "Ride the Lightning," "Sanitarium" and "Motorbreath." "All Nightmare Long" has seemlingly become the theme song for Jeff to get in people's faces (to let them know he's going to hunt them down). [Ed. ...with no mercy!]

Tonight's show marked the end of good week of shows, but I was dreading the long drive back from Indianapolis to Blacksburg, which included seeing about a thousand billboards for Tom Raper RVs or Tom Raper Homes before we even got out of the state of Indiana. I think if I had a last name like that, I might change or at least keep out of the names of my businesses. And while the end of a tour trip always bums me out a bit, I can't say that I was sad to leave Indianapolis.

(picture courtesy of Quinn Dombrowski)

The Good: Steak n' Shake milkshakes, "Damage Inc."
The Bad: There's nothing to do in Indianapolis
The Ugly: Tom Raper