I mentioned this in a comment but couldn't share it there and thought it deserved its own post anyway.
I got to have a completely unobstructed view of "Empty Glass" at the Magic Stick in Detroit back in April. It was amazing, as was that whole show. Detroit knows how to throw down for our guys🫶🏽
I don't know if this was a Detroit Opera House rule, or if it's across the board for the tour, but I want to shout out my appreciation for the rule and give kudos to everyone who abided.
Last night was one of the best shows I've been to in Detroit, and part of it was it not being ruined by screens blocking the view. People were present and really enjoying it, which was especially evident during that amazing foray into the crowd.
I hope more venues/artists start implementing this rule, it adds so much to a show to have people be present & engaged.
(I did take one photo at the very end after the encore, just so I can remember the amazing view I had all night, I wish I could repeat the evening again... And I wish I had picked up some merch!)
My PCP gave me another referral to the rheumatologist.
Finally get on the phone with scheduling, they tell me that one of the rheumatologists doesn't treat fibromyalgia but can treat the other stuff (arthritis & hyper mobility); luckily, they have another rheumatologist who does treat fibro, but they're not available for two months.
At least now I have an appointment for the 21st of September, which I definitely will remember
I'm perplexed about how a doctor can refuse to treat a disease. And I'm frustrated that I have been trying to get in with a rheumatologist since February but it seems impossible to get them on the phone to make the appointment.
And now I can feel the burning in my spine flaring up; fuck my day, I guess.
I've recovered enough from the disappointment of not only the cancellation but also missing Wide Awake because I misunderstood that the show was starting at 6 and that wasn't doors that I want to head to a chill bar nearby our hotel in Brooklyn + these.
We traveled from Detroit, and my birthday is in two days. I would love to salvage our last night in NYC. Where should we go in Brooklyn? Anyone want to hang?
Tl;dr: it's ok to dance & sing/scream along at Thursday shows!!
Good thoughts first: the band killed it. What an honor to hear so many songs that I had never heard live before, and what an amazing experience watching the sunset over the city from the river. And the people who were stoked to be there rocked. It's always rad being in a room full of Thursday fans.
I've been seeing Thursday live since ~2004/5 and have lost count of how many times I've seen them: from venues in LA to Detroit, at When We Were Young, as openers for other bands, at Warped Tour, and at the first boat show in 2023.
Since I was a teenager (I'm going to be 40 next year), I've been losing my voice and throwing my body around to this band, including last night, but only thanks to the amazing people who led a whole conga line of us through the wall of boys who absolutely would not move AT ALL all evening.
I understand that the pandemic changed the way we act in public a lot but man, I know I'm getting old cause I just don't understand how these younger people are not using their youth to throw it down at shows, preferring to be on their phones the whole time, including to post (probably about how cringe these old people singing & thrashing along are; I may be cringe, but at least I'm liberated)
Which fine, everyone is on their own journey, and some are choosing the default NPC one, but have the courtesy & consideration to move so other people can get into the pit, especially if you're over six feet tall and standing more still than the Statue of Liberty. I'm 5', it's not fun trying to enjoy the show with a view of an unmoving white wall. And I got the worst stink eye and tripped! when I tried moving forward several songs into the set. Which never in my 20+ years of Thursday and others shows has happened before! Promise you I'm not trying to ruin your perfect content shot, I'm just an elder emo millennial trying to be in the sea of bodies - I'm trying to leave it all on the floor!
To leave it in a more positive way, I really am so grateful for the people who led us to the pit, it made my experience so much better... imo we are meant to be part of the sea of bodies, screaming along, palms & fists raised in the air. I highly recommend those that are too reserved give a try. You'll feel better after.