Last week I kinda had a panic moment when I realized that the opportunities to see Daughtry close to home in a small venue were quickly passing by. So I asked myself, what is stopping me from buying tickets to the Columbia show and going to see these amazing guys one more time. And the answer I got: Notta. I enlisted two other diehard Daughtry fans and we made it happen. This was my third show. Each time I have seen them has not just been a concert, it has been a full fledged "Daughtry Experience". The feeling of excitement driving to the show, checking out the venue early in the day, seeing the band's buses, talking to members of Daughtry's crew, meeting other fans in line, etc. have made for great memories. Oh yeah, and discovering the girls and I like pineapple juice/vodka/splash of tonic enough to name it after our favorite band (guess who?) We proclaimed ourselves the "GA Girls" and called our outing the S.O.H.F. Roadtrip 2007. But to protect the innocent, I really can't share the meaning of the later.

The show was great. Cinder Road is climbing my personal chart of favorite bands. But, when Daughtry took the stage I realized that I had just been engaged in a couple of hours of foreplay and that the real musical ecstasy was about the happen. Chris and the guys were point on. At times during the show I would be singing along, rockin out, and at other times I would find myself mesmerized, staring at the stage just soaking in the scene, wishing I could stop time and that the show would never end. It is so funny, I have seen them enough times now that I can visualize what Chris would be doing on stage and his facial expressions when I am listening to my Daughtry CD. We were so nervous that we would get to Columbia and the show would be canceled because Chris wasn't feeling well. After the concert we learned that the decision to play did get right down to the wire. Not only did Chris do the show sick, he did it flawlessly. What a professional! And, the Gods of General Admission have shined on me each time with great spots, twice on the front row and this time on the balcony front row. Now, if I could just get the Gods of Autographs to shine on me! I have a CD cover with everybody's signature but Chris'! Can't you just imagine me 25 years from now still trying to get my CD cover signed. My epitaph will read "A devoted wife, mother and Daughtry fan, though she'll never rest in peace with an incomplete CD cover."

The girls and I had a chance to interact with Josh S. and Joey after the show. What great guys. In a way I thought maybe these guys just met with fans after the shows to sorta get the monkey off Chris's back, but when you meet them, you get the sense that they truly like meeting the fans. They were very accommodating to us. Again, what truly great guys and what a wonderful memory to recall when I need a "feel good" thought. I want to think that Chris likes meeting the fans too when he feels well. But, I think a lot of "s__theads" have ruined his ability to be accessible to those of us that just want to say "hey", pledge our devotion and get an autograph. Damn to hell you weird crazy stalker people out there.

Anyway folks, just wanted you to know that yes, I have had another near perfect "Daughtry Experience". I had to count off a few points for no autograph. But, I truly feel if Chris applies himself, and signs my CD cover at a future concert, he will be able to get that "perfect" grade. I will be at Starfest this weekend. From where I will be sitting, I will probably have to use binoculars to see the guys. It is almost like I got to drive a Porsche, a Ferrari, a Bentley and now I got to get behind the wheel of a minivan. It will be great seeing them, but it just won't be the same in that big arena.

I hope you enjoyed my review and ramblings. Take care all my fellow Daughtry fans.