Thrice (Live in Camden, London, 26th August 2010)

Wow!  I am so impressed with Thrice.  They're definately in my top 3 bands I have seen live.  They had potent stage presence and Dustin Kensrue just commands respect from that stage.  He has a monsterous voice and there is something soulful about the whole set of Thrice.

On the night I get to see them live for the 1st time, Dustin comments: "I heard there are some South Africans in the house?" (that may be due to him being interviewed by a fellow South African for a local music mag earlier that evening) and me and the few others in the crowd raised our hands and cheered enthusiastically and Dustin chuckles in reply: "All fourteen of you."

I was wondering if the people in the audience know the roots of the lyrics to many of Thrice's songs.  Dustin Kensrue being a Christian writes some potent thoughtful lyrics and I can't help but wonder if those words convict the hearts of those who listen and unendlessly scream/sing along with the band.

It was moving to see the crowd sing along in anthem harmony to "Come all you who are weary" which is based on Matthew 11: 28 - 30:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

 I have been so impressed with the English culture and their knowledge and passion for music over the past year.  As Thrice rocked throughout their set including songs like: Artist in the Ambulance, The Messenger (based on Isaiah 6 - compare their lyrics and scripture and you will agree with me), All the world is mad, in Exile, The Weight and the ever popular Image of the Invisible it's phenomenal to look around and see everyone singing along seemingly word for word.

Another cool part of the evening is that as Thrice took to stage I was so impressed with how empty it was around the bar.  No one was ordering drinks... as this incredible band exploded on stage everyone congregated around as they thoroughly entertained us!

 The show was concluded with their title track of their latest album, Beggars:

"All you champions of science and rulers of men
Can you summon the sun from it's sleep?
Does the earth seek your council on how fast to spin?
Can you shut up the gates of the deep?
Don't you know that all things hang as if on a string over darkness, poised to fall?
If there's one thing I know in this life, we are beggars all"

 I was stoked that I got to witness this rocking spectacle!

(see the attached label for more on Thrice)

What I am going to do soon...

I had an Oxford Dictionary in South Africa throughout my school years.
Now that I live near Oxford I am going to buy a Oxford Dictionary in Oxford... now that's worth a blog and a moment :)

Blink 182

When I was a teenager I always hoped to see Blink 182 live.  Now a decade later I got to see them in Belgium at a festival called Pukkelpop.  A week ago today, pretty cool!  they were just like you would imagine: a fun loving punk rock band:

Rob Bell

He probably won't read this.  But I want to thank Rob Bell.  He has inspired me big time.  I may not see him this side of heaven, but it'd be awesome to have a pint with him or coffee or whatever when we get to heaven.  I know he is just a man, I know some people and churches slate him.  Saying his theology is questionable,

But I have been listening to his sermons (podcasts), watched his dvds, read all his books for about 4 years now and I have seen, he is sound.  he is constant.

God is doing great things through him.  he's asking and wrestling with questions that the church has long been silent about and that's what I respect most about him.

So thank you Rob.  When I keep hearing you preach, I want in.  I want to continue to serve God wherever he has placed me.


Check out more about Rob Bell and his church:

http://marshill.org/

Its interesting the people we meet on our life path who make a big impact.  I hope that I have done the same for at least one other.

Is this love or is this business?

Recently I keep hearing people talking about "so and so's partner" or one may say: "my partner this or my partner that"

Reason is that these people are not married and thus can't call their other half: wife or husband.  And if people choose not to marry, that's their choice.  But I dislike the word usage.  PARTNER sounds to business like.
I prefer "boyfriend or girlfriend".  Yes, I still believe at people's older age they can still call the one they're with their boy/girl friend even if their teenage years have long gone.

But for me the word: PARTNER... yuck! Well this is just my opinion. (My blog, remember?)

Negative Speak

I have noticed how some people around me and sometimes even me start our sentences very negatively.

"I'm afraid" I can't help you
"The problem" is that traffic we may encounter when I drop you off.
"The trouble" is...

Those are 3 I can think of offhand... but you get my point.

Sunsets at Shows

I recently went to Pukkelpop 2010 in Belgium to watch Blink 182 live.  After their gig when Iron Maiden were playing i witnessed a spctacular sunset. (Above)

This reminded me of when I was at Sonisphere in the UK almost exactly a year ago during Bullet for my Valentines set I also witnessed and incredible sunset. (Below)