Sovereign Center – Reading, PA 2/19/08 Matchbox Twenty – Exile on Mainstream Tour

The night leading up to the show, was like any other concert night, dark, anxiety ridden and full of traffic on the highway. Lauren, Krissy and I set out with the intention of meeting Jen at the Sov Center around 6:30. Well… once we hit 422 near the city of Reading, we found that was not going to be a possibility. It was bumper to bumper traffic at the exit! We passed the time by singing along to our favorite Matchbox songs. About 40 or more minutes later, we finally made it to a parking garage, after I had cut off a bus, sat in some intersections once the light had turned red, and had been re-directed by a cop in a direction I didn't want to go. Once we found a vacant spot in the parking garage, I practically set off at a run towards the Sov Center, with Lauren and Krissy behind me. We dodged an oncoming train (no lie) and made it to the Sov Center during the first opening band MuteMath. We stood in line and bought our soveneirs and then made our way to the floor where our seats were. Jen and Lauren were on the right side of the arena about 13 rows back. Krissy and I were on the left side about 9 rows back. We had really great seats and luckily were sitting next to 2 really cool gals who were just as excited to be there as we were. We came in right at the end of MuteMath's set so we sat and waited for the 2nd opener, Alanis Morrisette to take the stage. Alanis came on around 8 or 8:30 and she opened with "Uninvited" which was amazing! She sang 2 songs I didn't know, some old songs, and most of her old favorites like "You Outta Know" and "Ironic". She even threw on a hot pink boa and sang her slow version of Fergie's "My Humps" which was hilarious. After Alanis, it was time for that dreaded half hour wait before Mb20. I was so excited, I had to go to the bathroom so I ran out to the concession area and the line for the Lady's was INSANE, but I stood in it anyways. I made it back about 10 minutes before matchbox came on and Krissy said she had been having an anxiety attack, thinking I wasn't gonna make it back in time. Lol. A large black curtain was set up at the end of the stage, blocking all view. Krissy and I had a little "Awww kickin it old skool" moment when we saw it, becuz it reminded us of the good ole' YOSLY tour days. Some strange music started and the lights when out and then we heard "Hello Hello Hello" and boom! There was matchbox!!!!!!!! I got so emotional at seeing them again after 5 long years, that I started to cry and so did Krissy, taken from my cue. They opened with How Far We've Come which was the best opener, becuz that song is so catchy and upbeat! They sang 5/6 of the new songs, and most of the old singles. They surprised me when they took it wayyy back and sang Argue! I was surprised to see not many people singing along to that one, but, not Krissy and I. We knew every word and were boppin around singing our hearts out. The highlights of the evening for me were when they sang Downfall, always an emotional favorite of mine. I also enjoyed Argue becuz it took me wayyyy back. I liked when they sang the new song "I'll believe you when" which Rob called the happiest I hate you song ever… and told us all to picture someone we strongly dislike and sing along happily to it!... It was kinda strange to not see Adam up there. I really miss him, it was weird to see a 4 person MB20 instead of a 5 person. I especially missed Adam during moments like the beginning of 3am, where he would do this little jumping thing. All in all, it was another fabulous Matchbox show. After 10 years of being a fan, they still never stop impressing me. I love them so much and I hope they are around for another 10 years becuz I will be right there with them!