Bad Religion's next show after Phoenix was in San Diego. I had planned on getting out there one way or another. I was able to get a spot on the bus and slept overnight on the way to San Diego. I went to sleep around 2 and woke up at 8:30 in a different state. It was great.

After getting up and getting organized, I hung out with the gang for a bit. They were unable to get into the venue yet, so we sat around drinking coffee and talking. Load in at Soma was going to be available at 11 and I knew that lunch would follow shortly after. I grabbed my stuff, got a ride to the hotel that I would be staying at, and got checked in. I dropped my stuff, grabbed a quick shower, and then headed back over.

The next 6 hours went by quicker than I had wanted. I got lunch with everyone, dining on some In-N-Out on the deck. After eating, there was a large shopping center across the street which I hit up. I rated a Home Depot bathroom, found postcards for my nieces, and grabbed a few drinks for later. I got back to the venue in time for the soundcheck. The soundcheck was pretty cool as there were some contest winners there that got to hang out and meet the band. The soundcheck wound down, and plans were put in place for dinner.

Dinner tonight was amazing. Rick found a sushi place that was very close to the venue. It had great ratings, so he, I, Jay, Brian, and Jamie hit it up. The pricing scheme was weird; everything was listed at twice the price but also always half off. Regardless, the sushi that came out was well prepared and delicious. When world travelers and food connoisseurs like it, you know that it is good. We wrapped up dinner and headed back, disappointed only that we were not going to be able to hang with Morrissey who was playing next door at the Sports Arena.

Emily Davis And The Murder Police opened the show again and once again killed it. I purchased their cd the night before and was really excited to be able to catch the band again.. Dave Hause and the Mermaids were up next. They played another terrific set. The air was a little somber as this was the last show that they were doing out on the tour. They finished shortly before 9 and the stage was turned for BR.

The BR show was great as always. The lighting and sound was dead on. The weather was great and a few large doors were left open, so the stage wasn't too hot. The band ripped through another 75 minute set, closing out with a few classics. As always, the show wrapped with heartfelt thank yous to the crowd. It is rare to see such true appreciation these days.

After the show was a rush. I just hung around. I said goodbye to Greg as he started his long journey back to his place. I sat around backstage and on the bus for a while, drinking beers and enjoying the last of my time. Shortly before midnight, I called it a wrap. I said goodbye to everyone, got a terrible ride back to my hotel, and got some sleep.

I'm lucky to have seen everyone again and thankful that I was able to create some awesome new memories.