The weather in Phoenix has been pleasant lately. The temperatures have been moderate and the sun has been shining. All of this set the stage for a great time with some old friends.

Bad Religion was out here for a few days to play some shows. I had known about them since mid-December and had been counting the days down in eager anticipation. It had been a while since I saw all of the guys together (almost a year to the day). The plan was to play in Tucson on March 16th and Tempe on March 17th. There is another show coming up in Vegas on March 28th as well.

I woke up early for me on the 16th. I had done a quick pack of the things that I needed the night before but had not gotten everything completed like I had hoped. I was unsure if I was going to stay in Tucson for the night, so I grabbed some clothes and threw them in a bag. I took a quick shower and ate a quick breakfast and then was on my way.

I made a few pit stops before leaving Phoenix. I had to get gas, get the car washed, get some cash, and most importantly, get Jaw Breakers. After 45 minutes of scurrying around Glendale and Phoenix, I hopped on the I-17 and started heading south. The drive to Tucson was uneventful and went fairly quickly. The weather was great and I was able to ride with the moon roof open for a while.

By the time that I got to Tucson, the gear was already at the venue. As much as I wanted to get there, I had to make a quick pit stop at Brooklyn Pizza. It is almost impossible to find good east coast style pizza so I jump at the chance to grab it when I can. My friend Kathy was working and I let her know that she was on the list for the show that night. I grabbed a couple of slices of mushroom pie, scarfed them down, and then made my way to the Rialto.

I got in and said hello to everyone. There were a few new members of the crew that I had not met, so it was introductions all around. I dropped my stuff and got settled in. I hung there for a little while before the band showed up. Brian and Brooks came rolling in first. Jay showed up with Natalia a bit later. Greg Hetson rounded out the bunch just a little while after that. They ran through a quick sound check and then we all headed back to the green room.

From here, there were a few hours of free time before the show. We sat around and talked for a while, I headed out with Brian and Jay to buy a mini bike for Warped Tour. We hung with some of Brian's friends for a bit and then headed back to the venue. From there, Greg Graffin pulled together the night's setlists. I made my way inside to help prep the stage.

After a quick set change, it was time. Bad Religion took the stage around 8:45, greeting their Tucson fans for the first time in many years. I stayed on Hetson's side of the stage, helping out with any issues on his side. I was able to stash my camera on the soundboard and get some great video of the set. I spoke to Graffin earlier in the night and got the go ahead to rap during Let Them Eat War both nights. I took the stage during my part, doing an abysmal job of it. After an hour and fifteen minutes, the band exited the stage to relax a bit.

I helped with the load out, trying to make things a bit easier for the crew. We got after show food from Brooklyn, so I was able to enjoy a nice meatball sandwich. Because the show was over so early, we were able to leave earlier than I anticipated. I chose not to stay in Tucson, but to head back to Phoenix. I grabbed some supplies and helped make sure that everything was loaded up. Greg Hetson was riding with me, so he grabbed his stuff and we piled into the Accord. We followed Jay out to the I-10 and made the drive to Tempe. We got in early and I dropped Greg off at the hotel. I decided just to head back to my house to spend the night. I got home, cleared out the digital camera, and then nestled into my bed for slumber.