BY MAUI CABRAL An 8-year-old's dream come true, 20 years later! Let’s try to keep emotional tears of happiness back on this one. 20...
BY MAUI CABRAL
An 8-year-old's dream come true, 20 years later! Let’s try to keep emotional tears of happiness back on this one.
20 years ago, I was 8 years old and skateboarding in NYC. As my father and I wandered, we ran across a Huge RV/tour bus and outside was a gentleman with a septum (nose ring) and dreadlocks. He just looked cool! Of course, with my innocence I approached this gentleman. There were people (LJ) outside and someone else who was shooting pictures. I couldn’t help but think, I know this guy from somewhere.
So I said, "Hey sir! I know you from somewhere!" He said, "Sup little man! I’m LJ." I said, "Yeah, you do music!" And I asked why they were taking pictures. I don’t remember the full response, but it was somewhere along the lines of "We're getting ready to shoot a video."
I said, "That’s really cool! Ya know, one day, I’m gonna do that for you!" He gave me a fist pump and said, "Right on, little man!" I literally have waited 20 years to make that happen! September 22, 2024 was the day. Now that we’re ready to tear up a bit let’s get to the review.
Opening up were 3 bands I’ve heard of but never really looked into. First, Horizon Theory! Holy crap, these guys did not disappoint. The energy build-up was incredible.
Second, Return To Dust. For some reason I did not expect a group of shirtless guys to come out and headbang the way they did. Hell, my neck hurt from just watching them. However, beautiful performance!
Third was 10 Years. I’ve heard of these guys before. Man, I must say their performance was pretty damn good! Sound was off at the beginning, but once the sound tech got ahold of it, oh, they shredded! Towards the end of their set I came to the realization that SEVENDUST was next.
My fiance, brother, and friends were there cheering me on to go make my DREAM a REALITY. I couldn’t help but smile. You got this. You got this. I FUCKIN GOT THIS. Finally , ITS SEVENDUST TIME! As the lights dimmed, I bowed my head and repeated, Let’s do this!
The guys hit the stage and there we were. I was 8 years old again. I couldn’t help but smile. Looking at this man I’ve met now twice, once as a little boy & again in Charlotte, NC on the last tour. LJ looks around, and looks directly at me. Smiling from ear to ear, he began!
First was “DISEASE.” I stood back one second to just look at all of them and got to it. Second was the song I’ve always loved, “ENEMY.” At this point I’m smiling ear to ear, switching from camera to camera, one in manual focus, which is always a challenge but I was up for it. I lean in to grab a picture and LJ comes right on up. With a head nod, like “Get this one” and I did! I couldn’t help but sing along just as loud as the crowd behind me! Even turning around a time or two to high five folks in the crowd having as much fun as I was.
Third was “SEASONS,” which is the name of the album that reached an amazing anniversary. Celebrating the 21st anniversary, LJ paused to talk to us. With emotion in his eyes, he thanked us. I couldn’t help but feel completely overwhelmed with how beautiful that is. I shot so many pictures to just remember this night. I walk up to my fiance and friends and am welcomed by a “YOU DID IT!” Fighting back tears, I said “I damn sure did.”
SEVENDUST is one of those bands you need to step back and just watch.. These guys are passionate and you can tell. Incredibly happy I got this opportunity. Shortly after the show , We end up spending time with the man himself, LJ, where we spoke and he even said “Your Freaking did it man! I’m proud.” To hear that... Boy oh boy, words can’t express the gratitude and happiness.
As we hung out with him a bit and I took photos of my friends and family, and of course some fans with LJ. An amazing end to a perfect night. As we all separated and went our ways. A night to always remember.
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- JOSH "MAUI" CABRAL
Hey! I'm Maui. Originally from Queens, New York, now making Raleigh, NC my new home. I'm a touring photographer and Nomadic Motorcycle Rider, obsessed with seeing the world through different lenses!
Read Maui's posts here
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