On today's episode, I'm going to be doing a bit of a departure episode. I just got back from vacation and I have some podcast guests lined up for this weekend and next weekend.
On Monday, I learned on Instagram that two of my favorite bands, two of which we've already covered extensively on this podcast, are going to be doing a co-headlining show at Chain Reaction in Anaheim California on Friday night.
The two bands are none other than Taking Back Sunday and Jimmy Eat World.
Now, this is a pretty unique and special thing. Chain Reaction is a smaller Southern California venue and the thought of being one of the lucky souls watching these two iconic behemoth bands performing in such a place has me all sorts of excited.
Chain holds up to 250 people total, and they nearly shut down in 2020, due to Covid19 and being closed for so long.
Chain Reaction holds a special place in my heart. Gametime was fortunate enough to play there many times throughout our travels in a place they say glistens gold.
There is so much history at Chain. When you walk inside, the venues walls are covered with t-shirts from bands that have played there over the years. You can also find a good assortment of band stickers on things, too.
We played there with Don't Look Down, Dogwood, Off The Record, and many great local bands.
It's like most venues that have stood the test of time in that it's dark, it has a venue-like smell (usually stale booze spills), and the faintest hint of sweat.
My partner Pamela and I went to LA a couple of years ago and she surprised me with a ticket to a Chain Reaction show. Bristol to Memory, Odd Robot, and one other band played and it was so much fun. It had been at least 15 years since I had stood in that tiny all ages venue. It immediately transported me back.