August 3rd, 2005 - the day that changed my life when I first saw 10 years perform.

It was at the Ventura Majestic, an early birthday present from my rather generous older brother. A good part of the time was spent in front of the line in the late afternoon, watching the friendly "roadies" walk back and forth from their white mini-van, unloading gear and occasionally striking up a few small conversations with them, passing the time before the show started. I even had lunch at the same place two of them did... As the Majestic doors opened and we rushed to our spots (up front and center!), my brother and I talked a little about the anticipation of watching David Draiman and the Disturbed boys take stage. Ill Nino was supposed to have performed first, but their management failed to let them in on their scheduled appearance that night. The crowd mulled about, waiting for an unknown band that called themselves "10 years" take the stage...
Out of the blue, the "roadies" we had befriended hours before walked on and started their 45 minute set (I distinctly remember my brother and I looking at eachother in a moment of sheepish realization befitting a movie - the roadies were, all along, the opening band!).
I can't forget the impact of not only seeing but hearing them dominate that stage for the first time... Energetic and flawless, they had a profound presence and obvious love of what they did, and it infected the crowd, for sure.
The moment over, after thunderous ovational applause, Disturbed took command...
Without disrespect to them, I walked away from the Majestic that night in amazement at those five mistaken "roadies" who, in my opinion, outshined their seasoned veteran headliners.

The rest, they say, is history.

A year later, I got a tattoo of their "Autumn Effect" cover art done on my left arm as a personal 'thank you' for the inspiration and strength they've given, and as a symbol to all who witness it of what the universal power of music can do.