The Bay Strikes Back Tour: Part 2

Austin 10/01/22

The Bay Strikes Back Tour: Part 2-[IMG=Y6B]
[CI] So a couple of months ago, I attended what was probably my most anticipated

So a couple of months ago, I attended what was probably my most anticipated show up until that point. Testament, Exodus, and Death Angel. Three of my favorite bands all at the same show. This took place at The Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey, on the first leg of The Bay Strikes Back Tour.

I still consider that to be one of the best shows I’ve been to, but not long after the tour ended, it was announced that they would do a second leg of the tour in the coming months after that. Eventually the tour dates were revealed, and it turned out that there was no New Jersey date that time around. The closest shows were either in New York City, or in Pennsylvania. I decided to go with the show in Pennsylvania, because the tickets were a bit cheaper and it was less of hassle than trying to get in and out of New York City on a Saturday night.

This show was held at the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. It was only an hour away, which definitely isn’t too bad of a drive. I showed up relatively early, but there was already a big line outside of the venue. Eventually we were allowed in the venue and I immediately went to the merch area. Since I already got a Testament tour shirt last time, I decided to get an Exodus tour shirt this time around.

After I hit the merch area, I started to head towards the stage area. Well as it turns out, there weren’t many people actually over there yet. I was able to get pretty close to the stage. There were maybe about three people in the way of me being front row. I wasn’t even expecting to get anywhere near front row, because I wasn’t able to get anywhere close to it at the show in New Jersey a couple months prior.

Death Angel

Just like last time, Death Angel was the first band to come on. They played a killer set as usual and I headbanged my ass off. The setlist was pretty much the same as the last time I saw them, except instead of Claws in So Deep, they played Caster of Shame. They always have a great energy live, and they’re still at the top of their game at this point in their career. I almost got one of the setlists that was thrown into the crowd, but some older guy took it out of my hand when I caught it. Go figure. I did end up getting some goodies from the other two bands, so it wasn’t that big of a deal.

Exodus

After Death Angel finished their set, I was able to get to front row somehow. This was really exciting for me, because that would mean that I would get to not only see Exodus front row, but Testament as well. And if you know anything about me, then you know Testament is my favorite band. Exodus is in my top five too, so it was a really cool experience.

Exodus also pretty much had the same setlist as last time, except instead of Only Death Decides, they played Piranha. I’m not complaining though, seeing Exodus from that up close was an amazing experience. I probably destroyed my neck the most when they were playing Deathamphetamine, but that’s to be expected because of how fast it is. It’s pretty crazy to think that Tom Hunting can still play like that after surviving stomach cancer.

While Exodus was playing Blacklist, there was some asshole in the crowd who was trying to push people out of the way in the front row, in an attempt to get front row himself. He was an older guy too, he almost looked like he was 60. Eventually a security guard took notice of this, and yelled to him that he’d get kicked out if he didn’t stop. And well, he didn’t stop. The security guard asked me to move over so he could get over the fence to kick the guy out, and I gladly stepped aside to let him over. It was really satisfying to watch that old prick get what he deserved. The show went on as normal after that and there were no more problems like that.

At the end of Exodus’ set, I was able to catch a guitar pick from none other than Gary Holt himself. Oddly enough, the pick had Lee Altus’ name on it. It was definitely Gary who threw the pick, so I guess Gary just had one of Lee’s picks for some reason. I was also able to get an Exodus setlist. It was kinda beat up and ripped, but it’s still a setlist after all. If anything that just makes it more authentic. I definitely had a great time seeing Exodus perform from that up close, but it was time to see my favorite band of all time from front row. I saw Testament once before this, but this was about to be something special.

Testament

If you told me after I saw Testament for the first time, that I would not only see them again in less than six months, but that I would also see them front row, I wouldn’t have believed you. But that’s exactly what happened. I never even thought that to be possible but I guess life can be full of surprises. It was definitely an experience that I’ll never forget.

Testament’s setlist was a bit different this time, and they played a couple of songs that they didn’t play last time. This included Rise Up, Native Blood, First Strike is Deadly, and my favorite song of all time, The Formation of Damnation. I think I definitely destroyed my vocal chords by screaming all the words to that song, but it was well worth it. It was also cool to see some songs from Dark Roots of Earth on the setlist. But of course, Testament never disappoints, and they put on a great show.

While they were playing Electric Crown, Chuck Billy was throwing guitar picks out into the crowd. He threw one directly towards me and I was able to catch it. So that was really cool. Also at some point during their set, I saw somebody who was crowd surfing and he just got dropped to the floor. I think he ended up being okay but it was pretty funny to witness. I almost was able to get my hands on a Testament setlist, but the person next to me ended up getting it. Oh well. But overall, it was a great experience. Being able to witness three of my favorite bands from that up close is definitely something I’ll never forget. This may just have been the best show I’ve ever been to.

Exodus setlist