Well, the night didn't start out the best unfortunately. We were standing in line outside the arena when they taped up a notice on the door. Due to sickness, Down didn't play which upset quite a few fans just there to see them. Apparently Phil Anselmo was sick and it seemed like a last minute thing. There was one idiot drunk who began screaming in a loud voice about Down being assholes for not playing. He was soon escorted off the premises, but not after everyone in line was annoyed as hell and telling him to leave. What a dumbshit. Geezus.

I was only really there to see Down and Megadeth myself. I was never a huge fan of Black Sabbath after Ozzy was kicked to the side. I just lost interest in them sadly. Down I was interested in though since the lead singer is the awesome Anselmo from the disbanded Pantera. I never got to see Pantera in concert, so this was a chance to hear at least the shadow of their glory following Dimebag Darryl's death.

We hoped that Megadeth would expand their set to cover for Down, but no such luck. The opening was delayed 45 mins which sucked. It did leave lots of time to stand in line for t-shirts though, which I took advantage of heartily. Dual Megadeth t-shirts, I choose you!

Megadeth kicked ass in a big way, IMO. Unlike most bands I've seen, they didn't leave lots of time between songs for the crowd to get restless, which was a good thing. They started off with a newer song I'm only slightly familiar with, but then launched right into "Wake Up Dead." Good Times!! They played my most fav songs from way back. It was a nice representation of how their style evolved over the years. From the earliest ("Wake Up Dead"), to the "Peace Sells" era, then probably my most fav song of theirs, "In My Darkest Hour." They didn't forget the awesome song "Hangar 18" either. Rust in Peace was a great album with a lot of heavy political messages. I was stoked about them hitting the highlights! I just wish they'd played more songs from that one than they did. Ditto So Far So Good.. So What. That's my all time fav album.

"Sweating Bullets" is a great song and Dave Mustaine gave it his all during it too. He hasn't changed much at all over the years. He's still sexy and dynamic on stage with his growly voice, and damn, can he play the guitar!! And all that long shaggy red hair.... *drools*

"A Tout le Monde" is a good example of their ballad abilities while still keeping a heavy beat. The crowd was really singing along with it too. But the highlight of the concert for me was "Symphony of Destruction." Awesome!!! Things got pretty rowdy down on the floor and even the geezers around me were getting into it.

They were openers afterall, so they didn't get to play a long set. (/me cries) After they left the stage, the crowd started screaming for Dave and he didn't disappoint. They returned and started "Holy Wars." Heehee. Leave it to Dave to poke a stick right in the face of Bush and the war in Iraq.

This kinda surprised me because openers rarely get to do an encore because of lack of time. But I sure wasn't complaining!!! I enjoyed the hell out of it.

We only stayed through H and H's set for a few songs, then we left just as "Voodoo" started. I couldn't really get into the music, though Ronnie James Dio was pretty awesome up there on stage as the frontman. Sabbath just quite wasn't Sabbath for me minus Ozzy.

We weren't the only ones leaving though. There were quite a few. As we left, we were chatting with another couple leaving. They were only there to see Megadeth too. We agreed Megadeth should have rightfully been the headliner of the night, but no such luck. They'll be back though once their new album has hit the stores. I'm sure of it. I think it's due out this month. And when they return as the kings they are, I'm gonna be there!