Heading up the 101 Freeway to Hollywood. Today is one of the biggest venues we've ever played to date- The Troubadour.

Here we are driving down Hollywood Blvd. Within a few blocks from this photo are the Hollywood Walk of Fame (the sidewalk with all the movie stars' names on it,) the Chinese Theater, all the huge record labels, and more tattoo parlors than you've ever seen.

Here's the place where all the magic happens. Practically any band that remotely enjoyed success has played here. Few places can boast more rock and roll history. We even got our name up on the marquee, rock and roll!

Bands at the Troubadour are treated like rock stars. We were given a cooler full for water, soda, and beer and actually had stagehands help us on and off the stage with our gear. Once a Hero has never received such treatment. Don't worry, it's not going to our heads.

We were first on the bill. We didn't know what to expect, because our style was slightly different from the rest of the bands, but by the time we were done, the show had already sold out, the room was packed, and we played to a crowd who seemed to dig us and cheered us on. In fact, Adam's drumsticks and Jon's guitar picks and our setlists became souvenirs for some people at the front who wanted them. Our energy and musical quality was definately on tonight, and this was one of the best shows we've ever played.

Local band Vice was after us. They're pretty much straight up LA rock, and put on a good show. Following us was Raging Speedhorn from Colby, England. They were the shit- hard rock with metal-ish vocals. We talked to these guys a bit before the show about England and their trip to LA, and they were super nice guys. Good luck on the rest of your tour!

Fourth on the bill was one of the 2 headliners, Josh Todd. This guy used to be the frontman for Buckcherry, which some of you may remember from mainstream radio. Aparrently, a group of struggling musicians placed an add in the paper for a vocalist, and Josh Todd answered. The music was basically punkish hard rock with hard rock/metal vocals. In the picture you might be able to see some of Todd's tattoos.

Finally, the Murderdolls tore down the house. This band is composed of members of Slipknot and Static-X. They come off at first as a metal band with crazy vocals and Marilyn Manson style appearance and show. They take a more light-hearted, almost humorous or cynical approach to it, though, with songs like "People Hate Me," and "Die my Bride." We usually don't play shows with bands like these, but we're all really glad we got to see them.

Well, after a full week and a half of hardcore driving and playing shows, Once a Hero will be taking a well-earned day off tomorrow in the LA area before we drive to Las Vegas for some classic American fun and rock and roll, before heading down to Alex's hometown of San Diego for the weekend. Keep checking back with us; more exciting adventures from the Shock and Awe Tour '03 are sure to follow.

-Once a Hero