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Home > Austin Music Source > Archives > 2009 > November > 20 > Entry

Fans already lining up for tonight’s Blue October show

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Photo by Rodolfo Gonzalez/Austin American-Statesman

Tonight and Saturday’s show are the only two the band has scheduled right now. The Austin/San Marcos band canceled its “Pick Up the Phone” Tour late last month because singer Justin Furstenfeld had been hospitalized after suffering a massive anxiety attack. (Read our interview with him here.)

Blue October fans, which include “Twilight” author Stephenie Meyer, are a passionate and dedicated bunch, and have already started lining up outside Stubb’s for tonight’s sold-out show.

Mike Oshel, 37, and Courtney Gustafson, 34, were undeterred by the Friday morning rainstorm. “When it comes to Blue October, we don’t waver,” Gustafson said. Having missed their flight from Salt Lake City, UT, they said they felt lucky to make it to Austin on standby. The pair estimated they spent more than $1,000 on airfare and hotel to see their favorite band.

Florida couple Jaime Taylor, 39 and Michael Taylor, 41, drove 17 hours from St. Augustine and got in line outside Stubb’s at 7:30 a.m. Friday. There were eight fans already there, as the line started at 5 a.m. “We had tickets to all four Florida shows,” Jaime Taylor said. “We were pretty devastated when they were canceled, though the important thing is that Justin gets well.” Asked to explain their devotion, Jaime Taylor said, “When he sings, even in a big crowd, it feels like Justin’s singing just to you.”

Check back for our interview with Furstenfeld, who talks about what he experienced, and for photos from tonight’s show.

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By John

November 20, 2009 4:34 PM | Link to this

I cannot for the life of me imagine a local band that I have less interest in than Blue October. Their popularity amongst the Hot Topic Twilight saddoes is just baffling to me. It’s not as if it’s a genuinely GOOD and influential alt-rock goth icon like Robert Smith and The Cure, just some active rock sturm and drang that stinks up 101X from time to time.

By tangbang

November 20, 2009 10:54 PM | Link to this

love the song kangaroo cry<33 they’ve changed their sound like all bands do but have still kept their unique traits, allowing them to develop

By Angele Tenberg

November 21, 2009 12:04 AM | Link to this

I first saw Blue October 3 years ago at Bocktoberfest in Shiner, TX. I went primarily to see Godsmack but when Blue October got up on the stage, they blew me away. I’ve seen them 19 times since with NH being the farthest that I’ve traveled to see them. My daughters and I waited in line at Stubbs tonight for 4 hours to get a good spot up front and as always, it was so worth it! They put on a hell of a performance! I can’t wait to do it again tomorrow night!!

By Chelsea

November 21, 2009 12:10 AM | Link to this

It’s incredibly disappointing that Twilight fans are flocking to my very favorite band. It feels as though they’ve sold out. I love that they’re getting more fans, but did they really have to use Twilight as an outlet?

By Darcie

November 21, 2009 12:33 AM | Link to this

If you have no interest, you have no need for this band. Blue October is for many people what the Cure is for you. I can appreciate the Cure and their music, and would not take the time to track down an article about them just to rip on their fans and plug a band that I like better. I can assure you that the last thing that Justin Furstenfeld of Blue October is looking for is the label of alt-rick goth icon, or any restricting label in regards to himself, his band or most importantly his music and lyrics. As a Blue October fan, I understand this just as any fan of their amazing ability to relay true hurt and feeling from minds that may not be as equipped as I am sure yours is. I assume by your comment that you probably have never heard most of Blue October’s music and felt its emotion, and if you have and still don’t like it, well… its like I said, then you don’t need it. Fans identify with the rawness of this band to the extent that I am sure sometimes we wish that we were in your shoes, unaware of the profound gravity that is Blue October.

By Penny Roote

November 21, 2009 2:42 AM | Link to this

This is a band thats sings about what a lot of us goes through. Not all of us may agree with their lyrics, but their music is not for everyone. Thank you Blue October for staying true to who you are.

By S. Orr

November 21, 2009 3:37 AM | Link to this

I would love to be in Austin for one of these shows right now! BO is an amazing group of artists and they mean much more to their fans than the average band. You have to get it to get it. I know they’ll be awesome!

By Paula

November 21, 2009 7:17 AM | Link to this

Kinda bummed I can’t make it to these 2 shows, but so happy for the fans who can and for the band members themselfs, knowing everyone is doing well, ready to rock it. Blue October and the fans connect on one level or another through the music, either you get it or you don’t,thier live shows are kickass will take you through every emotion and back again.

By emme

November 21, 2009 7:54 AM | Link to this

“When it comes to Blue October, we don’t waver,” I truly know the feeling! In fall I traveled 1800 miles together to a different country just to see them play on stage. They are amazing and genuine musicians! My love and support will always be with them!

By Cryron5

November 21, 2009 8:36 AM | Link to this

This is the worlds greatest band! Real life raw emotions real music! It speaks to your soul. Wish I could be here this weekend. I know it’s gonna be a great one.

By Jenni

November 21, 2009 10:03 AM | Link to this

I can’t remember the last time I’ve been this exited about a band! Blue October is absolutely the best band out there right now. They are so deverse, there is a song for every mood. You can not get bored with Blue October!

By Kim

November 22, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this

I can’t wait to see the pictures and read the interview with Justin. As a dedicated Blue October fan, I was crushed when the PUTP tour was cancelled, but I do understand that illness can strike at any time and the most important thing is to take care of yourself when that happens. I would definitely be in Austin tonight if not for family obligations that prevented that from being feasible. The music of Blue October touches fans on a much deeper, emotional level than anything I have ever seen before. I understand that not everyone “gets it”, and for those that don’t, this music is not for you. But to the ones that understand what’s it’s like to listen to Justin sing and have tears streaming down your face because you relate to his lyrics that much, then you know what it is like to be a part of the Blue family. Looking forward to next year so I can hear them live once again.

By Tasia

November 23, 2009 1:24 PM | Link to this

Blue October is a really influential band. Their music touch’s your heart and soul. You can feel its emotions. I haven’t seen them live yet but can’t wait till I can. They are wonderful people that share themselfves with us and I’m thankful for that. Hope those lucky few who went loved the shows!

By Tasia

November 23, 2009 1:29 PM | Link to this

Blue October is the best band ever. Why because they share a piece of themselves. With real life emotions thoughts situations. You can feel the power of their words. Not everyone can understand it but for those of us that do it means something. To those lucky people that got to go the concerts I hope they enjoyed it.

By kearbears

November 23, 2009 3:53 PM | Link to this

I sure wish I could have been at these concerts. Hope everyone had fun! Blue October writes great music.

By Terri-lynn

November 24, 2009 10:30 AM | Link to this

I am so happy Justin is feeling better. When I first heard about him cancelling in October, I had such a sinking feeling in my soul…we oftentimes forget that our heroes are human. Blues voice is the voice for mental health, and I’m am very proud to be a fan, and very proud of Justin and all the guys, for fighting the good fight!! Welcome back!!

By rebekah stigall

December 14, 2009 3:33 PM | Link to this

I’m not quite sure how i came about Blue October. but i do know that they saved me.. their music is like a medication, or a way of helping those who go through the same things. my friend whom i love very much had played blueoctober when i was in pain and blacking out.. i dont remember what had happend but i do remember his voice and justins voice..saying everythings is gunna be ok..its does really help you reach further out of the blue…i want to say thank you to ryan, justin, C.B,jeremy and matt.. thank you for everything you did.. all loves, <3 bekah<3

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