Photo By 1st Lt. William Marquez | Phil Buckman, bassist for the rock band Filter, thumps away at the bass during the...... read more read more
Subscribe
By Spc. Adrian Muehe
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq - Service members and civilians poured into the Sustainer Theater Sept. 21 to see the rock group Filter as they performed for the troops at Joint Base Balad, Iraq.
They are one of several bands that tour the country but for these guys coming over here and rocking for the soldiers strikes a note on a personal level.
“A friend of ours, Justin Eyerly, who created the first Filter web site when he was 14, joined the Reserves and deployed here and was killed in Baghdad,” said Filter front man Richard Patrick. “This helped make us feel that this [war] is real and, honestly, we felt like it [touring] needs to be done. We heard that there’s a lot of soldiers that really miss the rock while their over here.”
This is the third time that Filter has toured Iraq. The first time they came here was in support of Operation MySpace, a concert for the troops during which they played along Jessica Simpson, The Pussycat Dolls, and Disturbed.
After playing that show, it made them want to come here and do it again, said Patrick. “After the show, the soldiers are really excited about it and really thankful,” said Patrick. “It’s really just a great way to get their minds off the war for a minute, to relax. Nothing says relaxing like a mosh pit.”
The band hit the stage, playing through a list of songs from their new album as well as earlier fan favorites. They took it down a couple of notches to play their hit ballad “Take a Picture,” then progressed their way back up to end with their popular song “Hey Man Nice Shot.”
For this song, Patrick turned the microphone to the crowd during the chorus while the troops of JBB shook the walls of Sustainer Theater, screaming in unison.
As is tradition for musical artists and celebrities that visit troops overseas, Filter did a meet-and-greet autograph session and took photos with service members. Along with the autographed merchandise, they handed out discount cards to buy Filter music.
Fans lined up to the stage for their chance to meet the musicians. They ranged from the hardcore Filter fans to the casual concert lover who wanted to see what Filter was all about.
“I’ve known of Filter for years, and it’s really nice to have this opportunity to come see these guys in person,” exclaimed Capt. A.K. Jacobsen, battle captain with the 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), and an Emery, Utah, native. “I think it’s awesome that they take the time to come here. These guys really don’t need to do this, but it’s cool that they put on these free concerts. It really boosts morale.”
With Operation New Dawn being the final stage of U.S. Forces operating in Iraq, Filter doesn’t see themselves coming here again, but they plan on playing for troops in other places to continue honoring their fallen friend.
“There’s always Afghanistan, depending on the security situation there,” said Patrick on future plans. “There are also places like Fort Bragg, where we can play for soldiers back home. We’re going to be doing this thing with [a sponser] where they bring in a pop-up stage and were going to play a show for soldiers and family members.”
| Date Taken: | 09.21.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 09.26.2010 06:52 |
| Story ID: | 56987 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE BALAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 455 |
| Downloads: | 4 |
This work, Filter rocks Iraq in memory of band friend, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT