written by Monica milkhomer03@webtv.net

Two words to describe Hanson and their music...just awesome. I was able to attend the Shoreline concert in San Francisco (well, actually Mountain View) and I had the best day ever. Here's how it went:

BEFORE THE SHOW

I got to go to Planet Hollywood in San Francisco where Hanson was going to be for a press conference. I arrived around 11:40 AM and waited there with bunch of screaming, singing girls, who got to be on camera, and were interviewed on the news. Finally, at about 2:15 PM Hanson arrived, and boy, do they cause a commotion! The bus turned onto the street and the crowd just went crazy! Since the bus stopped in the middle of a busy street, angry drivers honked at the thing. (Seeing that people never describe the bus, I guess I will. It was royal blue with tinted windows on the front area of the bus and the back area of the bus. It was huge!) Well, we finally got in, and by that time, Hanson was already talking. Walker was right in front of us and with his camcorder (Ike's Hanson cam) filming the fans and his pride and joy, Hanson. He has a really strange (but also cool) way of filming. He twists the camera around at different angles and stuff. Mr. Hanson was a really nice guy, and if people asked for a picture with or of him, he simply said "You don't want me, you want them." Followed by a smile. Hanson was very polite, funny, and just being themselves. The boys were great, and everyone had a great time.

DURING THE SHOW

Hanson mania. What can I say? It took over the Bay Area on July 15th. Hanson just hit, song after song after song. Seeing them live now makes me more of a fan. Now, I won't tell you what they wore. If you wanted to know, check out the tour pictures at Hansonline. I know you've already heard that "it rocked" from so many people, so I'll just tell you the high and also interesting points of the Shoreline concert.

• ZAC WAS THE MAN. Every time his face showed up on the jumbotron, all you heard was this massive swelling of screams. Taylor came in "a close but not enough" second, with Isaac in third. (Don't worry Ike, I still love ya! We all do.)

• OPENING ACTS. -7:50 PM- Baha Men got the crowd going, and their music was refreshing. I'm even thinking about getting their album. -8:20 PM- Admiral Twin, who played in suits, are a great band. I really liked their sound. Purchasing the album would be a good thing.

• HANSON. Finally, a little after 9 o'clock, Hanson opened with "Gimme Some Lovin'" and the crowd went nuts. Hanson hit all of their songs perfectly. I think I am in love. With their live performances!

•ACOUSTIC SONGS. I loved the acoustic songs!!!! It was like, Hanson in the raw. What you saw was what you got. No backup musicians or anything.

•"MORE THAN ANYTHING." I have to say, that if Isaac ever went solo (God forbid Hanson would ever break up) I know he'd do great. He was just amazing on the keyboards and his voice was beautiful. He sang with so much emotion and feeling. The song was gorgeous. This had to be my favorite part of the concert.

•THE SLIP...AND FALL. During the intro of the backup guys, Taylor took over the drums, and I'm telling you this guy can do anything. He can really keep a beat. So while he did that, Zac sprayed the audience with this giganic water gun. Afterwards, he took to his drumset so he can do his "thing." Taylor got up, and while running to his keyboards, he slipped and fell on his side, because of the water!!! Luckily, nobody really cared and he went on playing the music.

•GLOW IN THE DARK DRUMSTICKS. Zac's drumsticks were really kewl!!!They took the spotlight off of him while he played once so you could see the sticks. He even twirled them to "wow" the crowd. He "wowed" me, alright.

•SUMMERTIME BLUES. Awesome tune. Ike even did "the voice" (see VH1's Before They Were Rock Stars II) which drew squealing from the audience. Ike took over Taylor's keyboards, while Taylor went to people in the crowd, putting the mic on them to sing along. When it comes to hyping up the audience, Taylor is the man.

•ENCORE. The crowd wanted Hanson back. (Don't ever try to fool us again Taylor, with "this is our last song guys"!!!!) The encore of the concert was very cool. I'm sure nobody wanted Hanson to leave (well, maybe a few tired parents). It was a nice way to end the concert with "Weird" acapella. Hanson thanked us "San Francisco" and the fans. The show ended around 10:30 PM.

•MORE COOL POINTS. • Ike getting on Zac's drum platform, and then jumping off! He was really havin' fun. • Ike and Taylor sharing a mic. • The guys pouring their water on the audience and spraying them with water guns.

AFTER THE SHOW. People bought their souvenirs, and these two ladies even got in a fight about who was first in line. I know I left before Hanson did, but it was a long night.

People really exaggerate. They say Hanson fans are all girls, and only one age group, age 8 to 14. On the news and newspapers, they say "not a boy in sight" and I saw "only two guys and maybe some dads." Totally untrue. There were alot a girls, yeah, and there were guys too. Teen guys, and even little boys. Adults who don't even look like fathers yet too showed up. A word of advice: Don't ever believe everything you hear on the news or in the newspaper.

MY OVERALL REVIEW

This concert was the most fun I've had in a long time. It's cool and weird to finally see them live. Most of the time you're watching the TV screen to see Hanson. But one thing is for sure: Hanson sure can play! And they are really talented. I wish them all the luck in the future. If they're ever doing another concert here, I'm there.

- Monica =ž

Still curious about the concert? Email me! Milkhomer03@webtv.net I'll be glad to answer any questions, and make new friends!