Binghamton Article

Spiediefest Balloon Rally
Binghamton, NY
August 3, 2003
Story by Susan Muir
Photos by Heather D’Amico and Susan Muir

We arrived at the venue about 4 pm and waited for the guys to return from a radio station interview. Ashley had missed his flight in and things were a little behind schedule, but the meet and greet started more or less on time about 5 pm. While Mike Morin was up on stage dealing with a major technical problem, the keyboard player, Clyde, was a great organizational help with the fans and it’s easy to see the group’s affection for him.

Although the humid, threatening weather prevented the colorful hot air balloons from filling the sky, nothing could keep avid O-Town fans from flocking to see their favorite group in concert at Spiediefest in Binghamton, NY. This was O-Town’s third last concert before their break and they threw their heart and soul into it like the true professionals they are, despite the technical problems, stifling heat and short rain shower (thanks partially to Trevor!) that drenched the crowd midway through the show.

After several opening acts, the boys took the stage at 6 pm and rocked out to The Joint, electrifying the wilted crowd, many of whom had waited patiently in the heat and sun since early that morning to see O-Town in action. The fans love the vibe and energy of this song and it is a perfect opening number. Next came ‘We Fit Together’, ‘Suddenly’, ‘Over Easy’ and ‘From The Damage’ from “O2”, followed by ‘Every Six Seconds’ and ‘Girl’ from their debut album.

Thanks to a special messenger from California, the guys were thrilled to receive more fan messages from Inside O-Town as you can see! They gave out lots of hugs and made each fan feel special, telling them how much they appreciated their continued support. After the meet and greet was over, we chatted to one of the opening acts, Autumn Hawk, and one of her dancers was kind enough to bring us some water while we waited for the technical problems to be resolved and things to get underway. Just minutes before it began, we were informed we could shoot the entire show, which was an unexpected but very welcome bonus!

‘I Showed Her,’ ‘Love Should Be A Crime’ and ‘American Game’ were performed flawlessly, with strong emotion from Dan and Erik on the former and Jacob and Dan on the latter.This anthemic song written by Dan and Jacob never fails to evoke a powerful reaction and that day was no exception. Having finally seen it performed live, it remains a mystery why this incredible 100% O-track, which has attained near cult status with fans, was not part of "O2."