Fri, Nov. 30, 2002 - The guys started the morning off very early - they were already at the ABC studios in Times Square, NYC practicing "Craving" when I arrived at 6:30am. They did look like they just rolled out of bed and to the studio - Dan in his big grey sweatshirt & blue hat, Ashley's hair was unspiked and gel-less and he had on a grey zip-up sweatshirt , Jacob was covered by his jacket, Erik wrapped up in a black scarf and leather jacket with his head covered in a hat, although Trevor, with his newly trimmed & blonder hair, seemed to have been ready for hours - he had on a yellow button-down shirt tucked in snake-belted jeans and black dress shoes. They seemed to be taking their time rehearsing and talking with the band and GMA staff members. I even snuck in a few smiles to the guys and did receive a few waves/glances back. They left the stage a little before 7:00 AM, when the show started.

In the meantime, the GMA staff was busy trying to accommodate the over-booked show. Unfortunately because they did not account for the size of the guys' stage when giving out the tickets to the show, all those with reservations could not even be allowed in. Nonetheless, a few O-Town fans were able to get inside the actual studio because of the abrupt announcement of this appearance.

At about 7:20 the guys popped out again briefly to rehearse "These Are the Days". They exchanged a few waves to the eager fans cheering them on from outside the windows of the studio before leaving again.

About an hour later the guys came out as GMA was filming a segment with the cook, Emeril, in the same studio. As they set up they also kept an eye on what Emeril was doing - Jacob appeared to be keeping some mental notes on "what he could do with his leftover turkey" as Trevor just about had drool coming out of his mouth and Erik gave a few "Oh, that's interesting" glances.

They must have spent their time backstage getting ready because they came back out looking very spiffy! Ashley spiked his hair & got rid of the sweatshirt, exposing his red & yellow "44" 3/4-sleeve shirt. Dan lost the cap and had his hair neatly gelled with a black button-down shirt with a red tee underneath and his usual jeans. Erik changed into a green jacket with a white tee under & left his khaki pants on. Jacob had the look of a lumber-jack with his orange plaid button-down shirtd to a white thermal underneath, jeans, brown boots and hair tied back. Trevor put on a black shirt and denim jacket on over it.

When they came back from commercial after the cooking segment, Charlie Gibson, the GMA co-host, introduced the guys and mentioned their new album. He said they were happy to have them on again and Dan confirmed that's it's become like a tradition now. When asked how this album was different, Dan explained that they have gotten more involved in it so that they can be sure they are completely happy with the material. Charlie asked about them writing half the songs on the album and Ashley told him said that they did and they kept pushing the album back to make it "perfect". They then performed "TATD".

During the break after their performance, they had a little time to interact with the members in the front of the audience and signed a few autographs. They then gave a special treat and performed "Craving" live on TV for the first time with Jacob on electric guitar and Dan on acoustic guitar. It was all over a little before 9:00 AM.

A few of the pictures I took that morning can be seen here.