Doc Hop

Addam and I have been peabodies since my freshman year in college, shortly after the group added Fergie and  headed into their first tour as a foursome. We saw them play a half-empty James Madison University convention center in 2004, slowly sneaking closer to the stage with every song. It was one of the first shows we saw together, and one that’s stayed with us despite the hundreds we’ve seen since.

I remember hanging out outside the building after the show, watching as roadies lugged equipment onto the tour bus. I remember the shock I felt when I saw Apl.de.ap bring out an amp, followed by Taboo. I remember chatting with them about how much I enjoyed the performance — grabbing autographs and waiting an hour for Will.i.am to make his way to the bus. I remember how suave and soulful he was once he did. I remember Fergie taking her sweet ass time to make it out of her dressing room and having to line up for her autograph, not knowing if she’d stop and sign the 8″x11″ photo I had of the opening band. I remember how happy I was when she did. I remember that she was short, sweet and soft, and I remember telling her how much I enjoyed the show. I remember her sincere smile as she thanked me and moved on to the next adoring fan.

It was an amazing night, and I’ve enjoyed seven fabulous years of Black Eyed Peas music since. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end…or at least take a hiatus.

On Nov. 23 Addam and I went to final Peas show before the group decided to take a break and spend some time exploring their own pursuits. As sad as it was to say “see you later,” we had to be there to to bid them farewell.

The show was significantly larger than the first performance Addam and I attended. We biked and bused to the  Dolphins‘ Sun Life Stadium around 6:00 p.m. and grabbed a drink before making our way to our seats.

We were in the nose bleed section, but this time around the entire stadium was so packed that we couldn’t make our way to the front. There was an obnoxious number of children and families around us, but nothing could hamper our good time. We were standing and dancing from the opening number to the final curtain call.

Sean Kingston opened the show, followed by T-Pain, Jason Derulo and The Lady Killer — Cee Lo Green, featuring Goodie Mob. Queen Latifah hosted the event, and even performed a number with Cee Lo. Trick Daddy also made an appearance during Green’s performance, making it the highlight of the night’s opening acts. (Check out the last link for a video Addam shot.)

But as much fun as I had pre-gaming — nothing could compare to seeing the Peas.

The group pulled out all their greatest hits — from Don’t Phunk to my Heart to I Gotta Feeling to Imma Be. While the crowd kept it from being as personal an experience this time around, the group was just as excited and energetic as they were in 2004. (The light show, however, was definitely a vast improvement. There was no doubt that the Peas have been pulling in the big bucks.)

There were so many high points to the show, but my favorites were probably Will.i.am’s freestyle, Will’s T.H.E./Go Hard performance and Fergie’s rendition of Glamorous. The hardest part, for everyone, was watching the band make its final exit.

I could tell that they didn’t want to call it a wrap because of how long it took them to do so. They drug out their final song and pulled their entire crew on stage for a group photo. While the audience was flooding to the stadium’s many exits to beat a rush of late night traffic, Addam and I held on to each moment and didn’t move to leave until all four members had left the stage. As much as we hope to see them again, we couldn’t help but feel that this may be our last chance to celebrate with one of our favorite groups.

As we left I couldn’t help feeling that the wheel had come full circle. Addam and I have been with the Peas from the beginning, and we were there for what could be the end. I can only hope that this won’t be the last time we see them.

We called a cab to take us home and crawled into bed to rest up for Thanksgiving, both hoping that the band’s hiatus would be a short one.

“We can’t help that we popular; And all these folks want to flock to us; Come to a show and just rock with us; A million plus with binoculars.” — The Black Eyed Peas, Imma Be (2010).