My god, if passion for music didn't come through on this post, I don't know what will! Obviously, you had the time of your life Steve. I wish I was could've been there too, although I'm pretty sure I fall into the "whiney punk-assed kid" category.
As crual fate would have it, I'm actually going to Atlanta next week to visit some friends, but had I known about this concert (I never seem to find the time to look up anything powermetal-related online), I probably would've scheduled my trip earlier. Ah wells, there's always next year...
Anyway, I'm happy you had such a f__king blast. Very, very jealous here. Enjoy your 20+ CD's! I'll be crying in the corner if you need to find me.
(By the way, why would people wear earplugs to a concert? Even if it IS loud, doesn't that just drown out everything?)