Mac's "Behind the Scenes" Memories

Well, here goes. I hate writing. Hate is a strong word. Let’s rephrase that. I really , really don’t like writing. Maybe it’s something that happened or didn’t happen in school. I just don’t like sitting down and writing or in this case, typing stuff out. I like to talk. Maybe I should just do a podcast instead. Anywho, here is a recap of my memories from the first week of the tour. I know, I know, this is a little late. I should have done it a few days ago. Just be glad it’s getting done at all.
I’m going to stick to the behind the scenes memories. The stuff you may not have heard a lot about. You all have heard by now about how great the tour shows went. We had a great time learning some new stuff and working through all of it. Seems like we’re more determined now than ever to give you guys a great show. We’re still working on the list. Tweeking and changing and moving and listening - trying to make this thing the best that it can be. Sorry. Rambling again. Back to the memories.

First off- Fairfax , Virginia. We had played here a while back with Toby and had a great turnout. I think this one was even better. I’ve got one word for you- barbeque. The Ryun brothers from D.C. (Ned and Drew) brought us ribs from my favorite rib place - Old Glory Barbeque in Georgetown. If you are ever in the area check it out. Also the best corn muffins I have ever had. We had eaten there a few years ago and have tried to get back every chance we can, which is not very often.
Second of all- Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. We have played here several times but it has been a few years. Mark, David, Hogan (DCB), and myself went to Barnes and Noble and hung out for a couple of hours. I swear Mark and I could spend all day there. Checked out a couple of comic books (okay , they are called graphic novels now I’ve heard). Had great conversation with Hogan about music and Batman. Enjoyed a soy White Chocolate Mocha. It’s the little things, guys. Mark and I played Yahtzee during dinner. I won the first round but he won the second game which was a lightning round one roll apiece each time ‘cause we had to hurry and get to meet and greet. Sid Bream from the ‘92 playoff Braves was at the show. After the show (which rocked, but you already know that) we signed some outside by the bus and I had a good hang time with Wendy, Rob, and Sarah. It was freezing.
Third off- Ohio was way to cold. Way to cold. I got out of the bus and said, “why. why?” It just was not fun being outside. We went to a hotel because there were not showers at the school. Mark, Scotty, and I went to Cracker Barrel after the hotel stop. Mmm, Mmmm. You will notice food being a big part of this tour. Oh yeah- saw this dude with a killer mullet. Tried to take his picture with Mark’s phone but it didn’t work for some reason. Your loss. Last, but most definitely not least- Ypsi...Yips....Yyhpsi.. Michigan. Cold once again. Please groundhog. Please why can’t you see your shadow, or not see it . Oh, I can’t remember. Whatever it is that makes the spring come sooner. This is ridiculous. I’m starting to think those environment people may not be so crazy. Seems colder than ever. Why? Anyway, Daytona 500 is a good memory. Even if my guy didn’t even break the top 10. Our friend Jon Bull hung out for a little bit. Some nuns came to the show. Random memories for you.

Comments

[Marjan VandenBrink]

Hello Mac,

I loved what you had to say. I think that you write very well. You are definitely one of the best song writers in the world. The songs that have come out of you guys are amazing and very powerful. Looking forward to meeting all five of you on April 1st at the Gommer Gathering. I just ordered a shirt over the internet. I love all five of you. My friend and I are traveling all the way from Edmonton, Alberta to go to Gospel Music Week. This has been a dream of mine for many years. Now my dream is coming true, I am looking forward to meeting you all to say thank you for making me a better person. You are all very special to me. Love Marjan(Janitijie Gommer)

[David S.]

Hi, Mac!

Will be seeing you all in Grand Prairie! We'll have an acquaintance of yours...Debbie P. from Nashville. My 9 year old son has taken up the guitar b/c of you guys. Says he wants to be in a Christian rock group like 3D! He has wanted to see you all in concert for a while. Oh, yea...he has no idea we're going there to see 3D. Imagine his surprise when we pull up to the Nokia center!

Thanks for your wonderful music and encouraging words...God bless and look forward to seeing you guys!

[mark maynard]

how about playing "billy brown" in louisville? it would be a great concert song...just a thought. keep rockin' guys!

[Stephanie Howell]

Hey Mac!

I enjoyed reading your post. I love how your memories involve food and mullets...

I know you probably get zillions of requests for songs before a concert, but here's one more. My little boy, Justin, loves "Never Bow Down." Only he doesn't call it that. When he told me that was his favorite song, I made sure he knew what it was about, and now everytime we get in the car he says, "Mama, can we hear 'Rack, Shack and Benny?'" We have tickets for the concert in Florence, SC, on April 7th. If you play 'Rack, Shack and Benny,' you might see a six-year old in the audience playing a mean air guitar!

[Kodi Robinson]

Hey Mac!

The show at Ames was the best. I had an awesome encounter with God. The concert I know touched alot of lives. Just wanted to say thanks and please, please, please come back.

[Gregg Watts]

Dear Mac,
My wife and I can't wait for you to get to Dallas.I can't tell you how much your music has ministered to our family. We both run marathons and we get to hear 4 straight hours of Third Day. If I could sum up all of your albums in two words it would be God's Grace. Thank you for using your gifts and talents to bring glory to our Saviour. We continue to pray for your awsome ministry.

[Kara]

Keep it coming Mac. :) Pretty please?

[joanne]

Mac, for a guy that has written some of the best worship songs ever, it's interesting and ironic to find that you don't like write! Hmmm....I just loved this post, especially how food is so integral in these memories! Can't wait to see you guys in sunny California! Will be praying for you guys to stay warm!

Thanks for the blo

[Patti]

Wow Mac! This is so cool to read of the bands experiences on tour. You guys and your music is such an awesome blessing to all us believers! Wherever You Are is an instant love to us. Today so many are struggling with so much and it is so cool to be ministered to through your music. From my 5 yr old grandson to my grown kids and up to our age, we ALL love your music. You should hear Jarret who is 5 sing along to his favorite which he calls the "tunnel" song, and he has me replay it over and over. You guys and other artists are reaching people everywhere. God bless you all and God bless your families for the sacrifice they make while you are on the tour. We will see you in Los Angeles on March 18th!!! Ever consider coming to San Diego again? Saw you at SWC in Del Mar.God bless each and every one of you. In His Love, Patti

[Kenny]

Hey Guys!!
Did you hear about Anthony Burger of the Gaither Vocal Band??? He died on their cruise...during a performance playing "We Shall Behold Him"
Just though I'd let you guys know just incase you didn't know...I think it would be really cool if you guys could think up some sort of tribute to him during your next concert.....he left a great legacy.

[Sara "Bethie Poo"]

I understand the distaste for typing. It seems funny that even though times have changed, we type for e-mail, blogs, im, and text messaging. Who knew that my freshman typing (on a royal typewriter) class would be one of the most applicable! Thanks for writing so that we can feel close to the action. My husband and I are going to Willow Creek and can't wait to see you for the first time! Also, looking for major mullet head. . . that is my husband! You think the south has the gold medal in mullet growing, come to western Iowa!!! most the men in my family could be in a mullet reunion! It is funny, even when the hair starts migrating from the top, it just travles down the back. . .

[Corrine]

See Mac? Now that wasn't too hard, and you did such a great job! Love the random, off-the-cuff memories. Now all you have to do it get yourself that program that makes you able to just speak and your computer types it for you automatically. Just think of the long emails and blog entries and posts you could do with that!

[Sarah]

So, I totally didn't scream like a girl. I am SO much cooler than Wendy. ;) But thanks so much for making memories for us. Lynchburg was such an amazing show. I'm just glad we can help make fun memories for y'all.

Thanks for writing. See y'all soon.

[Wendy]

Okay I really tried not to scream like a girl when I saw my name here...it didn't work. Thanks for writing Mac even though you don't like to...it was great hanging out with you too. You and the rest of the guys are a blessing to me just by how you serve our Lord and your humbleness in doing it. Thanks again and I'll see you soon! God bless!

[Shane Hopkins]

I enjoyed your random memories Mac! I'm guessing you are looking forward to headin back south (I'm comin to the Tampa concert--woohoo!!) I posted a pic with you on my webpage--you should see it! =) I never have liked yahtzee--my rolls are always stinky...Love Barnes&Noble and could easily spend the day there, I'd be in the cookbook aisle though..wish I had gone in there while ya'll were in Lynchburg, lol. Check out www.station2music.com because they are awesome and I want to share them with you =D ok, bye

[Elwood]

Two words for ya..

HSU
Louisville ;-)

Good times Brother...
Keep Preaching a Good Word!

[Nicole Tarmon (Singin' Gomer)]

I was at the Fairfax, VA part of the Third Day tour. It was awesome! A true worship experience!

[JanetRN]

Hey Mac,
I'm with ya on the cold, even though its technically not that cold here in FLA today its been in the 30's which is just not right! Thanks for the update!
Jant.

[Melanie]

What is a soy white chocolate mocha? Is it dairy free? I can't have chocolate or dairy... looking for things I can have can be a challenge. LOL

I love the recap.. thanks! Not bad for a guy who hates to write. :)

I like to write... unfortunately I liket to talk, too.

--Melanie

[Lisa Becker]

Hey Mac,

Hopefully, if you guys come back to Albany, NY for a show I promise that I will make you the best homemade ribs you ever had.

[Deann]

Oh, and Mac, who is your guy in Nascar? I guess it's not mine (Kenseth) because he made top 10 :)

[Lisa]

I am not able to attend your show in Grand Prairie TX, but reading the blogs makes me feel like I'm there with you guys. Thank you for allowing your lives to be used by God to bring us to an awesome place of worship. I have listened to you for about 6 years, and I am just thankful for you!

[Deann]

Thanks so much for writing, Mac! Your behind-the-scenes memories are great! It really shows that you're trying to make the tour great for us, we appreciate it! I was at Muncie (1st row Gomer with my mom) and we really enjoyed the show and liked being your guinea pigs for some new stuff... And your writing this wasn't so bad, was it? Please continue when you can! Thanks again!