Time for a bit of Machine Killer Tour aftermath catch-up! Yes, I know, the Machine Killer Tour’s finale was this month. Sad days, but Edsel has to rest sometime! And he more than deserves it. This tour was absolutely phenomenal. I really hope you got to see it!

Back to the subject at hand: here’s a few things you missed, so let’s get you up to date.

• As you can tell, we have a new Gallery Update banner. I felt like maximalism on both our layout and our old gallery banner wasn’t mathin’.
• 42 images from Dope’s RockCircus interview added. I don’t know when this one was done, it isn’t listed and they don’t actually say during the interview. I’m guessing ’99? Real old school Dope. Click here if you wanna watch – it’s pretty fun.
• 28 images from Dope’s 1999 interview added. Another old school interview for you. Click here if you’d like to watch.
• 5 images from Blood Money Pt 1 liner notes added. Really, if you don’t have this album… what exactly are you doing with your life? Buy it immediately.

Keep Supporting Edsel!

Speaking of… I hope that by seeing the offerings on EDF Photo, you are inspired to support Edsel by purchasing his music (you can do so at dopetheband.com). He’s a really talented artist and frankly? He doesn’t get the credit or recognition he deserves. You can fix that, though!

In the Machine Killer Tour aftermath, we need to continue with this awesome energy. It’s really up to us, the fans, to keep the fire going. I’m just one girl shouting in the wilderness, here. How can you all help? Easy! It does mean a lot when you support Edsel by buying his music or even following him on social media. If you already do – thank you so much! If not, you know what to do. <3

Dope VIP experience packages are still available for the upcoming second leg of the Machine Killer Tour! Dope’s official Facebook page has posted a cool little thirty second video telling you all about what happens during the bus meet and greet. (Though I do have to put a teeny disclaimer here: you get the microphone they mention with a separate meet and greet package. That does not come with the bus meet and greet.)

VIEW VIDEO ON DOPE’S OFFICIAL FACEBOOK

Long term visitors of the site know I’ve hyped this up ever I was at the meet and greet in Atlanta. However, it occurred to me I’ve not really opened up about my experience. Not just my experience, but what it meant to me. I’ve shared a periphery view, yes. Though… as the admin of an Edsel Dope fansite, you’d think I’d talk more about my own personal experience in depth. I’ve had folks on social media ask for more on that front. Alright. Today I’ll share a bit about what meeting Edsel in particular meant to me.

My Dope VIP Experience

There’s an old saying: never meet your idols. They can never live up to what you make them out to be. Often, that’s true. We tend to forget the people we idolize are just that: people. They do extraordinary things and live lives so different from ours, yes. But at the end of the day… they’re just a person.

In my case, I actually met my idol. And … I walked away from that meeting an even bigger fan of his. Edsel is very warm and generous, he’s very kind and willing to answer questions. I was really nervous upon meeting him (I actually screamed!), but he took the time to make sure I was alright. (I was, once I got over my shock) Very sweet, very humble dude. In my opinion, he was pretty much the person he is in interviews. No nonsense, no front. He’s the real deal.

I mean, realistically, I met a rock icon. How wild is that? And the fact that he IS normal, and he IS real and authentic? That was the best part of all. It meant the world to me to meet him and tell him how much he’s inspired me. How often do you get to tell your idol such a thing?

The Bottom Line

You might think my point of view is biased. And fair enough – I run a fansite on this guy. I’m predisposed to liking him. But I’ve also told you all I would never lie to you. I wouldn’t stand by an opinion I don’t really believe. And for me, the VIP experience was well worth it. Bucket list worthy for sure! Truthfully, I could write a novel on reasons why you should go and it wouldn’t really matter. In the end, it’s up to you. It’s your money and you have a right to think it over to decide if this is really worth it. And if hearing about how awesome I thought this all was helps you make a decision, I’m glad! If you have any other questions, you’re always welcome to contact me.

Just when you think things couldn’t possibly get any better today, Dope’s official Facebook page has announced a THIRD leg of the Machine Killer Tour! You heard right – even more chances to see Dope opening for Sevendust and Static-X! It looks like this leg will take them through Canada, the Midwest and the PNW. This will no doubt make all the fans up there super happy.

This has been quite a day for Edsel news! Along with the debut of Static-X’s Otsego Placebo video that Edsel directed, plus the looming release of Project Regeneration Vol 2, we also get new tour dates? Don’t forget, we still have the 2nd leg of the Machine Killer tour to look forward to! This is shaping up to be a killer year for Edsel. (Excuse the pun)

You can find info on how to purchase tickets for the new dates right here on Dope’s official site. Are you going to any of the shows? If they are playing close to where you live, go! I cannot recommend this tour enough. I had such a good time at the Atlanta stop. Don’t even think about it, your kids and your pets will be fine for a few hours with a babysitter! You deserve to treat yourself.