This past August, the state of Louisiana was struck by the largest natural disaster since Hurricana Katrina, a flood that left thousands without food or shelter. To aid those affected by this tragedy, Propeller partnered with Music for Relief to create the #LouisianaStrong campaign.
For all of the hard efforts of the campaign's supporters we offered an experience to Win a Trip to Meet Blink-182 in Irvine. One lucky individual and a friend got the chance to hang with the legendary band before their sold-out show in sunny Irvine, CA.
Vivienne Archuleta of Dallas, TX was that lucky individual, and she was kind enough to share the ins and outs of her experience. Check it out below.
Tell us about your experience on Propeller. What did you do to win?
The sweepstakes weren't a reason for my donating because I have always thought that maybe the prizes weren't real or that I would never win anyway. I believe I selected to have 10 or 11 entries? I don't remember exactly, but I did it without thinking and boy am I glad I did! I got to meet and hang out with Blink-182!
What is your most memorable moment from the show?
It's hard to pick just one moment because the entire show was phenomenal but it was a very special treat to have seen Steve Aoki and Travis Barker go nuts on stage together. Everyone in that amphitheater was dancing and jumping around. It was one huge party! Even my husband, who doesn't really dance, was getting into it and moving around!
How was meeting Blink-182 in person? What were they like?
Before meeting them, I had this preconceived idea that it would only be the usual meet and greet where only a few words would be exchanged and then a photo with the guys would be taken. But to our surprise, as soon as we entered the dressing room area we were given the go ahead to talk and socialize with them!
We talked to Mark Hoppus first and broke the ice by asking him about his being an Philly Eagles fan. We're from Dallas and are huge Cowboys fans so this led to some very cool, funny banter about the Eagles/Cowboys rivalry. Mark is such a funny and cool guy that it felt like we were talking to a long-time friend. I did not expect any of them to be so down to earth!
Next we talked to Travis Barker, who I am assuming is one of the main reasons that this experience came about? We had a longer conversation with him than with the other two member of Blink about how we won the experience, charitable giving, music, tattoos, etc. He is just a very easy-going, stand-up guy and I couldn't stop gushing over how talented he is and how I admired his work with children by teaching them to play the drums.
Lastly, we spoke to Matt Skiba. I know more about Matt from his days with Alkaline Trio so we spoke more about that and how this tour has been, what's next for them, etc. He was extremely nice and sweet, especially when he put up with all the selfies we took together.
I believe that the chemistry between these three men is amazing and I can't wait to see what the future holds for them. They made this entire concert experience one of the best we have ever had because the whole vibe around them that afternoon before, during and after the show was energetic and positive. It's still so surreal to me that we got to meet them! I'm sure we have already bored our friends and family to death with all the details of our trip.
Have you always been a fan of Blink-182?
Yes, ever since the first time I hear "Dammit" I couldn't get enough of their music. I was 17, I believe, and I heard it on the radio while doing homework one night. I grew up in El Paso, when music wasn't as available as in other bigger cities but at night, on the only rock station in town (KLAQ), I would get to listen to Jed the Fish and thankfully he played all the new stuff I otherwise would not have known about! Blink-182 was this new, unbelievable band that seemed to capture every little irksome, joyous and angsty detail about being young in their music. The best part, they didn't hold back or censor themselves.
Did their show live up to your expectations?
Yes and so much more! I am a concert junkie. I love music and everything that comes with it no matter the genre. On that note, I've been to a ridiculous amount of love shows, showcases and concerts and this particular show is in my top 10. One of my most favorite concert experiences
Why is cause in particular important to you?
Because I got to help out families just like mine, families that have lost their homes, belongings and physical memories. I know it cannot replace those things, but it can at least alleviate the terrible circumstances they suddenly find themselves in.
Did talking with Blink-182 inspire you to get involved with more causes like #LouisianaStrong?
I talked more with Travis about the reason why we were there and our involvement with Propeller and the #LouisianaStrong campaign. I've always known him to be one of the more giving and caring celebrities around but talking with him showed me even more how great of a person he is. He gives back whenever he can and wherever help is needed.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Yes, a million thank you's to all of you for this phenomenal experience! I got to meet one of my favorite bands and experience a one of a kind trip to L.A. I am eternally grateful for this wonderful gift.
Learn more about Music for Relief by visiting their profile on Propeller. Thanks to everyone who participated.
