January 30th couldn’t get here soon enough for me. I had been planning a trip to Las Vegas. Vegas. THE Vegas. My excuse and reason to go? 100 Monkeys Concert. Now I ask you, is there a better reason? If there is then I know nothing about it, but I digress.
This trip would have been a plethora of firsts for me. My first trip to the West Coast, obviously my first trip to Vegas, the longest flight I had ever been on since I was flying from coast to coast, and my first time in a Hard Rock Cafe.
I say “would have been”, because unfortunately I didn’t get to make it. For the first time since 2002, North Carolina faced a wintry mix. Mother Nature and I shared words.
I knew my day would finish horribly, since it began that way, with me almost getting into an accident trying to get TO the airport. Hey, guys, I tried! It wouldn’t have mattered, my plane was grounded.
Suffice it to say, I was not a happy Willow. It was okay though, I had reinforcements going: Jodie,Jenn,Patty and Sandy. I knew they’d bring me back details and pictures of what I had missed, so I had that to look forward to, or so I thought.
The first show of the day, seemingly went off without too many issues, although the sound technicians apparently do not understand the words that come out of the musicians mouths.
However, what happened at the 21+ show was absolutely ridiculous, I am livid and I know that I am NOT alone, because I have gotten a play by play from more than one person who attended. You can read one written by JODIE PLATZ,word for word HERE, so that you aren’t reading it twice I’ll save you the trouble recounting it on this post. Now that you’ve done that, prepare and brace yourself, for the words that will follow are only kind to 100 Monkeys (and their fan base).

Dear Hard Rock Cafe;
When you boast on your website for all the world to see, that you have 42,000 square feet of pure unadulterated rock n’ roll,then one would come to the conclusion that you could manage to get working sound equipment, or at least have technicians who know how to trouble shoot to accommodate the talent. Though, that would make sense and quite obviously that takes an organ that you guys don’t possess, a functioning brain.
Not only did the sound suck at a level even the best vacuum cleaner cannot reach, but your employees were rude, and managed to refer to the boys as “Assholes”. Allow me this sentiment will you? If it weren’t for me being acutely aware that impressionable young minds read this, then I would have a few names I could refer to you as. NONE of which you would understand, I’m sure.
That being said, you called them out of their names, which you should note for future reference, if you are to have their names in your mouths, are Ben Graupner, Ben Johnson, Jackson Rathbone, Jerad Anderson, and of course Uncle Larry. Write that down.
I would not even want to entertain any of your flimsy excuses as to why they were treated so poorly, because if you came to me and said “He broke the mic stand”, I would just reply “Which I’m sure was accidental, and if you take into account that your employee spilled beer on their pedals, of which there were 4, guesstimating that your mic stand was at the most 60 bucks, their pedals being from 100 to 300 bucks each, you do the math. Who owes who money?” Furthermore if it was that big of a deal that he broke the mic stand, how about you just ask him to pay for it quietly, because Jackson is a damn stand up guy. You couldn’t do that though, eh? You had to get on some big power trip and act as if you were above them. Oh how wrong can people be? I don’t put anyone on pedestals, every human being on this planet is flawed, you people apparently went back for thirds, however.
They asked to be told where they went wrong, and you had no problem telling them.
Well let me tell you where you went wrong. You mistreated a great set of guys, talented musicians, that happen to have a loyal fan base who will act more as their friends, and will take up for them when they have been wronged, especially in situations like this.
I’m sure you’ve heard the term “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas?” , not if you mess with the Monkeys.
At the very least you owe them an apology, now as far as anything else goes, that’s between you and them.
Didn’t your mama ever tell you the golden rule? “Do unto others as you’d have them do unto you?” If not, let this karma be your lesson. Hard heads tend to make for soft asses.

Enjoy the backlash,

Willow.

I’m torn between being glad I didn’t go, because I know I would have wound up in trouble, or hurting because I couldn’t be there to say or do SOMETHING.

Well, now I can do something, even if it’s merely with written word, and I intend to speak my mind, as you see above.

Are you a livid Monkey fan? You can help too…contact the Hard Rock, let them know that our boys deserve better treatment.
You can reach them at:

Peter_lin@HardRock.com

and/or

702-733-7625 (Ask to speak with Andrew)

Be straightforward, and honest, but as polite as you can be. Please nothing that can be construed as threatening, we don’t want anyone in trouble. That would be counterproductive.

[Photo courtesy of Jodie Platz]

Alright kiddies, are you ready for some candy?

10.) David Boreanaz: What a sexy Angel He is:

9.) Ryan Reynolds: He makes me wanna learn the words to “Oh Canada”:

8.) Ryan Phillippe: “you know what would be super-duper sexy? If you lost all the clothes.” I concur Ryan.. so.. go ahead, we’ll wait:

7.) Jonny Lang: He can “Lie to Me” all he wants, as long as he sings to me. I bet Taylor Blue agrees:

6.) Charlie Hunnam: “A true outlaw finds the balance between the passion in his heart and the reason in his mind.” I’d be willing to help him find that passion…Just sayin’.

5.) Kellan Lutz: “I want a good girl, who can be a little bad.” Oh Kellan, do I have a list for you!:

4.) Ian Somerhalder: “Oh because I wear a ring, and I live in the really real world where vampires burn in the sun.” That one line made me love him. BUT I have to admit, he’s up here because of Taylor Blue’s unwavering ability to try to convince me of his sexy!:

3.) Paul Wesley: *Grrrrowl* That is all.

2.) Robert Pattinson: “My addictions are pretty much the only things I consume.” Care to be someone’s addiction, Rob? I think it’d do you some good:

Okay, and now for the number you’ve all been waiting for.. I bet you think you know who I chose right? Well… you’re probably right. However, I decided to technically involve all of the band… so here’s to saying that ALL 100 Monkeys are SMOKIN’ HOT!

1.)From Left to right: Ben Johnson,Jerad Anderson,Jackson Rathbone,Ben Graupner:

[[All images are courtesy of Google images and are NOT the sole property of TEN gossip]]

Why was I in Nashville? I went for 100 Monkeys, Tin Tin Can and The Stevedores. If you haven’t heard of them, or listened to their music, then why are you still here? Click the links, go, NOW.

It also happened to be New Con, a Twilight type of convention, and though I am totes not a “Twi Hard”, I ended up having a blast.

Without further adieu, here you are, my top TEN (though there could have been a thousand plus) reasons that Nashville rocked my socks off.

10.) Ned Bellamy: He was awesome. Down to Earth, always had a smile, and I have to admit, I laughed every time I saw him, because without fail someone always shouted “BUTTCRACK SANTA!”

9.) Kissing sharks: Without a doubt the ONLY place I’d ever come close to a shark, let alone kiss it. You all know my fear(s) of whales and sharks…yet I puckered up to one.

8.) The Grand Ole Opry: So much musical history, I was literally in awe, that I was standing there. I know, I’m so mushy. Hey, what can I say, I have a soft spot for music!

7.) From Across the World: Meet Angie, from France, Music brings us all together, no matter the distance.

6.) Jodie Platz:: My partner in crime (one of them at least lol) not just for the weekend, but always! This girl can wail, (She beat my karaoke of Blame it on the Rain, and that was damn near impossible. lol), and she took all the pics. You should check out her stuff HERE

5.) MADDY!: There aren’t enough words for how cool this chica is, and she appreciated my dancing, so see, extra extra cool points! Plus she plays a mean set of bells!

4.) Jose Zuniga: You may know him as Mr. Molina in Twilight. I had the most interesting conversation(s) with this man, he was very entrancing. Definitely one of my favorite points of the weekend.

3.)Jessica!: This is my fellow monkey girl! She adores Ben (J not G, because well, you know. lol) and she makes hella cool jewelry, you can find her at Twitter

2.) Jammin’ with the Monkeys: No lie. They had a Jam session, I played the Cowbell, Jodie the tambourine,Maddy the bells, and it was incredible. Insert also dancing with J Action, and staring at … well we won’t go there, and you have a perfect set.
Wow.

And my number one goes to the two coolest (and hardest working) women, and man bar none, on the planet, therefore they tie!

Vi ,Heidi, and Tim: Between them I managed to lead a group down a street with no idea where I was going, serenade, sing Bohemian Rhapsody, be accosted with chicken tenders, smacked with a cowgirl hat, and literally laugh my ass off. *Checking behind me* Yep, it’s gone.

There you have it. If you’re jealous, I’m sorry..next time, hit up a Monkeys show, (Or Tin Tin Can, OR Stevedores) See what you’re missing?

[[Photos courtesy of Jodie Platz, except for Ned Bellamy, courtesy of google images,none are the sole property of TEN GOSSIP]]

We love 100 Monkeys here. All of them (Jackson Rathbone, Ben Graupner, Ben Johnson, Jerad Anderson, and Uncle Larry). And I am so happy to see that one of my favorite songs, Ugly Girl, is a music video. And really watching the guys putting on makeup is funny! I love it! I think the guys should for sure rock that look more often at concerts.

Jackson did an interview recently and he was saying how he is more excited about music than acting…which later he explains that he loves both.  (Considering the band is releasing a new album, GRAPE.)

“People say that [I'm more excited about music than acting], but I just feel like I have more control over music than I do over, say, playing Jasper in the Twilight series. Because I get to write the words that I sing. As opposed to as an actor, I wear what people want me to wear, I stand where they want me to stand, I say what they want me to say. That’s great — I love being an actor and I’ve been studying to be an actor since I was about 14 years old. But music balances it out. I can’t have one without the other.”

I know that I would be sad if Jackson left either place. He can rock it out and act.  And later in the interview I love how humble that Jackson has stayed.

“We don’t have a cushy life. We’re not playing arenas and selling them out yet. We play dirty dive bars and love it. Whenever we’re on the road we sleep in two motel room and take turns sleeping on the floors. It’s not all glamorous and it’s great. If it were all glamor, it’d be boring.”

I love that they play at the “dirty bars” I have heard nothing but good things about their concerts. It could be that they are more intimate because they are smaller. They love to connect with the audience. And for that…they will always be loved.

Now, I know they’re busy, and their focus is elsewhere, so inspiration hit me! What if I was to design some merch for them? What if I was to give them an idea or.. TEN?
Let me just say, I came up with so many more than TEN, so hey Marty, and Tim, if you’re interested contact me, I’ll send you a powerpoint of my other ideas *wink*.

Anyway, ready for my TOP TEN? Of course you are! *Grin*

10.) Gotta show some love to the Bananager! Admittedly I didn’t make this but it’s just a generalized idea, a stuffed banana, isn’t it the cutest?

9.) The Monkeyboggan!

8.) Sock Monkeys for each of the boys! I picked a few that could fit each of them (though they deserve their own sock monkey made in their likeness)

“Bouncy” Ben G:

Jackson “Johnny Bravo”:

Jerad “I’m Up To Something”:

Ben “Busy Hands” J:

Uncle “Face” Larry:

7.) The Monkeywear: Hey Men love the Monkeys too!:

6.) Monkties! Cute panties with Monkey sayings. You know I have to be honest, I really giggle at this, since I embarrassingly,referred to my girly bit, my *ahem* as a monkey the majority of my life, until I grew up, and you know,gave her a name :

5.) I want a Monkey to keep me warm! How about a Monkoodie!? :

4.) You’ve heard of the little black book? Pffft! Who needs it? Aspire to be just like Jackson, and have a “Bone Book”. Keep all of your public, and not so public numbers in this hot little slice of leather:

3.) Monkey Shaker anyone? I’ll keep my commentary to myself on this one since I can’t keep it even rated R. *laugh*:

2.) Hey you Little Looker, you KNOW you want this shirt if you’re a true (as I call myself) a Monchichica! OR A Monkey Junkie (as they’re popularly coined):

Oh this one is my favorite, because I’m sure there are men all over the world, saying this aloud several dozen times per day, and it just is begging to be made!

1.) For every man who has a girl that loves the 100 Monkeys:

See, cute right?
You guys would buy this stuff, yeah?
So write em, tell them that Willow Raine has some terrific ideas, and they should market them, so they can make some dough!

[[Images were found on google images, and are not courtesy of TEN,
HOWEVER any of the designs on the merch was coined by Willow Raine of TEN]]

When I received this in my inbox, I was absolutely thrilled and honored, because any of you that have read my posts as of late, know that I hold Spencer Bell close to my heart.

The ASCC is hosting a competition, involving Spencer and your creativity! The winner will receive a trip and a meeting with the 100 Monkeys (and Jackson Rathbone, if his schedule permits, that poor man is constantly on the go. We all know if he CAN be there, wild horses couldn’t drag him away.)

The best part? The proceeds raised will go to the ASCC to help Spencer Bell Legacy and also raise money for the research against cancer.

That alone should be your main reason to enter. However, as long as you enter, that’s what matters. Get the word out there, you can’t win if you don’t enter, remember as they say “Somebody’s got to win, may as well be you!”

Now maybe you’re wondering how you can enter, and you’re wanting me to shut up. The latter probably isn’t going to happen any time soon *Laugh* So, let me tell you how to enter this beautiful competition:

By the way, the answer to the following question should be:

Want to meet Ben Graupner, Ben Johnson, Jackson Rathbone, and Jerad Anderson?

Here is your chance!! ASCC Now is running a contest for the best fan art. Go to http://www.spencerbellmemorial.com/ and listen to Spencer Bell’s amazing music. Create an original piece of art based on one of Spencer Bell’s songs. Send that art in with the application you can find on www.asccnow.com and a $25 application fee. The top ten finalists will be chosen by a panel of judges and displayed on this site. Popular vote will determine the winner. The winner will receive roundtrip airfare and a ticket to attend one of the 100 Monkey concerts in November (TBD).

Contest is limited to US residents only. Contest is now open! Go to http://www.asccnow.com/ for details.

FOR NON US Residents:
Want to win some unique items signed by 100 Monkeys?
Want 100 Monkeys to see your artwork?
Here is your chance!! ASCC Now is running a contest for the best fan art. Go to http://www.spencerbellmemorial.com/ and listen to Spencer Bell’s amazing music. Create an original piece of art based on one of Spencer Bell’s songs. Send that art in with the application you can find on www.asccnow.com and a $10 application fee. The top ten finalists will be chosen by a panel of judges and displayed on this site. Popular vote will determine the winner. The winner will receive a gift basket of Spencer Bell and autographed 100 Monkeys items and a personalized thank you card.
Contest is limited to non-US residents only. Contest is now open! Go to http://www.asccnow.com/ for details.

What are you waiting for? Get a Swing on it! Oooh ohhh Ahh Ahh!

[[Image courtesy of google images,and not the property of ten gossip]]