The biggest rock event of the year happened last night as double-platinum artist Daughtry took center stage in a one-night only special concert at Eastwood.

But I was fortunate to be one of the first ones to get an invite and see the band up close in a press conference held July 28, Monday night at the Shanghai Bistro in Eastwood.

I arrived promptly at 8pm giddy with excitement to finally see them in the flesh! The press was in full force that night with most of the major media outlets represented. Mo Twister was there to facilitate the presscon and also entertained the media a bit since he was informed the band was running late.

So after a couple of hours wait, a slew of hors d'oeuvres, casual conversations with the press, and toying with my little camera, Daughtry finally arrived! Though they looked tired, the band was eager to answer questions and was slightly amused when the press suddenly scrambled to get near them.

When asked if they ever felt any pressure now that the band's success has reached stratospheric heights, Daughtry frontman Chris said they’re not letting the pressures of fame and outside sources get to them.

“As songwriters we’re secure in what we do and I think we’re very confident that we’re able to put out another good record. You can’t really tell what it’s going to do from one album to the next. You just always put your best foot forward and write the best songs that you can and hope for the best and see what happens.”

Early on the media was informed that apparently Chris was feeling a bit under the weather. But asked if they ever had to cancel a show due to illness, Chris said that there was just one time they had to cancel a show in two years for being sick but said most of the time he’s a trooper and can get through it.

What a trooper they were! Josh Paul and Joey Barnes even managed to do a little beatboxing, much to everyone’s delight!

Sadly, Mo Twister had to cut short the presscon as the band had to attend to several scheduled one-on-one interviews with privileged media. So after taking a few more pictures I headed home happy.

On a personal note, I must say I’m a big fan of American Idol. I’ve seen all 7 seasons, from the state auditions to the finale. So when I saw Chris Daughtry in his first audition, I knew right then he was going to be big! There was just something about him. A nice guy with an edge. I still think he should’ve won the title. But in losing the AI title and eventually forming his own band, he won an even bigger prize – rock phenomenon.  Undeniably, Daughtry is one of the biggest rock bands to ever break out in my generation at least. Double-platinum-and-counting.