Something New and Wonderful!

There are those of us who have been knocked sideways by the music of David Archuleta. It might have been at “Heaven,” or “Shop Around,” or “Imagine,” but David grabbed us and didn’t let go.

There are those of us who have visited YouTube obsessively, keeping up with every new song, every fan interaction, every new interview. We have begun to think of David as a member of the family.

There are those of us who have had the opportunity to meet David, to talk with him and to feel the strength and serenity and compassion of David Archuleta in person. His hold on us has grown even stronger.

Beginning in April 2008, some of us found our way to notingDavid. Rascal, its founder, writes with passion and clarity. His site quickly became the place to go for the analysis of David’s artistry and career. This was a place for fans of David who enjoyed the discussion of ideas, the sharing of stories, and the occasional fangirl/fanboy silliness. We all felt privileged to be watching David Archuleta at the beginning of his career, and it was a joy to discuss all aspects of this career and his artistry. Here at last was a place where many of us felt at home.

As the months went by, something else happened. The commenters grew to know each other and grew to appreciate not only the articles and reviews, but also the people who congregated regularly in Rascal’s house. A community began to take shape, not necessarily of like-minded individuals, because we didn’t always agree, but of people who enjoyed a finely crafted article and a good discussion.

When notingDavid rested in February 2009, there were many who refused to let the community disintegrate. A core group emerged and chose a name, solicited articles from the larger notingDavid community and continued the conversation at justDavid.

Now a new opportunity presents itself, something new and wonderful. We are combining the strengths of notingDavid and justDavid to create a site that is more than the sum of its parts:

THE DAVID CHRONICLES.

THE DAVID CHRONICLES is a place where Rascal can continue to write reviews and articles; it is a place where the larger notingDavid / justDavid community can contribute their own articles, and it is a place where our community can continue the conversation in a more spacious house. We are not losing anything here. We will have the same justDavid article writers. We will have the same justDavid commenters. We will still be the place you will want to visit every day. We warmly invite all of you in this lovely community to move with us to this new site. You will find all that you have enjoyed about justDavid, plus you will be delighted to find so much more. Welcome to THE DAVID CHRONICLES!

- the Administrators and Editors of justDavid

http://thedavidchronicles.com

End of Tour Blues

Photo: Snarky Archies

Since we first heard the rumblings of a solo tour, we have wondered what a David Archuleta tour would be. We worried about the type of venue. We pondered whether said venues would be suitable for our burgeoning star. We fretted over mosh pits. Questioned whether to mosh or not to mosh. Whether to throw caution to the wind and fly cross country to see one more show.

Once the tour started, we wondered whether the critics would be fair. We wondered whether he would be able to endure such a whirlwind tour, his first solo tour ever. Most of all we probably wished, wondered, prayed whether ‘they’ would love him like we do.

So now we know (vicariously for many) it is better to mosh, than never to have moshed at all. We know that this young man is a force, and although he may be compact in stature, he is strong, vital, and equipped to meet all challenges. We know that the stage is where his magic is made. We know the critics can’t help but tip their collective hat, and give a nod to him because he is the real deal.

Some of us are actually having a little separation anxiety. Our beloved is about to show the world (well at least parts of Asia and the U.K.) what we already know: that David Archuleta is a multi-faceted, once in a lifetime, extraordinary talent. So fans in Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, hang on to your seats. Watch out McFly fans. You are about to be amazed.

We’ve come so far as a fan base. Although we still angst and fret, there is also a feeling of certainty in the air. We know that he won’t be denied. Any worries of Disneyfication, or Montanization dissipate with every strut, every flex, and every beam of that megawatt smile.

Every time he steps on that stage with the growing confidence far exceeding our wildest expectations, we are renewed. We forget all of the worry, the fretting, maybe even a little of the fear. If David had any of the same pre-tour apprehension that we did, it must be gone by now.

His solo tour was sold-out success, with fans traveling from literally around the world to see him. The love he poured out on stage was matched and magnified by the adoring crowds.

So now what? What do we do until he graces that stage again? Until he takes Asia and the U.K. by storm? I say we sip a little Angels Tonic. Follow it with a Barriers Chaser. If that is not enough, I would prescribe a Zero Gravity Mojito. After that I would suggest we just catch our collective breath and exhale. Then we strap ourselves in again, this ride has just begun.

— brooklyndawn