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Clint Eckstein

@clinteckstein

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They say money can't buy you happiness but it can buy you floor seats for a Metallica concert. 🤘
🐶 @indydogfish

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This is the hardest post I've ever had to make. On June 10, 2025 Indy crossed the Rainbow Bridge. He was 12 years and 6 months old. He had a very aggressive cancer that he succumbed to in the early morning hours. I've never missed anyone or anything more in my life. He was my little magic man.

I've learned about his life before coming to me more since contacting his first mom to alert her of his passing. It made it very clear to me because of the incredible confluence of events that had to happen for Indy to end up in my life, that he was meant to be my dog. He spent 8 wonderful years with me, years I wouldn't trade for anything in the world.

He was the kindest, sweetest and most loyal dog in the world. He lit up the room wherever he went and spent his whole life being a ray of sunshine to myself and everyone around him. I will forever miss walks with him, seeing the people around smile at his infectious smile. I will forever miss lazy Sundays with him and walking around Larchmont to get ice cream with him. I will forever miss his little squirming under the blankets trying to get comfortable. I will forever miss his little kisses. I will forever miss watching movies with him.

I could tell a 100 beautiful stories about my boy, but I will leave this one, because it epitomizes what an incredible dog he was. During his last night on Earth, I was trying my best not to cry in front of him despite having a feeling I would soon be losing the best friend I've ever had. Eventually I couldn't hold it anymore and just burst into tears. Indy, who was laying next to me struggling to breathe, got up on wobbly legs and took what turned out to be his last steps to plop down in the crook of my arm and look up with love at me and comfort me. That is what an amazing boy he was. I will miss him forever. He literally saved my life during Covid, he was my rock. Love you always my little dude. You changed my life for the better in so many ways. I am so grateful I got to be your papa and was with you until the end.

I love you Indy and I will never forget you. 💜💜💜

#dog #dogmemories #doglover #missyou #loveforever❤️ #dogdad taken in Los Angeles, California by @clinteckstein

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12

a year ago

Seattle Trip Finale - 2 days in the Emerald City

So, usually I go in chronological order in my posts, but dapping up James Hetfield immediately after the best Metallica show I've ever been to was one of the most awesome moments of my life, so I had to put that first. Fuck yes. Insane. 🤘🤯🤘

Ok, back to the recap. Morning after Bumbershoot, I felt fantastic. Slept like a baby after all those medicinal cigarettes. I decided to head out to Bainbridge Island. I wanted to ride one of the Seattle ferrys and enjoy the Puget Sound with such beautiful weather. I hoofed it down to the pier and really enjoyed riding the ferry over. I get the feeling sometimes I should have gone into the Navy.

Bainbridge was as picturesque Washington small town as it gets. I had a wonderful walk around. Great coffee and no joke one of the best sandwiches of my life from @saucenouvelle. If you're in Seattle it's worth it just for the sandwich. So delicious. Super cool indie book shop as well where you know I had to get a book.

I went straight from the return ferry to Lumen Field for day 2 of Metallica. I thought it an auspicious omen to catch Metallica coming in their motorcade while I was waiting for the gates to open. Turns out I was right.

I don't have the space to express how great I felt about this concert. I was able to get on the rail for the first time ever at a Metallica concert, not only that, but I was directly in front of where the bands came in and off the stage. Ice Nine Kills and FFDP put on a great show, but Metallica was on fire that night. I met some really fun people in the crowd, including a 19 year old kid next to me who was at his first concert ever. Put a lot of emotions and thoughts into my experience. It was the best concert of my life.

The next day before my flight I got to check out the museum of pop culture, where I absolutely geeked out. I'll spare you the million photos I took, but the Nirvana exhibit and Movie and TV sections had me giddy.

The flight was hassle free and I picked up Indy for hugs and a day off the next morning!

#metallica #museumofpopculture #seattle #bainbridgeisland #emeraldcity #frontrow #jameshetfield #metalhead #lumenfield taken in Seattle, Washington by @clinteckstein

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8

2 years ago

Seattle Trip Day 3: Seattle Center and Bumbershoot

Life got a little busy this week, so my Travelogues took a minute to write up. Day 3 started out with a pastry and coffee my Air BnB host bought for me. I got to eat it up on this beautiful rooftop patio while taking a few dabs on the vape pen to soothe my sore legs from the pit the night before. I was lucky to catch the tail end of the summer weather as I had multiple people saying I was in town for the nicest weather of the year. Made for a nice relaxing breakfast.

After a short bus ride to Seattle Center in order to save my legs for later, I headed over to the Chihuly Gardens Glass Museum. Honestly I was pretty blown away. I could see how someone might not be into the sculpture, it wasn't really my cup of tea artistically speaking going in, but seeing the scale and the artistry in making the pieces head on for me, was awesome. I remember thinking in the "greenhouse" piece that took up an entire room, "How does one even go about thinking to do something like this?"

After a nice lunch where I got to try a "Dutch baby" for the first time, (It was ok, but give me a stack of pancakes or a waffle any day), I headed to the Science Center where I had seen the Blue Whales movie with Dad 2 days before. Mostly it was for kids, but I had a good time and the teacher in me enjoyed it. Highlight for me was the free Beatles lightshow, especially after some medicinal assistance 🌬️ .

I went up in the Space Needle next, which was fun to experience for the first time as an adult. But after Sea plane flying around the city, as a view, I was a bit non plussed. Fortunately right outside the Space Needle was Bumbershoot!

It was a small festival but with a lot of good food, I sampled a salmon sandwich and a Seattle seafood pizza which were both excellent. I caught a performance from Freddie Gibbs with the Space Needle in the background, which was really surreal (ladybug #3!). Next up was Cypress Hill, who as always delivered a great show and I got REALLY smoked out. Super fun.

Next: Metallica Day 2! - Seattle Finale!

#cypresshill #bumbershoot #seattle #spaceneedle #metallica #smokeweed #insaneinthebrain #chihuly taken in Seattle, Washington by @clinteckstein

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0

2 years ago

Metallica in Seattle @lumenfield Day 1: After spending the day galavanting around with Dad, he needed to head back home to Vancouver, so we said our goodbyes and he dropped me off a few blocks from the concert. So far the trip was going swimmingly. The idea of my dad attending a Metallica concert brings a little giggle to my lips whenever I think about it.

Despite being the home of my bitter rival Seattle Seahawks, I have to give Lumen Field credit. It was amazingly easy to get down to the field level after you got through security. Compared with SoFi (where they make you walk down this ridiculous enclosed 6 story ramp that is no joke, at least half a mile. Which after a show, with the thick air, everyone sweaty and smelly, is AWFUL) you take two corners after you get past security and you're already in the tunnel on to the field. Loved it!

I found a spot about 5 people back from the rail and hunkered down for the 6 hour haul. First up was Wolfgang Van Halen. I missed a lot of his set last year because I was buying schwag and I got stuck in the aforementioned ridiculous tunnel. Definitely enjoyed his set.

Next was Pantera and they absolutely slayed it. Super cool side note, Zakk Wylde came out 10 minutes before his set time to sign shirts, posters and take selfies with people in the front. Such a great gesture from one of the best guitarists in the world. Love me some Zakk Wylde. One thing that made this performance really special for me was the Seattle Seahawks marching band came during my favorite Pantera song "Walk" and Zakk played the solo right in front of us. Hell yeah! 🤘

What can I say about Metallica? They are masters at the absolute top of their game. James Hetfield still sounds incredible after 42 years of screaming like a maniac. The other guys have such amazing stage presence as well, which is perfect for a round stage concert like this. They finished out their set playing Sad But True, Seek and Destroy and Master of Puppets right in front of me. It doesn't get any better than that. Or does it?

Part 3: Bumbershoot and Bainbridge Island coming soon!

#metallica #pantera #lumenfield #metal #mammothwvh #seattle #laborday #vacation #m72 taken in Lumen Field by @clinteckstein

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2 years ago

Wow, it's been a minute since I actually wrote about some of my adventures publicly. I figure that having the best summer of your life and growing a lot counts as a good reason to get back into posting. I'm going to try to recap what a crazy year its been. I left off with Metallica, so let's pick up with Metallica!

My father and I haven't always seen eye to eye but our relationship has grown a lot closer since the pandemic. I've made it a habit to try to call a few times a week just to chat the past few years. However, the last time I had seen him in person was April of 2021, just after the vaccine had put most of his Covid anxiety to rest.

Fortunately I had the perfect excuse to visit, seeing Metallica at Lumen Field! 🤘 So, Labor Day weekend I hopped on a flight and took a Seattle soujourn. Dad picked me up at the airport and despite his initial annoyance with the massive crowds at SeaTac, it was nice to see him.

First stop, first picture. The grave of Bruce and Brandon Lee. All I'll say about it, was I had to give homage to one of my heroes and a man whose philosophy has shaped my life in countless ways. Also, for the first time this trip, a ladybug landed right on me as I was silently paying my respects. A very special moment for me.

Now I had been on two planes already to get up there, but we decided to hop on another! Dad and I took a Sea Plane all around the city. We flew all over the Emerald City, (boy it deserves that name, beautiful) and practically buzzed the Space Needle. Just a fantastic experience.

We decided to call it a night after a dinner of fish tacos at Local Tide (fantastic Seattle restaurant). The next morning dad and I took in the animals at Seattle Aquarium and their impressive new Deep Ocean exhibit. We muddled around a bit at Pikes Place Market afterwards, where I got a front row seat for some old fashioned fish tossin! We had some Piroshky Piroshky and headed over to Seattle Center to watch the IMAX Blue Whale experience. My dad loves marine wildlife, so we had about as good a visit as possible.

Next post: Metallica Part 1!

#seattle #brucelee #metallica #spaceneedle #seattleaquarium #pikesplacemarket #seattlecenter taken in Seattle, Washington by @clinteckstein

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2 years ago

It's been a minute but I wanted to show off my little dude! More updates coming very soon! Been on hiatus, but I'll be back posting my travels again in a day or two.

#adoptdontshop #dogs #dog #dogdad #cutie #doggo #dogsofinstagram #doglife #dogoftheday taken in Los Angeles, California by @clinteckstein

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2

2 years ago

METALLICA Final Act: Denouement - So I'll keep it as short as possible since the previous story told the best parts of this experience. Just watch the reel lf you're interested.

Ice Nine Kills was fun but overall somewhat forgettable. Came off as gimmicky and a bit corny with every song having a skit, them all dressing like Patrick Bateman and every song seemingly tied in with a horror movie. Still, they rocked it pretty hard so I give them a passable grade.

Five Finger Death Punch was much more enjoyable. I'd never really given them a listen and now I have them in a couple playlists I listen to on the regular. Their regular lead singer was out, so on guest was Phil Lebonte (Shadows Fall and All That Remains) and Howard Jones of Killswitch Engage both bands which I really enjoy. So that was a cool one time thing I got to experience.

Metallica was incredible. I can't do justice to this show and how it made me feel to be so close (yet again) to the first band I ever truly loved.

I could have chosen anywhere of about 100 spots to stand close as I was when I got down, but I felt like I got called to a spot when I hit the floor. It was a oddly kismet sensation, the kind I rarely get and but I almost always listen to. I was rewarded with Lars Ulrich's drumset popping out of the stage and the entire band coming out 15 feet in front of me playing "Whiplash" and having the whole floor go absolutely berserk. They also played my favorite song of theirs "For Whom the Bell Tolls" right in front of me. Pure metal heaven with 75,000 screaming maniacs all around me.

So happy I did this, and it will definitely not be the last time. Summer concert series over with a roar of thunder and lightning. 🤘🤘🤘

Recaps of my fall series coming very soon.

#metallica #metalhead #metal #rockandroll #thunder #lightning #fivefingerdeathpunch #sofistadium
#sofi #forwhomthebelltolls #khaldrogo #aquaman #metalmusic #rockandrollforever #summerconcerts #summer #lastvacation taken in SoFi Stadium by @clinteckstein

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4

3 years ago

METALLICA THIRD ACT PART I: I'll let the story speak for itself. Admittedly it's a long story so if you can stomach the 10 minutes of me droning on, I promise a nice surprise celebrity cameo at the end. I just wanted to share a transformational experience that happened at Metallica that sort of capped this whole summer of doing a LA staycation, and had a change on the way I accept myself in a positive way going forward.

I'll remember that weekend the rest of my life. Metallica rules. I forgive you guys for Napster.

It's Halloween, so I find it fitting I finally put this posting about the Kings of Metal to bed so to speak on the most high of dark holidays. Plus I really liked my Ken costume. 🤘

Final post coming later tonight, so I can get back to more current business.

#metal #metallica #personalgrowth #chronicles #concert #story #storytelling #losangeles #moshpit #aquaman #khaldrogo #storytime #imjustken #sofi #fivefingerdeathpunch #iceninekills #forwhomthebelltolls taken in SoFi Stadium by @clinteckstein

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4

3 years ago

I went to Jenis Ice Cream with Papa and I got to crunch the cone nub and got some licks of Ice Cream! It was soooo good I turned into The Beast Titan! Nom nom nom 🐶

#doggo #dogs #dogdad #dog #doggo #dogdays #icecream #jenisicecream #larchmont #larchmontvillage #doglover #doggy #dog #nomnom #puppy #papillon #chihuahua taken in Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams by @clinteckstein

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0

3 years ago

METALLICA: Part 2 Interlude - So the concert being a two day event it had a lot of ancillary events tied to it, one being the Metallica pop up shop. I ended up going both Saturday and Sunday showing up the morning after getting my face melted off by Kirk Hemmett and getting 3 hours of sleep. I'm glad I got there early because the line was 1000 deep at least when they opened. I was able to pull both limited edition posters I wanted and the limited edition vinyl that had a print run of 500 and 250 respectively. Fuck yeah. 🤘

My history with Metallica has been a complicated one. They were the first band I truly was obsessed with when I first got into music. I'd listen to them non stop for hours from age 12 on. They were my first concert ever at age 16 when my mom got me tickets for my birthday to the Summer Sanitarium tour. But then came Napster, my friends backlash against them, St Anger (which remains my least favorite album by them to this day) and growing my musical tastes in college to a more expansive grasp of music all contributed to me somewhat falling out of love with them.

Ever since I bought those tickets, revisiting my youth discovering music which, no hyperbole, saved my life during that time, coupled with everything else I've been doing this year has really brought a lot full circle. I will never forget this feeling, and the growth giving my inner child what it needed all those years ago can bring.

I did a couple other things like head over to Malibu that weekend, hit up Carneys in Studio City, watch Jurassic Park (again) and catch my friend Brandon's Nerdy Birthday party at a gaming hall of all places. Talk about full circle. 😄

One final note, I posted about my metal tattoo last post but I want to give extra shout out to @littledaveparker, who did an incredible job giving me exactly what I asked for in what can only be described as the first impulse tattoo of my life. The little details, the knuckle tattoos to represent my favorite metal bands, the Metallica M "Mom heart" are all exactly what I wanted. Thanks again Dave!

#metallica #malibu #tattoo #metal #posters #popup #indy #dog #blackened #whiskey #vinyl #limitededition #fullcircle taken in Los Angeles, California by @clinteckstein

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0

3 years ago

METALLICA: Part 1 I'm a long time overdue for this post, but it was such a life changing experience I needed to actually reflect on it to do this write up. I can't emphasize enough how much this weekend made my heart soar and like I have come full circle with my recovery from depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. My mental health has been so much better this year than any I've had since I was 9 years old. I feel like a fully integrated person for the first time in decades, and my confidence in myself has been through the roof. This summer concert series, staying and exploring LA the last few months was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

The culmination of my final summer vacation as a teacher was getting a metal tat and a two night "No Repeat Weekend" with Metallica, my favorite band since 11 years old. The third and fourth records I ever bought were "Ride the Lightning" and "Master of Puppets". I am not exaggerating in saying I've been waiting to do this for nearly 30 years.

Opening was Mammoth WVH, who I caught for a few songs, but for most of their set I was walking down the insane ramps 6 stories down to the floor. I spent the most I've ever spent on a ticket, but damn it I was going to get as close as possible to Metallica.

I settled in about 5 people back from the stage!!! Up next was a band I've also loved since my teenager little metalhead days Pantera! They blew my mind! Amazing. Zakk Wylde even played one of my favorite guitar parts of all time, the solo from "Cowboys from Hell" literally 15 feet in front of me. 😱😱😱🤘🤘🤘

I was so pumped being down there in the pit with all my fellow metalheads I was feeling myself and making friends, but then the lights got low and "Ecstacy of Gold" came on. That only meant one thing. Main event time.

Metallica absolutely blew me away and I have no qualms saying it was one of the best experiences of my life...and it was only night one. After two hours of getting my face melted off, I had to dust myself off and get ready to do it again. Part 2 soon!

#metallica #sofi #lifechanging #pantera #metalhead #heavymetal #tattoo #metal #depression #anxiety #rockout #guitar #confidence #killedit #amazing taken in SoFi Stadium by @clinteckstein

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1

3 years ago

Family Time and Les Miserables. My week up north wasn't done with Outside Lands, I spent another day up in the bay to chill with my homie @notreallyironic who as usual had the food spot hook ups. We had a great time hanging out with some of his coworkers and drunkenly eating greasy yet amazing Top Dog and Artichoke Basille's Pizza in Berkeley. Bringing back the old college days vibe when I used to hang out there.

The next day I organized a small family reunion as my Uncle Ed decided to be gracious enough to play host and cook some steaks for lunch. It was wonderful to see everyone where there wasn't a holiday or a birthday driving the celebration. It made me feel good that everyone got together with me visiting as an excuse.. But a Filipino gathering wouldn't be complete without 4 times as much food as we need, so I brought home all kinds of stuff and a box of my favorite Filipino deserts.

Before we headed home, Indy and I enjoyed a few days at Mom's house before work picked up. Indy, despite his reluctant behavior towards long car rides, loves staying with my Mom. She always spoils him, and just having a more spacious backyard really seems to make him content.

The next weekend I caught a performance of Les Mis with @unbridled_daydream and @cvelasquez031, and had some lovely duck confit at @thegooseruns beforehand. I've never seen Les Mis in person, so this was quite a treat. We were able to get some pretty spectacular tickets at @hollywoodpantagestheatre, as you can see from my video, for a steal of a price. If you want to know my secret send me a DM. The performance was excellent and we finished the night going out to do Kareoke to bring the Filipino theme of the week full circle.

Next post: The Big Two Parter main event of Clint's Summer Concert Series.... METALLICA! 🤘

#indydog #topdog #artichokebasillespizza #berkeley #family #familyreunion #filipino #steak #potluck #roadtrip #puto #kuchinta #dog #lesmis #lesmiserables #pantages #kareoke #stage #theatre #losangeles #bayarea #outsidelands #runninggoose taken in San Francisco Bay Area by @clinteckstein

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0

3 years ago