Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan -- Saving Abel came aboard station Dec. 4, 2012, to sign autographs and perform a live concert at Club Iwakuni.
The day started with single and unaccompanied Marines taking an opportunity for autographs and photographs with the band at the Marine Lounge.
Band members said they had the opportunity to tour with rock band Motley Crue, but chose to play for servicemembers in Japan instead.
“We don't get to do enough that is solely for the military. So whenever someone ask us to do anything for the military we just drop everything and do it, because it’s not every day that we get to do that,” said Scott A. Bartlett, guitar player for Saving Abel. “Fans are fans at the end of the day. Our civilian fans aren't risking their lives for the country. In the face of diversity, you have to do what’s right and we are at war. You can either go play with one of the greatest rock bands of the 80's or you can go do what’s right.”
Bartlett wasn't the only band member who felt so passionate about performing for military members.
“Coming to these small bases and seeing how excited people get for some entertainment, I just feel like it’s being a part of something bigger than myself and that is you guys,” said Jared Weeks, lead singer for Saving Abel. “I have a three year old daughter and she doesn't even know what you guys do for us. When you’re a little kid, you don't think about freedom and its value to us. You’re over here fighting for my little girl and she doesn't even know you, and you don't even know her. But it's a call that you guys answer and we thank you guys for it and appreciate it very much.“
Many servicemembers appreciated the opportunity of getting to meet Saving Abel and seeing a live concert.
“A lot of Marines are feeling down because it's the holiday season and they can't go home, so when you have a band come here and play it feels like a little piece of home,” said Lance Cpl. Douglas Do, installation personal administration center administration clerk.
Saving Abel has traveled, but they said zipping across the world in one day was unfamiliar to them.
“It's really weird,” said Bartlett. “We lost a whole day in the matrix. We left America, woke up and it's a day later here. But I heard when we go back we travel all day and it’s the same time that morning, so we're just lost in the matrix and that's cool, it’s just rock and roll.”
Armed Forces Entertainment is slated to invite the cast members of the television show, “Sons of Anarchy,” this coming March.