Criss Angel event coverage

FINAL POST FOR THE NIGHT

Well, it's finally over and I'm back home, and just have a few thoughts on the whole event after reading some of the comments. Criss Angel admits that a lot of what he does isn't real. When he picks a lock? That's real. When he levitates? That isn't. But he's always said the one thing he wants to do is inspire people and blur the line between reality and illusion. And tonight -- live -- he did. Myself and Jackie Alexander talked to hundreds of people all day (or technically yesterday) and we didn't hear one bad thing about him. I do believe anyone who does what he does is crazy. But you know what, it's his life. And he has made the most of it. And he made a lot of people happy. And he probably made a lot of businesses that have been suffering on Clearwater some money. And his show gave the city some publicity. So without sounding like a shill for the man, I think all in all, it was a pretty good night. And thankfully, the traffic home wasn't that bad. Was if fake? Who cares. It's entertainment. That's what the guy does. Cheers. And good night.

Mike Donila, Times Staff Writer

BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE

After his implosion stunt, Criss Angel blessed the media with his presence and did a few interviews. Seeing him was relieving for a few fans, who were worried that the blast took our the magician. "We though he was done," 19-year-old Amber Stewart said. "We thought he died. We really did." Cameron Runard and Brandi Dillon, both 19, said they thought the helicopter ending was too easy for the Mindfreak. "On his show, it's not that simple," Dillon said.

On his way out, Angel stopped to sign a few autographs and kiss a few moms. "He hugged and kissed my mom!" Ashley Morris, 16, squealed to a friend on the phone. Scott Pittman, 11, managed to touch him. So how does a celebrity feel?

"Awesome," he said.

Criss Angel walks away the Spyglass Motel implosion and his escape. [Jim Damaske, Times]

Jackie Alexander, Times staff writer

IT'S A TOTAL PARTY!

Thirty minutes out from the 10 p.m. broadcast and there's Latin music thumping, neon necklaces, fake smoke coming from behind the hotel, an estimated 50,000 to 70,000 people packed into the beach and Pier 60 and at least one woman flashing the crowd,. Some 50 boats are lined up for the show about 500 feet off shore.

SO, IS IT GOING TO BE REAL?

Let's face it, Criss Angel really does pick locks. That's no joke. And he admits the illusions are just that -- illusions. So let's speculate for a little while. Is he really going to grab onto that ladder and let the helicopter take him off into the night? Or does he have something else planned. Wouldn't it be more exciting, if the helicopter flies off without him, the building implodes, everyone thinks he died and then -- poof -- he appears out of the rubble? Say there's a slide in that building. Everything in the back is blocked off, so when we're all watching the front, is he really going out the back? You see there's some rumors going around that maybe -- just maybe -- that's what he's going to do. Because when thousands of people have been stuck in their hotel rooms all day long because of the rain, they get a lot of time to speculate. Of course that's how rumors get started. Then you get someone to blog it, just to spark the fire. But then again, how do you know we're not in on it, too. Isn't that the beauty of magic? (For the record, we really don't know what he will do, we're not in on it, and we hope he makes it out safely. I interviewed the guy twice these past two weeks, and I don't care what anyone says about him, he was very cordial, very kind and now I know why his fans are so insane about him. All that aside, I still think someone who will go into a building with loaded dynamite -- professional or not -- is absolutely nuts.)

Mike Donila, Times staff writer

TWO FANS THANK A TRUE ANGEL

While everything swirled around them, Heather and Bobby Adams were just happy to be at Clearwater Beach. The two siblings have spina bifida and are confined to wheelchairs. The Travelodge hotel donated a room to the pair, their mother Diana Adams and companion Kevin Rooks.

But Kathy Mittler, general manager of the hotel, didn't stop there. "I don't stop when I start something," Mittler said. And she didn't. Britt's Laguna Grill, dubbed Criss Angel headquarters, donated a free dinner for four and the hotel chipped in for gas money.

"I just can't believe how nice everyone's been," Diana Adams said. "It's more than we anticipated."

The siblings quickly saw Criss Angel earlier in the day, but didn't get close enough to talk to him. Heather, 32, said she hopes to see him again. But they'll all be on the front lines in the VIP pit, also donated by the Travelodge and the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce.

The crowd looks toward the Spyglass Motel Wednesday evening where Criss Angel was seen on the balcony. [Jim Damaske, Times]

MORE ANGEL SIGHTINGS

[Jim Damaske, Times]

Around 7 p.m. the modern day Harry Houdini was spotted on the sixth floor balcony, the one where he'll perform the daring escape from the Spyglass Resort tonight. Angel went up in the bucket truck with some lovely lady -- not sure who it was. But, A&E cameras were taking crowd shots, asking people to scream, telling them that they're going to be on television.

Mike Donila, Times staff writer

I MET THE MINI-MINDFREAK

OK, just ran into this kid who I've been talking to the past week, hoping I can convince Criss Angel to call him (unfortunately I can't). So what's so special about this "biggest" fan. Well, a couple of things.

First 11-year-old Brenden Hahn (left) of Winter Haven actually does a little magic himself. He's got a deck of cards, and twice he got me. I picked the 8 of spades, he found it in the deck, same with the 3 of clubs. Two different games, two successes.

Second, he wants to become a magician because he has brogata syndrome (an irregular heart beat), so sports are out of the question. He saw Angel on the Oprah show one day, and it inspired him to start practicing his own illusions.

Now he's working on the levitation bit.

In a touching moment, he wanted to take a picture with me (not sure why; he might put the camera in danger if he includes my mug), but anyway, I guess I'm going to be up on a MySpace page somewhere.

He's a really good guy and I hope he does meet his idol one day.

As far as what I have to say to him? Good luck, don't get hurt, and you're not playing me in poker.

[Photo: Jim Damaske, Times]

Mike Donila, Times staff writer

WHO'S CRAZIER: THE MINDFREAK OR HIS FANS?

So we ventured out of the hotel room to talk to some more people. A few minutes later, it started pouring again, less lightning this time around though. About 300 Mindfreak fans camped out right against the barrier. A few of them may have to disappear; it doesn't seem like they're in the right spot.

While camped out underneath the Port Vue Motel, we ran into a few soggy, but excited, fans. We've met people from as far away as St. Louis and Maryland, but most seem to be from the Tampa Bay area. Sisters Sam and Elizabeth Poteet of Safety Harbor dragged their mom out to see Criss Angel. "I think he's cool," 15-year-old Sam said. And he's cute? "Yea, he's kinda cute," she said. We know; we've been hearing that all day.

A few steps away Stephen Clark, 18, and Amy Foust, 15, both from Tampa said they arrived at 4:30 and were surprised that there was almost no traffic on the Memorial Causeway. When asked about the appeal of Angel's appeal,  I've seen all the episodes, even the replays and the YouTubes," Clark said. "All we do is sit around and watch Mindfreak. He's crazy," Foust said. We think you're a little crazy too.

Jackie Alexander and Mike Donila, Times staff writers

MIKE AND THE COWHEAD ON CRISS ANGEL

Times reporter Mike Donila was a guest this afternoon on The Cowhead Show, 102.5 FM The Bone.

THE SHOW WILL GO ON. FOR NOW.

Just got off the phone with one of the A&E reps and she said the big Criss Angel escape is still on. That means the show starts at 10 p.m. and lasts to 11 p.m. I figure the clock is not going to actually start ticking until at least 10:50 p.m. (Hey you have to keep those viewers watching, right?). Anyway, the weather has cleared up (for now) and people are returning to the beach. Criss even made a quick guest appearance at one of the small restaurants along S Gulfview Boulevard. After he left, people still stood out in the rain, thinking he was there. No wonder his fans are called "loyalists." I'm going to do a radio interview, then hit the beach to go for a swim. I mean talk to more fans. Cheers.

Mike Donila, Times staff writer

CRISS ANGEL INTERVIEW
Escape artist Criss Angel talks to Times staff writer Mike Donila about his upcoming feat that will involve his quick escape from the Spyglass hotel on Clearwater Beach before it is imploded with 500 sticks of dynamite. [JOSEPH GARNETT JR. | tampabay.com]

THIS IS WHAT THE SPYGLASS IMPLOSION SHOULD LOOK LIKE

This computer animation, provided by Steve Bruns of Applied Science International (www.appliedscienceint.com), simulates the implosion of the Spyglass Hotel during Criss Angel's escape. This view is from the east side of the hotel, where the iconic hot-air balloon is painted on the exterior wall.

IT'S WET OUT HERE (FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO CARE)

It's wet out here and I'm not talking about the ocean water, sprinklers and showers. It's pouring and we have some thunderstorms coming in.

So what does this all mean, you ask? Well, city officials told the Times last week that if thunder and lightning ripped through the night, then the show will still go on -- but maybe not at 10 p.m. So for all you mindfreaks out there, keep your fingers crossed that this is just another typical Clearwater storm that will come in for a little while and move out.

On a side note, someone needs to get their you-know-what together. Without sounding like a complainer, there's been some serious wires crossed, and I'm not talking about the dynamite that's going to blow up the Spyglass tonight.

Media was given a special parking lot. (Yeah, we're really not all that special -- but remember, if it wasn't for us you wouldn't get to these "great" updates. I digress again.) So, we're supposed to park there because it's out of the blast zone. Now, demo people are saying all media cars will get towed at 7 p.m. because they're in the blast zone. The city say it doesn't know what's going on, but is looking into it.

Now, why is this important? If a number of groups have crossed wires on the parking issue, I sure wouldn't want to be the one on the sixth floor balcony when the dynamite goes off. Jeez.

Photo: The caution flag for swimmers flies over a lifeguard shack due to rough conditions in the water. Beyond is the Spyglass Motel where escape artist Criss Angel will attempt an escape before the building is imploded Wednesday night. [Jim Damaske, Times]

Mike Donila, Times staff writer

YOU JUST NEVER KNOW WHO YOU WILL MEET

So, a funny story. (Funny to us, anyway.) Just got off the phone with the Times hot shot video guy, Jack Rowland, and he related the follow story. He was in an elevator at the hotel where Angel is staying and he rode it up a few floors with Angel's mother (whom he recognized) and a few relatives. Also on board was an elderly couple. The couple turned to Angel's mother and said (I'm paraphrasing here): "Wow, everyone is so excited about this Criss Angel thing going on. Are you going?"

The mom: "Yeah, I'm going."

Jack: (chuckling) "I think you have to go."

Then the mom told the couple who she was and everyone had a good laugh.

Meanwhile, what isn't funny is that we're hearing stories that some hotels are price gouging right now for the few hotels rooms available. There is also at least one person charing a $1,000 to let people put cameras and camcorders on his building.

Sure times are tough, but let's share a little good will here. This is a big event for Clearwater and businesses are finally, actually making some money after all the construction that has kept them shut down for awhile.

People should look at the event as a windfall, not a time to take advantage of others. But, hey, that's just me.

Mike Donila, Times staff writer

FANS LOYAL TO A T (SHIRT)

[JIM DAMASKE | Times]

Criss Angel won't need help getting away from his fans. Most of them he'll see coming a mile away.

With black tank tops emblazoned with "I ♥ Criss Angel," Liz Tsourakis, 12, and Mary Grace Ake, 15, got to the beach at 6 a.m. today to camp out in hopes of seing their favorite magician. "We're definitely the biggest fans," Mary Grace said. "I swear I'd take a bullet for him."

But hopefully, she'll get to meet him first.

Jackie Alexander, Times staff writer

EVEN MINDFREAKS NEED COFFEE

Sabrina Iaboni, an associate producer for tonight's show, stood in line at the Hilton's Starbucks waiting for her cappuccino with skim. The only thing that gave away the petite brunette was her Mindfreak crew pass. She's been at the beach since Sunday, but hasn't hit the waves yet. "It's a tease working across from the beach," she said.

She told the Times that she was headed off to more rehearsals and prep for the event. Sorry folks, no further info on when the rehearsals will be. But we'll let you know if we see Criss.

Jackie Alexander, Times staff writer

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSABILITY FOR THE SHOW

The city just made an announcement that  if you need wheelchair accessibility, then they've made arrangements for those folks to set up on beachwalk between the lifeguard headquarters and the media stands. Initially, the city said there would be spot on Pier 60, but it's going to get packed there, so other arrangements were made.

Mike Donila, Times staff writer

THE LULL BEFORE THE IMPLOSION

Gracie Campbell dumps some water over her head as brother Quinn builds a sandcastle, while mom Karin and dad Paul relax at Clearwater Beach. The family, from Palm Harbor, came to the beach to watch Criss Angel at the Spyglass Motel (in the background) implosion and his escape. [JIM DAMASKE | Times]

Apparently all the mindfreaks like to sleep in, because Clearwater Beach is pretty dead. It looks like a normal Wednesday afternoon -- a few families scattered here and there. So far there has only been one Mindfreak spotting around the Pier 60 area. In a black staff T-shirt, he took off along the beach. Hopefully he won't run into the gaggle of girls gone gaga over Criss Angel (like all the ones who were gathered last night in the hotel lobby talking on their cell phones). Or he may wind up shirtless.

Jackie Alexander, Times staff writer

WHY THE MINDFREAK CAN DO IT AND WE CAN'T

A caller just asked me why Criss Angel can get so close to a building and get away with it and the general public has to stay away. Well, according to city communication director Doug Matthews, it's all between the production crew and the demolition company. (Good one Doug, throw them under the bus.) Seriously, since it's on private property, the city has no control, other than to keep the "general public safe," therefore, the 500 foot barrier (or 300 if you're in the media). The city does this for all building implosions, Matthews added that the demo company and Angel's people signed liability contracts, so I guess, if you really wanted to get in that building and sign a contract (not that demo is going to let you), then, you too could try to escape. Wouldn't recommend it, though.

Photo: The Spyglass Motel reflects in the door of the Anchor Mini Mart where a sign says they will close due to the implosion. [JIM DAMASKE | Times]

Mike Donila, Times staff writer

TWO FANS: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

Haven't quite gotten to the beach yet for our live updates (from the beach, that is), but once again my email inbox and phone voicemail is full from Criss Angel's fans -- all whom claim to be his "biggest" fans. (No I can't get you an autograph or help you met him, just the same I love you all.)

But I digress. One lady and her 22-year-old daughter, both Orlando residents, wrote to tell me: Mission accomplished. They once again met the Las Vegas-based illusionist, who will attempt to escape tonight from the imploding Spyglass (televised live on A&E beginning at 10 p.m.).

When they got into town last night they booked a room at the Best Western, went out to eat and learned where Angel was staying -- so they booked a suite there, instead. (I won't tell you where he's staying, but it's the worst kept secret in town by now.)

Anyway, they wanted to give him a beautifully framed set of Harry Houdini (Angel's idol) pictures  and autographs, and a piece of rope the original escape artist used in one of his performances. They carried it with them all night, hoping to present it to the main man himself.

Well, they did. Here's her email they sent (very nice people by the way):

Hi Mike:  We just had dinner downstairs, but prior to that, we met up with Criss' brother, Costa, in the elevator.  We then met up with Criss' mom, Dimitra and JD and his family.  They were all so cordial, remembered that I was the person who sent Criss the Houdini auction book, long story short, Costa phoned upstairs to Criss and he came down and met with us.  We are happy because we were able to accomplish our mission for this trip and that was to present him with the gift.  Lots of hugs and kisses later, off he went into the night, sporting eyeliner and shirtless.  It was great!  See you at the fair! Ruth

Mike Donila, Times staff writer

Comments

[Julie]

Just cannot believe that City of Clwr Bch did not coordinate any parking for this event. Tampa coordinates parking/shuttles with large events and it just makes it a much better experience. I had really wanted to experience this show, but I'm not driving there, to be stuck in traffic without a place park. Way to go City of Clearwater Beach - You Blew it!

[LoyalKim]

criss angel is amazing im his dedicated die hard Loyal i wish him the best of luck today in fla i love you criss ill be praying for ya and blessings to his family as well

LoyalKim
True Loyal 4 life

[Kim]

I agree Julie. Seems like this would be THE perfect opportunity for the city to get people from all over into CLW Beach - into the shops, restaurants, etc. Why didn't they take advantage of this? I haven't heard anything about a shuttle (people can park in downtown CLW). Seems like a no-brainer to make the most of this event!

[Just me]

Since chriss angel is doing this for money and it will get paid to his family should something happen, I hope he gets smashed like a bug. but we all know that until he is comfirmed out they wont implode it. its a scam and I hope something goes way wrong.

[ash]

^ you're a sick jerk!
I wish Criss all the best and am praying for a successful escape..

[sensiblysane]

I think many of the critics of Chris Angel forget how he's dedicated himself to his craft. He has trained for this since he was a kid. He works hard to keep himself in top physical and spiritual condition in order to practice his life-long calling. Even if it is something you don't enjoy yourself, I want to remind you to consider the dedication it takes to be such a success, and the considerable risks inherent in his craft.
Because of that, I believe he deserves the utmost respect and admiration.
I have read many posts lately that are downright cruel. How many of you work that hard for a lifetime to perform so well in your job or in your life, for that matter?
Kudos to Chris Angel. May the force be with you tonight and always.

[sensiblysane]

I think many of the critics of Chris Angel forget how he's dedicated himself to his craft. He has trained for this since he was a kid. He works hard to keep himself in top physical and spiritual condition in order to practice his life-long calling. Even if it is something you don't enjoy yourself, I want to remind you to consider the dedication it takes to be such a success, and the considerable risks inherent in his craft.
Because of that, I believe he deserves the utmost respect and admiration.
I have read many posts lately that are downright cruel. How many of you work that hard for a lifetime to perform so well in your job or in your life, for that matter?
Kudos to Chris Angel. May the force be with you tonight and always.

[Lilly]

All I know is, my kids and husband are out there to see this and they are having a great time despite the rain and parking. In fact, they got there around 10 A.M. this morning and got a parking place and seat right up front. My daughter was interviewed by the St. Pete Times for online and she and my son saw Criss come out and thank everyone for coming and weathering the rain. Anyone, who has gone to this thinking that it was going to be smooth sailing was not so bright. You've got to realize that there is going to be a crowd and trouble parking. You had to be there early to not stress as much. And as for Criss himself, my prayers are with him. I don't care how much money he is getting paid, he is a human life and that needs to be respected (directing this at "Just Me"'s comment). As a mother myself, I am praying for his mom too. I know she is concerned and rightly so. This is a great thing for our community, I just hope and pray it will not turn into a sad thing for anyone.

[horsey]

i think it wouldnt be that bad watching a building blow up alone whould be pretty cool and the fact that he is trying to even attempt something like this means he has balls bigger than the people doubting him

[BubblesThe Vet]

As a war veteran, I'm staying home and having a "few" beers. I've seen enough destruction in my lifetime.

[FAN]

CHRIS ANGEL IS ONE HOT SEXY MAN

[Mel]

I have just returned from Clearwater Beach, where I had the exciting moment of speaking to Criss, if only for a moment. When the crowd thought he was leaving his trailer through the front he was actually leaving out the back, where I was standing alone sipping espresso, he returned my greeting with that gorgeous smile of his and my day was complete. I will now watch the show from home. I pray for his saftey

[rick]

I hope Criss Angel's family is able to find some reasonably sized pieces to put in his coffin.

I have lived in area 40 years and have never been able to find a parking space by Clearwater Beach. I don't ever go there...nowhere to park. Clearwater Beach parking is now worse than ever. Did they ever blow-up that stupid circle road?

[Rick (again)]

I wisth him all thu besth ( as spoken with a lisp) MINDFWEAK

[Amanda]

We just came across the event while channel surfing. The TV info description says "Criss loads a 9-story condominium OUTSIDE MIAMI with explosives..." (emphasis added). Outside Miami? Yeah, just by a little bit....

[KD]

What a hoax, he wasn't in the building, there is no way. I will never watch Criss Angel again. What a waste of time!!!

[Glen]

I feel like I just watched an hour of wrestling. What a joke.

Hammertime

[fatcat]

any news

how did he do that theres no way to survive that. but how did he get out... with dust all over him?

[Atlanta leadershipandpassion]

Seriously Chris I wish you wouldn't have done the live show...we weren't that impressed. It's all good though your doing your thing...we give you a 6 on a scale from 1-10

[Chucky]

Man, judging by previous posts there sure are alot of nutcakes in this area.
Just watched this travesty and want my 2 minutes back. That was the weakest "magic" trick ever seen on tv.Obviously all filmed before hand. Jackass walks out of the dust..Oh no worries..it was taped yesterday.I'll never ever watch his crap again.
Oh btw, I'm a locksmith. Thats not how locks are picked.It takes 2 tools. A pick and a tension tool.Not the way this moron does it. Jams something in it and jiggles it back & forth.Only in the movies. Jeesh.

[Stephen]

Not only will I never watch anything Criss Angel does, I am boycotting any other of these stupid stunts and A&E for the rest of my life. If you can't die, where's the suspense?

[Calley]

Ha - bet they showed a pre-recorded tape of Chris trying to get that last lock open as he made his way to safety running down the un-locked back steps, covering himself with dust before making his "in shock" appearance out front. Of course, people were looking at the building, not looking around for him outside.

[JS]

If you want a nice necklace like Criss Angel check this out!!

[Stephen]

I hope he burns in hell. A locksmith would have been out of there in one minute. This thing was complete BS from the start and I'm embarrassed that I even looked at it. I will never watch A&E again so whatever rating they got out of my viewership will be lost forever. Also, if I ever see that "lieutennent" from CW beach, I'll tell him he's a fat old d-bag.

[ed]

that was crap, what a joke

did they ever show the back of the hotel?

[Amanda]

I knew it would be fake, but I at least expected a "Wow, how did he do that?!" illusion. That was just... horrible.

[St Pete Lifer]

Criss Angel is a scam artist. The clock started 5 seconds after he started picking...He wimped out and kicked in the window instead of jumping 6 stories....The cameras cut out 5-10 seconds before the 4 minute mark and the explosion was 5 seconds late. My 5 year old nephew can slide down a slide and get dirty at the bottom. He is a hoax, a scam artist, and Mindfreak is a MindJERK

[Samantha.]

Thank God that Criss Angel is still alive. I was really freaking out and shaking like crazy, when I saw that he had to kick in the window because of problems on the first lock. Then as soon as I saw the hellicopter leave, I paniced more. I really don't know how he lived through it. I am andd always have been a fan of Criss. I am always amazed with every trick and illusion he has performed. One day I hope to meet him.

[p&j]

what a load of CRAP!!!!! this is not real...talk about copying and pasting...how many people in the world go through earthquakes and don't walk out like this man did....this is all fun and and games and again a load of CRAP!!!!!!!!!! thank GOD for TIVO

[Chuck]

anyone who thinks he really was in the building when it imploded needs their head examined... three dollar bill all the way

[Fugilebrity]

This was a bogus sham, but, thanks to the proliferation of lower than average IQ's, Criss will continue to have his following of "loyals."

[Cinda Hocking]

Illusions, mentalists and magicians use tricks and tools that can help make you think and wonder and try to figure out how they work. They often depend on and illustrate our predictable patterns and show us how and when we see what we want to see. I admire Criss Angel's style, whether every event or demonstration works or not, because he has a passion and purpose and is taking action to develop it. He's taking way more risks to do what he enjoys than most people do. He makes you think and has some fun, and that's a lot more than most people do!

[anny]

Ha! After all the media build-up, the "live" broadcast, the excruciating level of anticipation...and then...nothing! And then the let down and the realization that I've been duped again! I should have known better! Can anyone say Geraldo and the Tomb of Al Capone?

[kissangel]

Do you really think if he was going to fake something he would fake his own failure?! If you know him at all you would know how pissed he is that he did not succeed! I'm sure he had a plan B in case he couldn't get out in time, some other quick exit. I don't think he went down with the building but I don't think it was fake....I still BELIEVE!

[rebecca]

Criss Angel, u are one hot sexy man and i love ur eyes! U are definitely an angel. :) Good job tonight.

OMG...Why is it that it's all GUYZ taking bad about Criss and his amanzing stunt tonight?? Feelin a little insecure guyz??? Trying to compinsate for your SHORT COMINGS???

[Loyal jewelz]

oops...my bad...that 1 before me was from me BTW ^^^

[rebecca]

I see alot of u didn't like the stunt. Well, to each their own opinion, I thought it was rather interesting. Alot of u may think he's crazy, u can have ur opinion. As for me? That man has big steel balls. Ok, so maybe he does some crazy stuff. He lives his life and enjoys every bit of it. Do u? I really enjoyed the show- FAKE or NOT!

[rebecca]

I think some people are just jealous because they either arent as smart as he is, or clever. Not everybody can pull stunts like that. Not every1 is daring like that either. I can imagine that he's fun to be around. I can tell that in a relationship-there would never be a dull moment. At least Criss is exciting and lives to his fullest!

[rebecca]

He definately lives his life to the fullest. There's probably never a dull moment in that man's life-exciting! Criss has more balls than any man I've ever met. Have Fun Criss!

[Loyal Jewelz]

I agree Rebecca.Criss was so excited tonight,(but nervous as well!!) You could see that twinkle in his eyez,knowing he was about to amaze us...AGAIN! He's got more adreniline in him that any person I've ever seen in my life! And rather it waas "fake" or not...we were all very entertained! And on the edge of our seats weren't we?

[Mandy]

I love Criss and have been watching him for a long time. He usually looks really confident and tonight he looked nervous to me. I think he had a planned alternative way out just in case something went wrong which is smart. He looked very disappointed in himself when he came out of the rubble. I'm glad he survived whether or not he susceeded. I think he is good at what he does and I'm glad to hear this was the last life threatening act.

I'm glad that he survived. But he builds everything up as "life or death." Now, since he emerged from the rubble w/out a scratch, it was not "life or death" it was plan B. He and his team always talk as if the illusion/stunt has no plan B. I will agree that he did look very disappointed when he emerged from the rubble. I saw it as "prerecorded," so I knew ahead he couldn't have died. When the helicopter flew away, I figured he'd come walking out, which makes me not BELIEVE everything that he says. But I'm glad he's alive, anyway.

[maria]

THAT WAS THE BIGGEST WASTE OF MY TIME!!! I WAS THERE ALL DAY LONG!!! I HAVE BEEN A FAN OF HIS AND HAVE WATCHED ALL HIS SHOWS. THE LEAST HE COULD OF DONE IS SHOW UP SOMEWHERE ON THE OTHER BUILDING OR APPEAR FROM A DIFFERENT HELICOPTER TO GIVE HIS FANS A GLIMPS OF HIM! AND BY THE WAY AFTER THE SHOW WE WENT OUT TO EAT IN THE AREA AND GOT TO SPEAK TO ONE OF THE EVENT STAFF AND THEY DID SAY THE PART OF THE INSIDE ESCAPING SCENES WERE PRE-RECORDED. AFTER THE HANDCUFFING PART HE RAN DOWSTAIRS AND ESCAPED IN TIME. IT WAS ALL PREPLANNED. IT WAS ALL COOL EXCEPT FOR THE ENDING WHEN HE DIDNT SHOW HIMSELF. THE BEST THING ABOUT CRISS IS THAT HE IS ONE FINE GORGEOUS MAN WITH A HOT BODY TO DIE FOR!!!!!

[Loyal Jewelz]

He did have scratches on him when he came out...if ya was watching a&etv.com...they showed him after MINDFREAK went off.He was covered with debreis ,and had scratches on him.He colapsed on the ground,and Costa poored water on him,to help him a little.The theory of having an alternate escape route,just in case something went wrong, does make since.And since he was on top...he may not have had a lot of depreise fall on him. But I know a lot of ppl that saw this stunt live...it WASN'T pre-recorded.If it was,OR it was all planned out to be a total illusion...he wouldn't have been as nervous as he was.I've seen Criss ACT nervous before,doing illusions...BUT he was really nervous this time...but as I mentioned before I saw so much adrenaline pumping thru him...before he reached the balcony...THATS when he got nervous.

[lauran (HUGE criss angel fan)]

hi for all u people who keep posting horrible comments about criss GET A LIFE! hes amazing!!!! and is WAY better at wot he does than any of u will EVER be so if your not going to post a nice comment about him dont post one at all!

i cant believe wot he did! hes amazing and im soo glad he made it out alive! i always knew he would. CRISS ANGEL YOUR AMAZING AND I HOPE YOU NEVER CHANGE. HOPE TO MEET YOU SOME DAY SOON! have a great life

love from lauran xxx :)

[bebe]

It's a sad commentary on society today, all the people that are enamoured by him, getting emotional over a silly act of camera tricks, professing your undying dedication and actually are entertained by this crap. You all must be subscribers to The National Enquirer and The Globe too. Just do me a favor and stay away from the polls during the election this fall...you scare me!

[flickster]

I agree with bebe's comments. All u ppl that worship this guy need to honestly take a hard look at yourselfs and please try get a higher education. If u think any of the stunts Chris does are remotely real u need your heads checked.

It really is scary to see how the IQ of today population has dropped to such levels and just general street smarts that so many ppl will believe just about any crap you feed them.

[Rick]

Last nights stunt was a disappointment to myself and my family.We should have watched Scare Tactics instead.My 9 year old daughter cried herself to sleep due to the disappointment over that stunt.Criss did not even have anything clever to say at the end.It was like "Well,That's it folks" as he pretended to be shaken by the whole event.
I would like to have seen him ride a BIG WHEEL down the Sunshine Skyway Bridge for a Monday Morning Magic Show.That would impress me.And my daughter wouldn't cry anymore.

[Tari]

Real or not...Criss Angel still takes alot of risks at what he does..God Bless him that he never gets really hurt. I enjoy watching his stunts trying to figure out how he did it.

[Kevin Madison]

People... The escape was a pre-recorded escape. All he did was break thru the window and then got out of the building. All the rest was pre-recorded.

Then they show him on the grass, outside of the rubble area, because he wasn't alowed inside that area.

He didn't use the helicopter because he was already safe outside the building when the cameras magically found him unscathed and uncut with baby powder on him! It was a bad fake. If you can't see that you're not very smart.

[Mr. Tibbs]

Just goes to show you; there's a sucker born every minute!

[Emily Sudds]

ARE YOU CALLING CRISS ANGEL A CHEAT!?

[Hannah]

I Absolutely Love Criss Angel He Is Diffenetley Amazing But Something Makes Me Wonder If His Great Escape Wasnt Really Real You Know But Hey It Is Entertainment Love Always Criss Angels #1 Fan

[Brandi]

Why are you guys so poed about this? Noone gets this upset when David Cooperfield pulls a scam! My family LOVES Criss and we also know that not all the stunts that are done are real. Criss admits this himself, however there are very real risks that go along with this. Grow up people, YOU couldn't do what eh does.

[olivia riker]

hay cris i was watching when you blow your self up im so happy that you are not dead i love your magic you know i love watching your tv shows put i think you should take a break for a little while and take care of your mom and brothers i want to be just like you when i grow up but i cant do the things you can do. im just happy that you are all right when the news should you coming out of the blow up buildinng i started to cry the bad news is i wanted to come see you bue i got in a car accedent suck bad i really wanted to see you blow the biulding but i got to see you on tv go enough for me i really wanted to get your artagragh cant get want you want all the time. im so happy your safe and mylove gos outto you and your mom and your brothers love you all god bless you criss take it easy.

[R]

For those who think this was real... Hope you TIVO'd it cause you're gonna want to follow along.

Not knowing about the cuffs beforehand was the downfall of this illusion. Why did he have to take the cuffs off both wrists? Because he did not have the cuffs with him when he pre-filmed the interior scenes. If you watch closely (this is where the TIVO comes in) you can see him place the cuffs in his pocket after removing them. The mistake is that the cuffs are not all the way in his pocket. When he busts the glass and heads to the first interior door we are still live. When he is working on the interior door lock the cuffs are still plainly visible hanging out of his pocket. In the view from the next camera, the cuffs are gone. This is when the illusion went to taped footage. (For any who say the cuffs fell out, why did the retired officer receive them back from Mr. Angel after the event?) While everyone was glued to the footage taped earlier, Mr. Angel ran to the rear of the building where he slid down a cloth-like tube known as a debris chute (remnants of which could still be seen in the debris from Coronodo Blvd) and then ran to the low building to the north safe behind its heavy concrete walls. Once the building fell Mr. Angel left to the front and made his way to the base of the newly constructed Beachwalk elevated sidewalk shielded by both the dust and the elevated walk itself. At that time he was greeted by his camera crew and family and all were amazed that he survived.

Don't misunderstand me. It was a cute bit of entertainment. What it was not is a good illusion.

I am sure that Mr. Angel himself will come back with something better in the future. We need to remember that even the pros have an off day every now and again.

[freebird56]

First of all I am sick and tired of people knocking Criss down. He is an illusionist and a damn good one. Real or not I don't want to know, if he can have people crying thinking he was dead including me then he DID his job.
If your a Loyal then be a Loyal. Criss is an artist in his craft and he worked very hard to get where he is. And i think he has done some amazing things. whether it's real or not is not the issue, he makes you believe it. And isn't that what he is susposed to do. So lay off and take him for what he is an amazing illusionist. And be Loyal to him. I will alway be his fan and loyal to the end.. Mindfreak!!!

[amy m]

hi,
i heard that criss angel died thursday night from internal damage..... i really want 2 know if thats true because i spent all yesterday crying becaasue i didnt know.... does anybody know? if you do plz email me!!! fishin_girl_101@hotmail.com

plz i am dieing inside!!!! help!

[Adrian]

First off, I've always been a big mindfreak fan. I have Criss's show set to record on my DVR so that I never miss a show, but his last dangerous stunt was not his finest performance. I'm sorry, but Criss let me down on that one, just knowing that it was a camera trick for when he went through the second door. You can see, after he breaks the window and gets inside. Camera 2 shows the handcuffs danggling out of his right pocket, but as he opens the door and then proceeds to run down the hallway, there is no handcuff hanging. It's obvious the last 90 sec or so were prerecorded, giving Criss enough time to get to the adjacent bulding before it imploded. Then as the smoke clouded the area, giving him time to run and wait for the camera crew to come find him on the grass infront of the safety fence. Good try Criss, but this one just wasn't the best trick he pulled off. The other thing that madeit obvious that it wasn't all real, he picked a random woman to come and look at the locks and so on, but he only takes her as far as the second door. He never took her down the hallway, nor up the flight of stairs to the roof.

[brittany]

i love criss he has made my life better i love watching him he makes me happy and he made me a stronger braver person and i really am thankful for every thing he does for us spending 1/2 his year taping the shows for us yea he does it for cash but i believe he does it more for people he is a good person and i love him for that and i hope he does mid freak til he can no longer do it.

[TJ]

ummm ya hi,
so how do you team up with him to do that mindfreak thing?
because my best friend matt likes him a lot! i would love to freak him out plus i would love to talk to him like for real he is my wole life ciss i love him well please write me back with the ifo thanks so much!
p.s. i am a girl just icase you were wondering (lol)

[Kayla]

Hey Criss, I hope doing fine. I just want to say is your my hero and I proud that you love kids and was there on that one show of yours supporting for the troops. The reason I say this is, my dad is in the service and I love it when people gives stuff to kids that need it. So heres to you. The girl that will always call you a hero.