They say never meet your idols because you'll be disappointed, but this wasn't the case when meeting Johnny Marr in November 2013. After standing in the pouring rain before the show, we stood outside in the snow for probably a half hour more waiting for Johnny to come outside. For some reason I had this feeling we would meet him, if we were patient. My friend wanted to leave because let's face it..it was freaking cold..snowing..and any minute our feet and hands would turn into frozen fish sticks. I just kept telling my friend "Five more minutes..just five more minutes..I know we're going to meet him!" He came out of his tour bus and instructed us to go back into the venue to get autographs. This is not a normal "rock star" thing. Most go to the bus and that's it. We stood in line patiently and eagerly waiting for our moment. I was freaking out because I looked like crap. My hair was ruined due to the snow..it looked like I had been at a rave all night. Then my phone died..NO! I mean..seriously..doesn't that seem like it should be in a movie or something? Just before you meet your idol your phone says..Goodbye loser! Thankfully my friend had his wits about him and didn't use his phone during the show. The guy in front of us had the Rank album for Johnny to sign and was chatting him up for a bit. I just wanted to press the fast forward button on that scene. Finally, he is done..it is now our turn! Johnny talked to my friend and got his picture with him. I couldn't help but grin like an idiot and trying to stop from peeing myself. I just couldn't believe he was standing inches from me in the flesh. How did this happen? How did I get here? Is this real? It felt like an out of body experience truthfully. It was then my turn and I was trying to think of what to say. Something clever..or cool..or everything I ever wanted to say to him...but all I could do was just look at him and smile. He pointed out my Joy Division shirt and I thanked him so much for coming to Indianapolis since most go to Chicago anymore. He asked my name and signed my record. I then got a picture of him and it wasn't just a regular mate hug, it was a real hug. Like he knew that we were real longtime fans and that this meant a lot to us. He thanked us and kissed my hand! I was beyond excited. I felt like Marcia Brady not wanting to wash because Davey Jones kissed her cheek. Johnny Marr actually took my hand like a gentleman and kissed it! Now that had to be a dream, right? No..all reality. I wanted to relive that moment over and over again. Actual live in that moment and never let go. Even though you truly enjoy the moment, you always wish you could enjoy it even more if possible. After we had our meet and greet I couldn't contain myself. I latched on to my friend's sleeve with glee and said "Can you fucking believe we just fucking met Johnny Fuckin Marr?!" And yes, his middle name is "Fuckin"..look it up..oh and I have a button that proves it! It was truly one of the best nights of my life and one that I will always cherish. He made me feel like I was 16 again. I actually jumped up and down during the show and caught all those nostalgic feelings when he played Smith's songs. A few days later I sent Johnny a message and thanked him so much for that night. I have Osteoarthritis and it sometimes is very hard to get around much less go to a concert jumping around and standing for hours. I remember trying to hold the camera to record some video and my achy hands were struggling to hold it up. He wrote back thanking me for the message and wishing me luck with everything. For some drugs and alcohol are their highs, but for me the best high is going to a concert. It's a high like no other and is something you will carry with you like a badge for the rest of your life. You will beam for days on end thinking how wonderful it was and how much you want to experience it again..over and over and over. Truthfully without music many of us would not be here. I know without bands like The Smiths, Joy Division, etc. I would not be here. If you didn't have that friend or parent saying Hey, I've been there and understand then The Smiths and Ian Curtis would be that voice. This is why after all these years bands like this have cult followings. I can only speak for myself, but you never forget the ones who helped you through all the lows in life. You feel like you owe it to the artist for helping you through the tough times and still remaining in your life when the undeniable transition to adulthood becomes evident. Johnny Marr is the most down to Earth guy and just a class act. He's the guy everyone wants to hang out and have a beer with chatting about music and the world. Johnny Marr is legend..that is all. -Thanks again to Johnny Marr for a great night!-
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AuthorAngela Marie. I like writing. I like music. I have thoughts falling from my head. Archives
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