I know I need to do a whole lot more processing before I get all of my thoughts down about this- but I want to attempt to comment on this whole experience for those of you who want to know how yesterday went.
I was so nervous about meeting the band! I can't remember what my two good friends were even talking about in the car on the way there, (sorry gals!) When RED's manager came up to get us, we got to go into Freedom Hall before anyone else was allowed in. There is something almost spiritual about going into an arena set up for a concert but no one else is there. Two hours later it was filled with over 14,000 people! But not in that moment. It was just us.
We continued backstage and out the door to the tour buses. Scott gave us instructions and we boarded the bus. Michael, Randy, Joe, and Anthony were all sitting on one side of the bus and got up to greet us as we entered. All six of us were invited to sit down- which we did- and there was complete silence. (I know all six of us were just stunned to be there!)
Anthony started to ask us questions, and slowly everyone began to talk....except me. I didn't know what to say! I finally said a couple of things (which I cannot remember) and then when asked what my favorite song on the new album was and I said "Hymn for the Missing", Randy said "You don't like to rock?" (Hymn is a slow song) That kinda ticked me off so I said "No, you don't understand!" And went on to explain how that song has helped me fill in four months of my storyline and I told them about the book I'm writing. Pam looked at me in shock! I had actually said not just one or two sentences, but lots of them! The guys all said very encouraging things and we went on to talk about other stuff.
They asked us what song we wanted them to play acoustically....and we all had different suggestions. I said I loved them all- but I especially loved "Already Over" and said I loved the video they shot at Alcatraz. Three of them made comments about making that video and we learned that the room they filmed the video in was in the morgue. They said that there were still fake blood stains on the ceiling and floor from shooting the movie, "The Rock" there. They talked about the acoustics , the history of the prison, and other things. It was so fun to see them all talk together about it.
They moved on to other things, and signed the stuff we had brought, and later we went out and took pictures with them. I had the chance to give my letter to Michael. But the moment that was the most surreal was when they did "Never Be the Same" from their Innocence and Instinct album just for the six of us. There was something so magical about Michael singing just to us. Anthony played the acoustic guitar and Randy sang the harmony. (Joe, the drummer sat quietly- he said to keep them in line!) It was one of the coolest things I've ever experienced! I can't even begin to explain it! Those four minutes were something I will always treasure.
My advice to you today is if you ever get the chance to do something you've wanted to, if you are able, DO IT!!!
Until next time....live your dreams!! Here is the video of RED at Alcatraz....
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