"Do you want..."

“…to join us backstage for drinks?” Asked one of the bands that played that evening. 

“I can do that?” I said as I followed along. 

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Last Thursday I was invited to a concert with friends for the next day. “Our friend backed out, and we’ve asked literally everyone.” After listening to the link they sent me of one of the band’s song, I happily agreed. Sounds awesome! I thought. It had been awhile since I was at a concert anyways, I miss the atmosphere. Having never heard the band before, I didn’t really know what to expect. Will and the People was their name. And boy did they have quite the que for their show! We grabbed food, hopped in line, and got in just in time to catch them walking on stage. Unfortunately this meant we missed the opening band. (Yes Sir Boss) Another band I had never heard of before. But that fact barely phased me. 

After the first round of drinks, I offered myself up to get the second. Standing at the bar I was distracted by the (lack of) que and the music. Thinking it was my turn up, I quickly stuck up three fingers and said “drie biertjes alsjeblieft!” as loud as I could. Then I noticed the guy next to me give that all-too-familiar look of ‘dammit’. First I apologised in Dutch, then upon realisation that he was not Dutch, I began to apologise in English. We laughed it off and started talking, and the few others he was with joined in. Still clutching the three beers in my hands, I left with a promise to continue the conversation because they seemed like really cool people. 

A bit later, I find them again, and finally get to the question “So you guys came all the way from England?” 

“Yea, well we were the opening band.” 

“Oooo, really? Man! I missed you guys because the que outside was so long!” … “No, I haven’t ever heard of you before.” I blushed a bit - semi-embarrassed to admit to the band that I haven’t the faintest idea who they are. But the rest of Will and the People, a free CD, few drinks, plenty of conversation, and quick ‘tour” (the ATM is there, and we can smoke indoors) later and I was being invited back stage. 

Never have I ever just been invited backstage before. Sure, my dad promoted concerts and was the manager of a pretty ‘hip’ club back in the day. And he hosted many bands that I am proud to have to just been in the same room as. But. I was two. Or maybe three. Fun stories, but that stuff doesn’t count.

Back stage with Yes Sir Boss, Will and the People, and all the managers, producers, sound techs, roadies, groupies and anybody else apart of what makes a music tour work, and me. 

Things to do before I die #286: Party with the band. Check.

- This groupie