Backstage Passes!

If you are like me, getting backstage to see your favorite artist is a minor challenge…well it’s minor if you are determined. I have had the distinct pleasure of being backstage with EWF on not 1…not 2…but 3 occasions.

The FIRST encounter was kinda “accidental”….I just wandered into the area where the tour buses were loading. Ooops. I had driven 3 hours to Richmond, VA (from DC) in 1997 after work on a Thursday afternoon, I think. The show was at 8PM. I drove alone. I arrived in Richmond at about 6:45pm and had time to kill…so what’s a guy to do? At about 7PM…as I had predicted, two long black stretch limousines, and two 15-passenger black vans pulled into a “secured” area behind the theater. I watched from across the street to see who I could see. Finally…it happened. Verdine White stepped out of his limo. He had a car all to himself…and in my opinion, he deserves it. By this time I had completely thrown caution to the wind. So I casually walked up to him and introduced myself. he was VERY cool and engaged me for a few minutes. I can’t remember what I said to him, but his words to me will forever remain in my memory. He said something like, “It’s great meeting with you Brotha, but you better get outta here before you get arrested!” I will NEVER forget it. You could say that I am hardheaded if you like…after the show (I had 3rd-row, center seats)…I went right back out to the tour buses. Again…my diligence paid off. It was about 11:30pm and the rest of the band began to appear at the buses. I met: Phillip Bailey (THE VOICE), Ralph Johnson (vocals/percussion), Sheldon Reynolds (guitars), Gary Bias (saxophones), and Sonny Emory (drums). Needless to say, I was in HEAVEN!!!

I got several autographs. No photos this time, but see my next two posts, coming SOON. I was so high on adrenaline, I still can’t remember my drive back to DC that night.

More to come…

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