Originally posted on MySpace on April 28, 2007.OK, if you've been a loyal reader of my blogs you're probably wondering...how does she do it? How is it that you've attended a Five For Fighting concert...or two, or more...and haven't gotten a face-to-face with John Ondrasik? Or, you're planning to attend an upcoming show and you want that opportunity? What can you do to increase the odds of making it happen? And, how do you play the role of a Five For Fighting groupie, in general? Well, I'm willing to share my secrets because it know it means a lot to some of you.
First of all, you gotta email John. It lets him know you exist, and gives him a heads up that you want to meet him at a particular show. He may not remember you specifically, but depending on what you say, he might remember you when the time comes. Write him at http://www.fiveforfriends@aol.com/. Don't overdo it, though...keep in mind he gets hundreds of emails a week.
Second, do your research. Find out as much as you can about the venue, especially when you get there. Location, parking options, where the bus is going to unload. If you plan on meeting the bus, you have to get there early...I would say at least 8 hours before the show starts. Of the five concerts I attended this go-round, I met the bus three times, and that was because I was there early.
Which brings up point number three...perserverance. In other words, your desire to make it happen. Now, I'm not saying you have to be obsessed about the whole thing, but it's more the amount of time and effort devoted to your ultimate goal. Believe me, I put in a LOT of time waiting around...for the bus, and John himself. But, it paid off, as you all know. So, do what you need to do...call in sick to work (did I say that?), play hooky from school (I DIDN'T say that), etc.
Next, communication is the key. As I mentioned before, emailing John is important. Even more valuable, talk to the people involved with the band, if you get the chance. The tour manager is your best bet on finding out John's itinerary. On those days I was there to meet the bus, I got some great info from the very nice bus driver...and, he got me on the bus, too! While you're waiting around, keep your eyes and ears open. The crew guys and band members are sometimes in and out of the venue before the show...it can be a great opportunity to talk to them and get autographs.
As for John himself, his availability can all depend on scheduling. Sometimes, he can do personal appearances at radio stations on the day of the concert...you can try and see him there if you know about it. For all five shows I attended, John wasn't traveling on the bus yet, so it was always a matter of waiting for him to arrive for the soundchecks before the shows. That was usually about 3 hours prior to doors opening. Word to the wise...if you really want to meet John, do it BEFORE the show, not after. During last fall's tour, John's doctor told him not the talk after shows to save his voice. I'm not sure how things are this time around, but I wouldn't be surprised if the same holds true. I wouldn't bet on John being available afterwards, just to be on the safe side.
So, you've followed all my advise and the big moment arrives...there's John! What do you do now? Hopefully, you'll play it cool...be polite, be humble, be nice. Make sure you have a camera to capture that Kodak moment...and know how to use it! If you brought something for him to sign, make sure your have a pen (a Sharpie works best). Try to remember the details of your experience because, believe me, it will be over before you know it.
As for the concert itself, there are several ways to play the ultimate groupie. If you're attending a general admission show, that means no seats...as in standing room only! So, if you want your best vantage point of the stage, you gotta get there early...yeah, more waiting! I never said being a groupie would be easy...it's not! For a Five For Fighting general admission show, 1-2 hours before doors opening is usually about right to be at the front of the line. If you're attending a show at the House of Blues, check to see if they have a Pass The Line option. That means, getting a receipt from dining at the HOB or making a purchase at their store, and getting front of the line privileges. It paid off for me in Vegas and San Diego...I was right up at the stage. And, you DO want to be right up there. Groupies don't sit in the back! You wanna get as close as possible to John, which is stage front! Now, some may gripe that they don't want to stand on their feet for 3-4 hours, which is the case if you're there right at opening. SO WHAT!!! Believe me, once Five For Fighting takes the stage, you'll forget about your aching feet. It will be SO worth it! You'll thank me later.
There's a difference between a true Five For Fighting fan and the others that are just there for the entertainment. TRUE FANS KNOW THE WORDS TO THE SONGS!!! In the very least, a Five For Fighting fan knows Superman, 100 Years, The Riddle, and maybe Easy Tonight and World. A groupie should have ALL of the albums memorized...although, if you don't have Message For Albert, I'll excuse you there. Nothing makes John happier than to see and hear the audience singing his songs, especially when you're right up there in front of the stage! So, if you're attending a show on this current tour, you still have time to learn the words...if you wanna be a groupie, do it now!
Even the best made plans can go awry, and you were not lucky enough to meet John or anyone before or after the show. Still, it would be nice to have some sort of memento from the concert. Well, there's the ticket stub, which is OK, but you'd like something else. During his current tour, John is singing Angels & Girlfriends, in which he plays a little harmonica. If you're attending an all-ages show, and you have a kid, you wanna be up there at the stage. John always gives away his harmonica to a child at those shows. Otherwise, he'll toss it into the crowd when he's done...heads up! John also does a cover song which involves him reading from a piece of paper...that gets tossed, too! After the concert is over, scope out the Five For Fighting crew as they start breaking things down on stage. It's your chance to ask them for stuff...the setlist, guitar picks (although they might be just the generic kind), even John's water bottle...I did! Finally, if they have a merchandise table set up, do your part to support Five For Fighting by purchasing a T-shirt or two, or any CDs that you don't already have. Albums are John's lifeblood...true fans listen to all his songs, not just the singles.
So, that's my take on how to be a Five For Fighting groupie. To be honest, while I was doing the groupie thing, I was the only one. But, there was the lucky My Space friend who met John at The Wiltern in L.A. when she played her cards right and was there when he arrived. And, there were a couple of guys in Salt Lake who were admitted autograph seekers, also waiting for John (although one of them said he was also going to the show) at the venue. They ended up leaving me when they found out about his radio station appearance in town and wanted to catch him there. I would be interested in knowing if any of this helps someone in their quest to attain Five For Fighting groupie status. If so, message me!
By the way, after the show, if you get a chance, say "Hi" to the guy at the lighting console in the back of the room. I think he works harder than anyone there. Besides, we couldn't see John up on stage without his considerable talents!
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