Originally posted on MySpace on April 23, 2007.I got back to The Depot around 3:00 pm...like I said, I didn't want to take any chances missing John before the show. As I was waiting, the bass player, Eric Holden came out to the bus. I asked him to sign my setlist from Bakersfield, which he gladly did. I kept waiting...I'm used to it by now. My patience paid off big time...John finally arrived around 4:30 in an SUV. As he exited the passenger seat, we exchanged our hellos. I told him that I wanted to say goodbye, that it was the end of the road for me...my last concert of the tour. As he got his stuff out of the back, I talked to John, telling him that nothing could compare to watching him perform live. We both agreed that the Wiltern show was the best so far...I mentioned the appreciative audience and his great performance...he thanked me for that compliment!
I asked John for a picture...of just himself. He posed for my camera, calling it his "traveling shot." He asked me to say "Hello" to everyone and shook my hand. I then remembered to pop the question that so far I always forgot to ask...have you seen My Space page? He said no. Awww, John, you have to see my page, I said. It's more your page than my page! John told me to send him the link to my page and he would take a look at it. We then said our goodbyes, and John wished me a safe trip home. WOW! That couldn't have happened any better!
I had a Will Call ticket, which I picked up at the venue's box office. I started waiting in line about 1 1/2 hours before doors opening...I was first in line! Then, I saw Greg Suran, the guitar player at the bus, along with Don, the lighting guy. I asked Greg to sign my setlist, and asked Don for a publicity photo...which he didn't have. Oh, well, I tried! As people started arriving, I got to talking to two 30 and 40-something couples who were right behind me in line. It was their first Five For Fighting concert...I told them they were in for a treat! They decided to stick with me when it came time to go inside. I was a bit concerned about the club members, who were entitled to enter 15 minutes before the general public...it could jeopardize my getting a good vantage point. But, when the time arrived, I found the stage front empty, and the early comers in the seats...I guess they decided sitting for 2 hours was better than a closer view. So, once again, I scored a primo spot, as did the two couples who were right next to me.
Unlike the previous shows, I brought my camera this time. I could have taken photos at the Wiltern, but I didn't think we could, so I neglected to bring it. I have mixed feelings about taking photos during a concert. As much as I would like photo mementos, I know the camera flash can be distracting to the performer. For this show, I did try taking some without the flash, which didn't work too well. I ended up taking some with the flash, but not many. I resorted to the silent video clips, which are actually better in the long run...no flash, and live action.
I soaked up John's performance...I tried to enjoy the show to its fullest since it was my last. The audience was terrific...no noise from the bar area! Even John noticed that! After the last song of the encore...Policeman's Xmas Party...I watched and waited as John thanked the audience. Then, it happened...John looked directly at me, AND WAVED A LAST GOODBYE! I waved back, then it was over. I felt exhilarated and very happy...a truly memorable day!
So, tomorrow, I make the long drive back to Washington...about 10 hours. I'm eager to get to my folks' house and tell them everything that has happened on my most incredible road trip. I've been glad to share my experiences with everyone...Five For Fighting fans and others alike. Will I ever do anything like this ever again? Who knows, but I would love to! Maybe next time, there will be someone else with me to share the driving duties...it's tiring!
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