Blog

The next morning, I woke up to the sound of rainfall outside my hotel room’s balcony.   I met up with Carlos, and we walked over to a nearby coffee shop for a quick bite and some mocha and headed back to the hotel.  The band and I quickly boarded the tour buses, and we set off to Chaifetz Arena, where the evening concert would take place.   As we arrived, many tour personnel were already busily putting together the stage, lighting, sound system and more.  I was then presented with my very own Stevie Nicks VIP pass that I proudly wore around my neck.  For a night, I would be a part of Stevie’s entourage, and I was loving it. 

I took a floor seat and watched the band as they conducted their sound check and rehearsals.  Wow, they sure sounded great.  I could only imagine what their full blown concert would be like that evening.  Who would’ve known that 7 years after I first saw Stevie perform in concert, that I would be sitting here during their rehearsals and hanging out with the band?  It’s amazing the surprises one encounters in their lifetime.

Afterwards, Carlos and I hung out in the band’s dressing room, and I got to meet more members of the band.  Those guys were simply hilarious to be around, and I just simply blended in and had some great, interesting conversations.    Yes, even well respected, professional musicians are interested in astronomy and telescopes!  I can’t wait to have a bigger star party with them someday!

The moment came when I finally had the opportunity to meet Stevie Nicks.  Carlos brought me to the makeup room, and there she was.  We greeted each other, and I was so happy to finally meet one of my favorite singers of all time in person.  She was very sweet, and we shared a nice conversation together.  We then said our goodbyes, as she was about to have her hair and makeup done.  It was a thrilling moment for me, and I can now say that “I met Stevie Nicks.”  Thank you Carlos for making it happen!

After a delicious dinner catered for the band and road crew, it was almost showtime!  Carlos’ guitar technician hooked me up to a transmitting device which allowed me to hear Carlos’ guitar much more clearer.  I then took my position to the right side of the stage and then the arena went dark.  The audience was going wild and grew even wilder when the band and Stevie took to the stage.  The lights started to flash, and the keyboard’s opening harmonic sounds of “Stand Back” began to play.  The show was on!

From my position along the side of the stage, I glanced out at the audience and saw fans both young and old alike dancing in the aisles and singing along.  It’s so amazing how Stevie’s music can move people from all different generations.  Now that’s what I call pure talent and not just a one hit wonder act.  Stevie’s music is simply timeless.

Stevie’s song lineup for the evening consisted of many classic songs such as “Landslide” and “Rhiannon.”  However, the band also included a cover rendition of Bob Seger’s “Face the Promise” which absolutely rocked the house down.  Stevie’s voice and the heavy guitar riffs really made this song stand out and rock!  I need to acquire this song!   “Edge of Seventeen,” always a fan favorite, including mines, received a thunderous approval from the audience.  Carlos and Waddy Wachtel (Lead Guitarist) traded off guitar solos near the end of the song which was nothing short of amazing!  It was also great hearing Sharon Celani (Background Vocalist) singing her solo part and watching Jana Anderson (Background Vocalist) and Lori Nicks (Background Vocalist) swaying to the music.  You ladies rock!

After the final encore, the concert came to an end, even though the audience wanted more.  As fast as the concert started, breakdown started immediately, as all the gear needed to be quickly loaded onto the trucks to head out to the next destination.  I was able to hangout with the band in their dressing rooms, and they gladly posed for a few photos.  After a quick change of clothes, it was our turn to board the tour buses to start a long 5 hour road trip to Chicago. 

It was then time to check e-mails and relax a bit.  I pulled out a DVD copy of my recent SkyDiving adventure to entertain Carlos and Sharon.  I had a feeling that they thought I was a bit crazy to have jumped out of an airplane, but it was fun to watch on the TV monitor.  It was a long, tiring day and everyone was ready to call it a night.  The buses are equipped with bunks, so the band also provided me with a bunk, which came equipped with a personal DVD player.  Sharon helped tuck me in and before I knew it, I was fast asleep.  You know, I never did get to use that DVD player. 

I want to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation towards Carlos Rios, his fellow band members and Management for allowing me to join them on tour to experience “their world” for a day.  It was a dream come true, and now I know the great effort it takes with all the people and hard work involved to put together a show.   I don’t think I’ll ever look at another concert the same way again.  They are truly professionals at what they do, and it’s so wonderful to have people like them to entertain and inspire us.  Thank you so much!

The next time you hear Stevie Nicks sing “Planets of the Universe,” you’ll know that her band actually do view planets in the universe.  The “Star Party” continues on.