After being a Duranie since 1984, I figured the last thing that would happen is meeting band. That possibility always seemed not obtainable because I conjured in my mind that they were inaccessible unless it was a formal autograph signing. Now I know as of this past Friday, there is always another possibility. It took the old tried and true fan/groupie way of doing things.

The day already started off wonderfully with meeting up with fans for a pre-gathering at PF Chang's in Walnut Creek. I was already going to the concert by myself, which is a first. Usually I beg or drag somebody with me, or meet up with friends at the show. This time I wanted to meet other fans, so I decided to join in that gathering. It's funny meeting other fans and being able to connect with others who have had similar experiences growing up or at least who understands. It's almost like a reunion with strangers and it just makes sense. From there we headed to the Concord Pavilion, or whatever it's called these days. Then there was the VIP party before the show, more food, more fans, and some special goodies. Unfortunately that didn't lead to winning the meet 'n greet. At least I was able to see the concert from the 3rd row and my camera cooperated much better than usual, taking over 90 pics. Other than the constant annoyance of hands being in the way while taking pictures, I had a great time. I'm still getting into their latest album Red Carpet Massacre. Who knows if I'll ever fully embrace it, but I'm trying and at least the heavily electronic sound plays well live. The best show I have ever seen of D2 was back in September 2003 in SF at GGPark when they headlined the Now & Zen festival. That was my first time seeing them as the original five, and I was just wrapped up in the experience which was emotional, and the weather unusually hot for SF at 94.

Ok, after the show, I joined up with five other fans who found out that the band was staying at the Four Seasons, so we ended up there. Right when I walked in the bar, I turned to my left and immediately made eye contact with Nick. One thing I had to do was stay calm and just act normal. We locked eyes for a few seconds, I grinned, turned my head forward and continued walking towards the other fans. Simon was surrounded at the bar. We sat around, some ordered drinks, and we talked and kept peering over to see where they were. Simon was constantly moving, so it took more seat shifting to keep up with him. Eventually one of us in the group got his attention and he ended up standing near me and another fan. We introduced ourselves to him. I shook Simon's hand, and tried to extend the shake two seconds longer than I would in general. Apparently, I reminded him of somebody, because he kept saying that he remembered and knew me. I kept saying "no you don't." haha! It was a funny interaction, and at least he was really cool and in a good mood. Meeting Nick was a little trickier since he was sitting at a table and had not moved from it the entire time we were there and he was in deep conversation with those at his table. It was time to go and something needed to happen. Another fan in the group I was with really wanted to meet him, so she led the way and introduced herself to him, and then I followed suit. He was pleasant and was attentive to my brief rambling. Unfortuately, I don't have pictorial proof. I really wanted to take pictures, but that would have broken just act normal and not some crazed fan moment. I was fortunate that it happened at all, and it's something I will never forget. Of course they are just regular folks who happen to be well-known entertainers, but it's still a big deal after years of wishing and wondering if I would ever get close enough to them to say anything let alone to shake their hands.