I feel the Earth move under my feet.....

Words and erratic hand gestures cannot express the feeling of meeting a band you never thought was in your grasp of coming close to. Nor can any rewind button be pressed so that you can go back and act cool instead of continuously losing your mind in public. Imagine being asked by the worlds biggest and best known funk band who your idols are and telling them ( in a slight state of delirium) that you listen to Aretha, The Supremes and ELVIS, I am without a doubt the biggest dork in the world...sigh*

Undoubtably last night was a music career highlight and a dream (I didn't think possible)come true. The members of Earth, Wind & Fire were the nicest people I have ever met! The we're so kind and encouraging and willing to make us feel at home. I was hoping that they would eventually decide to adopt me. But, alas, no one took me seriously.

Saskwatch Sound-check Palais Theatre St. Kilda, April 4, 2012

Their dance moves made them age defiant and their singing was out of this world and the natural human hearing frequency (Philip Bailey, I want your vocal chords - adopt me, please!). Verdine White had the funk and the bass down pat. He was the epitome of soul and at 61 - he still had the grunt and growl of hipness. He was utterly mesmerising and BOY, could that guy bust a move!

I met Ralph Johnson in the backstage corridor of the old St. Kilda Palais Theatre when I first walked in. He was cool. I feel that that is the only way I could summarise him. He was amazed by my name which I thought was hilarious and I like a professional that I am, proceeded to dissolve into a bubble of mild hysteria....which seems to be a common theme in my blogs. He smoothly signed off with ' I'm Ralph Johnson, one of the principle vocalists in Earth, Wind & Fire.' to which I replied....'I know...(but, with more of a hysterical tremble in my delivery)'.

Earth Wind & Fire Concert, Palais Theatre St. Kilda, April 4, 2012

I think another highlight for me was not only having my mum there but, also managing to sneak her in backstage afterwards and meeting all the members of E W & F and telling them all "this is my mum". Over and over again. I think it is safe to say that both she and I had the best night ever and were running around stage like a pair of school girls high on life and vodka.

I hope that last nights experience was a big enough thank you to her for always supporting me and believing in me. Especially at times when I didn't. I am not sure if things are going to be as big as this was again?!?!?


Question: In ten years time will I remember that on April the 4th 2012 I stood on stage a supported Earth, Wind & Fire and sung, in a band I have dreamed of being in my whole life, with my mother watching on?

Answer: Fuck yes.

Philip Bailey & I, Catering Room - Palais Theatre St. Kilda, April 4, 2012