The Soundtrack to My Life

My Lindsey Buckingham Concert Adventure

I had one of the best weekends of my life a few weeks ago when I embarked on a three-day journey, visiting my friend Gail, taking a drive to the museum at the original site of Woodstock, and seeing Lindsey Buckingham in concert. I was hours away from home and even though I was surrounded by unfamiliar territory, I couldn’t help but feel both relaxed and excited while embarking on new adventures on the open road with friends.

Gail and I met a year and a half ago after seeing Buckingham on his Under the Skin tour. While we were both waiting for him after the show, we struck up a conversation and quickly became great friends. We have since had other music adventures together, including a brush with the legendary Stevie Nicks a few months ago.

Gail brought along her music-loving friend Greg, and together we drove to Glenside to meet my friend Brooke and attend Buckingham’s show together. I met Brooke through Sheryl Crow’s website, and we had been e-mailing each other for months, sharing our love of music and writing. 

My friends and I had made a plan to get to the theater early so that we could catch Mr. Buckingham going inside for sound check. We found the backstage door hours before the show and located a roadie who kindly gave us an idea about when the man of the night would be arriving. We stood around in the alley outside of the artists’ entrance and entertained ourselves with pending questions for the guitar legend.

We realized quickly that we were not the only ones scoping out the theater. A few more fans arrived and as we introduced ourselves, we realized that we knew each other from a Fleetwood Mac message board. Suzy and Otto had traveled from Belgium to see Buckingham in concert—proving yet again how the power of music brings people together from all sides of the world. It is almost too overwhelming to think about.

The hours went by quickly as more fans turned up clutching their favorite photo, record or CD, hoping for a brief moment with their favorite guitar player. We met folks from as nearby as Philadelphia to as far away as Norway. It was so invigorating to talk with fellow fans who feel inspired by music the same as I do. I knew I was among like-minded individuals, because when Gail and I recounted our story of meeting Stevie Nicks last April to our new company, their eyes and faces lit up with excitement.

The October air was chilly as we stood in the shadows of the building surrounding the backstage entrance, all hoping that Buckingham would arrive soon. As if on cue, a white Escalade pulled up. I said “That’s him!” and ran over behind the car to wait. The door opened and I saw the black sleeve of a leather jacket.

Buckingham got of the Escalade and immediately started to walk past the crowd of hungry fans into the venue. I shouted, “Lindsey, can I get an autograph?” while he was making his escape; he paused, and while continuing to look ahead said, “I’m running late…” to which I countered, “After the show?” He said, “Yes, maybe,” and continued on his way. A group of fans had now gathered behind Gail and me, waiting with bated breath, as I quickly told them what happened.

Since our first attempt failed, we all agreed to meet back there to try again after the show. As we parted, disappointed, we felt relieved that we could finally go find a place to warm up and sit down.

Across the street from the theater was a small bar/restaurant, where we gathered to sit down in a tiny booth and prepare for the show. Greg had brought his camera with him, and we all put our heads together to stare at the one photograph he’d snapped of Lindsey exiting the vehicle.

Suzy and Otto came in and immediately joined us at the table, so we all squished together even more. With Greg’s loud, energetic voice, he caught the attention of the couple sitting next to us, who were also going to the show. We immediately showed them our picture and included them in our conversation about the impending concert. Our little group was quickly growing, as strangers came together to converse on their one common love—music.

Drinks were ordered and we toasted to our newly-formed friendships and to the show. I hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast and now that it was past supper time, I still couldn’t bring myself to eat much of my food. It was incredibly overwhelming to be sitting with friends who shared that deep connection to music, and to my surprise, understood me more than anyone. I also couldn’t believe that I had just had a conversation with Lindsey Buckingham and that we were all sitting around in a loud bar talking about it!

Throughout the meal, I listened to Greg’s jokes and got to hear about Suzy and Otto’s life living in Belgium. At one point, Suzy and I both noticed each others’ crescent moon necklaces—a sure sign that immediately told us we are both in the silent “Stevie Nicks Fan Club.”

As dinner came to a close, we headed out of the bar, posed for some quick group photos, and made our way into the theater. Buckingham amazed me yet again with his camaraderie with his audience and his guitar mastery. He ripped through each song, leaving behind an aura of sweat and passion, opening his heart and baring his soul.

After the show, Brooke and I quickly left the venue to find Gail and Greg, who were already waiting by the backstage door behind the theater. Because of the throngs of people departing the venue and gathering where we were, I immediately thought the hoped-for meeting wasn’t going to happen.

Security finally came out and pushed everyone back, quickly forming a line in front of the excited fans. I stood behind Gail, who was right in the front row. Neale Heywood, rhythm guitarist and Brett Tuggle, bass and keyboard player in the band, came out and chatted with the large crowd, smoking cigarettes and signing a few autographs.

Suddenly, the door opened and I saw that flash of black leather again. There he was! Lindsey came right toward the throng of fans gathered five rows deep, spotted Gail out front in her wheelchair, walked straight to her and bent down to her level, asking her if she’d like a photo. Greg snapped a few pictures as I watched, trying to move around the people that were pushing me and screaming questions at Lindsey. Security was now doing their best to restrain the energized crowd, as twenty hands held out photos, records, and tickets to be autographed. Lindsey ignored the demands of the crowd and asked Gail if she’d like him to sign something. I couldn’t believe Lindsey was so attentive and nice to Gail.

I had my 1973 Buckingham Nicks record out and ready for him to sign. When he finished with Gail, I held it over her head, and asked him to sign it for me. Our conversation was brief, but rewarding—“Lindsey, you put on such an amazing show.” “Thank You.” “Thank you for signing my record!” “You’re welcome.”

After Lindsey and his band left, we stood around and chatted with the few fans that remained, while large black carts zoomed past us as roadies broke down the stage. Gail was talking to a young girl in a wheelchair named Gia. We quickly found out that Gia and her mom, Norma, had met Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, and Lindsey many times.

Her mom lovingly pulled out worn-out photos from her wallet, showing a much younger Gia with Stevie Nicks. Norma told us that Stevie even wrote about Gia through her online journal on her website. Gia held up her hand to show us a beautiful ring that Stevie had given her. It was gold with two hearts and reminded me immediately of Stevie’s Wild Heart album. It was getting late, so we took a few more photos, said good-bye to our special friends, and got in the car to drive back home.

Thinking back on that night, I can still feel the butterflies in my stomach and hear the roar of the crowd. I remember sitting in the tiny booth at the bar with my friends and listening to the chatter around me and the clinking of glasses, watching my friends smiling, crammed in beside me, elbow to elbow—and knowing I was in the right place.

I still find it amazing that the power of music brought us all together. We do not need to explain to each other why we are crazy about music, musicians, and bands—one look is all we need to give each other. Whatever we have gone through in the past that has led us to our shared present is explained through music; and because of that, we have an unspoken understanding—of each other, of lyrics, of live music, and of the craziness and fusion that ensue when all of these ingredients come together.

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Member Comments

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yorkie16
11-04-08 6:42 AM »Report Abuse	Great article Jackie.........your article in the newspaper was awesome also. Someday I know I will be reading your articles in Rolling Stone magazine. Love, Mom
Jamizzle
11-02-08 10:25 PM »Report Abuse	It is obvious that your passion for music transcends every barrier. Jackie, you've captured your journey beautifully, and I hope to read about many more "concert adventures." I feel the exact connections you describe, and find it refreshing to know there are others out there "just like me." The last sentence in your concluding paragraph sums up those feelings magically. Thank you for sharing your journey.

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