Hangin’ With the Band

This started as a post about how we tend to become more cautious with age (I refer to this as part of the wisdom we gain through experience). Thanks to some fortunate events, the focus changed to the benefit I got out of exercising that caution, uh, wisdom.  

       Two weeks ago I went to a concert at a small theater about an hour and a half away. Knowing that the drive home by myself would be a nasty one, I decided to stay over at a hotel a couple of miles from the theater. The hotel was more expensive than either of the two motels just south of town but after reading reviews on all 3 properties the decision to spend the extra cash was an easy one – chalk that up to wisdom gathered. Not only did staying over make the post-show night easier but it allowed me to get to a local brewery before the show - bonus.

       A series of events led to the payoff in the title of this post. Having had my dinner at the brewery and abstained from more beer at the show, when it ended, I was looking for a pint or two. The bars by the theater were closed so the only options were to walk a bit or head to the Applebee’s by the hotel. Knowing the area, walking back to my car by myself after visiting the local pub was not a good idea, so I resigned myself to Applebee’s (no offense to the chain, I just prefer a local pub). After a couple of pints and talking with a local guy at the bar, I headed across the parking lot to the hotel.

       A few steps into the parking lot I noticed the band’s tour bus parked by the hotel and 2 guys standing outside talking. One of them turned out to be the guitarist/singer (a guy whose music I have been following for over 30 years) who was having a cigar and a drink. I said hello and was surprisingly welcomed into their conversation. I think my low-key approach and lack of “OMG I’m such a big fan” put them at ease. They told me about the tour, the ups and downs of traveling on the bus, and we talked about a bunch of things – like guys just hanging out. A while later the drummer and a couple of crew guys got off the bus and joined the conversation. I was now hanging out with ½ the band!

       I stayed for about an hour and left before they packed it in. The wisdom of not over-staying your welcome. It was a fantastic way to end the day and something I will never forget. How often do you get to hang out with a celebrity that you admire? And in this case, one who is very humble and down to earth.

      Chalk up this night of hangin’ with the band to several acts driven by the wisdom of age. First choosing to stay at the hotel (which I later learned is where many bands that play at this venue stay. That bit of information is filed away for future use.). Second, not chancing a walk alone through a sketchy neighborhood and instead going to the place by the hotel (no driving after either). Last, approaching the band person-to-person, not as a crazed fan. No, I did not ask for an autograph (he’s already signed several of his CDs that I purchased at previous shows) and certainly no selfie as I’ve got the best pictures from that night tucked away in my memory banks.  

The upshot here is that the caution we practice as we age is based on the wisdom of experience we have acquired. That wisdom will help us steer clear of trouble, and in this case, it paid off by enabling me to hang out with a musician I have admired for many years. So, embrace the wisdom you acquire over time, whether it guides you by caution or by experience, it will never steer you wrong, and it might even put you in a positive situation you never expected to be in.

www.RetiredandInspiredat55.com  08-12-2024