Tuesday, February 7, 2023 Entry #34
I had learned a lot about GA culture in a week. Truly, any spot on the floor seemed miraculous, to see a superstar, a true icon, like Bruce Springsteen from such an up close an personal vantage point. However, I came to discover that the lucky few who get to the venue the earliest, have a low number ‘Sharpeed’ on the back of their hand, who are on their feet the longest, they are the ones who are able to lay claim to a spot pressed against the stage with not a soul in front of them except the band. It’s called being “on the rail.”
Yep, I was on the rail! Though I was standing there literally grabbing the stage, I could hardly believe it. But, right then, something else unbelievable occurred. I’ll let my Facebook post from the night explain:
That’s right, of the relatively few people in the audience, fewer still standing on the floor with a General Admissions ticket, and here I was, one of the very small number of people who made it on the rail, the actual front row, and I end up standing next to somebody I know from our past!
I have to say, though I am very much a ‘people person’, I have loved being alone and anonymous, able to completely immerse myself in the music, the sounds and sights, and the emotions that flow from the concert experience without any need to check in or engage someone who came to the concert with me. Of course, at each show, I meet a cadre of people I enjoy getting to know and share moments with, but it’s different. However, it was also nice to be at this concert with someone I shared some history, even though we hadn’t seen one another for 40 years.
I spent my time before the concert with heightened excitement for the new rail experience coming my way and posing in photos with my ad-hoc Hollywood, Florida Springsteen community (including the ‘Brothers Quinn” who I met in Tampa and who had came to my aid in Orlando).
It’s almost showtime (and yes, it crossed my mind that being so close, Bruce might take note of my t-shirt with it’s image of his friend Barack)! It’s my last show for now, I am on the rail, and I am ready to be fully present, focused, and filled with joy and wonder!
Day 10