So we all know I have a crush on Parachute. I adore those kids, and have loved watching them grow as a band over the years.It had been almost a year and a half since the last time I had seen them (!!!), and I was in a desperate need to get a fix. I made sure to buy a ticket to their San Francisco show the day it went on sale. And then I (im)patiently waited until show day.
My friend Kelly was going to the show as well, and she is halfway along the drive to SF, so we decided to carpool it into the city together. We also both decided to also purchased the “VIP” upgrade, which allowed early entry, a performance of an acoustic song by the band, and a meet and greet.
When the band walked out, Nate saw me almost instantly and came over and grabbed my hand as they walked by. Which was basically like grabbing an icicle, because it was freezing outside that day. Sorry, Nate.
They performed “Overnight” acoustic, and then we were allowed to say hi and take pictures with the band.
When I walked up to them, I jokingly said, “You don’t know me…” as I was greeted with “JOSLYN!!!” all around. Will said, “I dunno. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen you…” and I apologized. “I do like your shirt though. Is that a pug?” “No. It’s a french bulldog.” “Please tell me you have one.” “No…my friend does though. I have a cat though?” “Well, I guess a pet counts…” (What?)Nate and I always blab about books every tour so at this point he totally interrupts and practically yells, “Have you read Gone Girl?!” to which I reply. “YES.” “I knew if anyone had read it, you would. I’m halfway through” “Shit’s about to get crazy!” We are nerds.
The meet and greet was upstairs, and afterward every one had talked to the band, they let us free downstairs to grab a spot up front before the doors opened to the general public. Kelly and I stood stage left, and we were really, super close to Nate once the boys came out. Oh hi, guitar in face.
Before Parachute, there were first two openers. Honestly, I couldn’t tell you the name of the first opening band because I couldn’t hear a word that they were singing, and they looked to be about 12 years old, and I don’t think I payed much attention…
Matt Hires played next, and I have seen him many times in the past opening for miscellaneous bands. I forgot how much I love him.
Next came Parachute, and probably one of the best performances I’ve seen them play. I can’t express how much I have enjoyed watching them over the years. They just get better and better. About halfway through the set, Matt Hires came out to cover Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark” with the boys. AND THEN I GOT PULLED ONSTAGE. One moment, I was dancing along, minding my own business, and the next thing I know Will came right over and pointed directly at me, and then did the “come here” finger gesture.
I gave him a, “uh, what?” look, and he did the gesture again. I had no clue what was happening, and some girls behind me started pushing me onstage, so I grabbed Will’s extended hand and then…we 80’s danced.
I was cracking up the entire time I was onstage. There was one point I looked behind me because I felt Nate close by, and he was laughing as well.
Will never let go of my hand the entire time. I actually let go of his first. Then I jumped off the stage and for the next three songs, kept saying to myself, what the heck just happened?!The guys rocked the rest of the set, and then Kelly and I headed out since I was working a dreaded 12 hour double the following day. Which I felt like death. Which was all worth it. Cause, you know, I got to be Courtney Cox for the night.
Complimentary Breakfast 