3eb/I Will Follow--Old News but worth reading!

[email protected]
Mon, 21 Dec 1998 00:25:16 EST

Hi all. It's been ages since I've posted, but I've been sitting on a pretty
fun tale.

A few months ago, I went to see Third Eye Blind play NYC's Hammerstein
Ballroom. Since I'd heard they sometimes play "I Will Follow" and since I'd
had such good luck at the Astrodome Popmart (Bono read my "velvet dress"
sign), I figured I'd give my sign-making another go. Armed with a small,
cheesy "I Will Follow 3eb" sign, I arrived at the ballroom and nabbed a front
row/left side spot. As I gripped the railing and thought back to Houston, I
encountered two high-school age guys on either side of me (I'm 26--old, it
seems). When they scoffed at my sign, I informed them that when I make signs,
things happen--namely, the greatest man on the planet takes notice:-).

So, skip ahead to halfway through the concert. Stephan Jenkins definitely
notices the sign, as does Kevin Cadogan. I get thrown a pick (specifically to
me) but the best is yet to come. After the band leaves the stage for the
first time, they come back in the dark and I immediately notice the opening
riff for IWF. Of course I ditch all decorum befitting a proper English
teacher and begin jumping up and down, screaming as loud as I can (never fear,
I'd been saving up). Kevin begins to laugh, and Stephan runs over to me during
the first verse. He asks if he can take the sign, I nod yes, and he runs
center stage, holds the sign up, and the packed house sings the words to the
chorus as he points them out each time. He of course looks at me several times
and laughs at my nonstop hysteria, and the previously nonplussed individuals
on either side of me become believers. And oh yeah, during the last song
("God of Wine," for you 3eb fans) Stephan holds my hand for a minute.

As you all can guess, the best part of it all is that it had to do with a U2
song. In truth, I think only U2 can inspire such antics in me. As my
roommate and I prepared a few weeks later for a Tori Amos concert, she
prompted, "shouldn't you be making a sign or something?" Sorry, you just need
to have a feeling, right? But who am I talking to? You all taught me about
the b-stage, Jerry, Dallas, Lincoln Towncars, lemons with magic marker
messages, and velvet dresses. Can I throw out some unabashed love for WIRE in
the midst of all the flames? Thanks!

Tonight the Moon is a Mirrorball,

Joyce

"Bono calls this thing [autoharp] a zither"--SJ of 3eb on the Rosie O'Donnell
show

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