Get Signed On Stage By Paul McCartney...CHECK!

Paul McCartney hugged me. Paul McCartney signed my foot on stage.  Paul McCartney let me dance with him on stage in front of 20,000 people.....Those are just a few sentences I never thought I would say in this lifetime that I can roll off my tongue truthfully from now on.

Photo by: Kerry McGehee 

For those of you who have been following my Paul journey, you know what a quest this has been.  Despite my young age of 25, I am an over-the-top, crazy, obsessed Beatles fan, especially when it comes to my favorite Beatle and all-time favorite musician Sir Paul McCartney.  I once even sold my beloved Mini Cooper to see Paul in the front section at Desert Trip.  My quest to meet the more-than-man legend began 4 years ago and involves wearing a Walrus costume, and to save this story from becoming a novel, I suggest you read my other articles about my previous attempts.


Almost 2 years had passed since I had last seen Paul, so you better believe I was stoked when he finally announced this tour!  I bought tickets for San Diego, San Jose, and Los Angeles, but because of ridiculous ticket inflation, I only had enough money to spend the big bucks on close seats for one show...and I wisely chose San Jose.

The day of the concert, my friend and I arrived at San Jose's SAP Center around 3 PM to once again watch Paul arrive in his limo with other fellow crazy Paul fans who, as you might imagine, I get along with phenomenally.  Of course, I was in my walrus costume as usual and held a sign that read "I Am The Walrus Who Sold Her Mini Cooper To See You" with a picture of Paul Mccartney with his Mini Cooper back in the '60s.  My friend Alicia's sign said "This Crazy Walrus Is Telling The Truth. Please Sign Her" with a picture of me in my mini.

During this Beatlemania-filled limo arrival, Paul's crew that we have befriended over the past years began to storm out to us.  Our main man Charlie, Paul's videographer who has grown to really admire us, approached us and asked where we were sitting.  After we told him 8th row, he said some magnificent words..."I'm going to try to get you front row."  We couldn't believe it...I mean really we did not really believe he could actually get us front row, but we appreciated the thought.

Paul's videographer Charlie, a true homie!

After we watched and screamed like the 12-year-old fan girls we really are during the substantial 5 seconds of Paul waving through the window as his limo passed by, we killed the next few hours with some pizza and tacos.  We came back to the venue and took our 8th row seats and were shocked by how close we were going to be.  Then, Charlie told us to look out for a man named Tommy who was about to change our lives forever.  Sure enough, a few minutes later Tommy approached us and asked if we would like new tickets.  As we looked down at the beautiful artifacts we realized we were not only receiving FRONT ROW tickets, but FRONT AND CENTER!  Our seats were directly in front of the microphone Paul was going to be using to sing right to us.  We began shrieking and freaking out and causing quite a scene to everyone around us.

Front row!

About an hour later, the 3D Beatle made his entrance onto the stage and the crowd, along with us, went wild!   Alicia and I danced ourselves silly as Paul opened his set with the high-energy "A Hard Day's Night."  Now, dancing in a full body walrus suit is not the easiest task.  By the end of the second song I was so drenched in sweat you may have thought I had just gone swimming.  For a second I did not know how I was going to survive the next 3 hours, but the Paul adrenaline really keeps your energy soaring, despite the sweat and exhaustion.

A Paul McCartney performance is much more than a show; It is an experience.  It is communal.  Paul encourages participation through the whole night, tells the audience stories as if you were in the living room drinking tea together, and all the strangers in the crowd bond together over their love of Paul.  There was a powerful sense of love and magic flowing through the audience this night.

Half-way through the concert, Paul did his traditional "reading of the signs" as he asked all those in the audience with signs to hold them up so he could read them.  My friend and I held ours up as close as we could get to the sky, knowing he could read ours clearly since we were directly in front of him.  He took a moment to read about five other signs, thanked everyone, and played one note on his guitar.  We were a tad bummed that he ignored our sign even though we were right in front, but then while staring directly into my eyes says "Wait a minute...What's this...I am the walrus who sold her Mini Cooper to see you."  AHH!!  He read our signs and we realized he was playfully tricking us by pretending to not see ours until the end.  That alone made this a night to remember.



The 3 hours of Beatles, Wings, solo, and cover songs by the 77-year-old were so energetic that the night sped by extremely fast.  Then Paul sat at his piano, and his beautiful, young-sounding voice sang the words "Hey Jude," and then we knew the night was sadly almost over.  After the dramatic performance of one of The Beatles' greatest hits that led the entire audience to wave their arms through the air and chant "Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, Hey Jude" Paul left the stage to prepare for the encore.  Alicia and I have gained the wisdom to know this is when Paul tells his crew what kind of fun he wants to have for the encore, which includes the occasional "fan interaction."

As Paul and his band came back to the stage waving around their giant flags symbolizing peace in all nations and states, I looked to my left and my heart stood still.  Brian was coming!!!!  Brian, Paul's head security guard, marched up to us and pointed saying "YOU TWO! THIS WAY!" while directing us to the side of the stage.  Our mouths dropped and everything became a blur at this point.  We found our way to side-stage jumping, dancing, and screaming for joy as Paul began playing The Beatles song "Birthday."  Paul's incredibly kind crew was almost as excited as we were for this moment, but not quite.

All of a sudden the song ended, and somehow we began walking over to SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY.  I'm pretty sure I heard a choir of glowing angels at this point.  I immediately grabbed his angelic arm and asked him if he was real.  Paul laughed and said he was just a look-a-like and asked if I was real.  Still in shock and holding back a pit of giggles, we began chit chatting over the microphone and left the audience in an uproar of laughter.  The moment felt so comfortable as Paul made me seem like a casual friend and in no way tried to use his authority as a celebrity.  I then told him about my ultimate goal I had been trying for four years...getting my foot signed by Paul so that I could get it tattooed.  Paul jokingly asked if my mother knew about this and then fiercely stuck his knee out for a perfect placement for my lucky foot.  I placed my wet foot on Paul McCartney's knee and apologized for it being so sweaty, in which he responded on the mic "Could you wipe it down please."  My friend was given a towel and started patting the sweat down and then Paul excitedly exclaimed on the mic "OOH! Sidekick AND foot wiper!"  Then the moment came.  Sir Paul began signing his famous, legendary, and influential name across my now-dry foot.  My goal had been accomplished!

Photo by: Kerry McGehee

After the signing, Paul went in for a group hug with Alicia and I, but I did not want the fun to end just yet.  There was something else I really have wanted to do this whole journey outside of getting my foot signed.  Because I did not want to put pressure on Paul, I whispered a question in his hear.  He repeated it on the mic.  "She whispers to me 'Is there any chance we could dance for a song?'" He proceeded to tell us "Alright, we got a short one for you!" and motioned his band to start playing "SGT Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."

Photo by: James Liverani

Alicia and I went crazy on the stage, especially because we knew this song was only about a minute and a half so there was no time to waste!  I couldn't believe I was actually dancing WITH Sir Paul and in front of 20,000 people.  It was another blurry moment and felt so surreal.  As the song was winding down and we were preparing to say goodbye, Paul looked and us and mouthed "Wait, one more?"  PAUL MCCARTNEY ASKED US TO DANCE FOR ANOTHER SONG!  Of course, our answer was a very confident "YES!"  Then he began the infamous intro to the hardest-rockin' Beatles song, and one of the longest songs of the night, "Helter Skelter!"  Once again, my friend and I went nuts on the stage, not caring what we looked like or how much sweat was dripping down.  Paul was laughing and smiling at us the entire song and frequently faced us and sang right at us.  It was obvious how much of a kick he got out of a spastic dancing walrus.  I think he may have also appreciated that I was air-bassin', instead of air-guitarin', right at him.  My smile has never been so big for so long.


As "Helter Skelter" was ending, Paul then motioned me over to the microphone with him.  I do not know what kind of bravery came over me, but somehow I courageously wrapped my arms around him so tightly and together we began shrieking the finishing "OH YEAH"s back and forth on the microphone.  Another moment of disbelief.

Paul McCartney and I singing "Helter Skelter"

When the song ended, we were embraced in more group hugs with Paul and said our finishing fan-girl praises "I love you Paul!  You're my absolute favorite, thank you so much!"  Paul seemed so touched and appreciated by all the entertainment we had just brought to the stage.  Our numb bodies walked off the stage and were greeted by Paul's crew who were so congratulatory of us.  As we made our way back to the seats, we tried to process what had just happened, but couldn't quite understand.  We were then bombarded by members in the audience congratulating us and wanting to take our pictures and hear our story.  I have never felt more like a celebrity.



My story is a perfect example of why you should follow your hearts instead of logic.  Logic pointed to the fact that every Paul McCartney show is filled with 20,000 to 100,000 Paul-adoring fans and that the chances of getting on stage were one in a million.  But my heart told me to go for it and that it was going to happen if I kept trying.  The perseverance paid off in a way more epic than I could have ever imagined.

Photo by: James Liverani

This experience is also a perfect example of the kind of musician Paul is.  Paul McCartney, a member of the most successful band in history, the 2nd richest musician on the planet, one of the most influential people of all time, is also an extremely humble being.  Anyone who has attended a Paul concert will tell you how much Paul genuinely loves his fans and loves bringing them joy and surprising them.  I mean, he saves the entire front-row middle-section for surprise upgrades!  The fact that he brought us on stage, got to know us for quite some time up there, signed my foot, and let us dance for TWO whole songs proves his love for all us fans.  He let me interrupt his concert for over ten minutes, apparently more time than he has ever given to an on-stage fan!  I also have the honor of being the only fan that was brought on stage this entire tour (which ended the following Saturday), which I will forever be so appreciative of.

Here are some videos of the night in action!

I do not know how any moment in my life will ever top this.  Don't worry though...I went to the tattoo shop the next day and had Sir Paul McCartney's signature memorialized on my foot forever.  Thank you Paul McCartney not only for the greatest music of all time that you have brought to the world, but for your love of spreading joy to all your fans!

They Got Long Teeth At The Madison Square

(Before you begin this article I encourage you to read my previous article about Desert Trip so you can really follow along).

One day Paul McCartney will bring me up on stage with him and sign my foot so that I can get it tattooed to make the moment last forever.  If you think my goal is impossible because of how outlandish it is, you might change your mind after reading this story.

Before September I had tried three times to get on stage with Paul McCartney (Lollapalooza in Chicago, The Save Mart Center in Fresno, and Desert Trip).  Even though I had already sold my Mini Cooper to see Paul front row at Desert Trip, I knew there was still more that could be done to enhance my chances.


After being away from the states for quite some time, McCartney announced in April that he would continue his tour at Madison Square Garden in New York City in September and I FREAKED out!!  Even though New York is far from California, I had to make it out to the East because I am too impatient patient to wait for him to come back to the West Coast.  His show was during my birthday week too so I thought Paul's birthday gift to me could his signature.

Let's just say.......I would have never expected what ended up happening.


My friend and I planned our trip and after a couple of months of over-excitement, the day finally came where we headed out to The Big Apple.  Although the show started at 8 PM, we arrived at MSG at 2 PM near the secret entrance where we heard Paul would be arriving in his limo.  Of course, The Walrus was back so I wore my infamous costume in hopes of being recognized by Paul and his crew.  I brought a stack of Paul's favorite candy, Mars Bars (which are an extremely difficult British candy to find), with notes that read "Have a Great Show....-The Walrus" and handed them out to all of his crew members.  This included Brian, Paul's head security guard who gave me his setlist at Desert Trip.

This time, I held a sign that said "Paul I'm The Walrus that Sold My Mini Cooper to See You at Desert Trip."  My friend had a sign that read "This time....It's Her Birthday Too Yeah!  Please Sign Her."  And we had a third sign for whoever would be sitting next to us that read "This Time She Sold Her Camera...Please Sign Her."  All of these signs featured photos of me mimicking Paul photos from the '60s.  While we waited hours for Paul, I met so many wonderful and also crazy Paul fans.  Many of them already had their tattoos from being signed on stage and entertained me with their inspiring stories.  However, I heard some of them whisper that Bruce Springsteen was going to make an appearance, which meant there would be no "fan interaction".  I ignored these whispers and held on to my hopes of still meeting the legend.  Eventually, Paul's videographer Charlie interviewed my friend and I and heard our whole story.  He got such a kick out of us and checked if we had been on stage before and where our seats would be to make sure Paul would see us.

Around 5:00, there he was!  Sir Paul sticking his head out of the window of his limo waving at us from only a couple feet away.  He pointed right at The Walrus and giggled.  I was praying he would remember the crazy walrus who sold her car from Desert Trip.

The next couple of hours we shamelessly roamed around the streets of New York in my walrus suit to pass the time.  When we finally entered MSG, we got to our seats in the 4th row and looked back at the sea of people behind us at "the world's most famous arena."  Shortly before the actual show started, the seats in front of us were taken away for mysterious reasons, so we hopped over a row of seats and ended up right behind the railing at second row!  Plus there was a giant gap which meant we would have plenty of space to dance our craziest.

At 8:00, the magical moment occurred when Paul entered the stage with "A Hard Day's Night."  My friend and I went ballistic as it is always so surreal being so close to an actual BEATLE!!  The next three hours, my friend and I danced harder and crazier than we ever had before.  Combining this exercise with a full-body costume meant I was one sweaty walrus by the end of the night.  Interestingly, Charlie and Paul's photographer were cracking up the whole concert as they continuously filmed and photographed me dancing my heart out.  I guess a spastic walrus girl makes for some good entertainment?

As always, Paul's concerts turn into a full life experience rather than just another show.  Fans go through happy times, sad times, silly times, and chaotic times simultaneously as he plays his vast collection of songs from The Beatles, Wings,  his solo career, and even a song from The Quarrymen!  Once again, my whole body became so enveloped into his performance that
nothing else in the world mattered but the music.

Paul always finishes his first set with a breath-taking performance plays of one of The Beatles most-loved songs "Hey Jude."  My favorite moment was when Paul stopped singing, his band stopped playing, and he asked the audience to sing "Na-na-na-na-na-na, Na-na-na-na, Hey Jude."  It is impossible to not get chills as you are chanting along with 20,000 Beatles fans encouraging one another with the song's message of embracing positivity.

After "Hey Jude," Paul and his band left the stage to prepare for the encore.  At this moment, I saw Brian speaking with the venue's security while pointing right at me!  This sounded familiar.  Paul came back to the stage with "Yesterday," "SGT Pepper's Reprise," and "Helter Skelter."  I felt this was my moment.  It was about to happen!!!  All of a sudden Bruce Springsteen appeared filling the stage and the audience with incredible high-energy.  Paul and Bruce sang "I Saw Her Standing There" so fantastically that when they finished, they sang the same song again!  Paul then finished the night with The Abbey Road medley of Golden Slumbers, Carry That Weight, and The End.

Even though I didn't get up on stage, I was still so hyped from another life-changing night that gave me more joy than ever before.  Suddenly, the venue's security guard approached me and tossed over Paul's setlist (that Brian had given him)....again.  MY SECOND SETLIST!!!!  I was so excited to add to my collection.  As we were about to leave, Charlie called my friend and I to the front to tell me something rather exciting.

"Okay this is what happened.  Paul was about to bring you up when we went offstage before the encore.  But then he remembered Bruce was coming on stage so there wouldn't be enough time.  He said to find out if you were coming to Sunday's show because he would bring you up then."

I couldn't believe my ears!!  I started screaming and jumping just at the thought of THE Paul McCartney knowing who I was and acknowledging my presence.  Unfortunately, I had spent my life savings on this trip and concert so there was no way I could afford another show, but Charlie's words made my night anyways.  As we left the venue, everyone was coming up to us asking for my picture because I was "the walrus girl who should've gotten up on stage."  I still had no complaints or regrets from this fantastic night!

The next day I wrote what happened on my social media and caused an uproar with my friends.  They NEEDED me to go the next show so they started a Gofundme page to raise money for another ticket.  I felt terrible asking for money just for a concert, but everyone insisted I do it so I gave in!  In just a few days of exploring New York (including John Lennon's Strawberry Fields Memorial) my wonderfully amazing friends raised $950.  We then changed our flights and bought tickets for Paul's show Tuesday in Brooklyn since we were already attending a play on Sunday.  I was so stoked the Paul fun was not over yet!!

When Tuesday rolled around, I put my walrus suit back on and headed to The Barclay's Center in Brooklyn.  This time rain was pouring and the winds were heavy as we were experiencing the edge of the hurricanes occurring at that time.  At the limo arrival (we HAD TO experience that again as well), Brian came up to me and said, "You were this close" using his fingers to show how close Paul really was to bringing me up.  I knew this finally had to be the day!!  Paul arrived a couple of hours later and as he stuck his head out of the window and saw me right at the front, I could see in his face how shocked he was as he pointed at my signs and me.

We spent the next couple of hours at a pizza parlor where everyone around us was attending the show as well.  We spent the whole night bonding with fellow concert attendees over our love for The Beatles and sharing our stories of past Paul McCartney concerts.

We came back for the show at 8 PM and this time we were in the fifth row.  There was not quite as much room for dancing, but we still had a killer view of Paul.  Before the show started, Charlie spotted us and called us over.  He was so shocked and stoked to see us again and told me something that absolutely blew my mind.

"You know at Sunday's show Paul was looking for you.  After the encore, he asked us all if the walrus girl was here so he could bring her up.  When we told him you weren't there he was bummed and didn't even bring anyone else up."

I immediately fell to the ground and almost passed out at that statement.  SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY WAS LOOKING FOR ME?!!  I WASN'T EVEN THERE TO JOG HIS MEMORY!  I was mad at myself for not attending that show, but I knew it indefinitely had to happen this night then because Paul wanted me up there enough to ask about me.  Then Charlie proceeds to tell me "We have another guest tonight though...." My heart sank, but I still had hope!


As expected, Paul's show blew me away again.  I became the sweaty, dancing walrus Paul had come to know and hopefully love.  I was worried that since I had just attended Paul's show a few days before, I wouldn't feel the same giddy and chilling feelings as I did before.  Boy, was I wrong!  Even though the setlist was quite similar, it still seemed like I was seeing Paul for the first time because of how surreal his concerts are.

During Paul's encore, I still felt like I had a chance despite the warning Charlie gave me.  Then McCartney pointed out Jimmy Fallon who was sitting in the audience a few rows behind me.  It was Fallon's birthday so Paul sang "Birthday" for him.  Welp, my chance for a birthday celebration from Paul went out the window.

After not getting on stage again, many people felt terrible for me, but I don't know why.  I got to see Paul McCartney twice in one week in New York City!  I got Paul's setlist, again!  Paul McCartney knows who I am and was asking for me!  I definitley have no reason to complain.

After the show, Paul's hardcore fans were approaching me and telling me how amazing was signs and costume were.  "Front Row Phil," who attends every single one of Paul's shows on his tour and gets a front row seat each time, said my attempt was the best he's ever seen.  I received so much encouragement from all of these wonderful people who assured that I was so close and that it will most definitely happen next time, as long as no celebrity guests show up again!

My friend and I got some ice cream, went back to the hotel to pack, then headed straight to airport at 4 AM to leave all of the fun behind.  The night was worth every ounce of exhaustion I felt the next day.

Although I have yet to succeed in my tattoo dream, I have overly succeeded in achieving life-changing Paul McCartney concerts.  Through each of these attempts I have made so many friends from all over the world who share my same passions, been able to stand within feet of my most cherished musician, and danced my heart out to all of my favorite songs.  This adventure has been a blast and it is not over!  I know that wherever and whenever I do finally get to meet Sir Paul, it will be more epic than anything I could have ever imagined and I will be glad the prior attempts failed.




I'll see ya next time, Paul!
XOXO,
The Walrus Girl

Desert Trip From a Millennial Trying To Get Signed By Paul McCartney

I am a 23-year-old girl that loves classic rock.  Actually, I am a 23-year-old girl who is so over the top obsessed with classic rock that I relate more to 65-year-olds than most people my own age.  Some just don't understand It's Only Rock 'n' Roll (But I Like It).  Unfortunately, I missed Woodstock by a couple of years so I've been in desperate need of a comparable festival.  When Desert Trip was announced, not only did I have to be there, but I also had to get the Money for a standing pit pass.  This festival was also going to be my third attempt to get on stage and signed by my favorite musician of all time, Paul McCartney.

                                      

If you didn't make it, I really do Wish You Were Here.  I brought along my little 35mm film camera to capture everything while I was Out On The Weekend so that all of you could take part in the adventure.  Here is how I experienced the most Amazing Journey of my life. 

THURSDAY

The weekend fun started on Thursday when Paul McCartney announced a surprise show at a little bar in Pioneertown called Pappy and Harriet's. Even though my friend and I were numbers 165/166th in line and the first 300 people were able to attend, we did not make it inside due to some unfortunate circumstances involving line-cutting.  (I [Couldn't] Get No) Satisfaction from what happened, but our hopes grew when we heard of a secret Rolling Stones concert.  We finished the night by searching every single bar in Joshua Tree for the rumored show, but had no luck and later decided to just Let It Be.  Next time, we won't give into our gullible natures so we Won't Get Fooled Again.     

  

            

However, Don't Think Twice, It's All Right because we still had a blast and were then prepared for the action-packed days ahead of us.

FRIDAY

When I woke up on Friday, I could not believe the day I had been looking forward to for six months was finally Here Today.  My friend and I frolicked throughout the Desert Trip campgrounds meeting unique characters every step of the way.  I have been to many festivals before (including Coachella), but have never experienced a crowd so genuine with tremendous Heart[s] of Gold.  Every person we met was extremely kind and clearly there because of their passion for rock n' roll, not for the eccentric outfits and trendy pictures. 

            

Once we were inside the festival, we spent some time in the Photo Exhibition Room, which featured rare life-size pictures of the six Band[s] On The Run throughout their past.  The clarity of these photos dating back to the early '60s made the exhibit incredible.  However, I felt sad as I admired how much hotter men were in the '60s and '70s!       

   

Around 4:30 I headed into the pit to claim my spot.  When I walked in I was in complete awe of how close I was going to be to these rock legends.  I [Could] See For Miles and Miles behind me at the crowd of 85,000 people.  I met a group of friendly rock n' rollers who instead of making me feel alone and Helpless, let me grab a spot next to them on the rail facing the middle catwalk.

     

At 7 PM, my life officially began as the first rock star took the stage, Bob Dylan.  This would be my third time seeing Dylan, and the other times were quite a disappointment.  In the past, Dylan would never sing any of his original hit songs we all love, nor would he even look at the audience.  However, this performance changed my whole perspective on the Old Man. 

I've Got A Feeling the Nobel Prize for Literature Bob Dylan had won a few days before the performance might have perked him up because he was actually smiling at the audience the entire night!  My ears were in shock as he opened his set with "Rainy Day Woman #12 & 35" and continued playing hits all night including "Highway 61 Revisited", "Tangled Up in Blue", and my personal favorite "Ballad of a Thin Man."  Although his voice has aged and he still did not engage with the audience, I was pleased to see him happily dance around with his microphone while wearing beautifully embroidered pants.  This was a very rare Dylan sight.   

                 

After Dylan finished, my body went Comfortably Numb as I thought about how THE Mick Jagger was about to be within a few feet of me.  Suddenly, the stage went dark, the audience screamed, and the opening riff of "Jumpin' Jack Flash" began.  There they were...The Rolling Stones!!  The energy that poured out from the Stones was so contagious and impossible not to catch as each person in the crowd went absolutely nuts. 

The first time Jagger strutted down the center catwalk, I began crying like a little 12 year old.  Even though I had seen The Rolling Stones once before, it was completely different standing at a distance where I could see every detail of their glorious wrinkles.  It seemed like they accepted me as one of their own and I really felt Like A Rolling Stone.

The only words I can think of to describe Mick Jagger is a sassy alien monkey because it is impossible for him to be from the same planet as the rest of us.  As Jagger sprinted back and forth across the monstrous stage while acrobatically swinging his skinny body around, it was clear his spirit has not aged since the '60s. Jagger's multiple flashy wardrobe changes proved he will never lose his rockstar soul.  There was great chemistry between the bandmates throughout the whole show as each one of them could not stop smiling at each other.  While Keith Richards rocked his guitar as always, the face-melting guitar solos of Ronnie Wood were surprisingly what blew me away.

                 

The crowd Join[ed] Together to sing all of the hits such as "Get Off My Cloud," "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll (But I Like It)", and "Paint It Black," and everyone felt chills during the moving performance of "Gimme Shelter."  The Stones encored with the touching "You Can't Always Get What You Want," which transitioned perfectly into their biggest hit "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" which kept the audience singing along all night long.  Overall, The Rolling Stones' set was the most fun and energetic of the weekend.

During The Stones encore, one of the security guards thanked me for rocking out the hardest that night and then gave me a handshake.  I felt Something as he shook my hand, and as I pulled away I looked at what was in my hand...MICK JAGGER'S GUTAR PICK!  I couldn't believe it...the same pick Jagger was just holding in his hand to play "Sweet Virginia" with was now touching my own hand.  Even though it had only been one day, Desert Trip was already the best weekend of my entire life. 

SATURDAY 

This day was the most important to me.  The way many people in My Generation have felt about Taylor Swift or Justin Bieber is how I feel about Paul McCartney.  Beatlemania is still alive and can be found through my obsession.  My goal is to be brought up on stage with McCartney so that he can sign my foot, which I would later get tattooed.  Since we learn in The Beatles song "Glass Onion" that The Walrus was Paul, I brought a full body walrus costume and a sign I would be holding that read "Paul, I sold my Mini Cooper to be this close to you. Please sign me," with a picture of McCartney in his mini cooper back in the '60s.  My friend would be holding a sign that said, "This crazy walrus is telling the truth, Please sign her," with a picture of me in my mini cooper.  Yes, these posters are telling the truth, and there just Comes A Time when you need to be crazy to accomplish your dreams.    

 I knew I would to have to be front row to really get Paul's attention so I was going to have to stake out all day by the opening gate. At 8 AM I arrived Fearless at the gate, even though it would not open until 2 PM.  I was so excited when I realized I was the very first one there and that I would definitely be right in the front.  Fortunately, I had Matthew, the gate's security guard, keeping me company the entire six hours I was camped by the gate.  I needed someone to Gimme Shelter since there was no shade, so Matt kindly stocked me with water bottles as I was cooking in the 98-degree heat.  The second person did not show up until 1 PM and that's when it hit me...I really was the craziest Paul fan there.  More people started showing up during the last hour and by 1:50 there was a line of about 40 people.  Each person treated me like royalty and made sure everyone knew I had been there since 8 AM so they would let me take the front. 

                           

As the gates opened precisely at 2 PM, I began to Run Like Hell faster than I have ever run before (even though I was a cross country runner) to the stage, which seemed miles away from the entrance.  Even though I had been sitting in the blistering sun for six hours, my desire to be close to Paul gave me the perseverance I needed to Jet through the heat.  By the time I got to the stage I fell to the floor and almost passed out, but it was all worth it because I was FRONT ROW!  It took some Time and swigs of water for my senses to return and for me to grasp that I was about to be as close as I could get to my favorite musician of all time! 

                       

During the next four and a half hours of waiting I befriended all the amazing Paul fans around me, which made the time go by fast.  Desert Trip's security was incredible and constantly brought us cold water bottles so that no one would faint from heat exhaustion In Spite of All The Danger. 

Around 6:30, Neil Young took the stage.  Although I primarily wanted the front for Paul, I was stoked to have a killer view of Neil who is another one of my favorite musicians.  Young opened with a peaceful performance of "After The Goldrush" on his piano.  He then picked up his acoustic guitar and played "Heart of Gold" with his hair blowing in the wind and the sun setting perfectly behind him.  The view was incredible.  The most beautiful sight of the entire scene was the glowing full autumn moon right above the stage, which fit in perfectly as Young played "Harvest Moon" later in the night. 

                        

Neil Young and The Promise of the Real (which includes two of Willie Nelson's sons) astounded the audience.  The band jammed harder than many of the other acts of the weekend, especially during the twenty-minute performance of "Cowgirl in The Sand."  Young made his opposition to big corporations clear as he protested the California law that prohibits organic seeds from being distributed to locations more than three miles away.  Young broke the law by throwing seeds out to the audience and encouraging everyone to pass them around.  Not the most typical rockstar law-breaking act, but is there anything really typical about A Day In The Life of Neil Young? 

Young ended his set with an extra-long, jammy version of "Keep on Rockin' In The Free World."  The way the audience chanted along to the chorus over and over again was beautiful and I will have to admit I cried tears of joy at this point again.  Neil, I really do Miss You.    

When Young left the stage, I immediately put my walrus suit on and my friend and I held up our posters during the entire hour Paul's stage was being set up.  I knew his important managers and bodyguards who bring fans on stage with Paul were going to be helping with the setup.  I noticed many of them staring at me and even caught one bodyguard take a picture of me and my signs and send it to someone...Could it have been Paul?! 

Anticipation was building as photos of Paul (ranging from the Beatle days until now) spun around the giant screen while songs by The Beatles and Wings played.  Finally, around 9:30 the magical moment occurred and Paul entered the stage.  Fans (including myself) went nuts, and right away McCartney pointed to my sign and gave me a thumbs up.  He opened with "Hard Day's Night" and led into "Jet," which I was so overjoyed for since I had never seen him perform that song live.      

Paul's love for his fans is so apparent as he took so much time to interact with the audience between songs.  He told stories about Jimi Hendrix, his bandmates in The Beatles, and even admitted to some embarrassing moments.  At one point Rihanna joined McCartney on stage to sing "FourFiveSeconds", the song they and Kanye West collaborated together on.  However, I was much more excited when Neil Young came back to the stage to perform four songs with McCartney.  This included John Lennon's "Give Peace A Chance" in which the entire audience sang along while waving peace signs throughout the air and The Beatles' "Why Don't We Do It In The Road" in which Young soloed so vigorously that he broke all of his guitar strings. 

Throughout the concert, Paul's head bodyguard was standing directly in front of me.  He was constantly staring at my posters and me, and I even noticed him whispering to a security guard while pointing and laughing at me.  You Better, You Bet I knew something good was coming.  

             

McCartney has hundreds of songs from his extensive career to choose from, but I think his setlist was perfect.  The mix of Beatles, Wings, solo, and cover songs seemed to be exactly what the audience wanted to hear.  There were cheerful moments with peppy songs such as "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" and "Love Me Do" and deeper moments with songs such as "Maybe I'm Amazed" and "Let It Be."  McCartney also gave heartfelt tributes to the late George Harrison, John Lennon, Linda McCartney, and The Beatles' producer George Martin.  The visuals were spectacular ranging from psychedelic colors to black and white photos of the early Beatles days.  During "Live and Let Die" fire was blasted all over the stage and all of us in the front felt like we were about to melt...in a good way. 

I'm One of the many that can say the most beautiful sight I have ever witnessed was when McCartney played "Hey Jude."  The entire crowd of 85,000 gathered together and belted out "Na-na-na-na-na-na-na" while waving their arms throughout the air.  It truly felt like every person was putting behind all of his/her worries, as the song encourages, and focusing on being with each other in the moment.  Realistically, I Can't Explain, but it was fantastic.  

After Hey Jude, Paul came back to encore with "Helter Skelter" and "Birthday."  I held up my sign one last time and Paul looked at me and mouthed the words "I'm sorry, it wasn't me" as if to say it wasn't his fault I didn't get signed.  Wow, he spoke to me!  Before performing his last song, he thanked his band, crew, the crowd, and then while chuckling looked at me and said to the entire audience on the mic, "THANKS FOR SELLING YOUR MINI COOPER."  I shrieked like a little girl.  Paul knows who I am!  Paul acknowledged my existence!  Paul appreciates what I did!  I couldn't Breathe; I was officially the happiest human in the world. 

Soon After Midnight, McCartney finished with the Abbey Road medley of "Golden Slumbers", "Carry That Weight", and "The End."  As he bowed and waved to the audience he looked at me once again and moved his arms around like a steering wheel.  One of his security guards then handed me a piece of paper and I looked into my hands and there it was...Paul's setlist!  I was starting quite a collection this weekend.  I may not have been signed just yet (seems like this event was just too big), but I still could not have been happier with how I spent that Saturday.  You Can't Always Get What You Want, but I tried really hard and got what I needed: an amazing performance by Sir Paul McCartney.  However, I promise this will not be my final attempt to get signed.  Why Try To Change Me Now?     

SUNDAY

Ah, finally a day to relax.  I love The Who and Roger Waters, but I was not dying to stand in the front so I took Sunday to really enjoy what the festival had to offer.  I spent the morning in the activities area of the campgrounds with my friends.  We got our hair braided for free at The Beauty Bar, painted some terrible pictures in the Arts & Crafts room, and became Pinball Wizard[s] at the arcade (that consisted only of pinball machines).

When we entered the festival we checked out the onsite record shop and were pleasantly surprised the vinyl prices were actually a pretty good Bargain.  Throughout the festival grounds there were also giant 3D billboards of an album of each of the six bands.  These were popular photo opportunities so we took the day to take pictures at each album cover. 

                           

Around 5:15 I entered the pit, but this time I stood at the very back railing because the rumor was that was the spot to get a full view of Roger Waters' performance.  Before The Who took the stage, the gargantuan screen showed a slideshow of the band and their history with the other bands performing over the weekend.  It was intriguing reading about how these bands really were friends during the '60s so they must all have been having great fun reuniting for this festival. 

Around 6:30 The Who brought their energy to the stage as they opened with "I Can't Explain", followed by "The Seeker".  Some people complained that The Who's performance was nothing extraordinary, but I would completely disagree.  While The Who did not provide tremendous visuals, I appreciated their focus on raw talent.  Roger Daltrey proved he could still hit all those difficult notes, including the scream in "Won't Get Fooled Again."  It was fantastic seeing Daltrey feel so youthful as he unbuttoned his shirt throughout the night showing off his gray chest hair.  Pete Townshend still windmilled his arm around as he plowed it through his guitar strings.

                         

While Daltrey began belting his lungs out to "See Me, Feel Me" the screens showed Townshend bleeding from a gash on his forehead.  Apparently, this was caused as he switched guitars with his guitar tech who seemed to make Townshend Pay in Blood.  The blood did not even faze the guitarist as he kept jamming all night.  That is what I call rock n' roll.   

An hour after The Who finished with a dramatic performance of "Baba O'Riley" and  "Won't Get Fooled Again," it was time for the final act of the entire weekend.  Roger Waters, the bassist of Pink Floyd, took the stage and opened with "Breathe."  Waters took full advantage of the gargantuan screens and used them to help the audience feel each song how they were meant to be felt.  In other words...the visuals were breathtaking.   As he began playing the first half of the Pink Floyd album "Dark Side of the Moon" colorful psychedelic bubbles filled the screen.  I would really enjoy it if Waters could Live With Me so he could peacefully sing me these songs to sleep every night.    

The screen transitioned from vibrant colors to a realistic galaxy of stars to political protests, and the surround sound brought all of the noise to life. The sound effects caused me to believe a train was coming through the audience to run me over and to feel like there was a little devil laughing right behind my ear.  Maybe I'm Amazed by this truly surreal experience.

The heaviest moment of the whole set was during Waters’ twenty minute performance of Pink Floyd's song "Pigs."  He made it very clear how he felt about Donald Trump as obscene photos of the candidate flashed across the screen.  A giant inflatable pig that read "F*** Donald Trump and His Wall" floated across the audience during the entire song.

                        

Before Waters encored, he played "Brain Damage" and "Eclipse," and as the venue began to fill up with smoke, multicolored laser lights formed an enormous pyramid above the crowd.  Standing right beneath this colored pyramid in the pit made me feel like I was inside of the album cover for "Dark Side of The Moon."  Waters finished with "Comfortably Numb" as his guitarist appeared on a platform above the screen with fireworks and Sparks shooting up behind him.  It was magical. 

When Waters was finished, it hit me...It's All Over Now, Baby Blue.  I began to cry as I said my goodbyes to all my standing pit friends and to the venue that gave me hope in the future of rock n' roll.  I was not ready to leave...so of course I had to buy a donut ice cream sandwich with all of the other Midnight Rambler[s] to make the night last longer.  We all knew these had been The Happiest Days of Our Lives.    

Even though Desert Trip is set to take place again next year, I don't see how it could surpass 2016.  There is no lineup that could compare with the six legendary bands I witnessed that weekend unless A Simple Twist of Fate causes Led Zeppelin to reunite.  I left a piece of my heart in Indio that I don't think I can ever get back.  Thank you Desert Trip for saving the true spirit of rock n' roll! 

The End.