Walking behind a man in a wheelchair has its benefits
My bearded friend wheeling through a crowd of mistfits
Metalheads, stoners, spazzes, scenesters and hipsters
Quickly pushing through the crowd towards the door
People apologize for being in our way
“I love when people apologize for my handicap”
Laughter from the bearded friend as we push out the door
Heading behind the venue in the cold
Regretting my outfit of camo shorts and black shirt
21 degrees in the Detroit downtown, go figure
Planning for the warmth inside the venue not appropriate for Michigan weather
Outside the tour bus, with three other waiters
Hoping to meet the man behind the music
Learning about our new acquaintances
A chef, a student, and someone unemployed
All tied together through music
Our hero walks out of the bus, drinking tea
Meeting us one by one, shaking hands with the small group
Proclaims “It’s a bit cold, let me grab my 20 dollar coat”
Comes back and begins to sign cds, posters, and tickets
“It’s all aboot the fans” says the Canadian
Posing for photos with my friend, then I
Cell phone cameras picking up dark images of the hero
But clear enough to brag to other friends
Who missed the chance to see our hero
In order to see another band – their loss
Thank you’s from both parties
“Keep metal alive” and a high-five
The parting gift from a man who keeps on giving – music, that is
As our hero heads back onto the bus
We head back to the car
To garner warmth that isn’t already inside of us
From meeting our musical hero