A Birthday Surprise

It began when I found out that Michael would be performing in San Francisco on my birthday. My mom know what a Phantom fan I am, so she gave me my gift early, two tickets to see Michael perform in the Music of ALW tour. Working in television, I immediately began to seek a way in which I could perhaps get backstage at the Golden Gate Theatre. Afterall it was my birthday which was coming up and what could be a better gift. I went through all the dept managers to see if we had any "connections," but every source was a dead end. I then called a couple of my friends in radio, hoping that they could help through the recording company, no luck. It was one week until the concert and I was even more determined to get backstage, but who else could I turn to? Then I did what seemed such the obvious thing to do. I wrote to Michael.

It was the day before the concert and my mom had received a call from his assistant while I was sleeping. When I woke up my mom informed me that the assistant would call back that afternoon. She did and gave me instructions where to meet her after the concert and she would escort me to Michael. I couldn't believe it was happening, but I still had a day to wait.

The next day was pouring rain throughout the two hour drive to San Francisco, but I didn't mind one bit. I knew in a few short hours I'd be meeting Michael. we ended up sitting next to the last row. the concert was fabulous. when Michael took the stage, there were cheers and standing ovations. I was just thinking that with each song he sang, the time span of meeting him was getting shorter. I began to wonder what was I going to say? I'm sure there would be other guests waiting for him. Would I just get a quick handshake and photo?

It took some time to maneuver ourselves down and out of the theater. By the time we arrived at the backstage door, there were already a large group of people waiting for Michael to come out. once past the guard we waited for Michael's assistant at the bottom of the staircase. When she arrived, she escorted us through all the chairs, wires and equipment that was on stage. We arrived at his door but waited for a few more minutes while he changed out of his tux and freshen up. I noticed we were the only ones there.

All of a sudden the door swung open and there was Michael saying "Happy birthday, Diane! cCme on in!" He held the door open as we walked into his dressing room. When he closed the door he turned around and gave me a big hug and a kiss on my right cheek. I brought him a chocolate rose which I had a florist wrap with baby breath. I figured that he would already have plenty of real roses, so a chocolate one would be a change of pace. I was right. There were vases filled with red roses perfuming his room. We talked about the show. He asked where we were seated. When we told him he wanted to know if we could hear him clearly. He was worried that the people in the back were not able to hear him. I assured him that we heard ever note and had really enjoyed the concert. We chatted as he signed my program and took a couple of pictures. When my mom told him that we had driven for two hours in the thunderstorm he said, "Just to see me?" I would have driven for two days in the rain to see him. We talked of Phantom, the possibility of him in a movie version, the Golden Gate Theater (how it was in a bad neighborhood, but the theater itself was beautiful). I thanked him for taking time out and meeting with me, then my mom and I headed out. We climb the stairs to the door and as we got closer, I could hear a big commotion going on outside. His fans were waiting patiently for a glimpse of him, just as I had in Los Angeles. The security guard wished us well and when he opened the door all I could see were cameras aimed right at us. When they saw it wasn't Michael, they brought them back down. Some asked if I had seen him and if he might be coming out soon. I answered them that yes, he was about ready to leave, so get those cameras ready.

My meeting with Michael was 6 years ago, but it seems like just yesterday. I was with him for 15 minutes, but the memory will last a lifetime. Thanks to Michael for making my 25th birthday one I'll never forget. How could I ever top it? It will be hard. When people ask me to describe what Michael was really like I always say, a generous man with a great sense of humor and a wonderful smile....oh yes, he sings great as well.

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