Jonny Encounters

This page is for people's stories, have you met Jonny? Let me know!

One fans encounter: I recently had the pleasure of seeing Jonny Lang in concert and spendingsome time with him after the show. It was a dream come true to say the least. I know that a few fans have expressed that they feel as if he has "sold out" to Hollywood, and I just want to share my experience and give my impressions. The show was everything I expected from Jonny and his band from beginning to end. They played with the upmost professionalism, with every song radiating profound energy. Jonny and his band were very humble as they must have felt the awe of the crowd. The interaction with the audience was great, and no song lacked intensity nor was there any sign of fatigue from the band. I feel that recorded music can do one of two things; make an okay artist sound really good, or barely touch the musical potential of excellent musicians such as these. Jonny Lang and his band know how to put on a show, yet still play andsing everything with conviction. After the show, I was lucky enough to be the only fan whisked backstage wondering if I would actually get to meet Jonny, or just see the empty catering room. After an hour long wild goose chase, I was taken by the Tour manager down a hall. He asked me my name, and then turned a corner. He walked into a room and said, "Jon, I'd like you to meet Andrea." And there he was...a star in the mind of many, and he truly diminished the term in my eyes that night. I consider myself to be a very starstruck person, but I have always believed that no matter what "famous" people one may encounter, the true stars are the people who touch your lives and hearts everyday. Jonny erased the stereotype "star" and defined my type of "star" that night. He was a gentleman from the time I entered the room until I left. I was amazed at the sincerity and down-to-earth attitude that he and the band surrounded me with. I was a little nervous when I went into the room, but found myself leaning back on the sofa by Jonny by the end. We all talked of the show that night, and they asked me a little about myself. I mainly just listened to their conversations as they were very funny and interesting. Jonny actually mentioned that he saw me down front during the show (I'lladmit that I thought MAYBE he was looking at me during "Second Guessing")!! He seemed tired (for good reason!) and still so nice. I tried to leave after I got autographs, but they said I should just stay and hang out a while, so I decided I would regret it if I didn't!! In being 19, I felt just like I was hanging out with a normal guy, except for one thing: Jonny Lang really does emit a certain energy, he is special. Some people are just that way. They make you feel excited to be who you are, and encourage you to follow your dreams-like Jonny. Mostly, I had so much fun...and was very sad that it was over, but I have lasting memories and a new smile when I hear a song off an album of his. I remember reading one fan mention that she had lost some respect for Jonny due to him getting involved in "Hollywood", and not finishing school. Theopinion was hers, and rightfully stated. If I had not had this chance to meet him, I might agree, but I have a few thoughts on that. When he mentioned not going "Hollywood", I took it as he vowed to remember his roots, and not to fall under the attitude that is associated with so many famous people. There are certain opportunities that come along with being in showbiz, and who are we to say that we wouldn't take those opportunities as well? To experience, love, and learn are very real and wanted values in life, and part of his. He must enjoy all of this, or he wouldn't be doing it, and so well. He has a gift, and what good is a gift if it can't be shared? He was very "real" in my opinion. Also, I could tell that Jonny (it's obvious jsut by his talent) is extremely intelligent. By not finishing school to follow a dream, and make millions happyshouldn't always be inhibited by conforming to society's standards of a high school diploma ar GED, should it? His conversation almost left me in the dark at one point, and it's apperant that he IS educated in many ways, and very willing to learn. As for him being a role model, however, I can see this as being somewhat of an issue to some, but not me. Enough of my rambling, it's late..sorry. I just wanted to share my wonderful experience with you all! I would love for anyone to write me!!! ADHILL1@bsuvc.bsu.edu