Suzanne Finley meets John Waite Detroit, MI May 7, 1999 (VENUE: State Theater) Thanks to Suzanne for sharing her pictures and story with Net Waite.

OK, here's my story about the biggest thrill thus far in my life--meeting John Waite! On May 7, 1999, John played the State Theatre in Detroit, MI and for the first time in 10 years, I had tickets to see him live. I was unbelievably thrilled that John was playing in my area. It was to be the third time that I would see him live. The first was in 1986 with the "Mask of Smiles" tour and I was in 9th grade. Next time around was in 1989 with Bad English, which turned out to be very cool because I had front row (after waiting nearly 8 hours to claim my spot). But, neither of these shows could even begin to compare with the most recent. First of all, let me give you a little background.......

Well, for years I believed that I was John's biggest fan until I discovered the Internet and many other fans who also were his "biggest fans"! When I was about 6 or 7, my sister had a compilation album that had "Isn't it Time" on it. It became my favorite song and I played it endlessly. At about age 10, "Change" was a big hit and that too became my favorite song. Then, along came "Missing You" and my obsession truly began. From that day forward, I was a die-hard fan. I backtracked to the Babys, collecting everything in sight, and moved forward from then on. As I said before, I had the opportunity to see John a couple of times live, but my biggest wish in the world was to meet him. In fact, meeting John is the wish that I have wished on my birthday cake for the last 14 years! (Is that pathetic?)

So, let's jump to present day. My husband, Kevin, and I had tickets to see John and I was ecstatic. However, I was on a mission to meet him! I had been reading stories on the Internet of several people who had accomplished this, and I was determined to be the next. When we arrived at the concert, my wonderful husband immediately went into action. He found someone near the stage door and asked what the chances were of meeting John. Of course the guy gave him the run-around, but claimed that if backstage passes became available, he'd keep us in mind. At this point I was getting discouraged.

About an hour later, Kevin again took off to inquire about the possibility of getting back stage. (I am still very surprised that Kevin went to all of this effort for me, seeing as though he knew I would only leave him for one other person, and that would be John. Ha-ha! ) Still, no real answer and I was really becoming disappointed. Suddenly, a woman approached us out of nowhere and handed us two VIP passes. I was stunned! She told us to go to a certain door at 8:30 and wait to meet John. Well, it was about 8:00, so I had a half hour to stew. I was so nervous it wasn't funny. I couldn't believe that a 15 year dream was about to come true in 30 minutes.

Somehow, the time passed, and we headed for the stage door. Kevin was the first in line, and then me. We waited for what seemed like hours, but what was really about 15 minutes, and the door opened. It was one of John's people, and he told us to come on back and meet John. Well, let me tell you, walking down that flight of stairs to do so was practically surreal!!!!!! I was so excited and nervous that my legs felt like noodles! I could see John standing across the room and I started to shake. I kept telling myself that I had to compose myself so he wouldn't think I was a complete fool. I think I did all right.