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
