The Poster Memorabilia blog

Celebrating a Milestone with The Who

A 30th birthday, a 50th anniversary tour, and a few minutes backstage that made the splurge worth it.

By an anonymous Hollywood insider

There comes a time in every fan's life when they're finally rewarded for all their years of devotion. We've spent countless hours and tons of money to support the bands we love. I've certainly had that lifestyle for most of my adult life, but I can't help it since my favorite band is the Who.

Like very few rock legends of their generation, the Who stayed active through the years. Though their bandmates John Entwistle and Keith Moon have passed on, Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey were still rocking out well into their 80s. Their farewell tour was just last year, and they were still so good.

So if the Who never stopped rocking out, why would I stop supporting them? I may not have made it to every tour, but you can bet I've bought their releases and as much merchandise as I could. People have judged me for spending too much money on the band, but I don't care.

“It was the best birthday gift I could've ever asked for.”

I’ve also shared important milestones with them. I turned 30 in 2015, and I celebrated by going to their 50th anniversary tour that was going on at the time. I even went all out and purchased a VIP package for the concert. Now, I may have splurged a bit, but I had just turned 30, so you gotta give it to me.

Moreover, the VIP package was more than worth it. Not only did I get premium seats, but I also got special access to the band's pre-show soundcheck, VIP parties, and some autographed limited edition memorabilia. You wouldn't count any of that as a waste, would you? Sure, I spent a couple of thousand bucks, but I still got a lot out of it.

I was single at the time and had already left my parents' house. I also had no one to spend my money on but myself, and I had a good-paying job. It was only natural I'd treat myself to that VIP package. As I said earlier, I also saw it as a reward for staying devoted to the band for most of my life.

✦ ✦ ✦

From my teenage years to early adulthood, and even till now, I'm still a huge fan of the Who. I still listen to their music and went to as many of their tours as I could. Though that was the only time I got a VIP package, I still enjoyed all the other concerts I went to afterward.

However, that night will always be special to me. I didn't just get the perks that came with my premium ticket, but I also got to meet the band in person. As if someone up there was looking out for me, a concert staff member pulled me aside and told me I was one of the lucky few chosen to meet the band during their pre-show soundcheck.

After their rehearsals, I actually got to meet the legendary Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, as well as their drummer at the time, Zak Starkey, for a little bit. I only had time to ask them to sign my band poster before they were whisked away to start preparing for the show.

It was only a quick encounter, but it has stayed with me all this time. And now that they've taken their final bows, it means even more. It was the best birthday gift I could’ve ever asked for.

Some things you watch. This one you keep.

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