There are six words every fan wants to hear. These six words can make or break a fan's day. They can turn an amazing adventure into something even more incredible and unforgettable. They can wondrously give life to an experience that every fan wonders and dreams about. An experience that can simply unfold by hearing the phrase:
"Do you want to go backstage?"
When a concert comes to town, every fan hopes for the chance to meet their favorite band or singer sometime before the night is over and they bus out for the next show. Many fans eagerly spend countless attempts trying to win radio station contests for backstage passes or tickets to a show. Most fans would be lying if they said they didn't dream of getting up close with their favorite, even if it’s just for a quick “hello” or posing for a photo.
My turn to hear those six words happened in the most unexpected and unplanned way. It happened at 101.3 KDWB's Jingle Ball in St. Paul, Minnesota, an event and concert starring the biggest names in the music industry. My friend and I were walking through the arena during the show looking for concert merch when an employee for iHeartRadio called over to us and immediately made our day with the question “Do you guys want to go backstage?" Everything inside me froze as my friend and I both stopped and said “YES!”
The iHeartRadio employee informed us he had two extra passes to go backstage to meet Zedd. While the other fans in the group of people we went with had most likely tried many times at their shot to win the passes, we randomly were in the right place at the right time and got picked because they had additional ones to give out. We were absolutely shocked and so excited.
Making our way backstage was surreal. Getting the chance to meet the cutie from Germany after his set was an experience like none other. The energy in the air backstage was alive as music pumped through the arena and performers from the concert made their way to and from the stage. Zedd fans were squealing with anticipation as they waited their turn to be led up the stairs to meet the award winning record producer, DJ and musician.
Everything I had always wondered about was unfolding before my eyes. When our turn came, it all happened so quickly. We were led up the stairs to an area set up with a photo backdrop advertising KDWB’s Jingle Ball. We were told to pose for a picture and move on, but Zedd took his time giving us each hugs and talking for a moment with us. We told him we loved his part of the show and how awesome we thought it was. We then took our photo, thanked him and just like that, it was over.
Everything I have always wanted to experience was over in the blink of an eye but was hands down one of the best few moments of any concert experience I have ever had. I have always wondered what it would be like to get backstage during a major concert like Jingle Ball, and it was definitely one of the best surprises I have ever had.
Huge shout-out to iHeartRadio and 101.3 KDWB for the opportunity to get backstage. Meeting Zedd was a night I will never forget. To all the fans who have yet to hear those six words, don't give up! Keep trying to win passes; your time will come!
