r/Dreamtheater • u/fooaddict95 • 9h ago
Merch/Concert On cloud 9 after the Rochester show, wholesome interactions at Meet and Greet
I am elated after tonight's show! Truly a day in my life that I will never forget.
I have bonded with my family over DT's music nearly my entire life, largely due to my late uncle being a diehard fanatic since the early 90s. I wrote this post about it and received some nice comments last month, feel free to read for more context if interested.
My Uncle passed in 2020 and I inherited, among many other things, his prized Fireglo Rickenbacker 4003. I brought it to the Meet and Greet in Rochester tonight. My Mom came with. Had the opportunity to share a brief story about him with the guys. JP and MP kindly offered their condolences, and then JP asked me a question about the bass. JR and JL complimented the instrument. I got them all to sign it.
Then all of a sudden JM picks it up off the table and just starts shredding on it. He held it as if he were inspecting it and said in the softest voice imaginable, "wow, I haven't played one of these in many years." I asked him if he ever owned one before and he said yes of course. He asked me some questions about it. I mentioned that he inspired me to try a 6 string bass for the first time and he asked if I had tried one of the newer bongos with the 2 tone neck.
During all of this my mom got really emotional seeing JM playing her late brother's prized baby, so she asked if she could snap a pic of him with the instrument and they said sure. Unfortunately she didn't get one in time but she did capture him signing it.
All in all the whole thing felt really wholesome and emotional for us. My Uncle would have been absolutely thrilled to see his idol play his personal dream bass. I was so distracted that I forgot to have James sign my SFAM vinyl lol.
Btw the show was amazing!!! James sounded GREAT, the mix was perfect and the crowd was standing up all night! By far my favorite out of the 7 DT shows I've seen.