 |
| South Bend Tribune photo by Andrew S. Hughes |
 |
| Originally set to be at the Morris Performing Arts Center, it was moved to the Century Center |
 |
| Mike and Son, Eric waiting for the doors to open. |
Sir Richard Starkey, also
known as Ringo Starr, former Beatle, performed along with his All-Starr Band at
the Century Center
in South Bend
Having been a Beatle fan since that culture-defining
moment on the Ed Sullivan show in 1964, I have always sought opportunity to be
in presence of a Beatle. I was pleased when my Son, Eric informed me of this
concert.
I immediately committed
myself to attending. I purchased three VIP tickets the moment they went on
sale. I planned to wear my Sgt. Pepper costume. I was going to make this event
much more than an experience of rock and roll music. I intended to make it a
once-in-a-lifetime celebration!
 |
| totally sold out |
Having purchased the Sgt. Pepper costume for
a 50th Anniversary Party for the Sgt. Pepper album in 2017, I felt
wearing it may be my best chance of being recognized by Ringo. Our seats were close enough to the stage. And I made myself as prominent as I could without
gaining unwanted attention from security.
And sure enough I was successful!
 |
| Ringo and band |
Often referred to as a “Shout Out” in concert
vernacular, Ringo pointed at me and said from the stage “Sgt. Pepper, I see you
there.” then, turning to the other side of the venue added “Sgt. Pepper is over
here. You can’t see him, but he looks good.”
Bam! Or whatever exclamation one may choose,
I was recognized by a Beatle, by Ringo Starr, by one knighted by the Queen of
England! Each of those three personal roles is significant to me in many ways.
What may be a passing moment of trivial
regard to most people is a story-worthy, self-esteem enhancing experience to
me. After fifty-four years of me recognizing Beatles, one has finally noticed
me!
Feeling quite proud of my humble personal accomplishment,
there is another, yet more satisfying experience to report.
I was indeed hoping to get the attention of
Ringo by wearing the Sgt. Pepper costume. But, it turned out to be something
that enhanced the experience of other concert-attendees. Many people asked me
to pose with them for selfies. I was pleased to say “Yes!”
 |
| This is Peggy who saw the Beatles live in 1964 and 1965 |
That people would invite me to be part of
their personal celebration and memorabilia of this singular moment made me feel very special, like a part of a huge family!
I have often said “If one is willing to make
a fool of one’s self, unexpected opportunities will present themselves!”
I had fun at this concert!
Of course who would not!
Ringo, dressed in black leather pants, a
t-shirt which looked as though it had photos of flowers imprinted upon it, and
a jacket of plaid red and black adorned with sparkles, performed energetically
and sang with strong voice.
Even jumping about on stage to the beat of
music, at age seventy-eight, I was impressed with his performance.
Along with Ringo was his band, comprised of
Colin Hay ("Who
Can It be Now", "Land Down Under"), Steve Lukather ("Africa ", "Hold The Line",
"Roseanna"), Gregg Rolie ("Black Magic Woman", "Evil Ways
As Ringo was singing "Don't Make Me Cry" it occurred to me "I wish Ringo would sing that with Mick Jagger!" Their voices would sound great together on that song.
On the back of the Beatles 1967 “Sgt.
Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band” album there is this promise. “A splendid time
is guaranteed for all.” Ringo continues to fulfill that promise!
I would like to thank my wife, Sherry, for taking the photos. Also, Sherry much enjoyed the concert. She especially enjoyed the Greg Rolie performance of Santana material.
I would like to thank my wife, Sherry, for taking the photos. Also, Sherry much enjoyed the concert. She especially enjoyed the Greg Rolie performance of Santana material.
 |
| South Bend Tribune photo by Andrew S Hughes I stand in aisle making myself available for selfies |
