"And then it was done."
The months of anticipation and now it will be months, years, of memories.
When the TOH US Tour stops were announced in early January, I knew I'd have to attend the Las Vegas and LA shows. Nothing was happening in my neck of the woods - the SF area; and then, when I heard of the presale Meet&Greets I knew I'd have to move heaven and earth and try for them. You see, each of us has certain 'basic needs' when it comes to Adam . . . some need to be where the acoustics are best; some want the complete visual spectacle of the set, lights, etc., and some (meaning me) need to be as close-up as possible when he performs, in order to hopefully capture the nuance of every expression, every sound, every movement and bead of sweat he produces. I count every button; check out the rings on his fingers; watch the laces on his boots as he dances across the stage. For me, the actual photo-op wasn't the reason for paying big bucks; I did it because I must be near. Does that make sense?
I have this friend - I call her my Kindred Spirit - who I met on July 28, 2010 at the GNT concert in Costa Mesa. Since that infamous
day, we've traveled to many AFL concerts together and shared our mutual adoration and wonder over this magical man. She picked me up at LAX last Thursday and the adventure began.
I've already written about Las Vegas - so I won't put you through it a second time! It was a great show, but a test for some, as 5+ hours standing in GA left many (including me) abandoning those dancing shoes and standing in bare feet. One brave Adamtopian, who lost consciousness in the heat of the crowd, didn't let it stop her from returning to the fray - after all, it was ADAM on that stage!
The Saturday traffic in LA was, well, LA traffic. That meant the freeways were at a crawl. Took us almost an hour to drive 7 miles, from the B&B where we stayed, to the venue. The front of the theatre was coned off for arrivals to the big event! And the marquee at the Orpheum was fantastic! Seeing 'Adam Lambert April 2&3' in blazing lights, next to "SOLD OUT' was the dream coming true. We were already on cloud 9 as we entered the restaurant next door for a glass of wine - and POW! The place was packed with fans! I saw so many familiar faces! And everyone, from stranger to friend from concerts past, was so fucking happy!! Turned to my right, and there was Eber, saying hello to absolutely everyone who approached him, posing for selfies, and being so gracious as he wended his way around the tables and to the door. Oh, the apple didn't fall far from the tree. Adam has obviously learned from a good man.
I don't know how to describe the 'title' of the British woman who checked us in for each M&G, and also took the M&G photos. When I was in Orlando she was brusque and commandeering; but her manner has definitely softened in the intervening weeks. Maybe she learned that Adam fans are really nice people! She advised us 'not to faint' when Adam would put his arm around our waists at the photo-op. Anyway - each of us had to sign next to some sort of 'release' - never read it. A bracelet came next. Then we were led up a very grand staircase to a large room where we calmly (really, it was calm!) waited. As the M&G moment approached people actually helped one another 'rehearse' the words we wanted to say to Adam. It would be over in seconds - everyone wanted their message to be unique. It was so apparent. We all searched for the right words to convey how much his music, his voice, his honest journey, has meant to each of us. As for me and my Kindred Spirit, we decided we would have our photo taken together with Adam. We would hold hands, and let Adam know that our loving friendship happened because of HIM.
The line began to move. OMG! The first folks put their bags of bling (a tote, a water bottle, and a ball cap with the TOH logo) on a chair, went behind a screen, and reappeared - all within 15 seconds. And so it was, for each and every one of us. When it was our turn, I led the way to Adam. There he was, in a white t-shirt and grey leather jacket. I said 'We're doing this together', and he said 'I get to be in the middle!'. Hands around his waist; his arms & hands around our shoulders; the British woman saying '3,2,1 . . .' suddenly my friend says 'give me your hand!' - - - I had totally forgotten we were going to join hands for the photo! That's the brain fog that happens when Adam has looked into your eyes.
And then it was over. But not really over at all! We had a performance to come!
Went downstairs to a gorgeous 'Ladies Lounge'. This theatre just reeks of history. Wood paneled walls (you can see them in some of the photos with Adam) and a massive marble or granite fireplace and hearth, with 'chaise lounges' and pristine upholstered chairs. Danielle Stori, her boyfriend, and two other people my friend recognized as radio personalities, were playing and posing on the furniture. We were too shy to say hello, but enjoyed watching their theatrical antics. Then we were off to our seats. Front row center!
No - it wasn't StubHub - - - I actually scored these tickets at 10AM on the presale morning, after I gave my manager some lame (but truthful) excuse for absolutely having to return home for an important appointment that day. Heart pounding, I clicked in at exactly the perfect moment and got these coveted seats. There was a low, 'iron picket fence' type barrier directly in front of all the front row seats - no way would we be able to actually be at the stage; but at five feet away, we were close enough! Stashed our bags and sat in our seats for a moment, and then decided we'd rather explore the theatre during the opening act than see Alex . . . as good as he was in Vegas (golly! what a vocal range!), we had a choice to make. And we were just too excited, anticipating Adam, to sit still.
So, off we went. I hope Adam really does have a % from the venue snacks and beverages. There were bars around every corner. We did our part for the cause! Looked like sales were brisk at the merchandise stand, too! I've already ordered, online, the 'astrological' hoodie & sweatpants - which is a good thing, because I traveled with only carry-on luggage. Others will have to figure out how to get merch home, tho . . . those hoodies were adorning many fans during the concert!
Once again, I have to say, it was so wonderful to see, randomly, so many familiar faces from the past seven years. Old friends with a shared history . . . and new friends I had known only through the friendly anonymity of Adamtopia. We're connected. Even now, as I sit here and type, I feel that tender emotion fill my heart.
Then it began. The crowd ovation overwhelmed the beginning of EITN . . . but it didn't matter one bit. The adoration didn't drown Adam out. It lifted him and carried him towards some soaring comet of delirious love. Everyone grabbed that blaze of fire as he created history - a magnificent performance - and reconfigured the stars.
When Laleh appeared to sing with Adam on 'Welcome To The Show' the place went bonkers. I went bonkers!
Being a vocalist myself, I watched Adam closely; watched how he relaxed his jaw; took stock of his breath control; his phrasing . . . stuff I cannot help doing, because I want to learn more from the best teacher on earth. His voice was flawless and seemingly effortless. He just breathed in our love and breathed out brilliance. Song after song. He either caressed or commanded or joyfully flung out every note; just owned and bonded with every lyric. Every single moment was true. He played with Terrance and Holly; communicated with gestures - as if he were the most astounding and articulate sign language interpreter - to the members of his unbelievable band. Oh, how I wanted to record every second in my head, and let it play back in my dreams. I wish, sometimes, for a life on rewind.
After the show we were too stunned to leave. Sat in our chairs and couldn't speak. The theatre maintenance crew brought us back to reality. Then, as I left the venue, I listened to this unreal hum of happiness around me. You know how it is when you go to a show, and the movie is really bad, or the play is uninspiring, or the musical falls flat . . . and the crowd leaves at the end, subdued. Well, this crowd was feeling an orgasmic afterglow! I swear, looking at the faces was like looking at a massive advertisement for glowing smiles! The love for Adam and his craft extended through the lobby and poured onto the sidewalk out front. I think I hugged every person I knew - and many I didn't, until this night.
Saturday night was the performance of a lifetime for me. And I've seen Adam perform 54 times. I'm chasing the original high, for sure. There, I said it. I just have to go. I'm addicted. Not looking for a cure anytime soon.
Why, you may ask (oh, you sweeties who've made it this far in this rambling post!) do I think Saturday was better than Sunday?
Purely physiological . . . this old bod was beginning to wear down.
Thursday - the day my little adventure began - we hiked Runyon Canyon at sunset; finishing in the dark. We didn't even leave for our dinner reservation until almost 10PM! In my little town, restaurants are closed at 10 . . . but this was Hollywood! Each day was an experience; and no matter how late the evening, I kept waking up at 5AM - wakeup time for my job for almost 25 years - even when I could have slept in. So - by Sunday I was running on empty. Well, I didn't quite hit empty until after a group of us (by this time we were five Adamtopians) shopped Melrose Avenue and found a shoe store whose proprietor knows Adam! He drew us in (after seeing us, google-eyed, walking by) showing photos of none other than Adam Fucking Lambert with him in his store! How did he know??? He told us Adam shops there frequently . . . said that when Adam comes in he tells him to 'step outside' because he (the store owner) talks too much and Adam can't find the shoes he wants!
We all ended up buying designer Italian leather shoes, sandals, or boots.
I now own a pair of dyed, denim and leather low cowboy-style boots, size 8, if anyone is interested in borrowing them. I wore them to the show on Sunday, even tho they didn't work with my 'outfit'. I felt grand!
Golly. I'm going to have to finish this soon. Feeling like I did, Sunday nite after the show. 'Punch drunk'. Just done for.
I remember messaging my DH as we drove to the venue on Sunday afternoon. Guilt at being gone - and missing him, too. I listened to my message just after I flew home today. Jealous of the voice that was going to see Adam one more time.
We entered this surprising three-story restaurant just a couple of blocks from the Orpheum. The wondrous Mayumi and her family were there; providing us with an amazing place - truly amazing! - to prepare for this last show. It's like a trip back to the 1940's - - - ornate furnishings; stuffed lions and bison and bears; huge redwood trees that magnificently grace and thrust through the building (now, why does that phrase remind me of Adam?) and cozy, intimate corners where guests like us could enjoy a delicious dinner. Such a perfect way to begin the memorable 'last evening'.
M&G tickets and scenario was just like Saturday. Not quite as many people; maybe 75 as compared to 100 the evening before. Tonight, our seats were on the center aisle in row two. In front of me was a little girl wearing bunny ears - maybe four years old. No obstructed view! BTW she danced through the entire performance; just like her mom. I got my dose of family preciousness, and paid attention to the gift.
Once again, I hadn't thought of what I should say to Adam. Good lord. He was going to see me AGAIN. Kind of embarrassing. Well, this time, I looked at him and said "I need a hug!" and he said, "Of course!" and that was it. Punch drunk, done for, sent out to dry, leave me and my blue designer leather boots and don't look back.
During the show, many people came up the aisle to take photos. Many tried to stay in the aisle, but Security took care of that. They were so polite - both the picture takers and Security. I get it . . . I get that need to be close to Adam and dance. I made it happen for me; and my wallet is truly empty today. So is my internal gas tank. But my heart and my mind are full; overflowing, actually. I loved Adam's soapbox. I loved what he said. I love that he and I are on the same page, politically. I wonder why the soapbox only came out for the last show . . . it was a humorous, sweet addition at a time when our political climate is anything but that.
My friend wishes for and questions why Adam isn't singing 'There I Said It' anymore . . . . I told her (IMHO) it's because he HAS said it. Moved on. He makes a passionate statement through each splendid performance. Truly, he's becoming the icon we have know him to be from the moment we heard 'ma ma'.
Well. It's a quiet house this afternoon, yet my ears still ring from the sounds; my mind still rewinds the moments; my heart still holds onto the simple love. Simply grand.
With the US portion over I was starting to feel that withdrawl but still lots to look forward to! Hope he schedules some one off performances after that. 
