Fan fulfills dream of meeting idols

THE AUTHOR, center, with Joe Trohman and Andy Hurley of Fall Out Boy

Words can’t fully describe how I felt when I finally met Fall Out Boy at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport last month.

(The band performed at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Aug. 8 in a concert dubbed “Save Rock and Roll.”)

Vocalist-guitarist Patrick Stump, bassist Pete Wentz, drummer Andy Hurley and guitarist Joe Trohman have been my idols for many years. I’ve always dreamed of meeting them.

Fall Out Boy is behind such hits as “Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down,” “Thnks Fr Th Mmrs,” and “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark.”

I was super nervous while waiting for them at the airport. I couldn’t think of what to say or do in case I got near them. What I did know was that it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

I tried not to worry because, from all their interviews that I had seen, they were all very nice. I also kept reminding myself that Patrick loved it when fans approached him.

Finally, the moment arrived. One by one, Patrick, Andy, Pete, and Joe appeared—in front of me! I couldn’t believe what was happening. In a while, not only was I talking to them; I was also having pictures taken with them. They were really nice to all the fans around them. It truly was a dream come true!

On the concert day itself, I lined up for 10 hours, having braved hunger and thirst. Plus, it was so hot! But in the end, it really was worth the wait. I got to the very front row!

Fall Out Boy’s concert was the best among many shows I had seen. It was the first time I actually knew every word to every song being performed!

(Nicole Alvarez is a second year high school student at PAREF Woodrose.)