On September 6th, 2001 I had a rare opportunity I never would have thought would happen - I got the chance to meet my all-time favourite performers live and in person!  How this came about is still a thrill for me!  My good friend, Barb, from Winnipeg knew someone "behind the scenes" at the Air Supply show at Woodbine Race Track in Toronto.  This individual (to whom I will ALWAYS be grateful) added us to the guest list.  I took the Greyhound into Toronto and Barb flew in from Winnipeg and we met up for the show.  Much girlish giggling and banter was exchanged as we prepared gift packages for the guys - Roots t-shirts, Laura Secord teddy-bears and chocolates, maple syrup, and a poem (written by yours truly).  Barb had already met the guys once back in Winnipeg and several times I had to have her appease me that they were truly nice gentlemen and not to be so nervous!  However, by the time the show began we were both nervous wrecks!

How exciting it was to be on the guest list!  We got to stride right past the long line and were told to "take any seat up at the front."  Wow!  The last time I saw Air Supply in concert (1987) I was planted behind a pillar, how thrilling to be seated second row on the aisle!  And was Canada happy to have these guys back!  Apparently, even though they haven't been household names for quite some time, their fans have never forgotten them!  After an opening set by Graham's protege, Shari Short, Graham and Russell took to the stage to a thunderous welcome!   And what a show!  Believe it or not - Air Supply ROCKS!  They take those sweet love ballads and rock them out in concert!  I can honestly say I've never seen a more riled up concert crowd in my life!  Although these guys are now in their fifties, they're still full of energy and enthusiasm!  Following are some pics from the show...

And finally...after the first show which ran well into overtime, Barb and I were hustled backstage to meet the guys.  Surprisingly, I wasn't as nervous as I thought I would be, but believe me, I was nervous enough.  There were only four of us backstage and it is unfortunate everything was so rushed, otherwise we would have been able to speak to the guys a bit longer.  I met Graham first, and I'm afraid I made a stammering fool of myself!  I had a spiel prepared but upon meeting him, it was completely forgotten.  I sputtered some nonsense, got an autograph and he almost instantly disappeared.  Russell, however, was the complete sweetheart I always knew he would be.  I knew he was exhausted but he took the time to ask my name (he called me "dear" - sigh), kissed my cheek, thanked me for the gift, and posed for a photograph.  A truly gentle soul with the kindest eyes I've ever seen.  He did NOT disappoint!!!!  And here's the photo I will treasure always (note Graham in the background - heh heh!)...