Rush Road Trip - Staples Center

With the MGM Grand a fleeting memory Judy, Eddy and I shared a champagne breakfast with Judy's Mom and brother Don at the Palms hotel before zooming out of Las Vegas early that same morning to avoid heavy traffic on the way to Southern California. On the road we entertained ourselves with topics including the evolution of man, the concept of time travel, and belief in supreme beings. It wasn't your average conversation (an atypical one for Rush fans wouldn't you agree?) but it passed the time. Before long we were back in our home towns (Judy and I anyway). Sharing a beer at Judy's house Jeff - yet another good friend of Judy's called to say he would be heading over to welcome us home and hear about our road trip adventures. Once there we all climbed into Jeff's truck and drove to a local Sushi bar to partake of a bit of the ol' raw fish and beer - comfortably sauced we recounted our journey!

After a day of rest, which included a sense of feeling displaced at work (for me) - upon returning on a Monday in the middle of a Rush road trip! - we were ready for the next big event. Tonight would be the first time Rush would play the Staples Center in Los Angeles after years of performing to packed houses at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood. Come to think of it - this would also be the first time I ever attended a rock concert at the Staples Center as well. First time for everything. I looked forward to seeing them there. Cleared in advance with my boss, I left work early that day to get together with a small band of Rush fans before the show. I would be riding with them to the event in style this time around.

With the aid of my long time friend Zeke we were able to score a limo ride at a special discount rate for the evening. As a 20th Century Fox employee, Zeke has learned to work his connections in the entertainment industry well eh? Passenger's in the Limo included Zeke himself, Zeke's brother Alfonso, my buddy Dave, Eddy, Jeff, Bill, Benny, Judy and myself. We had a great time getting to the Staples Center that day.

Before making our way to the arena entrance we stopped to have dinner at a Fox sports bar conveniently located right outside the place. There we had the opportunity to run into more old friends including Zack (St. Dark), Guillermo (vav21121), Gary (Three Eyes) and Scott (Moving Pictures) - for the most part - members and contributors to the Counterparts message board I might add. Sitting around a few tables our group enjoyed the terrific atmosphere of the bar and shared food and drink 'til just past 7:00 p.m.

Our buddy Warren whom Judy and I met at the beginning of our travels also made a special appearance that evening. He was there to catch Rush for the last time on his own road trip.

Making our way to the arena entrance we hit a snag in our road trip itinerary when uptight security guards forced Judy to turn her personalized license plate in at a customer service check-in area. How anal was that? These guys actually believed Judy's license plate could be used as a weapon! I'm still a little ticked by that lame excuse. So anyway, we get inside and find our way to our seats after the check-in incident. This time Dave and I sit together in the ninth row directly in front of Neil while Judy and Eddy sit up in the third row off to the right side by Geddy. Out of film in my cleverly concealed camera I enjoy the show as Dave whips out his own hidden disposable and snaps away in my place. Heh, heh. Oh yeah, check this out - as a member of the press - Zeke is able to wander aimlessly throughout the venue that night with the aid of his coveted press badge. Taking advantage of this he does just that! He didn't sit still for the entire show. Not wanting to brag or anything he mentioned afterward that with his pass he could have walked backstage if he wanted to. DAMN! How do I get one of these passes eh?

After the show we picked up a few more collectibles and piled back into our waiting limo. We were dropped off about a half hour later back at my place where we said our good-byes for the night and went our separate ways.

The Staples Center show was a hit! We rocked to the magical music of Rush yet again. Our night was made all the more special in the company of so many good friends. I suddenly find it difficult putting into words what an amazing experience this was for me in particular. (snif) Now if you'll excuse me... I've got a little something in my eye...