A Little Star Struck

I always have some CD that reminds me of some point in my life… like Ben Harper, Fight For Your Mind in Peace Corps Ukraine or Smashing Pumpkins, Siamese Dream for 'those I can’t wait for high school to be over' moments or Tori Amos’ Boys For Pele when I was going through that crazy break-up with Bad Break-Up… anyway, Pete Yorn’s Musicforthemorningafter was my life in Los Angeles CD.

Yes, it reminds me of a very strange time in my life… trying to define myself outside of being a student… all that silly shit.

At a bar across the street from the Beverly Center, I remember seeing Pete Yorn talking on his phone. He appeared to be waiting for someone. I remember tapping my friend’s leg under the table saying, “that’s totally Pete Yorn.”

Why is all of this relevant? Well, last night I went to see Pete at the Fillmore. I’d seen him at Great American before and had been blown away by his live performance. He’s a brilliant musician.

My friend picked me up for the show, and naturally I was already drunk and high. I like to save myself some cash-money on expensive venue drinks, so I go prepared, hahaha. Because my friend was laughing a little too hard at my dumb comments, I was convinced she’d had some drinks.

We parked a little ways away from the venue and as we walked there, I decided to give her my latest sobriety test. This test entails questions of history and current politics.

As I was spouting off the trivia question, someone behind us chimed in and answered one. I turned to say, “excellent job,” to his correct answer. I then spouted off another to see if he could get that one too… and who oh who is standing beside him!?!?!? Pete Yorn. Oh my God. Who is soooooo fucking HOT in person. I’d of course seen him onstage, but I’m usually far away and drunk and high.

We proceeded to walk along the sidewalk toward the venue. It seemed rather natural… like there we were just chatting… no introductions, just hopped right into trivia conversation. Pete Yorn answered my questions with musician names, and I probably made some silly quip or two.

We waited at a stop light, and what my friend pointed out to me later was that it had been green for some time… and the four of us just stood there while everyone else crossed the street. They didn’t seem to think we knew who they were. I eventually said nonchalantly, “oh hey, we’re on our way to see your show.” They seemed surprised… they seemed to think we were just two girls walking on the street going who knows where.

Finally we arrived at the venue. Pete and his friend got into the tour bus, and we said our good-byes. We turned to go into The Fillmore and apparently the ticket folks had observed our casual conversation and remarked, “oh my god you totally know him?” We kinda’ chuckled and walked-in.

The show was fucking bad-ass. He’d put out a live album a while back, and I think musicians who do so are confident of their skills. He should be confident… he’s a true musician… not just a lyricist or pretty face, but a pretty fucking spot-on guitarist.

Today I’m of course going through the list of all the things I should have said… I’m also wishing I hadn’t worn my shitty t-shirt and jeans from work… I remember thinking to myself earlier that day, “uh, why bother getting dressed in anything cute… I’m going to see live music… not to impress a soul.”

But anyway, it really doesn’t matter what I wore or what I said… it was just a sweet little run in with someone whose music has been important in my life.


And here is a pic of Mr. Pete Yorn himself... HOT!