It was a very hot, humid day and the tornado sirens in the area had gone off a few times in the afternoon. Although the tickets for the Billy Ray Cyrus concert said "rain or shine", we weren't sure the show would go on.
My sister-in-law Nancy, my brother-in-law Jim and me, Judy, arrived at the Freedom Hill Amphitheater, Sterling Heights, Michigan at 6:30 PM. Jim used his cell-phone and called a gentleman there and inquired as to whether we could obtain back stage passes to meet Billy Ray. The GM said yes and advised us to leave our seats during the show, in between acts and he would issue our guest passes at that time.
At 8:00 PM, the three of us lined up with the others, for the guest passes and the chance to meet Billy Ray. I don't know for sure how many people were in line, as I was so excited I could hardly talk, let alone count. Once inside the doors, we all waited patiently for Billy Ray.
Soon we could see Billy Ray coming from around the side of a large tour bus and I think my heart stopped for a moment. I turned around and looked at the lady behind me and said "Oh my gawd" about 5 times - so did she! Billy Ray is so handsome in person . I never really realized how good looking he is until I saw him "up close and personal". Photos and TV do not do him justice. My sister-in-law thought I looked a little pale and asked me if I was okay and I said something like "I can't walk and I can't talk, all I can do is breath". I didn't know whether to stand on my head or wind my watch. (Actually that's not what I said, or thought, verbatim, but this is a "family friendly site" so my remarks have been edited!) The lady behind me said that she hadn't eaten all day, as she was afraid she would be sick and throw up on Billy Ray's shoes! My sister-in-law commented "He sure fits well into a pair of jeans" - (He sure does)!
Billy Ray sat on a wooden stool and the fans, with passes, met him one by one. He very graciously had photos taken with a number of people and signed autographs for all. I just stood there shaking, and stared at him (I hope my mouth wasn't hanging wide open).
When it was my turn I walked up to Billy Ray and said "Hi Billy Ray - I've been a fan of yours for years". He said "Hi - How are y'all doing?" in that lovely, soft, quiet voice, that he has. (Love that accent.) I can remember that I handed him a rose and said, "This is for you, or your wife", and he gave it back to me and said "Give it to me when I'm on stage" and I very brilliantly said "Who me?". Billy Ray autographed a photo that my brother-in-law had purchased for me at the venue, which is shown above. I honestly don't know what else I said, or Billy Ray said to me, but my sister-in-law Nancy assured me that I did not sound like a blithering idiot! (I have a sneaking suspicion she was just trying to be kind.)
When Nancy and Jim met Billy Ray, I watched, but nothing registered as I was "out to lunch". I'm old enough to be his Mother, but I can dream can't I LOL!.
I had to stop on the way back to our seats and look for my ticket to get back in, and I was still shaking and couldn't find the darned ticket, at first (Oh No!).
We went back to our seats (7th row) and watched one of the best concerts I have ever seen. Billy Ray really rocked! He made sure he sang to all sections of the audience and was very gracious to all his fans, even to one lady that did something Billy Ray said had never happened to him in 15 years on the stage. It looked like she was doing a "bump and grind" with a rose between her teeth and "daring" BR to take it out of her mouth with his. (I never did figure out everything she did - for sure.)
Billy Ray will be 41 on August 25th, 2002. He seems to get better looking and more fit as time goes on. He really appreciates all of his fans and seems to get a big kick out of all the children that attend his concerts. All ages were there and all thoroughly enjoyed the show. Billy Ray sang a few times to his wife, who was also on stage, and even went and sat in her lap for part of one song. He sang "Amazing Grace" with just his own guitar for accompaniment. It was one of the most moving songs I have ever heard him sing - he was in great voice. BR did a few of his famous bum wiggles! He brought down the house with Achy Breaky Heart (of course). Everyone that was able to, jumped out of their seats and stood up and sang with him, through the whole song.
I can honestly say it was one of the most exciting times of my life. I never ever thought I'd get a chance to meet Billy Ray in person and am very grateful to have had the opportunity. Special thanks to Jim, Nancy, Kevin and Billy Ray!
See Billy Ray Cyrus Page 2 for more about Billy Ray |
