I met Vinnie in 1988 backstage at one of the ASG tour shows. It was at the Newport Music Hall in Columbus Ohio. Early August. I arrived early because I hoped I could see a glimpse of the band. Not many people were there at all, so to make my way backstage wasn't hard. I went to the back of the building where there was a huge silver tour bus and some semi trailers. There were people pulling out these gigantic amplifiers and speakers. I remember on the speaker cabinets the words 'Vin,' and thinking to myself that Vinnie had to be somewhere for them to be unloading his amps. But there wasn't a Vinnie Vincent Invasion member anywhere in sight! Until the metal door slid open on that large tour bus and out walked the man, Vinnie himself!
It was startling to see him, I wasn't expecting he would be the one I would see first, but there he was. He came off the bus and went over to some roadie guy who was hauling a guitar case that I know had to contain his guitar. I watched them both for a moment and observed what Vinnie was wearing. He was coordinated so well that day.
My chance was then I knew and I had to go over to say hi to him or else I might not have another chance. So I took a deep breath and walked over. As I got closer I could hear him talking to the roadie about his guitar's tuning or something. When I got to his side, he turned and looked at me. I smiled at him and I couldn't believe it, there was my idol. And he smiled at me and said 'hi.' I couldn't form words, I was so emotional to see him that I just did the unthinkable and pulled him into an embrace.
He started to laugh and was patting my shoulder saying 'Its alright.' I was tearing up, I couldn't believe it and I didn't want to let go of him. Vinnie saw how emotional I was. He asked me what my name was and then said to wait there for a minute. A few moments later Vinnie came out of his bus with a triangle shaped backstage pass sticker. He had signed it and handed it to me. He told me to come back after the show and I agreed. He gave me one more hug before I left.
I spent the rest of the time before the show at this little cafe across the street, waiting for show time. Absolutely unbelieving that I had gotten to meet Vinnie and that I would be seeing him again after the show! I can't recall too much about the show, I remember it was really loud and really hot! But getting backstage afterward there was quite a shuffle and then I was inside a small room that was set up like a dressing room. Bobby and Mark were the first two back there and they hardly noticed me at all. I think Mark might have said hi to me. Dana came next and I remember he was really loud. Then Vinnie. Vinnie smiled when he saw me and came over to sit next to me on this couch. He asked me how I liked the show and I told him it was great. I was still nervous but somehow calmer than before. Vinnie asked me how I became a fan and where I lived. We must have talked for at least an hour after the show, but no one seemed to be in a hurry to leave. Then I remembered I had my camera with me and asked Vinnie if he would agree to a picture, he said sure and so we got some one to take our picture. Then I told him I had to leave (stupid I know.) But he was understanding and told me he really liked talking to me and wanted to talk more. I didn't have anything to write on except the pass he gave me, so I wrote my number on the pass and Vinnie thought it was funny that I gave my number on his backstage pass. He promised to call me and gave me another tight hug before I left.
I never had a better night! It was the most amazing dream come true I ever had. I'm just sad that Vinnie never called me...Vinnie if you are reading this, I remember, do you?
Ps. Happy New Year Vinnie, and everyone at the VVFF. :
And now...I am busted...
