Rolling Stones—Voodoo Lounge Tour September 1994—Columbia, Missouri

WAITING ON A FRIEND
(M. Jagger/K. Richards)

Watching girls go passing by
It ain't the latest thing
I'm just standing in a doorway
I'm just trying to make some sense
Out of these girls go passing by
The tales they tell of men
I'm not waiting on a lady
I'm just waiting on a friend

A smile relieves a heart that grieves
Remember what I said
I'm not waiting on a lady
I'm just waiting on a friend
I'm just waiting on a friend

Don't need a whore
I don't need no booze
Don't need a virgin priest
But I need someone I can cry to
I need someone to protect
Making love and breaking hearts
It is a game for youth
But I'm not waiting on a lady
I'm just waiting on a friend

My other Rolling Stones related pages:

Rolling Stones Voodoo Lounge Photos

SATISFACTION
Front Row & Backstage with the Stones

It was 1994. Mike was programming a radio station in Columbia, Missouri when the Rolling Stones released Voodoo Lounge. Mike had heard from a very reliable source that the Stones were planning a concert in Columbia. Upon hearing this, my first words to Mike were, "Yeah, right, you're full of #@!*" When Mike further hinted that he could get me backstage to meet my rock idol, Mick Jagger, I questioned his sanity. I couldn't imagine why the Stones would choose to play Columbia over Kansas City or St. Louis, and I certainly could not imagine me meeting "The World's Greatest Rock 'n Roll Band."

Shortly thereafter and much to my surprise, an official tour announcement was made and the rumor validated—the Stones would play Columbia in September. To my dispair, however, the tickets went on sell while I was traveling on business and Mike had to be on the air. A colleague of Mike's purchased tickets for us, but upon receiving them, I was very disappointed in the seat location. But nonetheless, I had my tickets.

We attended a concert in St. Louis that summer where Mike had backstage passes to meet the band, Cracker, who was on the same label as the Stones—Virgin Records. Mike introduced me to Jeannie, his Virgin rep. As we were chatting, Jeannie mentioned the upcoming Stones concert in Columbia and asked Mike if would be interested in meeting the band backstage. It was all I could do to keep my composure and act cool! Mike, of course, replied yes, and told Jeannie he would forfeit his backstage pass if I could go instead [I just love this man!!!]. Jeannie replied that she could arrange for both of us to go! I was in heaven!

For the next several weeks, Mike and I joked about what we would say when we met the Stones. As the concert date grew closer, I became more excited, though still disappointed about my seats. That Friday before the concert (which was on a Sunday night), Mike called my office with extraordinary news. Jeannie had a pair of front row tickets for the show and wanted us to have them! This was truly a dream come true!

When we met up on the night of the concert, we learned that ours would be the first group from the general public allowed into the actual Voodoo Lounge. Backstage meet and greets up until that point had been held in a separate tent. Unfortunately, the Stones were running late to the venue. After what seemed like hours of waiting, our group was escorted into the Voodoo Lounge. We were informed that we could not ask for autographs or take pictures, though a professional photographer was on hand to capture the moment. We had to stay together as a group and were not allowed to move around the Voodoo Lounge.

Because the band was late, our meet and greet was very short. As soon as the Stones arrived, we were shuffled together for photos. I was situated in front of Ron Wood, next to Charlie Watts, and we exchanged greetings. After the pictures were taken, Keith Richards sought me out, grabbed my hand, and said, "How ya doin', Luv?" (my favorite Stones moment). Anxiety started to set in when security began pushing everyone out and I hadn't met my favorite Stone yet. At that moment, however, Mick approached me and Mike to say hello. I simply shook Mick's hand and said, "It is my pleasure to meet you." Mike followed with, "she is your biggest fan!" This was so cliché that we all just laughed! Though the moment was brief, I truly appreciate the fact that a band of this magnitude still takes the time to meet their public.

I left the Voodoo Lounge in a state of bliss, which continued through the night! Our seats were dead center in row one. I can't explain in words what a phenominal show it was, except to say that the front row experience was like none I've ever had. The concert wasn't just a live performance, it was a complete production, and we could see every movement and exchange the band made. One thing about the Stones—they do not play just to the audience up front, but to the whole venue. But there was one special moment during the show that I made eye contact with Mick. It was between songs, the lights were dimmed, and he bent down to take a drink from a water bottle. Mick looked at me momentarily in recognition, and though I'm a little embarrassed to admit this, I mouthed, "I love you"! I was obviously overtaken by the moment because this was totally unplanned and not at all my style! Again, all I can say is this was so cliché!

In brief, the concert was amazing. At the end of the show, a cameraman handed me the set list—a cool piece of Stones memorabilia.

An ironic sidebar is that my brother won a radio station giveaway to see the Stones in California later that year. He gave the trip to me and Mike as a wedding present, so we flew out to Pasadena for 5 days. It was a great time, but the concert was rather a let down after meeting the Stones and watching them perform from the front row! However, the concert footage was used on a special episode of Beverly Hills 90120!