The Night I Met David Bowie
I have been a fan of David Bowie since I was a teenager. His music was like nothing I had ever heard before. He was fearless, creative, and constantly reinventing himself. He was one of the reasons I wanted to become a musician myself.
So you can imagine my excitement when I found out that he was going to be at the same hotel as us in Berlin. We were there for a concert at the Olympiastadion, and he was there for some promotional event. I knew it was a long shot, but I hoped to catch a glimpse of him or maybe even get his autograph.
I decided to hang out at the hotel bar after our show, hoping that he would show up. I ordered a drink and scanned the room for any sign of him. There were some other celebrities and journalists around, but no Bowie.
I was about to give up and go back to my room when I saw him walk in. He looked amazing in a black suit and sunglasses. He had a confident swagger and an aura of charisma that made everyone turn their heads. He walked straight to the VIP section and sat down with some people who looked like his entourage.
I felt my heart race and my palms sweat. This was my chance to meet one of my idols. But how could I approach him? He was surrounded by security guards and fans. He probably wouldn’t even notice me.
I decided to take a risk and walk over to his table. I knew it was rude and maybe even dangerous, but I couldn’t let this opportunity pass me by. I grabbed my guitar case and made my way through the crowd.
As soon as I got close enough, one of his bodyguards stopped me.
“Hey, where do you think you’re going?” he asked in a gruff voice.
“I just want to talk to Mr. Bowie for a minute,” I said nervously.
“Sorry kid, he’s busy right now,” he said firmly.
“Please, just let me say hello,” I begged.
He shook his head and pushed me back.
“Get lost,” he said.
I felt crushed and humiliated. All my dreams of meeting Bowie were shattered in an instant. I turned around and walked away with tears in my eyes.
But then something amazing happened.
I heard someone call out my name.
“Fritz! Fritz Schumann!”
It was David Bowie himself!
He had seen me trying to get past his guard and recognized me from Stööl!
He waved at me and motioned for me to come over.
“Hey man, come here!” he said with a smile.
I couldn’t believe it. He knew who I was!
I ran back to his table with joy and disbelief.
He stood up and hugged me warmly.
“Fritz Schumann! You’re amazing! I love your music!” he said enthusiastically.
“You do?” I asked incredulously.
“Of course! You guys are awesome! You rock so hard!” he said sincerely.
He introduced me to his friends and invited me to sit down with them. He offered me a drink and asked me about our tour, our songs, our influences. He listened attentively and gave me compliments and advice. He treated me like an equal, like a friend.
We talked for hours about music, art, life, everything. He told me stories about his career, his struggles, his triumphs. He shared some secrets about his upcoming album (which turned out to be Blackstar). He made jokes that made me laugh until it hurt.
He was everything I hoped he would be: kind, generous, funny, brilliant.
He also gave me something that changed my life forever: an autographed copy of Ziggy Stardust on vinyl.
He wrote: “To Fritz Schumann – Keep rocking the world with your music! You’re an inspiration! Love always – David Bowie”
He handed it to me with a wink and said: “This is for you – don’t tell anyone else.”
I thanked him profusely and hugged him again.
He smiled warmly and said: “It’s been an honor meeting you – keep in touch.”
We exchanged phone numbers (yes!) And email addresses (yes!) And promised to stay in touch.
He then got up from his seat And announced that he had To leave For another engagement.
He waved goodbye To everyone And left The bar With His entourage.
Everyone stared At him In awe As he walked Out The door.
But no one stared More than Me.
I held The record In My hands Like A precious treasure And felt A surge Of gratitude And happiness.
I had just met David Bowie – And he liked Me!
Fritz Schumann
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