CHAPTER 5
PITTSBURGH
The day after the DC show was spent in my hometown of Ithaca, the hub of a massive Numan network during the heyday of the NAGNFC. Kat fell in love with the massive waterfalls and forest here and may come to live. I have some room I don’t need, Kat! Hint! Hint!
After showing
off my Numan collection all night, we overslept slightly the next morning. We
still made it in time for the last 2 songs of Switchblade. Much to my surprise,
we walked right to the front by the stage with very little difficulty. WOOHOO!
I met some
friends there from the other shows in front and waited patiently for Gary like
good Numanoids. It seemed as if at every show, there was one girl behind me
happy to tears she was finally seeing her hero in concert. Strange now that I
think of it. And I didn’t ask for one phone number, what's wrong with me?
During Gary's
performance, the crowd seemed as enthusiastic as ever, however, Gemma revealed
that Gary thought he bombed out that show, like the audience was sleeping. It
was the only show with only one encore instead of two. All I know is, a good
friend and I had no voice left whatsoever after the concert. "I like your
screams!"
The aftershow
pleasantries were lots of fun! I finally got the chance to give Gary a heaping
helping of US Club Fanzines I had done from 1989-1995. He and Gemma also
received a membership card. Gary got a laugh out of what the card read:
"GARY NUMAN IS ACKNOWLEDGED AS A MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING, GARY NUMAN
INTERNATIONAL FAN CLUB". He asked when it expired and I told him it never
would.
A few band
members also received honorary memberships. I'll pass out the rest of them in
Charlotte.
Ever the animal
lovers, Gemma and Gary spotted an Alsatian much like the one Gary had. They
spoke with the dog's owner awhile. Kat and I took some incredible shots that
night.
We bid Gemma
and Gary a fare adieu and leapt in the car for Toronto…