But every so often some of these people wander into my world...
"Thompson, enough with the stalling! Who did you see?!?!" you might ask.
Well, here it goes...
On my way back to the states, I was boarding the plane and, being that I had a window seat, I had to do the "sorry to make you get up, but I have that one" to the guy sitting on the aisle seat. He smiled and replied with a version of "no worries" and I shuffled by and got settled in.
Being the guy I am, I had to strike up a conversation, introducing myself and asking him what he was doing in Ireland. He said his name is Chris and he was there with his band to play a show...
At this point I'm not thinking too much about it- coming from California, you can throw a rock and hit three musicians- but something seemed different. Minutes before I saw this same guy carrying a guitar while being escorted to the plane by an airline rep. Then, as the brain wheels continued to turn, a passerby said "Heard you guys played a great show" before continuing to his seat.
So what am I to do? Of course, I inquired further. To be honest, I thought maybe he just played a small venue or some gig like that (sorry, Chris, I'm an idiot). Then I continue...
"So, Chris, what's your band?"
And he humbly answers "Foo Fighters."
Now I felt a little jitter and the arm hairs rise up...Foo fighters? No Foo-king way! How did I not recognize him?! I'm sitting next to +Chris Shiflett!! Granted, I had a few adult beverages the night before and I think most people would first associate Dave Grohl with the band, but still, no excuses. And worse for me cause Chris Shiflett is the kick-ass guitarist of two favorite bands I grew up listening to (No Use For a Name and Me First and the Gimme Gimmes).
So here I am, on a plane sitting next to the guy who just killed it at Slane Castle the night before. We continue talking about music, life, surfing, etc. occasionally asking him random questions about set lists and touring. By he time the plane touches down in London, I think to myself, like I had been the whole time, that "This is one cool dude."
Chris was approachable, talkative, humble, and well, just slap on a million other adjectives for chill guys like that. Despite the short trip, it was an unreal, unexpected experience and an absolute pleasure. Thanks again, +Chris Shiflett for your contribution to the genre and music in general. Keep rockin' out and makin' great tunes.
(Didn't want to ask for a plane seflie, but here's the man)
*photo from foofighters8.com*
