I Almost Hit an American Idol

Ok...so FINALLY a post about something other than my kids!

I live in south eastern Massachusetts where members of Aerosmith live. Tom Hamilton used to live in my town~but sold his house and moved to Boston a few years ago. Joe Perry lives a couple of towns away, Joey Kramer used to live the next town over but sold his house about a year ago and also moved to the city. Steven Tyler lives in the same town as Joey Kramer and remains there still. Not sure about Brad Whitford~but I know he is close because he, Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer all used to frequent the Chinese restaurant in my town.

As a result of the close proximity of all~sightings are a common occurrence. A neighbor shot his hose at Lamborghini that sped down his street at an outrageous speed. The driver threw the car in reverse and backed up to apologize~it was Steven Tyler. About 15 years ago Steven Tyler sat down at the table next to me and my family in a local restaurant. It was Mother's Day and he was out with his wife and two children (who had to be 3 and 4 at the time). He clearly did not want to be bothered and my family (and the other patrons) left him alone. One spring night about 3 years ago we saw Joey Kramer at a local ice cream store. When we drove up he was done with pictures and getting into his car. All my brushes with the band have been arms length and I have never approached them.

That all changed tonight! We were leaving Humarock and driving down Central Ave. As we drove we noticed a "woman" walking in the middle of the street talking on her cell phone. Brian and I asked each other what she was doing. We slowed so as to not hit her and to try to figure out what she was doing. When we did she turned around and walked back towards the side of the road. There was a crowd around, so we thought there may have been an accident. As we passed the "woman" was right next to our car and I yelled, "that's Steven Tyler". We passed and commented that we should go back, but were nervous to if he had been in an accident. We didn't want to cause more commotion under those circumstances. We turned around to at least see and saw that he was taking pictures with fire fighters and fans that had surrounded him. I just purchased his autobiography for Brian for Father's Day and he happened to be reading it on the beach today. I grabbed the book and hopped out. I went over and asked if he would sign it. I think I must have looked like a child~I was so struck at the fact that I was actually getting a chance to approach him finally! He was about to take a picture with someone else and stopped and looked at me as I approached. He stared and acknowledged me~forgetting the picture he was about to take. I asked if he would mind signing the book and told him that Brian had been reading it on the beach that day. He took it and said, "sure, quick, quick, quick...". I thanked him and ran back to the car to show Brian~who now was unloading all the kids with the idea of getting a family picture with him. By the time he headed over, Steven was getting back into his car and commented that he had to go. No picture for us~but I am still star struck at the fact that he looked right at me and spoke to me. Seriously, like a kid. So pathetic, but true and very exciting.
What was almost more fun was that the kids were as excited because they recognized him from American Idol. Brian and I kept telling them, "that's Steven Tyler from American Idol!" They knew!
Hopefully next time we'll get our chance at a picture.