Through the generosity of a long time guitar buddy, who currently is president of the Quick Chek convenience store chain in the NJ/NY area, a friend and I had the opportunity to meet Paul Rodgers-the lead vocalist in Free and Bad Company who currently tours with Queen and his own bands. They performed mostly old Bad Company and Free songs in what was an excellent performance...there is No doubt that the guy can still sing! The venue was a balloon festival for whom Quick Chek is a sponsor, which is the largest festival east of the Mississippi, rivaled only by another festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico. http://balloonfestival.com/
After the show we waited in a backstage tent until Rodgers came in, where he shook hands and posed for pictures with us, then signed autographs for those who wanted one. He was gracious and friendly the whole time-a genuinely nice guy to show patience for what probably has become a somewhat boring obligation after so many years. I thanked him for all the great music and mentioned some obscure tunes to which he replied "Thanks for remembering! " ...so..for those of us whom have been fans for decades this was a genuine treat-a once in a lifetime opportunity to personally thank an artist whose work we have been admiring since we were kids. In the autumn Rodgers begins another world tour with Queen, so if you get the chance to see them, don't hesitate!
