Jimmy Page and The Firm were playing the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans in 1985? maybe? It was one of my first concerts.

As a guitarist, Jimmy was one of many idols.. the many years growing up with my older brothers blasting Led Zepplin at all hours... certainly had its influence over me.

I made it my mission that night to see Jimmy up close, so i decided to wait around the backdoor entrance to the arena until the band showed up.

Moments before they arrived, security guards ushered us away... I, however, managed to slip under a parked car adjacent to the garage entrance to the arena. Patiently I waited.. i knew this was abit weird, but i was definitely determined if nothing else!

The moment i saw the limo arrive and enter the large garage door entrance to the Arena, i dashed out to approach the band. Paul Rodgers and Jimmy Page both filed out of the car... they were so near, i was definately freakin out.

I got close to the gate and was about to call out to Jimmy when several oversized overzealous guards seized me and effortlessly displaced me.

undamaged, i went inside and enjoyed one hell of a show.

One unfortunate side to this story is that while nestled under the car, a small speck of gunk fell into my eye.. scaring my inner eyelid and giving me a serious infection that lasted weeks... woo hoo!

Anyway, the thrill of getting close the Jimmy Page lasted a long time and was the first of several close up encounters i was to have.