Duran Duran, Part 2: A little UberFAN backstory

First, I wanted to share this. I discovered this hilarious (at least it is to me) picture on my camera phone from the Monday Duran Duran meet and greet.

It took me a minute to figure out what it is.

The brown shape is part of Mary leaping out of her seat to hug Simon Lebon. You can somewhat see the top of his head next to the radio station employee in the red blouse. I had been trying to snap his picture when the commotion next to me began... and Mary got her long-dreamed about hug. It's blurry because I nearly dropped the camera when I realized what she was so brazenly doing. You go girl!

While at happy hour this evening with some work friends, I was sharing this story and the pictures over appetizers and drinks. And...I revealed to them one fact I didn't mention in my earlier post: I actually was the one who got the whole ball rolling for this adventure.

Last Thursday afternoon, I got my weekly email of events from the radio station. The subject line had something to the effect of "Meet Duran Duran." I opened it out of curiosity. Those who wanted to meet the 80s heartthrobs could write an essay saying why. I forwarded on to Mary in jest.

Well...guess what...the next morning, I got this email:

From: Mary

Date: February 1, 2008 10:01:44 AM EST
To: Robin S.
Subject: Re: Wanna Meet Duran Duran?
I entered the contest. If I win I'll shit my pants. I need to lose 30 lbs. by Monday.

So then, later in the day, I get a text asking me what I was doing on Monday. Turns out she mentioned her entry to her friend who works at the station. Her friend said she would put Mary and a friend on the meet and greet list for sure, and Mary then pulled out of the running in the essay contest to allow another fan the chance to win. However, we did learn that she was indeed a contender. Apparently her testimonial as to why she needed to meet Duran Duran was quite convincing. Not surprising. She was an English major.

And now you're probably wondering, "What on earth DID she write." So, here...on the suggestion of my work friends who admit they are dying to read the essay and Mary's good nature, is her original entry:

-----Original Message-----

From: mary

Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2008 09:34 PM Eastern Standard Time

To: RADIO Promotions

Subject: PLEASE LET ME MEET DURAN DURAN!!!F

I have been a loyal fan of Duran Duran since they released their first album back in 1981.

When I was 14, I had each of the four walls in my bedroom entirely covered with pictures of each band member that I had cut out from magazines like "Tiger Beat" (except Andy, because I didn't like him). Nick Rhodes was always my favorite - his image was plastered all over the wallright next to my bed, so I could kiss him goodnight. John Taylor, SimonLeBon and Roger Taylor each had walls devoted to them as well.

I was absolutely certain, although I was barely a teenager at the time, that Nick Rhodes would instantly dump his model girlfriend/wife at the time if he'd only met me! Maybe this is still true?! :-) Unlike many of my teenage pop star and celebrity crushes, however, I never outgrew my love for Duran Duran. I am now happily married to a wonderful man and have two young sons, but whenever I hear a Duran Duran song on the radio, or catch one of their videos on television, I turn into a giggly mess again. I love their new album, Red Carpet Massacre, and I'm so grateful that they're still making great music.

PICK ME!

After reading this, I am even more glad I went down to that station with her early Monday morning and could share in her glee. We've gone to many a Duran Duran concert together...this was the icing on the cake of our 25+ year friendship.