If you’ve ever read this blog or met me, you know that not only do I love music but that I have a very special devotion to Duran Duran (my child is only referred to on the blog as “Wild Boy”).  In the early 1980’s, I was one of those crazy teenaged girls that showed devotion to her favorite band by way of posters, albums, 12″ remixes, imports, VCR tapes and of course, magazines.  My family was always under a barrage of all things Duran Duran.

Found during my cross country move – a sweatshirt I had made circa 1985 (forgive the wrinkles)

I was the one who would make my friends watch MTV until a Duran Duran video came on screen.  It was more than easy to be captivated by the music, the visual artistry and (for me), the ridiculously handsome and charismatic front man.  The era and band left an indelible impression because more than 30 years later, I’m still a Duran Duran fan with a special admiration for Simon Le Bon.

But just as the music and the members of Duran Duran has evolved over time, so have I.  The days of screaming and crying at a television screen have passed and I’m pretty sure that my husband wouldn’t find posters of Simon Le Bon posters on our bedroom walls as acceptable pieces of art.

As a grown up, my Duran Duran admiration is now is expressed via listening to the vast musical catalog, buying select pieces of memorabilia and following social media channels for news of music to be released, upcoming tour dates, connecting with other fans (some who have become friends beyond a shared love of the music).  I also run my own 10K on Duran Duran Appreciation Day every year (here are my posts detailing the 2013 and 2014 runs).

A photo on the Brooklyn Bridge where I ended my Duran Duran Appreciation Day 10K 2013.

The 80’s are back in a big way and these days, it’s almost chic to be a geeky fangirl.  I’m ok with fangirl status because I’m confident that know that I clearly understand the line between being a fan and Crazytown.  The members of Duran Duran may be musical legends but at the core of it, they’re human beings.  Good looking and talented human beings, but human beings all the same.

While much of me has grown up and let go of the teenaged frenzy surrounding my love of Duran Duran, the desire to actually meet Simon Le Bon never faded with time.  Even though I’ve felt foolish about it, I’ve mentioned this dream here on the blog more than few times (like here and here).  It has always been a wish, a hope – something you put into the universe but you don’t really believe will ever happen……

But on April 1, 2015, my Duran Duran fangirl dream came true.  

I got to meet Simon Le Bon….and it was glorious!

(Yes, that is Simon Le Bon hugging me – ME!!! – after the David Lynch Benefit concert)

Want to know what the best part was?

Besides being undeniably drop dead gorgeous, Simon Le Bon was astoundingly nice, funny and gracious.

You’d never guess that a ridiculously famous rockstar who has been meeting adoring fans for over 30 years, would be a such charming guy who would warmly take photos with a 45 year old fangirl in geeky glasses.

People, Simon Le Bon was definitely that guy.

Thank you Simon, for proving that meeting people you admire doesn’t have to be disappointing but instead can be wonderful.

I’m not normally very shy but on the evening of April 1st, I was a mess of nerves.  I’m usually talkative but on this night I could barely speak.  I’m lucky I didn’t need assistance to inhale and exhale.  I’d been second row at a Duran Duran concert (Terminal 5, June 2012) but there was never a chance of actually meeting any member of the band and the fact that Simon Le Bon was mere feet from me was overwhelming.

There was a lot of liquid courage that was required to get me to that photo above but even the hangover the following day was worth it.  It might sound ridiculous but even now, even without the alcohol, the buzz is still in effect.  I could give every small detail of the few minutes that I spent with a man that I’ve admired for years but instead, I’d like to keep those few special moments my own (or at least out of print).  Honestly, I could not have dreamed up a better experience than what reality provided and I’m exceptionally grateful to two very special friends (C & S) who helped this dream come true.

Duran Duran fans, all I can say is get ready for #DD14 (the new album) to drop and the tour to be announced!  The boys looked and sounded quite fabulous at the David Lynch Benefit concert (the review in Rolling Stone said, “On this night, there wasn’t anything more hypnotically captivating than watching these four Brits stick out like a sore thumb but nonetheless absolutely burn the place down.” !

My evening at the David Lynch Foundation benefit was a fabulous one and even though I do not meditate, it is something I’ve considered trying and therefore, I am making a donation to the David Lynch Foundation for Transcendental Meditation.  I was moved by David Lynch’s message about TM being “life changing for the good”.  My night was certainly life changing for the good and the idea of helping those with trauma and toxic stress by helping them to learn to meditate is cause worth supporting.  If you’re interested, you donate via the link above.

Ever have a long time dream come true?  Was it a positive or negative experience?  

Do you meditate?