December, 2002 Fan of the Month: Eileen McReynolds
Congratulations, you've won a signed Southside Johnny poster!

People who know me won't believe this but I am lost for words (almost!) - to be nominated as fan of the month is, indeed, a great pleasure.

I have to thank Bruce, initially, for my interest in Southside and the Lads - I've been a fan of the E-Street Band since the seventies and it was because of Bruce mentioning them so often that I got into their music too. I missed out on seeing them in Newcastle early on and it wasn't until 1992 that I got to see my first Jukes concert. What a night! I ventured down to Bradford on my own but it wasn't long before I was made welcome by various fans, some of whom I saw again this time round. I had a taste of the Southside 'sarcastic charm' (ha!) that first night, but instead of putting this shy girl off - tee-hee - I was back for more at Manchester ... and for more in Amsterdam a little later. I met up with the Roulette gang outside the Paradiso and some of us went to a nearby pub to await the soundcheck. While sitting there I happened to see Bobby and Mick walking by the window, on their way back to the venue. Being the shy person that I am I went outside and invited them in for a drink. As they never turn down a free drink (!) they went back into the pub with me and regaled us all with various tales. Our little group was allowed into the soundcheck and got to meet the others - the concert that night was tremendous.

I've been to see them a few times since, even been hauled up onstage three times to be humiliated and acutely embarrassed (I love it!)- the Manchester video having pride of place in my 'trophy' cabinet! Each time I've met the Lads I've been very impressed by their warmth and great humour - a really fabulous bunch of guys.

I have collected vinyls, tapes, cds and videos from the eighties onwards and whilst, of late, I've been parting with much of my Bruce collection, I wouldn't dream of giving ANY of my Jukes stuff away - FAR too precious! I have Mike Saunders to thank for my many tapes, setlists, souvenir booklets etc - he's to blame for making me an even bigger bore than I was before! Thanks LB!

Thank you John, thank you ALL for the wonderful hours of music, the unbeatable nights of fun and madness that I've had at your shows, and for seeing me through some rough times and helping me towards the peace that I now have. I haven't as yet made it to New Jersey - if I ever pluck up the courage to sit on one of those darned aeroplanes for that long maybe I'll see all my favourite people on stage together. Until then ... when are you coming back?!

Eileen McReynolds

 

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