“No, really, he’s the coolest boss I’ve ever had,” -Adrian Sanchez, JM’s guitar tech

Andrew McMahon is quite possibly one of the friendliest musicians I’ve ever met. I recently went to the Tinley Park date of the Fray tour featuring Jack’s Mannequin. We got to the show, received “Support Guest” stickers, and I secretly died inside upon seeing both the Fray and Jack’s Mannequin perform on stage. A few hours later, we embarked backstage with guitar tech Adrian where we saw the Fray getting ready for an encore, and as my brother would say, “they’re so close you can kick them!”, haha. We were then granted access into the Jack’s Mannequin tour bus. And after going to over eleven shows within the past year and a half, and envying the fans allowed inside of those traveling homes, I was finally one of them, and inside of their’s? Holy moley! The first time I saw Andrew in person was when he stepped out of the bus restroom then exited towards the bunks and closed the door. I didn’t think he was coming back, but he did eventually, and words cannot describe how I now feel about this man. An affable gentleman, I’d describe it. I almost forgot I even had a music website until my brother stepped in and mentioned it. Andrew, if you ever end up reading this, I do hope you know how close I was to a near collapse. Trying to act professional while finally getting to speak with the man who has covered the pages of AP and dominated the vh1 Video Countdown? Well, that’s a bigger challenge than the MCAT’s.

He had to run and catch a cab with the rest of the band, while Adrian, Mark, & a man named Greg and I stayed aboard the bus and I tried to come to terms with what had happened. Greg was making a hot pocket when Andrew ran into the bus going, “I forgot my cell phone.” The last time I heard him say something about his mobile device was when he was belting it out on iTunes in his single titled, well, “Cell Phone”. He exited the bus, and two minutes later came back in saying, “wallet.” Then, for a third and final time, came back in for something I believe was his hat. Such a forgetful, talented man. Hopefully the next time I encounter him I’ll have an interview, but this was enough for one night. I mean, I would have settled for a t-shirt and a seat in the back of the venue towards the parking lot. Adrian, you’ve made my year by helping this happen. Mr. McMahon, you’ve dazzled this 15 year old braceface completely.