Rascal Flatts, the first meeting!

     Since I was in middle school (circa 2000), I remember a band that stood out like no other to me- Rascal Flatts.  Their light & easy vocals mixed with a little electric & acoustic guitar and drum background support came together to make the greatest harmonies I had ever heard.  As I grew up listening, the lyrics always seemed to come to me no matter which song played.  It was natural!

     On January 11, 2013 I was able to see my first live concert of Rascal Flatts in Moline Illinois.  Ever since I have been saying, "Gary LeVox would sound good even if he was singing under water."  It is just unbelievable the level of talent these guys bring to their fans.  Since then I have attended a total of 4 live Rascal Flatts concerts & every time I watch and listen I have goosebumps.  There is something so timeless about this band that keeps me captivated!
     Finally, in 2018, I had my chance to tell Gary, Joe Don, & Jay just how much their music has meant to me through these years.  With some nerves & a ton of excitement, I stepped around the corner of the backdrop into view of, in my opinion, the best band in the world. As I shook each hand, I was deliberate to look all three in the eye & call them by name.  They probably felt like I was interviewing to join the band itself but I wanted to ensure I was deliberately present in the moment with them. 
     After introductions, the only thing left to do...ask all three of them to gather around me (as if there wasn't enough pressure) & proceed to say, "So listen to this...I had to leave my wife out in the stadium to come & meet you guys because I could only secure one meet & greet VIP pass.  That's how much I love this band!"  To which all three expressed their combined gratitude for being such a great fan.  Of course, I did take a special moment to the side just to share with Gary how much his work has meant to me growing up and even now.  What a privilege this special interaction was because Gary had his daughter with him whom I was able to briefly meet as well.  This was such a magical moment & I can truly say I love the Rascal Flatts band even more after meeting them personally & hope to have many more opportunities to see them in concert even if it is from a distant seat watching & listening comfortably next to my wife.  Maybe next time I can bring her to the meet & greet with me!  

- Chandler
(meet & greet experience & photo credit to Amanda Sullenberger & Sarah Elm)