When I got backstage passes for REO Speedwagon’s Thursday performance at the Rockford MetroCenter, I never thought I’d end up partying with them until 4 a.m.

The whole night for me, and our photographer Jeff, surpassed the high expectations I already had when taking on this assignment.

Since the day I found out getting an interview with the band meant having backstage passes, I was overwhelmed with excitement. However, when the day of the concert rolled around I almost was ready to give up this chance, because I was so scared.

I’m sure you all can understand why—the guys I would be interviewing were the same ones I had been singing along with for 10 years.

And, come on, admit it, all you girls cried when “Time For Me To Fly” came on the radio when you and your boyfriend were not doing too great. And, we all sang “Roll With the Changes” in front of the mirror to get pumped up before going out.

After intelligence finally overpowered fear, Jeff and I headed for Rockford.

Having backstage passes adhered to our chests meant we basicly got to wander around as much as we wanted. A backstage security officer’s list of six different passes showed we had the third least prestigious of the six. However, we still were able to go everywhere with an escort.

Photographing the concert was interesting. It was surprisingly easier than I had expected. I obtained a decent shooting location and the mellow crowd meant I did not have to fight off anyone.

Before the concert started I asked the head of crowd security if it would be possible to shoot from between the barricade and the stage. He said no, but they did have a “policy” allowing for the first three songs to be shot from stage side—I got to shoot five.

Half-way through the second song, I was able to run in front of the stage to shoot from the other side. At the end of the third song I lowered my camera, stepped slightly behind the front row and, out of the view of the head of security, shot two extra songs.

During this time, another security member on my side of the stage walked up to me, looked at my pass and left me alone, not saying a word.

I was set. I went back to my seat to enjoy the concert, knowing I could return without being questioned.

Before leaving for Rockford, I found out the warm up band was changed from Tom Kimmel to the Royal Court of China—a band I knew nothing about.

When asked what the name meant the lead singer of this “rootsy rock” band (as described by one of the band’s promotion managers) told me it was another term for opium (and I’m not talking about the perfume).

The pompous attitude one might so readily expect could not be found backstage at this concert. The Royal Court Road Manager Ashley Swan was so helpful and considerate. He made sure we got what we wanted—an interview and some photos.

Although I had started to relax before the interview, one question kept running through my mind—what do you ask a band you have never heard of?

While sitting around with the four boys in leather having a beer in the dressing room, I realized it was time to just admit I knew nothing about them. Surprisingly, they were not offended and even allowed me to have my picture taken with them.

This young Nashville-based band seemed just as afraid of being interviewed as I was posing the questions.

Although the interview with Royal Court went well, the ultimate test came after REO played and it was time to talk with lead singer Kevin Cronin, lead guitar Gary Richrath, bass guitar Bruce Hall, keyboards Neal Doughty and drummer Alan Gratzer.

We went backstage again and were told by REO Manager Tom Consolo it might be better to interview the members at their hotel, but “talk to Kevin.”

Oh well, gee, maybe I can work it into my busy schedule.

Apologizing for what he thought was an inconvenience, Kevin (I like to think we are on a first name basis) said the band just wanted to get back to the hotel and relax.

Walking behind Bruce and in front of Kevin at the hotel, Jeff and I realized how lucky we were.

Before entering the bar, I had an opportunity to ask Kevin a few questions. It was a warm up to bigger and better interviews.

He was very willing to talk and seemed to be a nice guy. Even when a question arose about the band’s being together for nearly 20 years—something which would make some vain stars get a bit upset—he seemed more emotional than immortal.

Bruce and I went into the lobby and started the interview. It wasn’t what I expected at all. I had stopped being scared.

More importantly, it was hard to be nervous when the person being interviewed was so nice and relatively shy.

I realized that more than getting an interview with a rock star, I wanted a simple conversation him. So, I put the pen and notebook down and just started chatting.

The basic questions were asked. Where are you from? Do you like touring? Do you get tired of all the crowds?

He’s from a farm in Champaign where, for fun as a little kid, he used to ride pigs and jump off before hitting a mud puddle, and he loves touring. As for the crowds, he said he could never get sick of them because they were people wanting to see him and the other members.

Believe me, it wasn’t just one of the standard lines. This guy was incredibly sincere.

The conversation became more like talking with a friend. He even described, for what he said was the first time, a cartoon character he draws.

As a matter of fact, before returning to the bar it was he who asked for a hug, not me. And, it wasn’t a “come-on” hug—it was an appreciative one.

Since I originally thought I only would get to ask one member a couple of questions, I was more than pleased when closing time at the bar came and I had had a great talk with Bruce and had asked Kevin a couple of questions.

To my surprise, when the party moved to one of the roadies’ rooms, Consolo asked us to join.

With a bathtub full of beer and only about eight people in the room, including Bruce, we knew it would be interesting. Kevin and Gary came in and out of the room but did not stay too long, and Alan and Neal were not seen again.

It was kind of cool to sit around with Bruce and Kevin’s sister, talking about anything from Harold Washington’s death to Bruce’s age, which is 34.

I eventually told Bruce about my original feelings of fear and intimidation, but I was glad the interview turned into laughter and sarcastic jokes between “friends.”

The gratuitous hug and smile I received after that, made me realize rock stars are real people, too.