This story is quite unusual and tends to demonstrate that everything can happen with perseverance and determination. Michael Henrichsen, a big fan of Billy Idol, will have his dream come true this Friday October 26th, when his idol Billy will play at his birthday party!
When Henrichsen heard the Billy Idol’s song ‘White Wedding’ playing in the store where he was working, he decided that he would manage to book the rocker for his birthday. He thought that the coup would be a boost for his resume, as he wants to do something in entertainment, event planning or PR
It took him actually two years, he designed a website, playmybirthdaybillyidol.com and managed to get celebrity endorsements – among them Rick Springfield and Ron Jeremy – showing up at book signings and other things celebritiy appearances. He even put together a Billy Idol cover band to raise $10,000 for Norwest Harvest, a hunger relief organization, and the American Red Cross!
But finally, the hard work paid off, Idol’s people called him! Idol’s manager said: ‘When we first became aware of Michael's project we were inclined to see it as just another extreme idea from a well-meaning fan. But as Michael's campaign continued, his persistence and resourcefulness won Billy over.’
Isn’t it cool?
The Showbox , a venue in Seattle where Michael lives, made an offer to host the event, and Idol’s people called him from Japan last August to confirm the concert.
‘It's gonna be pretty much the coolest night ever," said Henrichsen, ‘We'll have as much fun as possible before we get to the 9-5 part of my life.’
Okay my birthday is approaching too, let’s see,… can I have Bruce Springsteen? I mean this guy proved it was possible. But more than anything, this shows that Billy Idol is quite a cool cat.