Over two decades had passed and Jean-Michel Jarre had released a few new albums. Sadly, I was not able to follow his work. In the meantime, I moved from Europe to Canada’s West Coast.
One day, while at the Apple store in downtown Vancouver, a man with a newspaper approached the table where I was standing. As strange as it sounds, I intuitively sensed that he had no interest in any of the products and no desire to shop. It was odd to know because why else would he be there? The man casually placed the newspaper on the table, and kept discretely pushing it in my direction. Although well aware of his action, I pretended not to be paying attention. The moment the paper was close enough for me to read it, he simply turned around and walked out of the store! This entire scene left me intrigued enough to actually glance at its cover.
I was astounded to notice the advertisement for Jean-Michel Jarre’s concert in Vancouver!
Upon returning home, I immediately looked up the details and discovered that it would be his first ever concert in Western Canada! At first, I was very excited and considered buying a ticket, but soon after, the strong emotion of grief came back, replacing my joy. Wishing not to reopen old wounds, I decided against it.
A few weeks passed, and quite unexpectedly, I came across old pictures of Sebastian, which reminded me about Jarre’s concert in Vancouver. Believing that I had already missed it, a quick search indicated that the show was to take place in just 3 days! I took those photographs as a sign to reconsider attending. The best seats were already sold-out, but by sheer luck, I managed to find a single remaining ticket. It was not only for the 3rd row, but also listed at an incredibly great price! I saw this as a confirmation and bought it on the spot.
With just two days until the big performance, I held the official ticket for Jean-Michel Jarre’s concert in my hand!
The big day arrived. My last-minute, 3rd-row ticket put me very close to the stage. Interestingly enough, the first two rows remained unoccupied, giving me an unobstructed view! The concert began and Jean-Michel appeared! Completely mesmerized, I stood up and headed directly towards the podium. Next to me were only the speakers and laser-emitting machines. No other person was standing so close! I reached for my phone and started recording.
Time stood still. It felt as though I had entered a different world – one of familiar music, dancing lasers, colorful lights, and giant moving panels with images projected upon them. What I observed was beyond my wildest dreams and craziest imagination.
It was EPIC, to say the least!
At one point, Jean-Michel approached the edge of the stage, and with a single tap of his foot, his ultra-famous laser harp emerged. Donning protective gloves, he began to play ‘The Time Machine’ tune.
At nearly an arm’s reach away, the man of my youth fascination, JEAN-MICHEL JARRE, stood right in front of me!
I could not believe what was happening. How was this all possible?
Even my phone, which normally struggles with low-light conditions while filming, decided to perform exceptionally well that evening and captured spectacular pictures and videos, never running out of battery!
I know in my heart that it was Sebastian who prepared this great surprise for me.
He had never forgotten about my dream to attend Jean-Michel Jarre’s concert, and 25 years later, he made it all happen. Planned out to the tiniest detail, he ensured that Jarre would perform in the city where I lived, the stranger would deliver the news about the concert, one ticket would become available at the very last minute for a fraction of the cost, and that the performer would stand an arm’s reach away! And when my grief almost caused me to miss it, Sebastian threw some pictures my way as a reminder of his invitation.
by Hanna Isabelle
English