The Fan Who Carried A Journey (Band) Vinyl To Every Show — And Finally Got It Signed

April 2, 2025

For years, Ethan was known as the superfan of Journey, the legendary rock band that had captivated millions with their soaring melodies and heartfelt lyrics. He carried a vinyl copy of their classic album, “Escape,” to every concert he attended. The record was worn at the edges and had the faint smell of old vinyl, each scratch telling a story of the countless times he’d played it on his turntable. Ethan’s friends would tease him, calling it his “lucky charm,” but he believed it was so much more than that; it was a symbol of his dreams and devotion to the music that had shaped his life.

From the very first time he heard “Don’t Stop Believin’” blasting through his radio at age ten, Ethan felt a spark inside him. The lyrics spoke to him, resonating with his own feelings of hope and determination. Every note pulled him into a world where anything was possible. Over the years, he saw Journey live dozens of times, each performance igniting that same passion in his heart. The thrill of the crowd, the strumming of guitars, and the goosebumps that accompanied Steve Perry’s powerful vocals became a part of who he was. Carrying that vinyl was a way for him to connect with the band that had inspired him to chase his own dreams.

As the years passed, Ethan’s dream to get the vinyl signed by the band turned into an unwavering goal. He stood in line at concerts, hoping for that magical moment, but each time, he faced disappointment. One year, fate smiled down on him. Journey announced a special concert at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, a breathtaking venue that seemed like a dream come true. Determined to make this his moment, Ethan flew across the country, clutching the vinyl tighter than ever before.

The night of the concert sparkled with anticipation. The sun began to set, painting the sky with brilliant hues of orange and purple. As the band played their hits, Ethan felt every chord vibrating in his chest. When the final song ended and the lights dimmed, he was determined to find a way backstage. With sheer grit and a heart full of hope, he introduced himself to a crew member and explained his journey. To his surprise, the crew member pointed him in the direction of the band’s trailer. Heart racing, Ethan approached the door, his vinyl in hand.

As the door swung open, there stood the legendary members of Journey, smiling and chatting. Ethan took a deep breath and stepped forward, his voice shaky but filled with emotion. He shared his story—a story of how their music had carried him through tough times and inspired him to never give up on his dreams. As he held out the vinyl, he barely dared to breathe. To his astonishment, the band members smiled warmly, signing his cherished record one by one. In that moment, he felt a deep connection, not just as a fan, but as someone whose dreams had been nurtured by their music.

With tears of joy streaming down his face, Ethan couldn’t believe what had just happened. That signed vinyl was more than just a piece of memorabilia; it was a testament to his journey and the power of passion. As he walked away from the trailer, he knew he would always carry that moment in his heart. It was a reminder that dreams could come true if you pursued them with all your heart. Just like Journey’s lyrics had taught him, he would never stop believing.