Andrea Magee - CRAZY TOUR STORIES

In this Crazy Tour Stories segment, the singer-songwriter, Andrea Magee, shares one of her stories from being on the road. You can check out the story below:

A Brush with the Boss

I was very fortunate to have been the opening act touring with Brian Wilson for three years pre-pandemic. Yes, it was like living in a dream—each stop a whirlwind of music, crowds, and moments that felt larger than life. One particular night at the Red Bank Theater in New Jersey remains unforgettable—not just for the music, but for the story that unfolded backstage.

The show was electric, the kind of performance where everything clicks into place. As the opening act, my music partner Ben Jones and I had our setup and teardown routine down to a science. Efficiency was key; the crew relied on us to clear the stage quickly so the main event could roll out seamlessly. After finishing our set, I balanced a precarious tower of gear in my arms: my bodhrán drum, flutes, whistles, pedals, and a guitar. Behind me, Ben carried his share, and together we navigated the rush to clear the stage.

As I approached the side door, I noticed a man standing in the doorway. Baseball cap pulled low, he had an air of quiet confidence that stood out even in the hustle. He smiled warmly and said, “Great set.” Then, with genuine kindness, he asked, “Can I help you carry some of that?”

I glanced at the pile of instruments in my arms and smiled back. “Oh, thank you, but I’ve got it,” I replied, determined to keep the balancing act intact.

From behind me, Ben hissed urgently in my ear. “Give him your drum. Give him your drum!”

I rolled my eyes at Ben, thinking he was just being his usual over-the-top self. “No,” I whispered back, “I’ll drop everything.”

Ben’s voice became more insistent. “That’s THE BOSS. Give him your drum!”

Still not registering what he meant, I kept walking, maneuvering past the man with a polite smile. It wasn’t until I stepped into a better-lit hallway that realization hit me like a tidal wave. I stopped dead in my tracks, my heart sinking as I turned to Ben.

“Wait...?”

“Yes,” Ben said, grinning like a Cheshire cat. “That was Bruce Springsteen.”

The man in the baseball cap, so effortlessly kind and humble, was THE BOSS. Bruce Springsteen had just offered to help me carry my gear, and I had waved him off like he was a random helpful roadie.

My cheeks burned with embarrassment as the full weight of the missed moment sank in. Not only was he one of the greatest musicians of our time, but he was also, as it turned out, a true gentleman.

To this day, I still laugh at the absurdity of it all. But if I ever run into Bruce Springsteen again, you can bet I’ll be handing over that drum—and probably asking for an autograph while I’m at it.

Keep up with Andrea Magee on her website, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.