Was it love at first glance or simply the excitement of seeing Elton John live? This question has lingered in the air as I reflect on a transformative moment from my youth. Back in my teenage years, the idea of true love was still a vague notion, overshadowed by my overwhelming passion for music. I was deep into playing keyboards in bands, dreaming of rock stardom, while finding a shared admiration for Elton John with my older sister. When we learned he would be performing in our city, we eagerly convinced our mother to take us along. Loading up our Ford Country Squire with my sister’s friends, little did I know that an unexpected connection awaited me.
Among the passengers was Susan, the younger sister of one of my sister’s friends. Sitting beside her in the cramped “way back” of the station wagon, I suddenly felt a flutter I had never experienced. Susan, tall and captivating with her long brown hair and sparkling brown eyes, exuded an enchanting aura. Her laughter was infectious, and the conversation flowed effortlessly. At that moment, I wondered if this could be what true love feels like.
Once inside the Fabulous Forum, I made a point to sit next to her during the concert. While Elton John gave a stellar performance, my gaze frequently drifted towards Susan. She sang along enthusiastically to hits like “Benny and the Jets” and “Crocodile Rock.” Braces, glasses, and my height seemed irrelevant compared to the electric connection I felt. Yet, I still questioned whether she shared my feelings or if I was merely a distraction from her adoration for Elton.
Back at Portola Junior High School, I made it my mission to find ways to be near her. Scouting the courtyard during lunch and between classes became my routine, and chatting about anything related to Elton John served as the perfect icebreaker. I surprised her with the latest album release, and our phone conversations lasted for hours before being interrupted by siblings insisting we hang up.
As time passed, my feelings for Susan blossomed. She was smart, funny, kind, and we both shared a love for music. The thought of confessing my feelings was daunting, yet I gathered the courage to visit her home one day. With hope in my heart, I expressed my love and dreams of a future together. Susan listened kindly but gently let me down, expressing her wish to remain friends. While heartbroken, I clung to the idea that this setback was temporary.
As the years rolled on, our paths diverged. I played in various bands, while Susan shone brightly in her high school choir. We remained in touch infrequently, but hope lingered. My family’s move to Westchester near Los Angeles International Airport and her relocation to Westlake Village made our encounters rare. However, fortune smiled upon us when Susan dropped by for a surprise visit one summer day.
Seeing her step out of the car reignited that spark from years before. This time, I was no longer the awkward kid with braces—I had contacts, and height was on my side. Surprising me, Susan suggested we go out sometime. I made sure that “sometime” occurred quickly. Our first real date swept us into ice skating at Topanga Plaza followed by dinner at Carl’s Jr. To my astonishment, the girl who claimed she couldn’t skate gracefully zipped around me instead. That night ended with our first kiss, a moment I had longed for since that initial concert.
This Sunday marks 50 years since that fateful Elton John show on October 6, 1974. Since then, Susan and I have created a rich tapestry of life together—performing in bands, establishing businesses, and traveling the world. Our two wonderful children and grandchild fill our lives with joy. As we reflect on countless Elton John concerts together, I feel an immense gratitude for 50 years of that initial “love at first sight” sensation. It’s a journey marked by camaraderie, admiration, and an enduring love that thrives each day.