I Saw a Secret R.E.M. Show Thanks to a Rockstar Crush
About 500 of us were in the right place, at the right time — the Crocodile Cafe on October 23, 2001 — for the show of a lifetime.
Back in 2001 I had a big, bad, and short-lived crush on a local rockstar. He briefly made my knees all wobbly until I learned he was a local Lothario, and thanks to my low-key demisexual proclivities, I extricated myself unscathed. Years later, a frightening number of women would come out with sexual assault allegations against him.
But this was 23 years ago — before Seattle collectively realized what a creep this guy was — and he appeared, if not eager, at least interested enough in me to invite me to his show at the Crocodile Cafe. He was playing on a Tuesday night, and encouraged me to come out on a work night to watch him play.
“I’ll put you on the guest list,” he offered.
How could I say no? I was giddy from a misguided crush; of course I’d be there. I headed down Second Avenue, arrived at the club, told the doorman my name, and said I was on the guest list.
“That’ll be $15,” he said.
“But… I’m on the list?” I asked.
