Meeting Dave Matthews
August 30th, 2016. It was the second night of back-to-back Dave Matthews Band shows at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, California. My then-girlfriend, now wife,Toni and I were still riding the high from the first night, ready for another unforgettable performance. For some context, I’ve seen around 70 Dave Matthews shows in my life—maybe more, I’ve honestly lost count. But this night would become one of the most memorable, not because of the music, but because I had a chance to meet the man himself.
The Venue: Small, Intimate, and Perfect
The Greek Theatre is a beautiful outdoor amphitheater, small and historic, with a charm that feels personal compared to the sprawling arenas I’d seen Dave Matthews Band perform in many times before. The weather was perfect, the crowd was buzzing with anticipation, and Toni and I arrived hours early for the general admission show with snacks and drinks in hand. We parked in a garage right next to the venue and stepped out to find ourselves within sight of the tour buses.
In most venues, the buses are hidden away, out of view of fans, but here they were tucked just behind a chain-link fence, not far from the street. It was one of those small details that made the Greek Theatre so unique. As Tony and I walked out of the garage, I couldn’t help but notice the cluster of fans gathering near the fence. I’ve tried to meet Dave many times, even chasing down a moving tour bus in my younger years (but that’s another story). I turned to Toni and said, “You know what? Let’s stand here for 10 minutes and see what happens.”
And Then…There He Was
As we stood by the fence, scanning the scene, I saw a figure emerge from one of the buses and walk toward the crowd. I didn’t need a second look—his silhouette, his gait—I knew it was Dave. Without even glancing at Toni, I dropped the shopping bags and said, “That’s Dave,” making a beeline for the crowd.
He walked up to greet the group, silent but engaging, posing for photos and signing autographs. He wasn’t speaking at all—probably saving his voice for the three-hour set he was about to perform. A handler accompanied him. That fellow seemed to be choosing people from the crowd who were composed, while two security guards flanked Dave, keeping things orderly, and always within arm’s reach.
Waiting for The Moment
The small crowd grew more excited with each passing moment, and though I tried to stay calm, there was electricity inside. I knew my best chance was to stay poised, so I stood still, hands at my sides, silently willing the handler to pick me. Person after person got their chance, and I started to feel the weight of time slipping away. Was it going to happen?
Finally, the handler looked my way, pointed, and said, “You.” I stepped forward, my heart pounding. This was it.
A Brief Unforgettable Exchange
Standing next to Dave, the guy whose music had profoundly shaped my life, I felt the weight of the moment. What could I say to someone who had inspired me so deeply? As I searched for the right words, I again noticed the growing frenzy of those around us, and I decided to connect with the experience we were both having in that moment.
I turned to him and asked, “Do you ever feel like a monkey in a zoo?”
“All the time,” he said softly.
Without missing a beat, I added, “Well, thanks for doing it, Dave.”
He gave a little laugh, and I put my arm around him for the photo. As I walked away, I felt a buzz of excitement that carried me through the night. It wasn’t just a photo -it was a shared moment with someone who’d been part of my life’s soundtrack for years.
A Night to Remember
That second night at the Greek Theatre was incredible, but nothing could top those few moments with Dave. It was a surreal experience to meet someone I’ve admired for so long, even if only briefly. And though I’ve seen dozens of shows since that night, this one will always be the one I remember most.
