REGINA — A former Moose Jaw resident had the opportunity of a lifetime on July 31 when he was invited on stage to perform with one of his favourite bands.
John Wilson, along with his wife Talia Wilson and friend Blain Hanna, attended a Collective Soul concert in Regina. The couple now lives in Medicine Hat, Alta., and are longtime fans of the band.
During the show, Collective Soul had a special request from the crowd.
“Collective Soul was playing and they asked if anyone played guitar. I immediately put my hand up and I was fortunate enough that they pulled me up on stage,” Wilson said. “I got to play ‘December’ with them, which is one of my favourite songs.”
The experience seemed almost destined to happen.
“We got up early this morning,” Wilson said. “While she was getting ready, I picked up my guitar and started playing ‘December.’
“I jokingly said, ‘I better practice this in case they pull me on stage tonight.’”
Wilson has attended six previous Collective Soul concerts and never imagined he would one day perform alongside the band.
“Who knew that would ever be a possibility?” he said with a laugh.
He credited the experience to luck and timing.
“It was all about being in the right place at the right time. It’s all about timing.”
Wilson said he considers the members of Collective Soul mentors, even though they have never met him.
“I’ve played guitar for a lot of years. I love their music and play it all the time. I sing their songs at karaoke and I go to their shows whenever I can.”
He admitted he felt relieved when he learned the band wanted him to play “December".
“Okay, I can breathe because I can get through this one,” he recalled thinking.
Wilson works as an operations manager for a civil contractor in Medicine Hat but said music remains a major part of his life.
“I’m just a musician at home in front of the mirror,” he said.
After spending the night in Regina, Wilson, his wife and their friend plan to return to Moose Jaw before the couple heads back to Medicine Hat, carrying with him a memory he will never forget.
