Let me preface this by saying that I love Gavin DeGraw with all my heart. He is my all-time favorite artist in the world, and he is one of the few people (see also: Lance Bass) for whom I would torture myself in this inhumane manner.
I got an e-mail a few nights ago alerting me to the fact that Gavin would be taping a TRL appearance Monday at 10 a.m. (Don’t even get me started on the fact that TRL is no longer “live.”) Naturally, I signed up right away and spent the days leading up to the show mentally preparing for the screaming teenagers I would encounter. Unfortunately, no amount of preparation could ready me for the hell that was outside the MTV studios.
Lining up in the middle of Times Square in the cold weather is not my idea of a good time, but I didn’t mind it until I realized I was the only person there over the age of 18. For the next hour and 15 minutes, I was treated to non-stop conversations about how the high school girls in front of me were skipping class and “OMG I can’t believe so-and-so is going to graduate, how are we going to get alcohol next year?”
And then it got worse. A group of boys lined up behind me and proceeded to talk at the loudest volume possible about what fraternity they wanted to join. Also: “Dude, I’m only 18 but I’d bang Britney Spears.” That, my friends, is a direct quote.
But then, luckily, Gavin pulled up in a black Escalade and stood on the sidewalk while his security team was told where to go. It took every ounce of self-restraint not to yell out that I love him and I am his biggest fan; instead, I took pictures on my camera phone while one of the 16-year-old girls did the yelling for me.
Inevitably, Gavin had to go inside. My rage from earlier had subsided until I heard one of the frat boys say, “Who was that? Gavin something?” So just to be clear: These 18-year-old boys were just at TRL for the hell of it, which strikes me as slightly troubling, but I didn’t have time to analyze their motives once they started reciting their fraternity pledge chant. Or something.
Then another black vehicle pulled up, and out popped Fergie, which was a total surprise to me and the rest of the crowd. Turns out she was guest hosting — more on her later.
Around 11:30 a.m., our portion of the line was let in the building. The security guard at the door originally asked me to wait outside, but I informed him that if I was stuck in line with my frat friends for another minute, someone might die. He let me in. Inside the lobby we had our first of many security lectures, where I had to surrender my pepper spray key chain (sorry Mom!). I attempted to joke with the guard about not losing my pepper spray, but he was not amused. We went to three other rooms where we basically just stood in a line and were barked at by more security guards: “Do not touch the talent. Do not ask the talent for an autograph. If you do, you will be escorted out of the studio. NO SECOND CHANCES.” Yikes.
Editor
I’m almost 30…will you forgive me if I admit to having never heard of this Gavin fellow? How long has he been around? I don’t miss the radio or TV in the least, but sometimes I do seem to be rather behind the times.
who the hell is gavin mcgraw?
and that sounds like my worst nightmare. i’m pretty sure someone would have been stabbed in or about their face.
Ha ha. Sounds like a blast. I hate teenage girls, until I remember that my daughter will be one. Sigh…if I had to deal with me when, at 13 I was allowed to see Prince in concert, and my friend and I belted out “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off” (the original version- I’m old) on the way into the stadium, I would have tripped me and/or slapped me hard across the face. I’m glad you got to see the Gav in person, and rather surprised that Fergie was pretty. See you on Wednesday!
tlatzoteotl-
He sang the theme to One Tree Hill. Beyond that I am as clueless as you are.
Do not feel old; hardly anybody I know has heard of Gavin, with the exception of my sophomore year roommates, who introduced me to him. Yes, he sang “I Don’t Wanna Be,” which was the One Tree Hill theme song, but don’t judge him off of that single alone. It’s my least favorite song on his album (released way back in 2003), but I love all the other ones. He has an amazing voice and he’s awesome in concert. Also, he’s my future husband.
Gavin is Gwen Stefani’s hubby
Did he sing “Oh Chariot”?
Tori, Gavin McGraw is actually Faith Hill’s husband. Sheesh.
Gwen Stefani’s husband is Gavin Rossdale.
Tim McGraw is Faith Hill’s husband.
Gavin DeGraw is single.
whitney im so jealous, of the whole seeing Gavin live, not the trl experience. but I should let you know he is my future husband. if he ever makes his way back to Scandinavia im so there.
Way to go, LilCait. Now what? Santa Clause isn’t real? The Davis brothers don’t do coke? Lindsay Lohan is sober?
By the way, I think Gavin DeGraw played the captain on The Love Boat.
Whitney, I thought I was your future husband? Well, I finally get a glimpse of ya. Hi, I am the Afro/White/Asian brother with the voice of Gavin Degraw.
That’s not creepy at all.
Whitney I tip my hat, I think it shows real restraint that you didn’t use that pepper spray, you are a far more composed person than I.
i love gavin degraw too! i thought i was the only one. i like it when he plays piano, he’s like a hot chico marx.
yes, he’s the guy who sang “Oh, Chariot”. I love that damn album. It’s great to listen to when you just want to relax and zone out. Very soothing.
You showed far more restraint than I. I have an imaginary hit list that includes most teenagers, pre-fraternity boys, post-fraternity boys, and women who spray tan too much. Good job on not getting a felony. Not all of us are that strong.
I’m loving the inside scoop Whitney even though trl is a truly shitty show.
Oh and it seems you have a fan of your own (Deano).
This reminds me of one time when my sister actually called TRL and got to talk to Carson on the air (back when it was live). He asks her if she voted for Korn and she responds “Oh TOTALLY” and he nods and says “Uh huh, right”. I still crack up every time I see that video. It sounds like you had a great time, I would have needed a few bong rips and at least a sixer before being able to put up with such blatant stupidity.
Well, I came back this morning to see if there was any response to my question. The whole who’s married to who thing cracked me up. :)
Since I don’t watch TV, I’m still clueless. It’s good to know I’m not alone, though. I’ll have to try to remember to look him up when I get home tonight.
I’m 35 and I love Gavin DeGraw. His music is so much more than “Oh, Chariot.” Does me being a fan at my age make me a loser? I didn’t know 30 was old! Senility’s already taking hold, isn’t it? I think I need a drink.
I’m 36 and love Gavin too. OMG, it’s like group therapy. Will we be able to do some arts and crafts later? I can’t decoupage for shit and Adam Curry was the greatest VJ EVER! Suck on it, Martha Quinn.
The love boat theme is stuck in my head now. looooove, exciting and new.
Great juju. Now that’s stuck in my head too. And just so I can prove I’m THAT kind of nerd - those things are called earworms. My head is full of this useless crap. I really should get bakc to work.
Hate to tell you that I will actually be Gavin’s wife! I saw a show of his last year- he took my hand & sang “Let’s get it on” (Uuuum ok…swoon!)Later he gave me his guitar pick. Be jealous.
Ha ha I was there at the taping. I was suprised they did it all in one takes.
Were you one of the girls dancing? I felt old too. I remember a few kids saying they didnt know who some of the guests were to act cool.
Remember in high school addressing things in a negative fashion is ‘cool.’ then in college+ its usually about insight
totally just saw you in the teaser for today’s trl whitney! i was vicariously excited.