We were playing an outdoor show near Baltimore MD. During our fourth song of the set (Unromantic), a man whom I assume to be homeless and just a little “out there”, sauntered up in front of Mitch and threw his army helmet on the ground (yes, he was wearing an army helmet) and also proceeded to give an army grunt-yell and posture himself to do some push-ups. He then picked up his helmet and proceeded to strut onto the stage where I can only assume what he was doing because he was behind me while I was singing. I guess he grew tired of the stage because he then walked off and on his way he gave me the hardest “pat” on the shoulder I think I’ve ever received. Then he sauntered around in front of me for a little while — grunt-yelling and throwing his possessions on the ground.

I felt a little safer with him being off the stage, but that meant he was back with the audience — which included families with small children. Just a few seconds later his strutting caught my eyes again, only this time my eyes were drawn to his arms and hands which were holding tightly to a toddler held aloft his head! I saw panic sweep across some of the faces in the crowd (one of which was the child’s mother) and some cautiously made their way to the man — hoping not to spook him into dropping the girl. Fortunately, he did set her down gently, to the relief of everyone watching.

I’m surprised the efforts of the pastor and other concerned bystanders to peacefully calm the man down were not answered by the man’s fists because it sure looked like that might happen. However, after demanding 20 push-ups of himself and pumping out at least two of them, the man proceeded to leave the premises—much to the relief of the parents of small children and one slightly frightened, extremely awkward-feeling band that had just finish playing their song. Who said pop music isn’t exciting?