Welcome to The Nelsons' Fan Encounter page. Here will contain the experiences of what you the fans had when meeting those famous twins. If you want to contribute to this page, please feel free to e-mail me 
Pictures are not mandetory.
I've been a Nelson fan since the beggining and I can say I was a frustrated girl cause I never had the chance to meet them! But finally , thanks to the Internet and some friends I made because of them I saw my ship of dreams coming and I would not let it go without me! On June 4, 1999 I was checking-in at an United Airlines flight directly to the US, and my "Dream Trip" was about to start: I was finally going to meet The Nelsons!
Detroit, MI - June, 6 1999 = This was my first Nelson concert ever! The guys came up on stage in the company of Mr. Steven McClintock (whom I learned to love as well), just holding their acoustic guitars ... it was Matt & Gunn, I could not believe it!!! They started with one of their biggest hits ever, Love & Affection, and then sang a mix of their dad's songs and their own´s, going back to 1991 and coming to the present again! Here's the complete setlist of that concert: Love & Affection/ Hello MaryLou/ Just Once More/ After The Rain/ Traveling Man/ A Girl Like That/ Lough Graney (Steven McClintock)/ Anyone Else But You/ More Than Ever/ Forever Isn't Long Enough/ She's Way Too Cute For Him/ Garden Party. During the whole concert I was singing the songs out loud, screaming, clapping hands, paying attention to every single word they were speaking and taking pictures, of course! I was enjoying being there so much that the only thing I could think of during the concert was them and them and them and them!
Milwaukee, WI – June 7, 1999 = After a long night on the road and a quick nap at the hotel, we were back to see another Nelson concert, my second! I was still excited and wanted more and more! I got backstage passes again I was there at the venue before the concert too. Saved myself the best front row seats again. The show started just like the other night, and the setlist was just the same, and there I was: singing, screaming, paying attention and taking pictures!
About Matthew and Gunnar? Well, they are everything I ever thought and even more! They put out another great show and I enjoyed every single minute of that. I finally got my most precious treasure now: a Nelson Sandwich Picture! (see above)
Was it worth? ”It was worth every penny and mile I spent and drove! Did I like it? I loved it! Would I do it all again? Definately! ... Hey, we are talking about The Nelson Brothers here, they are worth everything!!!!
Neeldess to say that July 12, 1998 will forever be treasured in my mind and heart. That is the day that one of my dreams came true. I've been a fan Of Matthew and Gunnar Nelson from their very beginnings. I never thought a chance to meet them would come but it did. The trip came up so abruptly. Within three weeks the flight to Los Angeles was booked and I was on my way. Getting a ride to the Crazy Horse in Santa Ana was not easy. It happened to be the World Cup Soccer finals and no taxi cab came by. Finally a cab came and off I was to the Crazy Horse.
I arrived late only to find out that Matthew and & Gunnar were also running late. I had the chance of meeting some of the folks that I chatted with on the internet. My first glimpse of the guys came when a bunch of us were standing in this little loby. I looked up and they were coming out from a doorway. In my mind I said, oh my god there they are. I can't believe I'm actually seeing them. From that moment on, everything was kind of foggy.
I waited patiently for my turn to meet them. I bought some photos for them to autograph. When I finally got my turn to the table to meet them Matt intorduced himself and shook my hand. Gunn did the same. Needless to say I had a hard time washing my hands afterwards. They signed the photos then graciously took a picture with me(above). Some time later, their first show started. I was singing along to every song still trying to convince myself that I was actually there. They sang some their pop's tunes as well as some old favorites and some new one. The first show ended and I went for something to eat. I hadn't eaten since early that morning and my stomach for crying for food. Later that evening, the second show started. Again it was fabulous. Alas it ended with Garden Party.
Matt & Gunn took more time for pictures and autographs. There was a long lineup therefore I sat for a bit and chatted. When the crowd got smaller, I stood up and took a few more pictures. I was the last to leave, and I must say it was hard, not knowing the next time I would have this great apportunity.
I would like to thank Matthew and Gunnar Nelson for the memorable evening. It was truely a dream come true.
I’ve been a fan since ATR was released. I remember someone telling me how cute the Nelson boys are - hair down to their...well, I don’t have to elaborate! I bought the cd after seeing them on tv, and I’ve been a fan since. Unfortunately, I wasn’t ever able to see them in concert in their pack-the-coliseum days. But now it doesn’t matter. The more intimate setting suits me just fine! Let me tell you, I'm so glad the show was in a small venue. I so enjoyed not having to fight traffic and people to get a good seat and to meet the boys.
After finding out they were going to be down in Corvallis, I started to worry about who would go with me! My friend Kelli had just told me she would be moving to San Diego the end of August, 1999 and I thought, “I’ll give her a memory to last a lifetime!” I’m so glad I took her with me!
Well, we arrived at about 5:45pm and was able to sit in on sound check. I was impressed to see that Matt and Gun setting up their own equipment. It did began to sprinkle, but I figured it wouldn't amount to much. I was wrong, as usual. It rained almost the whole second show. That's why I didn't get a picture with me and them - I looked like a drown rat! My friend Kelli was unfamiliar with Matt and Gun's music, but soon she would find out who they actually were. Matt mentioned that they’d both gotten hair cuts, and I think the light went on for Kelli.
They hopped up on stage a little bit late for the first show, but the audience didn't mind. I'm sure they felt the same way I did, just happy to finally get to see them live and in such a nice setting. Forgive me if I can't remember which songs they played in what order, but I do remember I was very impressed with their new rendition of Love & Affection. Both sets were very good, but their second set (performance) was even better. More relaxed. During the second set, while performing one of their dad's songs (a pretty hopping one at that!) Matt broke a guitar string. So, during the next song he dedicated to Yvette, he had Gunnar put on a new string. Of course, Gun had it completed by the time the song ended (and stood up in a victory stance), but I don't know who we were actually applauding, Matt's poignant performance or Gun's expertise! They have such great senses of humor! Another example, Matt pointed to their new wheels - the Oscar Meyer Weiner Mobile that was sitting a few feet away!
After the shows they were gracious enough to pose for photos and talk a bit. I must mention that after the first show, I met Tana while waiting in line. Before I knew who she was, she mentioned that she designed the official website and I said, "you must be Tana." I mispronounced her name! Anyway, my friend was wearing a sling from shoulder surgery she had. I asked her if she was going to have them sign it and she said "nah!" But when we got up there, I asked them if they'd sign it for her and they were happy to oblige! Gun went to work with his wonderful art and Matt signed it, too. After the second show, she wanted me to take a picture of them with her in the middle. I told her if they let her behind the counter, she’d have to help sell their stuff! Kelli was so smitten with Gunnar, she's at home right now designing their wedding invitations!
This is getting long so I'll close with this funny story. Kelli was holding the "Life" cd I bought and had them autograph in her sling. She totally forgot she had it when she went to the potty. Before she knew it, she heard a kerplunk when she turned to flush the toilet. My signed cd was whirling in a sea of yellow! She didn't hesitate to grab it, but was pretty grossed out about it. So, I'm curious if they felt at all that night if their career was going down the toilet!!! Of course, they shouldn't, because they are great performers!
Saturday, July 31,1999 -Shelby County Fair, Sidney OH.... My very first Nelson concert was something that I will never forget. Matt and Gunn put on a great show that night, despite the storm and delays they had to go through to get to Sidney. The songs performed: Stood Up, Waiting In School, Milk Cow Blues, My Bucket's Got A Hole In It, Fools Rush In, Hello Mary Lou, Travelin' Man, Garden Party, It's Late, (Can't Live Without Your ) Love and Affection, After The Rain, Just Once More, She's Way Too Cute, and A Girl Like That. Gunnar tossed a drumstick to me, I missed, it landed in the plant by me, and I picked it up. Both of em' dressed in black. Matt wore a black long sleeve, button down shirt with small red flowers on it, and dress pants. Gunn had on a black leather jacket(which he took off near the beginning of the show) with a tank top underneath, and velvet pants.
After the show, they signed autographs,took pictures,and talked with fans for two hours. And, did it with class, sincerity, and grace. I gave Gunnar a guardian angel pin and a card. To Matthew, a St. Matthew medal on a silver chain and a card. I also gave them a picture that I drew. It was both of them with their father watching over. When they were done signing, I told them that I love em' both. Matthew hugged me. Gunnar said I was his angel, and gave me a big hug. They were flattered when I told em' that my mom and I drove from Buffalo,NY. And, that's it. I can't wait to see Matt and Gunn again, someday.
May 17, 2000 San Bernadino Cty Fair Victorville CA First Show(7:00 pm): The Clothes: Matt - black, longsleeved button down shirt with red flowers on it and black pants. Gunn - blue leaopard print, longsleeved button down shirt with black vest and black pants. The Songs(in no particular order): Stood Up, Waiting In School, It's Late, Garden Party, Travlin' Man, Hello Mary Lou (alot of requests for that one), Poor Little Fool, Fools Rush In, Love and Affection, After The Rain, Just Once More, and A Girl Like That. The whole band rocked through the whole show. Somebody tossed a rose up on the stage, and Mark(the bassist) picked it up and stuck it between his teeth. Then he stuck it on top of the large bass he was playing. Awesome job on bass, Mark! And, love them sunglasses! It was great seeing Gunnar on electric guitar again. Wow, can that man play(especially that riff before 'Love and Affection'. "I love my job!" was what he said at one point during the show. Matt did a great job on acoustic and 12-string, as always. He looked right at me and smiled a few times. Love that smile, Matt! Eddie played a mean Lead Guitar. And, last but not least, Jaysen on drums. Spectacular! Everyone did so well that they set off a car alarm. (Which did not go unnoticed by Matt and Gunn.) What an Awesome show! Between shows: Because of the surprisingly sparse crowd, it took only about 45 minutes for the guys to meet everyone. It was very easy to tell they were having fun by the upbeat attitude they displayed. I told them that I came from Buffalo, NY. They were both very flattered that I came a long way to see them. I got my 'Nelson Sandwich' Picture, my cd's signed, and acouple hugs. After Gunnar hugged me, Matt came over and said, " I want a hug too"(or something like that). So, I hugged him and he thanked me for coming that long way. Second show(9:00pm): The Clothes: Matt - The pink velvet outfit that he wore in Vegas except with a white shirt underneath. Gunn - a shiny, black leather, outfit with black shirt underneath. The Songs: Same ones as the first show. Plus - My Buckets Got A Hole In It(also played in first show), Believe What You Say, I Have A Feeling, and Try My Love. The band was Hot by the time 9:00 rolled around. I'm surprised that Matthew, Gunnar, and Eddie still had their guitars intact by the end of the show. I wish I had their energy, man! Another awesome job done by Mark and Jaysen. The whole band put on another great show, that they received a helicopter flyby. Matt and Gunn called it a (spotlight?). I caught one of Matt's guitar picks. Thanks Matt! It was a great show under a full moon. After the show: I caught a quick glance of Joey Cathcart. He was talking to someone before Matt and Gunn got to the table. I didn't realize it was him until after he left. Holy cow, did he change. I almost didn't recognize him. Told Jaysen that he did a great job as he was walking by, and he said, "Thank you". Asked Gunnar who his favorite racecar driver was, and he answered (joking), "Me!". When my nieces and nephew came by (after going on rides), I introduced them to Gunnar and he took a few minutes out of his time to talk to them. That was really awesome. Matt signed the guitar pick that I caught. Before I had to say goodbye, Gunnar said I was crazy for coming all that way (from Buffalo) to see them (joking of course). And, they told me to have a safe trip home. And, that's it. Thank you, Matt and Gunn for making part of my California vacation great! It was definately worth the trip. I can't wait to see them again, soon.
September 20 -21, 1999...West Springfield, MA I met up with Jewel, CJ, Molly and Cecil. We had front row seats. I was lucky enough to be able to bring along my video camera to catch the show. The boys came on stage after a brilliant introduction and jammed away! As usual...they won over the crowd that first show. It was awesome...as always, I was speechless....mesmerized by their voices and held by their sound! They opened the show with their fathers music...trying to bring alive Rickys famous songs...and Matthew and Gunnar had no problem doing that! I know that their pop was smiling down upon them! They rocked the house!! They also threw in some of their older and newer songs....people, young and old, had a blast!
After that was the meet and greet. Many people lined up to shake a hand, give a hug, get an autograph or give thanks for the great entertainment! At the end of the line was me and the rest of the girls. We were ready to give them b-day presents but wanted to make sure that everyone else had a chance to meet them first. It was then our turn. I went first. I gave Matthew a Garden Party 45 in a frame with their pops picture in it. For Gunnar, I gave him an Only Time Will Tell 45 in a frame and a blue velvet shirt...he loved the shirt! He told me that he would wear it for the night show. And low and behold...he did! (He also wore the shirt for a few other shows that week as well!)...
The other two shows that I viewed that week (that night show and the next day show) were just as rocking as the first. Again and again winning more people into the Nelson fan base...as they always do. WHo could pass up a sound like the Nelsons??....not too many can!
I must say that I am extremely happy that I made that trip and I wish that I
could have stayed longer. I look forward to seeing them again soon and wish
them luck on future shows!!
I have been a fan of the Nelsons since the After the Rain days and did see them in concert back in 1991, but never had the opportunity to meet them. In 1992 I had started going back to school, in addition to working a full-time job and didn’t have much time to keep up with the music scene. So, I ended up losing track of the Nelsons and had no idea that they were still making music. Last year, while playing with a search engine, (actually I don’t even remember what I was searching for), I stumbled across “The Nelson Brothers Official Website”! I said to myself, “That can’t be them! Can it?” Well I clicked over and the rest is history! I discovered that my favorite musicians were still around and still together making wonderful music. And I had missed out on a lot! I also ended up making a lot of new friends. I’ll always be grateful for how welcome I was made to feel in this circle of friends. (Thanks y’all!) Anyway, I tried to work it out to attend one or two of the shows this year but unfortunately that wasn’t possible. So, I planned to make the trip to Nashville for race week and had a wonderful week. Here’s the report:
Tuesday October 26
My Grams & I flew from Fort Lauderdale airport to Nashville, landing at about 12pm CT. We picked up the rental car and drove to the hotel to find that my aunt, uncle & cousin (who were driving up from North Florida) had already arrived and checked in. I wasn’t able to afford the ticket for the VIP party, so that night we just had fun driving around Opryland etc. exploring.
Wednesday October 27
We visited the Nashville Car & Toy Museums, then walked through the Opryland Hotel. (Wow! What a place!) Then I left my family there to go out to the speedway and watch the practices. I was up in the bleachers watching from about 1pm until 4pm. I saw other people arriving but didn’t know who they were, until I saw Michelle Blackford (remembered seeing her picture posted on some of the sites). So finally around 3pm I went over to the group, introduced myself and sat down. I had to leave at 4pm to meet my family downtown for dinner, so Liz said they would save us some seats.
Went downtown to the NASCAR Café for dinner. Then drove back to the speedway for the race. I shook both Matt & Gun’s hands as they passed us going over to the grandstand. And took lots of pictures of them when they were introduced. Billy Ray Cyrus sang the National Anthem. 1st race (Captain’s Race)… Gunnar wrecked shortly after the race began, and Matthew came in 1st. There was also some confusion because we all didn’t realize until then that they had changed Matt’s car (instead of #11, he was in #65). There were several more races, Sponsors Race, Semi-pro Race, etc. The women’s race was something to see! Almost the entire race they were under a caution flag! It was more like the Demolition Derby! First, Kippi Brannon knocked Mindy McCready out of the race; then Irlene Mandrell tried to knock Kippi out and ended up knocking herself out too! They locked fenders & flipped! We all thought that race was never going to end! Then the Championship Race…we were all please to see that Gunnar was back in this race and he did a little better this time. But still ended up wrecking before the race was over. Matthew came in 2nd, behind Kix Brooks (of Brooks & Dunn). Matt’s team also came in 2nd for points total. By the time the races were over, it was after 11pm and it was COLD! Liz, Maryann, Shirley, & Kim(DE) went out to the parking lot where Matt was going to meet them later. But I couldn’t go! I had to take my family back to the hotel cause it was so late & so cold out. Waaaaah! Oh well.
Thursday October 28
Went with my family to Belle Meade Plantation in the morning and toured the grounds & house there until about noon. Then we drove south to Franklin, TN to see another plantation home. But it took an hour to get down there, so I had to leave my family there (we went in 2 cars thankfully) and hurry back to Nashville for the meet & greet. I arrived at the Rio Bravo Cantina at about 1:45pm and Gunnar was wearing blue jeans and a light grayish, long-sleeved t-shirt. I went inside and sat with Michelle, her mom and Kim(DE). Gunnar didn’t arrive until about 2:35pm. Then he ordered some food and talked with everyone about the races and all. After he ate, then everyone lined up for pictures and autographs. I waited a long time before getting in the line because I was so nervous and was trying to figure out what to say when I got up there. But alas, even when I had thought up something to say, I totally choked when I got up there! I got an autographed promo pic and my picture taken with him but didn’t say anything. Ughh! I felt like a total idiot! Then I eventually got back in line again, but we ran late getting out of there. The meet & greet was supposed to be from 2-4pm, we ended up leaving around 6pm. By the time I got up there again, they were kicking us out of the restaurant. So, I rushed to get up there to Gunnar and babbled something about loving their music, yadda, yadda, yadda, (don’t remember exactly what I said now) and how it really helped me get through some very rough times these last couple of years. He asked me how I was doing now and I said I was doing ok. Then he said, “Just ok?” I almost lost it and started crying! But choked back the tears and said something like it was getting easier. Then I got a hug from him and practically ran out of the place. I had to rush back across town to meet my family at the hotel, we still had to go to dinner and be at the Ryman in time for a show at 8pm. Ahhhh! Made it back to the hotel and got dinner, then off to downtown for “Smoke on the Mountain” at the Ryman Auditorium. (Which was a very good show by the way. Very funny!)
Anyway, we stayed in Nashville until Sunday morning, seeing the rest of the sights & stuff. Got home in Fort Lauderdale, FL at 5:43pm ET Sunday evening. I really enjoyed my trip and can hardly wait for my next Nelson Encounter but will have to wait at least until next year sometime. ?
Silverton Casino Las Vegas, NV April 15,2000 When I got to Las Vegas I found out the casino where Matt and Gunn were playing was not on the strip. It turned out the casino was far away from the strip where the major casinos and hotels are. After I checked into my hotel. I took a cab and headed for the Silverton to pick up my tickets. I got the casino and there was a little mix up with the tickets, but the lady I was talking to took care of everything and gave me my choice of the 6pm or the 9pm show. I wanted the 9pm because I had easter goodies for the guys back at my hotel. She gave me two tickets for the 9pm show. I looked at the ticket numbers and I got ticket number 1967. The guys birth year. I laughed. The lady asked me what hits have the guys had? She said people had been asking her that question all day long. I told to tell people After The Rain and Love and Affection. Then I headed back to my hotel to rest and change.
I decided to head back to the Silverton early to check things out and get something to eat. I got there at 7:30 and there already was a long line for the 9Pm show. I was surprised to see that most of the people in line were older people. I got in line and started talking about the guys. The lady in front of me said she was a big fan of Rick's. She had even been in his fan club. She said she didn't know any of the guys music though. So I pulled out my wallet and showed her a picture of Matt and Gunn with the longer hair. OH! I remember them now. she said. We talked for a while and then they opened the doors and I headed as close to the stage as I could get. 4 rows from the stage. Not too bad. I sat there and chatted with the folks around me. Yvette came in with some of her family and sat over on the right hand side down front. Then Tracy came in and she sat with Yvette and family. Finally the show started.
The announcer came and told us the story of the guys show business history. I have to say I was impressed and I know the whole story. Then he annouced Matt and Gunn and out walked Matt first. He was wearing a crushed red velvet suit with a black shirt. Then out comes Gunnar. He was wearing a black tank top with a deep blue shiny shirt on top and BLACK LEATHER PANTS! Oh my! There's just something about Gunnar in black leather pants. The rest of the guys came out and took their places. Gunnar straped on a golden electric guitar and Matt put on one of his acoustice guitars with a picture of Yvette taped on the front of it. There was light smoke blowing and colored lights going on. It was almost like being back in the old days. The did one song(can't remember which one) and then Gunnar needed to change guitars. Out came Joey Cathcart with Gunn's guitar. Matt told us that Joey is now working with them from time to time. Joey handed Gunnar his guitar and while Gunn was straping it on. Matt asked Joey if he'd join them in a song? Joey said sure. Then Matt, Gunn, and Joey broke into an acoustic version of Love and Affection. It was just wonderful to see all three of them back together again. It brought back some very nice memories. They finished the song and everyone applaued and Joey had to go. Matt and Gunn went on with the show. They did some of Rick's songs. Somemore of their older songs and some songs from Life. Then when the show was about to end. Matt told everyone that he hoped they'd all stop by and say hi. There would be a meet and greet after the show just outside the doors we had come in. They ended the show and the house lights came up.
I gathered up all the stuff I had for them and headed for the meet and greet line. While I was waiting in line I saw Joey up on stage. I had someone hold my place and I went down to say hi to Joey. He came over and I told him how much I loved him in Nelson and he was very nice. We chatted for a while. I asked him what he's up to now? He says he has several different things he's working on, besides working with Matt and Gunn. I asked him how things at home were? He said he's living out in L.A. now. I asked him how his famlies theather in Branson, Mo was going? and he got kind of uncomfortable about that. It's not really my thing anymore. he said. I let it drop. I asked him to autograph a post card I had for Adriana. He said sure. I gave him my pen and he signed it for her. Then I say my goodbyes and went back to my place in line.
While I was standing there. I noticed this blonde guy coming my way. I knew I had seen him before somewhere. When he got close enough I knew who he was. Blas Elias from Slaughter. I knew some of them lived in Las Vegas. I thought it was cool that he showed up for Matt and Gunn's show. Some of the people in line started to complain that it was taking along time to get to see the guys. Someone went out and came back in and said. "They're posing for pictures with everyone." The people in line didn't seem to like that too much. This was a different kind of crowd. More older non Matt and Gunn fans.
I finally got my turn with the guys. I gave each of them the easter gifts I had for them first. Matt put his aside. Gunn peeked inside the bag and said "Good Lord." I gave them each huge easter eggs. I gave them the other gifts I had for them and the post card for Adriana to sign. They both signed the card and gave it back to me. Then I gave Matt the folder full of Easter emails and I explained to him how I got the idea and had everyone send Easter wishes for them to me. Matt looked at them and said "These are great." Gunn looked over his shoulder at them too. I asked Matt if I could get a picture with him. He says sure. Problem was we had these long tables in between us. So he leant as close to me as he could and I got as close to him as I could. I had to hang on to Matt to keep from falling over. He was really sweet about it. I didn't know Gunn had sneaked into the picture until I got my prints back. Then I went and talked to Gunn for a while. I told him how things were going with me and he gave me some more advice. I asked him for a picture and he said sure. So we did the same as Matt and I had done. These two are so sweet. They let me hang all over them just for a picture. I talked to them a little more and then it was time to go. Matt hugged me and said "Thanks for coming, Maria." That made the whole trip worth it. And he said "thanks for the emails." I said goodbye to Gunnar and he told me to take care. I told him I'll see you in Petaluma. He said ok. It was a great show and another wonderful time spent with Matt and Gunn.
