Although I have quite a few Pop Montreal stories, my favourite stems from my first Pop Montreal, in 2005, on the first official night when Beck played the Bell Centre.

 At the time, I lived back at my parents place in Blainville, about 30 minute drive from Montreal, however, I had no driver's license, so the plan for the festival was to go to as many shows as possible, stay up until 6 or 7am at some 24hr cafe or establishment and take the first bus back home to sleep during the day and do it all over again.

The first night came along, and I had plans to take it easy so I could have the energy to see a bunch more shows the following nights, so I thought I'd go check out Beck, and then catch a late bus home. I arrived early enough to get a ticket on the Bell Centre floor, thanks to my trusty Pop pass, and was able to get to the front of the stage. Alas, none of my buddies wanted to tag along, so I was there alone until two strangers came up to me and asked me what was that thing around my neck.

I proceeded to explain it was my Pop Montreal pass, thinking only two things, I either look like a real loser, or some guy with great connections. We introduced ourselves throughout the night, and little did I know I would be forever grateful to Steve, and Lisa.  I explained what the pass was all about, talked about the festival, and we discussed musical acts until the show began. They were both students at McGill, both from out of town, PEI, I believe.

As the night went on, we made arrangements to go out for a drink afterwards. So, we headed on over to Brutopia, had a few pints, and as the night went on, I explained my situation, how I lived quite a ways away and that I planned to stay up until the early hours of the morning to catch the first bus back home. After meeting me just a couple of hours earlier, Lisa simply offered for me to crash at her place. I was immensely grateful, and kindly accepted.

After Brutopia, we walked all the way to the Plateau, stopping only to publicly urinate, guys and girls, and for cheap 2$ chow mein on St-Laurent. We arrived at her place, where Steve went in to get his bike and head on home, and Lisa invited me in and gave me a spot on a tiny couch in the living room. I barely slept that night, but it was more welcome than staying up all night. The next day, I woke up, spoke with her, and met two of her three roommates. I was even more surprised to find one beautiful girl after another living in that cosy apartment on St-Denis. It was like a surreal dream. Alas, I left that day, leaving my phone number in case she ever wanted to check out another show, thanking her relentlessly, and offering to repay her somehow, to which she only replied to pay it forward...yes, like the cheesy Kevin Spacey movie. I left that day, and never heard from her or saw her again. It was...bittersweet, and a night and morning I will never forget. My first night, my initiation into Pop Montreal.

 Thanks Again Lisa,

Jonathan