A Highland teenager is dreaming of becoming a rock star after ending up on stage in front of 12,000 people at a Blink 182 concert.
Calvin Foster is still in a state of shock after being invited to play bass with his idols at a packed gig at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow.
And now the 17-year-old Nairn Academy pupil is using the “unbelievable” experience to inspire him to make it back there with his own band one day.
The musician’s surprise appearance on stage last month was a highlight of the show by the US-based rockers, whose hits include “All The Small Things” and “What’s My Age Again?”.
Calvin explained how he had been desperate to join his favourite band on stage at the gig, deliberately positioning himself near Blink 182’s bass player Mark Hoppus.
“I queued up really early to get to the front of the show. I really wanted to get on stage because they are my favourite band and always have been,” he told the Press and Journal.
“I made a sign saying ‘I play bass’ and during the show I kept seeing him look down at the sign.”
Between hits, Mr Hoppus eventually asked Calvin what songs he could play, before handing him their set list for the night.
“I was just frozen. It was unbelievable,” he said. “I noticed they weren’t going to play ‘Always’ and I love that song.”
Mr Hoppus called him up on stage and Calvin was handed his bass to play the unscheduled song in front of a sea of expectant fans, who went wild as he performed the song, moving about on stage with the guitar.
Calvin said the unforgettable experience had spurred him on to try and put together his own band.
“I still don’t believe it. I was at the gig with one of my friends and he was in disbelief as well. My family were pretty shocked. I think they were pleased I didn’t freeze on stage,” he said.
“I was already trying, and I was up on stage with Sum 41 earlier this year.
“But I was just really surprised how well I felt up there. It made me really motivated get up there and try and get that kind of experience again.
“And for the last few days me and my friends have been putting some songs together.”
