Even though this blog is dedicated to 5sos and BTS (and that may change...I’ll talk about that later), The Wanted were one of my favorite bands in my teens/early 20s. I got to see them live three times (San Jose, LA, and Las Vegas), and even got to meet Tom once at random.
I just heard about his passing from a brain tumor, and I am stunned.
I knew about his battle with cancer, and the amazing work he had been doing towards cancer research and awareness. I’m also so glad that he got to tour with his brothers in music again before he passed. So, in honor of him, I’ll share that brief but hilarious moment where I met him. Of course, it was at a pub.
In West Hollywood, there’s an Irish pub called Rock &Reilly’s. At the time that me and a friend checked it out (this was YEARS ago), it was a popular celebrity hangout spot. The Wanted were in town filming their reality show, and were frequent guests there. We got there early in the evening, and one of the workers even showed us their upstairs VIP area that would host a celebrity party that night (the party, we later found out, was for one of the Jenner girls).
Anyway, after having a pint and a bit of food, we started hearing some commotion outside. In strolls Tom Parker of The Wanted, along with some folks I didn’t recognize. If I remember right, a few of the other guys from the band were outside chatting with fans who were tipped off that they’d be there. My friend and I didn’t bother Tom’s group, but we were one table over and close enough to hear him slightly slurring his words. Dude came to the pub tipsy, lol. At one point, there was a yelp from his table, followed by a glass breaking, and then I felt an immediate spray of liquid on my pants. I turned to see Tom staring in horror at me, then at the floor. The next minute or so was a blur of apologies from him, followed by me and my friend being bought another round of beer by Tom. I didn’t take pictures of anything, because while I knew who he was, I was shy and aware that they were relaxing and not “on.” My friend and I left after a bit, and he waved and apologized again. I don’t think he knew that we recognized him, which was what we were going for.
The concert experiences were also fun, especially Vegas where Nathan decided to hold my hand and we both swung our arms back and forth like a couple of kids while he sang (I think) “Walks Like Rihanna.” I was near or at the front for all three shows.
Anyway, Tom always struck me as a good soul with a wild child side, and isn’t that the best way to be, anyway? That’s an ideal balance right there.
Rest in Peace, Tom. And yes, apology accepted for the beer on my pants. :)
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