My first 'live' John Denver concert was at Wembley Arena in London in 1978/9. I wasn't a huge fan then but just thought it might be a nice evening! It was almost sold out so I was sat right in the corner at the back - I couldn't have been further away from the stage and still be in the audience! But although I couldn't see much of John I could listen clearly, and by the time the final encore was done, I felt as though I had walked amongst the mountains, flown with the Eagles, and swum with the whales - that evening had changed my life!

The following day I joined the UK fan club and fast became immersed in not only his music but all the things which he stood for. I so admired this side of him, I even once organised a Convention in his name, with the help of the UK fan club, where other interested organisations such as Windstar, World Wildlife Fund, Friends of the Earth, The Hunger Project, and Greenpeace all took part - and we raised some money then for these worthy causes. I think word got through to Aspen as, the following Christmas, I received a lovely card from John and the Windstar Foundation - still a much loved and valued keepsake today!

Eventually it became a necessity for me to visit the place I'd only heard, and dreamt about:- Aspen, Colorado. I'd always had a fear of flying (it IS a long time to hang in the sky!) but John gave me the courage and incentive so I did it - I was so proud of myself for overcoming my fears! I immediately fell in love with the town of Aspen, but it was when I hiked into the surrounding majesty of The Rockies that I was blown away with the beauty of it all. Many magical moments happened in that week, but the best was lying on my back all alone on top of Ajax Mountain and watching an eagle soaring, calling, and floating high above me. Now, I remember thinking to myself, I'll never be a poor gal, may not have much financially but my heart and soul will be forever rich for that experience. And it was all because of the wonderful John Denver!

I've always been a fairly shy private person, but I'm lucky to still be in contact with some of the good folk I met in those days, and I say to my new friends these days, if you want to get to know me, listen to John Denver - his lyrics and music say it all. God bless you John, for all you gave me, you really did change my life!

Linda
UK