Back in 1979 my Mother took me to see Rocky II, and from that moment on I was hooked on Rocky. Just before Rocky IV came out, I had gotten hurt pretty bad. My arm was in a sling and I was supposed to go back to the hospital on that Friday to have it put in a cast, but I refused to go because it was opening day for Rocky IV. I had waited too long for that day, and I wasn’t going to miss it by going to the hospital. I was in the front of the line, and when the usher opened the door, the line surged and sent me flying into the steel frame of the door. I let out a scream and the usher took me inside and helped me ice my arm. As an ironic side note, I wound up getting a job that I kept for four years 🙂 Then when Rocky V was filming, my Mom told me, “I heard that last week they were looking for extras to be in the Spectrum for the fight scenes in the new Rocky.” I couldn’t believe I missed my opportunity to see Stallone in person! But when I was surfing online last week I learned that he was going to be in Philly on Friday, and I knew I had to be there. Friday morning we left Buffalo nice and early and headed to Philly. We got there right at 5, and headed for the museum. As we were walking over there we could hear the music from the Rocky soundtracks blasting from the speakers and my heart started pumping. We worked our way up pretty close to the front, and I left my wife and headed over to the press area and checked in, and was given a press kit showing the schedule of events for the weekend. I was also told that Stallone was going to be at the top of the stairs at 5:50, and I had the choice if I wanted to be up there, or down at the podium for the statue unveiling. I chose the statue dedication because I figured as cool as it would be to be with Stallone on the steps, the unveiling would give me more time to see him.
Sure enough, the music began to play again and the cheer of “Rocky, Rocky” was coming from all around me. I strained to find him, and then I saw Stallone coming down a ramp from the stairs to the area we were at. People were cheering wildly, and then he appeared and climbed up on the stage and waved to everyone, and the cheer raged even louder.
The speakers before Stallone introduced him and talked about his amazing charitable work that he has done for the city of Philadelphia and other organizations. While this was going on I enjoyed watching Stallone and seeing his reactions to the nice things that were being said about him. He seemed genuinely embarrassed at all of the hype. As the Mayor of Philadelphia was talking about him he said that Stallone is always asking “what can I do to help.” At that point someone in the crowd yelled, “run for Mayor!” and obviously that got quite a laugh. Then finally he came up to the podium to an even bigger chant of “Rocky, Rocky!” He smiled, waved to the crowd then said “Yo Philly! How you doin?” The place went nuts! He gave a great speech, everywhere I looked around, people were laughing, smiling, and just having a great time. After his speech he walked over by the statue, and the Rocky music began playing again. and then they pulled the tarp off of the statue unveiling Rocky where he belongs! Stallone walked over to the statue and placed his hand on it’s heart, stepped back and just looked at it. He then walked over to it and made a fist like he was really happy about what was finally happening, then he stepped back and just seemed to be enjoying the moment.
The music was blaring, the crowd was chanting “Rocky, Rocky” again, it really was an amazing place to be, and I felt incredibly lucky to be a part of it, and right in the middle of it. Stallone looked around at everyone, and you could really tell he was just soaking it all in. There is no way that 30 years ago when he ran up those steps right here, he could have possibly ever imagined the impact he would have on so many people, and how it would change his life, and bring him to this point.
I really had a great time, and I can honestly say it was worth the wait! I hope to be back in Philly to see him again during the premier of Rocky Balboa. If so, I will definitely let you guys see the photos I take home with me.
Mike
Mike Lynaugh Photography
www.mikelynaugh.com
www.virtualcivilwar.com
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Great report Mike! Thanks for sharing your talent! – Craig
