Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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THE CROWD — Crowd cam antics are a tried and true entertainment tradition during many sports games.
From the classic kiss cam to the newer celebrity look-alike comparisons, downtime entertainment is expected and enjoyed by the crowd. While some camera antics can be planned, there's no planning for people. Sometimes the crowd giveth, and sometimes the crowd taketh away.
Then there are the rogue surprises. The people that are looking for a little extra attention: the extroverts, the social adrenaline junkies, and the oddly passionate.
This video takes us back to a 2009 Celtics game. The camera is roaming the crowd and we see the usual fare — the overdressed fan, the kid who is so excited to get on camera, and an exuberant foam finger.
Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" is blasting as the cam lands on a young man, and it's clear that this song is his jam. And the passionate lip sync begins.
He's rocking, he's rolling, he's got his air guitar ripping, and then he slides down further in the crowd. His passion is contagious for some, and it's like he's at a religious revival, grasping hands, healing the bored, and, well, livin' on a prayer.
Most people are into it, and the young man is committed. There's no break in his "performance," and he is there for every second of the Bon Jovi classic.
Personally, I went through a range of motions. At first, I felt a little embarrassed on his behalf, thinking there's no way he won't regret this looking back. Next, I remembered to "let people enjoy things," and sighed and shrugged at his silliness. Then I got into it, and halfway through I was bopping my head and singing along with Bon Jovi.
Love it or hate it (like that one grump in the crowd who shoos the young man away with a look of disgust on his face), you'll at least feel something while watching. But I for one hope that young man is now an adult man who is still finding moments to express his passions.
And according to NESN, Jeremy Fry's exuberant dance even led to a brief revival of Bon Jovi's 1986 song on the streaming charts when the uploaded video went viral in 2013.
(P.S. Please do not kiss strangers without their consent, even if it's just on their temple, and even if your "intention" is "pure.")
