Random Encounters on the Elevator: Billings Mayor Tom Hanel and the Band Three Days Grace

You never know who you're going to bump into on the elevator at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Billings.  Last week, I ran into the legendary punk band "Black Flag" on their way up to the 4th floor laundry mat.

This afternoon, I saw a tour bus pull up in front of the hotel.  Sure enough, it was Three Days Grace, the multi-platinum Canadian rock band scheduled to play the Babcock Theater tomorrow night. They spent their day off here in Billings having lunch at Stella's and hanging out downtown. I struck up a brief conversation with their bassist Brad Walst.

And you'll never guess who was riding in the elevator with us, none other than Billings Mayor Tom Hanel.  I have met the Mayor many times and I asked him if he was familiar with Three Days Grace.  He said he hadn't heard of the band, but he was glad they were visiting Billings.  When I explained to him that they scored a huge hit in 2003 with the song "I Hate Everything About You", the Mayor looked a little freaked out.

Brad Walst smiled and told Mayor Hanel it was nice to meet him.  Somehow, I get the feeling the Mayor won't be there to see their show tonight at the Babcock.