An Open Letter to P!nk: A Tale of Unforgettable Nights, Dancing Shoes, and a Plea for Friendship

Dear P!nk,

Let me begin by saying that we’re not crazy. Crazy adjacent perhaps but most definitely, probably of sound mind, so I hope you’ll read this letter with an open heart. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, please consider this your formal invite to be our friend. Is this bold? Yes. Audacious? Undoubtedly. Yet, as any of your songs would tell us – there’s no progress without a bit of boldness. 

First, as good friends, we want to express our gratitude for last night’s sold out Summer Carnival show at Rogers Centre in Toronto. WOW! What a night! 

Twenty of us, diverse in ages, backgrounds and the origins of our friendships, congregated last night to witness your magic. And what a show you put on! Collectively we’ve seen many concerts over the years but your performance tops them all (except of course for one Canadian legend). It’s not just about your music, it’s about your spirit, your energy, your acrobatics, and that perfect blend of relatability and showmanship that hooked us from the opening beats of “Get the Party Started” to your phenomenal aerial stunt during the encore of “So What.”

We also feel it necessary to give a huge nod to the incredible performances by your opening acts. GroupLove set the stage on fire, their dynamic energy perfectly paving the way for the main event. Then, Brandi Carlile walked out, her powerful voice echoing through the massive crowd. Her rendition of Radiohead’s “Creep” was sublime, potentially surpassing the original – quite a feat to say the least. We knew we were witnessing a star on the rise; her talent and charisma point towards many sold-out stadiums in her future. Also, she’s a shoo-in for our next friend invite.

But enough about you, back to us. You see, our group is built around the power of female friendships – from the ones that have spanned decades to the ones that formed over wine and shopping in a pre-show gathering at our friend’s store.

Your music, your lyrics, your essence – they’ve become the background score to our adventures, triumphs, heartbreaks, and memories. So, we couldn’t help but think: how perfect would it be if you, the one who has unknowingly been part of the soundtrack behind this incredible bond, became a part of our crew? You’re feeling it, aren’t you? 

The truth is you’d be a perfect fit. Our group, like most friendship groups in their 50ish era, thrives on resilience and strength, the same core themes that pulse through your music. Your tracks like “Try,” “Just Like a Pill,” and “F**kin’ Perfect” have been our rallying cries in times of struggle and “Raise Your Glass”? Well that’s been our trusted battle-cry for countless uproarious girls’ gatherings.

On a personal note, I’d like to let you know that “Cover Me in Sunshine” meant the world to me during the pandemic. It pierced through the gloom, reaching even the loneliest corners of my isolation at a time when I needed it most. Much like a good friend would do (wink wink). Cover Me in Sunshine is now one of my forever songs (a song that can never ever be deleted off a playlist) and I’m so very grateful for it. 

What made this invitation inevitable though, was when we watched you soaring over the crowd like a badass Tinkerbell, we couldn’t help but think, “Goddamn, she’s one of us!” Crazy in all the right ways. 

When the lights came up, there was a euphoric energy in our box that could not be squashed. With hoarse voices and aching feet, we poured out onto the street ready to dance all the way back to our hotel when something happened I know you’ll appreciate.

My shoes, pushed to their limits by hours of dancing, literally disintegrated off my feet on the streets of Toronto. Pre-P!nk concert, I may have taken something like that happening less than favourably. But post-P!nk, barefoot and striding down the streets, trying not to contemplate too hard on what I was stepping on, your song, “Never Gonna Not Dance Again” echoed in my mind,

“If someone told me that the world would end tonight

You could take all that I got, for once I wouldn’t start a fight

You could have my liquor, take my dinner, take my fun

My birthday cake, my soul, my dog, take everything I love

But, oh, one thing I’m never gonna do Is throw away my dancin’ shoes…”

And just like that, I knew. I’m not throwing these shoes away. Instead, they’ll find their final resting place in a shadow box hung in my office, a permanent testament to an unforgettable night of music, dance, and unfettered joy with friends just like you; persevering, pushing through, and keeping the dance alive. You should really get to know each of us and find out for yourself.

Call me. 

Your friend,

Candace

Postscript: If you’re looking to experience a concert at Rogers Centre like we did, in our own private box, be sure to check out Premium Live. We were blown away with the experience but even more impressed with the pricing. With 20 of us in the box (the max allowed), we paid a low $252 a person.