KIRO NEWSRADIO: SEATTLE NEWS & ANALYSIS

Seattle man hopes to leverage Billy Idol birthday success into PR job

Oct 23, 2012, 11:45 AM | Updated: Oct 11, 2024, 1:03 pm

Michael Henrichsen poses for a photo in his bedroom at his home in Seattle next to a poster of rock...

Michael Henrichsen poses for a photo in his bedroom at his home in Seattle next to a poster of rock star Billy Idol. Henrichsen created a website and enlisted friends and celebrities around the world in a two-year effort to convince Idol to come play a concert on Oct. 26, 2012 at the Showbox SoDo to raise money for charity and celebrate Henrichsen's birthday. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Having Billy Idol agree to play your birthday isn’t just a guarantee of a fun time. Seattle’s 26-year-old Michael Henrichsen also hopes his two-year long Play My Birthday Billy Idol campaign will help him launch a career.

“I’m going to be pushing hard to get my foot in the door in a full time PR and communications job,” Henrichsen tells KIRO Radio’s Ross and Burbank Show.

Henrichsen currently works two internships and a part-time retail job at Billabong in Bellevue Square. It was at work at Billabong that Henrichsen finally heard from Billy’s manager that his birthday wish was to be granted.

“He basically dropped the bomb that he was coming and I pretty much lost it. I think I ran a lap around Bell Square just hooting and hollering. I couldn’t believe that it’s happening.”

Idol was agreeing to play Henrichsen’s 26th birthday party Friday at Showbox SoDo.

“This whole thing feels like a total movie right now,” he says.

Henrichsen began his quest to get Billy to play his birthday back in 2010. He started a website playmybirthdaybillyidol.com and solicited famous folks and notables to record messages to Billy encouraging him to play his birthday.

As Henrichsen’s 25th birthday approached in 2010, he got the “bummer” news that Idol wouldn’t be appearing via video message from the star. But he says he wasn’t prepared to give up.

“After they sent that, it kind of made me want him to come here more. It definitely pushed me to work even harder.”

In his reinvigorated efforts, Henrichsen added charity to the docket of tools to lure Idol. He organized four Billy Idol Aid events to raise money for good causes.

“It’s just kind of a nice thing to do, and definitely a way to get the word out to Billy like, hey we’re doing some really cool stuff for people in need,” says Henrichsen. “It was just another way to convince him to come out here.”

Henrichsen’s charity events ended up raising a bunch of money for the American Red Cross and Northwest Harvest. He thinks those efforts were a big part in getting Billy to his party.

“I think since we raised over $13,000 for charity because of this project, it definitely helped convince him to come up here.”

His efforts, he says, stand as a great example of just what can be done if you are determined to accomplish your goals.

“I’m the type of person to not give up,” says Henrichsen. “If you have that attitude in everything that you do in life, who’s to say that bigger and better things couldn’t happen.”

After his birthday Friday, Henrichsen says his sights will be set on his next mission.

“Once the project is over this Friday, it’s to focus full attention on getting a full time job.”

Dave Ross says his prospects look pretty good at this point.

KIRO Newsradio: Seattle News & Analysis

Photo: Gee Scott roasted Velveeta cheese ahead of Super Bowl Sunday....

Frank Lenzi

‘Your food is unseasoned’: Gee Scott roasts Velveeta lovers ahead of Super Bowl Sunday

If you’re looking for a Super Bowl Party where the hosts are serving Velveeta, you won’t find it at Gee Scott's house.

2 days ago

Photo: Seattle Children's Hospital is one hospital impacted by Trump's executive order blocking fed...

Julia Dallas

‘It’s disgusting’: WA Attorney General’s Office sparks legal battle against Trump order on gender-affirming care

The AG's Office announced it is filing a lawsuit to stop an executive order from the Trump administration that halts federal funding for gender-affirming care.

2 days ago

Photo: Sweden's Martin Haarahiltunen in red is riding inside Finland's Max Koivula and Austria's Fr...

Paul Holden

Weekend festivities: Undie run, pinball, ice racing and more!

Maybe you've been stuck inside this week enjoying the snow and are ready to get out and enjoy the weekend, well you are in luck!

3 days ago

Photo: Seattle Sounders FC fans cheers for his team at the stadium during the match between Toronto...

Matt Markovich

A fart tax? State lawmaker suggests sports fans pay up for methane emissions

A Republican lawmaker made an unusual suggestion during a public hearing Thursday on a bill that could lead to a fart tax on cows.

3 days ago

Photo: A cell in the King County Jail can be seen in a recent photo....

Matt Markovich

Justice vs. safety: Washington lawmakers clash over sentencing reform bill

A bill advanced in Olympia that may lead to a floor vote on one of the most significant law and justice bills of this session. It involves sentencing reform.

3 days ago

Photo: Housing in Seattle, Washington....

Matt Markovich

Washington bill takes aim at corporate homebuyers, tries to level playing field for families

In a move to preserve homeownership opportunities and combat escalating housing prices, a new bill — Senate Bill 5496 — has been introduced in Washington.

4 days ago

Seattle man hopes to leverage Billy Idol birthday success into PR job