Keith Urban Lends Fan a Helping Hand
Keith Urban's offer to lend a hand -- ironically, to recover a hand -- has underscored one of his fan's faith in his kindness.
The story unfolded when Denise Mackey-Natz, who owns Urban Hair salon in Eau Claire, Wisc., returned to her shop after the Easter holiday and found someone had stolen a fiberglass chair that was decorated with images of Keith. The chair was bolted outside the shop as part of an urban art program.
"It was unique and totally different," Denise tells The Boot, noting she bought the hand chair for $2500 about three years ago as part of the "Hands Across Eau Claire" campaign to benefit charity. "When he called, we couldn't believe it. He said, 'This is Keith Urban,' and I thought 'Yeah, right.'"
Yet as Keith spoke, Denise soon recognized the famous voice and her heart warmed with his offer to post a reward for the chair. Anyone who provides information that leads to the chair's return will receive four tickets and four VIP passes to any show on the singer's Get Closer World Tour. Denise said the shop is also offering a $200 reward.
"It was really cool. He said he talked to his publicist about posting a reward, but he told the publicist he wanted to call me himself," says Denise. "I always knew he was a good guy."
Denise has been a fan of Keith's "forever" and took great pride in the chair that was bolted outside her shop. She believes it was taken the morning of April 24.
"It's all so ironic," she says, noting she had bought tickets for Keith's October concert in Eau Claire prior to the incident, which he upgraded. "I always knew I'd meet him someday. Now I will get to meet him. So out of something sad comes this amazing, once in a lifetime, opportunity."
Although she's grateful to Keith, Denise says she still hopes the chair will be returned.
"I worked with the artist, and it's something cool and totally unique," she says, adding many people have had their picture taken while sitting in it. "I just want it back."
Anyone with information about the chair is asked to contact the shop or the Eau Claire, Wisconsin police.
Keith's Get Closer World Tour begins June 16 in Biloxi, Miss. For a complete list of his upcoming concerts, check here.