Terminally Ill Photojournalist Gets Surprise Call From NIN's Trent Reznor During Concert

COSTA MESA (CBSLA.com) — A cancer-stricken OC Weekly concert photographer got the surprise of his life last weekend when the lead singer of his favorite band, Nine Inch Nails, called him in the middle of a Las Vegas show.

Andrew Youssef, who was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer almost three years ago, said he was scheduled to photograph the Nov. 16 concert at the request of the band.

"I was packed, we were ready to go," the 38-year-old said.

Instead of walking onto a plane, however, he was bound to his bed with hospice on the way.

"It's been a long road and the road is kinda starting to end soon," Youssef said.

Trent Reznor had other plans for Youssef and decided to FaceTime him on-stage.

"Trent Reznor? Okay…I'll take that," Youssef said.

Video taken at the concert showed Reznor chatting with Youssef.

"Andrew, what's up man? I just thought I'd say hi," Reznor said.

The singer then turned to the crowd and said, "Can you guys say hi to Andrew?"

The fans went wild, chanting, "Andrew! Andrew! Andrew!"

"I love you and I'll see you soon," Reznor said.

"I just broke down," Youssef said.

Reznor then performed Youssef's favorite song, "In This Twilight."

"He talks about, 'You will find a better place in this twilight.' When I die, you know, there will be a better place," Youssef said.

Click here to view a tribute gallery in honor of Youssef.