meeting famous people stories

My sister saw neil diamond at an air port in west virginia.
when  she told him that she liked a certain song (i forgot which one) he says , " i got over that song and acold at the same time."

I took a couple of guys in Joe Nichols' band fishing.  They set my wife and I up to come backstage and meet Joe Nichols.  I shook his hand and chatted for a moment.  Mostly, I really enjoyed fishing with the fellows from the band though, and given the opportunity would far rather spend time with them again rather than Mr. Nichols.  Nothing against him, just I really enjoyed my time with his band mates. 

On my 30th birthday, I shared some of my fries with Anson Funderburg, shook hands and chatted with Sam of Sam & Dave, and got blown off by and later apologized to by Matt "Guitar" Murphy who was headlining that night (and whom I later bought a shot of bourbon to show no hard feelings).  Matt "Guitar" Murphy is a big man with broad, powerful looking shoulders and the hard callouses of a working man.  Not sure what I expected, but it wasn't that.  The guy blew a "D" string in the middle of the first set and still played a ten minute solo with never missing a beat or a note.  EXTREMELY impressive skills!!! 

I met Chuck Mangione twice at concerts.  He is very accomodating and comes to the front of the stage to meet people and sign autographs after his concerts.  This was at the height of his popularity with the Olympics and "Feels So Good". 

I also met Livingston Taylor.  What a genuinely nice seeming gentleman!  He was at a small venue concert and literally invited everyone in the audience to come meet him in the pub after the concert.  A line formed, and while he looked exhausted after putting on a terrific show, he patiently waited and not only signed an album or whatever but actually asked folks for their names and hobbies and thanked them for coming.  Spent a little time in conversation with each person.  It seemed like he wasn't performing an obligation, but genuinely interested in meeting folks and thanking them. 

Though he's not a musician, I met Paul Newman when I was working crowd control at a race in which Mr. Newman was driving.  He was shorter than I'd have expected, but seemed pleasant enough.  He was completely focused on his car and the race and had little time for anything or anyone else, but all the drivers are that way.  I think it would be awfully hard for them not to be, considering the level of competition and the danger involved if things go wrong. 

- Zurf

about ten years ago i met Dutch Mason "The Prime Minister of the Blues" at a kitchen party. What fun we had singing and blowing blues harp till the wee hours of the morning.
also met Joe Walsh in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire when he was on tour. He played so well we followed him to Plattsburg, New York for his next gig. He rememberd us from the previous nite. My wife took a picture of me at Woodstock
'94 beside a lemosene[Big Car] When the window rolled down it was Bob Dylan . What a thrill.I did'nt get to meet him but got close.

Take Care...Badeye.

i met paul simon once,  okay so i bussed his table and brought him water.  met lots of famous people at the pizza joint i worked at none being muscians, though.  served jonny ramone ice cream in new york.  also got a chance to play with some of the members of bad brains(old school punkrock)

Thats pretty cool Zurf. I'm a big Joe Walsh fan.When we saw him in Plattsburg he played 14 different guitars and of course I was right in the front row.He is truly an amazing guitar player.

Take Care...Badeye.

I was playing a gig in Florida a few years ago. I was cold and raining outside so the bar had me play inside. An older "worn" gentleman came in and sat in front of me. He was very appreciative of the music I was playing. I sat with him during my break and he introduced himself to me as Bob Burns. We got to talking and he said he was in town for a Lynyrd Skynyrd reunion gig at a nearby biker bar. I was under the impression that Artimus Pyle was the original drummer for L.S.. I was wrong! I looked it up when I got home and a few months later when Lynyrd Skynyrd was inducted into the rock'n'roll hall of fame, there stood Mr.Burns with Gary Rossington and Billy Powell. Bob left the band soon after "Second Helping"was released, shortly berore that awful day the plane went down.
I had a great conversation with Bob Burns that night.  He complimented me on how I use my foot to play tambourine while I play guitar. He also shared with me these words of great wisdom. He said, " Son,it don't matter what kind of music you're playin' or where you're playin' it. Just be thankful for your chances and make the most of them."
As our conversation progressed, he told me the reason he left the band. He said the partying and touring was just too much for him and it was taking a serious toll on his health. I could see the pain and sadness in his eyes as he spoke of this. I thanked him for the conversation, got up and played "Simple Man" as he was walking out. He tipped his hat, gave a smile and a wink, then went on his way. That's my famous person encounter............

I met Lee Brilleaux, the frontman for Dr. Feelgood in '82.  Was off on a summer-long bicycle tour all around the British Isles.  Lee was married to a friend of mine from high school and they very kindly hosted me at their home for several days.  Lee squired me all around to his favorite pubs, introduced me to dozens of friends, and gave me a crash course in British pub culture.  Really a genuinely friendly fellow.  Was very saddened to learn of his death a few years ago.  James

That is correct. Ed rejoined the band in the late 80's and due to declining health issues was forced to leave the band again.  (bad liver) Skynyrd is currently using a 2 guitar line up featuring Gary Rossington and Ricky Medelocke. I saw them last year and they were fantastic. Here's a current link the their latest info.......

http://www.lynyrdskynyrd.com/bandfaq.php