Have you ever met a Rock Star? (and under what circumstance?)

[sega]

I was wondering who you ever meet when going to a concert, pre-concert or just walking on the street a well know musician (rockstar)

I did meet Vivian Campbell(Dio)
When I was playing club...he pass by since he played the next day at the Montreal Forum, we had a little discussion.After, my bassplayer
invited him to jam onstage and declined...but the crowd reacted and they came onstage(him and the bass player Jimmy Bain).
Vivian made a nice appearance and has a great feel, believe me.
He made my friends Marshall sound like Van Halen....he's a pro and it showed.

John Sykes (Whitesnakes)
When I was mountain biking he was jogging)
I just say hi and talk for a minute, did not know him well enough.

Paul Stanley (Kiss)
Well I was in New-York (Manhattan) and he was just walking with this nice looking blonde.Did not bother him,

Maybe you got a juicier story to tell,

[JS335]

My wife's sister is a Goo Goo dolls fan. She got tickets to a showcase. Met the band. Actually very nice guys. That's me 2nd from right talking to the bass player.

http://i27.tinypic.com/1zxuyh5.jpg

[Cyclophenia]

Got to hang out with sebastian bach for a little while after an outdoor show in wisconsin. was a lot of fun, he's a great guy. very approachable, none of that "im bigger than you" crap that some of em portray. funny as all hell too.

[fish78]

The eagles were at the same hotel we stayed at a friends wedding...saw them around the poll one afternoon...Bought John Fogerty a couple of beers back in the mid-80s when he was down on his luck and playing tiny venues just to get by...did not reconize him...he looked and presented as a bum, but when we interrogated him...he had all the right answers and it is no doubt it was him...very glad he got it back...

[ZeroCool]

I met Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Noah Hunt backstage at this years New Orleans Jazzfest before their set. Both are very cool, laid back and down to earth. We talked for a little while, both signed my ticket and a Strat tremolo cover, took lots of pics, and for all you Kenny guitar fans including myself, Kenny told me that his signature Fender Strat is coming out this September. Can't wait to check it out.

[Don P.]

Paul Weller, out front of the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC 2003.

[bluesjunior]

I met and got a lift from Jimmy Page and Robert Plant while hitchiking to Glastonbury in 1971. They were nice guys and drove us 40 odd miles past their turnoff to help us on our way.

I met and talked to members of Graham Parker and the Rumour as well as Ian Dury and the Blockheads while staying in the same hotel in Gronningen Holland in 1978.

Ole Beich a Danish rock guitarist and original bass guitarist with Guns 'n Roses was one of my best friends while I lived in Esbjerg Denmark. We worked at the same place when I first went there in 1975.

[amoodymule]

I met Leslie West after a show in 77 or 78, sweaty and a nice enough guy
Jim McCarthy, 78 he just stared me down, I think he was waisted, kinda creepy
John Kay of Steppinwolf, 79 ....total ass all night long, bitched, hagled
Richie Blackmoore, 81 ...total jerk with attitude towards his roadies and some fans
Robin Trower, 85, pretty cool, laid back, slight arrogance about him, he rules though
Allen Woody 95, of Gov't Mule, what a character, I wish I sat and talked to him more
Matt Abts, 2002, quiet, when not playing his kit
Dave Schools, 2002, big guy and scary cool
Warren Haynes, 95 and 2002, really nice guy, he seemed like he knew me like an old freind, good vibes
Andy Hess, 2003, real freindly

www.myspace.com/souprocks

[c94123]

Had a beer with Layne Staley (Alice in Chains) back in the early 90's at Hammerjacks in Baltimore. They opened up for Extreme and he was relaxing before the show started. Didn't even know who he was until the show started. Real nice guy.

Saw Mick Jagger and some really hot young gal at Matsuhisa's in Beverly Hills about six months back. We were the only two tables in the place about an hour after the normal lunch crowd. Said hello, shook his hand. He looks really weathered.

[franksguitar]

Met alot of rock stars through my friendship with Blue Oyster Cult and other meetings, besides BOC. Met original Foghat, Steppenwolf, Pat Travers, Nazareth, April Wine, Steve Morse, Eric Johnson, James Burton, Leslie West, Randy Bachman (Guitar makers and signed my guitars) Paul Reed Smith, Tom Anderson. Chris Duarte, Tinsley Ellis & the late Sean Costello who are Atlantan's. Also met Jimmy Thackery. Met Aerosmith at a book signing and have a signed copy. Met Joe Perry during the Joe Perry Project period when he left Aerosmith, we were about to leave a club in Norwalk, CT and let his folks have the seats & table. Met Roger McGuinn at a solo performance in late 70's in CT. Pat Metheny Group 1978 dressing room Players Tavern, Westport CT 1978 after the concert, got to play Pat's old 175 for a minute.

[Psh511]

Met Warren Haynes in the airport after a Phil Lesh show in Vegas...signed my CD cover..really nice

Met Reb Beach after a concert...also a super guy

Met Michael Stipe (actually stopped him) in Manhattan when he was walking down the street with friends...my wife is a huge fan and wanted a picture

[Franklin]

I met several. The nicest and most gratious was Warren Haynes..

[Cary Chilton]

Joe Satriani, not really a Rock Star, too grounded and real for that - but killer musician!

BB King, again not a rockstar, but the thrill was not gone on me! ;)

[guitarsnguns04]

Bruce Kulick of Kiss/grandfunk at a music store.

[DEMENTED]

Peter Steele of Type O Negative, very polite and tall!
Oh yeah, Zakk Wylde and Blues Saraceno...Blues was real shy and quiet.

[DGDGBD]

Stevie Ray Vaughan after a 1985 show. Got to shake hands with him and get his autograph.

[stevel]

Bruce Kulick of Kiss/grandfunk at a music store.


I met Boyd Tinsley at a music store - well, I rang up his purchase. It was kind of cool when he handed me the Dave Matthews Band corporate Amex card.

I lived in Charlottesville before DMB was famous - never saw him, never met him!

But do these count:

John Abercrombie
Milton Babbit
Gunther Schuller
Pauline Oliveros
Carlos Barbosa-Lima
Randy Brecker
Frank Foster
Jon Nakamatsu
Angel Romero
Eliot Fisk


Some of you may have heard of at least some of them.

Steve

[rockinlespaul]

Smoked a joint with the singer from Nazareth many years ago. His weed and it was killer.:D

Met Peter Green a few years back, as well as the Splinter Group. Nice bunch of guys.

Met Warren Haynes and crew a few years back also. I gave Warren a set of Caretaker Wolfetones. Really nice bunch of guys.

Use to hang around the Blackfoot guys and uncle Ted back when I was a teen...

[daddyo]

Stood next to Neal Schon and Bon Jovi once when watching a local band here in 1986. Back then we all dressed and had hair like Jon and Neal so I probably was there for 5 minutes before my buddy tapped me on the shoulder and told me. I had exchanged a few words with them in appreciation of the band we were watching before I was told. After, I didn't so the star gush. They are both shorter than they appear on their album covers.

[madsr]

Eric Johnson, BB King, Joe Bonamassa, Chris and Rich Robinson, Kid Rock. All were very nice.

[MBreinin]

I was in Manny's in 1988. A friend took me over there to check out the guitars and to see if anyone famous was there as Guns N' Roses had been in there earlier that week. Well, as I was checking out the cool guitars, in walks this dude...totally decked out in a black patent leather outfit, boots with heels and hair done up to the moon. He is carrying a guitar case. I realize it is Steve Stevens. I basically said, "Wow Steve Stevens! I am a big fan!" His response was "Get the f*ck out of my way" and he just breezed right by. Not very cool. He was a midget as well, if I recall correctly.

I was on a flight once with Mike Rutherford. I think I was the only one to notice him. I didn't say anything to him except when we were leaving, which was basically the same that I said to Steve, "I like your music" or something to that effect. He was cool about it. You could tell he didn't want to be bothered and was happy he wasn't noticed by anyone but me.

I have seen many famous people wandering around New Orleans, and for the most part don't say anything.

Mike

[sfletch]

Sat next to Rudolf Schenker of the Scorpions once on a flight from Tokyo to Seoul. Very nice guy, talked guitars, music, German politics, farming, food, etc. He's a smart guy and not "big time" at all, at least in that context.

[Frankee]

John Sebastian is a friend of the extended family...super nice guy.
Paz Lenchantin......real sweetheart.
My uncle and I attended a function at UCLA and we met Brian May....They talked shop for a few hours.........particle physics or some other nonsense, the guys a friggin genius, very warm and approachable as well.

[homerayvaughan]

OK - not rock stars, but I met Chris Duarte after a show, talked for a moment and gave me a few picks and autographed a pickguard for me. Spoke with Joe Bonamassa before a show 7 or 8 years ago when his first solo CD was coming out, got an autograph as well. Both were very nice and down to earth, great guys. I walked right by Robben Ford on the street the day after seeing him at a show...I didn't realize it until he had already past me, thought it would be rude to chase him down the street.

[crzyfngers]

i am a rock star.

[Brion]

I met Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Noah Hunt backstage at this years New Orleans Jazzfest before their set. Both are very cool, laid back and down to earth. We talked for a little while, both signed my ticket and a Strat tremolo cover, took lots of pics, and for all you Kenny guitar fans including myself, Kenny told me that his signature Fender Strat is coming out this September. Can't wait to check it out.
I played youth soccer and went to school with Noah.

I met Eric Johnson at Mike's Music in Cincinnati. He was just a normal guy.

[?&!]

Got in to see Smashing Pumpkins' soundcheck at a tiny venue, about a month before they hit it big. They were all incredibly gracious. Jimmy Chamberlain gave my drummer an impromptu lesson, and I bullsh!tted about gear with Billy Corgan for an hour.

I have mutual friends with Tommy Stinson, who was the bass player in the Replacements (and is currently the bassist in Axl's version of G'n'R). I drove him around Portland to all the guitar stores, then to an in-store performance at a local record store. Super nice dude.

I met John Doe from X at Old Town Music in Portland. I told him I thought he was great as Pat the bartender in "Roadhouse". He was kinda bummed about that.

At various shows I've played, I've hung out with the guys from LA Guns, Faster *****cat, WASP, Quiet Riot, and the ladies from Girlschool. All were very nice.

Jerry Cantrell and Layne Staley nearly ran over my friend and I in a golf cart at Lollapalooza. They stopped and apologized, and gave us a ride back to our picnic area.

One of my students is Duff McKagan's guitarist in his side project, Loaded (well, it's not a side project anymore since VR is history). The last time they played Portland, I got to go backstage and watch the show. Duff is a sweetheart, as is Dave Kushner. I didn't get to meet Slash, but I got a bunch of pictures of him playing from about 6 feet away. Sorum is nice enough, but kind of arrogant, and Weiland is a DOUCHEBAG. About halfway through the show, I noticed Krist Novoselic was standing next to me. He looked like a high school English teacher.

We have quite a few famous musicians in Portland, and you see them around quite a bit. Frank Black/Charles Thompson/Black Francis from the Pixies, Steven Malkmus from Pavement, Janet Weiss from Sleater Kinney, and Courtney Taylor from the Dandy Warhols, to name a few. I guess I'm lucky, 'cuz almost all the famous musicians I've encountered have been very nice. Now, musicians who are NOT famous, that's another story entirely...

[JumpMarine]

Hung out with George Lynch, dinner with MJ(Seymour Duncan Custom Shop guru), breakfast with Seymour(the nicest guy you'll ever meet) himself and met Dave Mustain at a dinner/jam.

[wstsidela]

I met Merle Haggard a couple of months ago on his 71st birthday.

[Dr Git]

I opened for pro bands for 3 years and met quite a few stars and not much stars (just signed acts)....Dee Snyder was a jerk, but lightened yp after we opened for a week or so. Coolest guys are Frank Marino and the band Raven from the UK..Most of the rest are so so guys

[Paul Conway]

Doug Wimbish & Will Calhoun
Steve Cropper & Booker T Jones
Joe Louis Walker

That's all, folks...

[Tripower455]

I've met:

Billy Joel
Paul Simon
Brian Setzer
Elliot Easton
Dee Snider


All of them are really down to earth and humble guys.

[Marty s Horne]

I've met Cyndi Lauper (played guitar in her Blue Angel Band), Mark Knopfler, Billy Joel, Guess Who, Judas Priest, Mitch Ryder, Bruce and Bob Kulick, Wayne Fontana (Game of Love), Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, Vinnie Vincent, John McLaughlin, Billy Cobham, Barney Kessel, Robben Ford, Vinnie Moore, Rick Derringer, Phil Keaggy, Judy Collins, Sandy Denny (Fairport Convention and Led Zep 4), David Spinozza, Cornell Dupree, Steve Khan, Fred Lipsius (Blood, Sweat, and Tears), Laurel Massey (Manhattan Transfer), Dottie West, Thommy Price (Billy Idol, Joan Jett), Kasim Sultan, Elliot Randall, Jeff Baxter, Johnny and Edgar Winter, Meatloaf, Rick Laird, Danny Kalb, Otis Rush, Buddy Guy. Industry people would be Larry DiMarzio, Seymour Duncan, and Paul Reed Smith.

[Smakutus]

I've met Cheap Trick.
Rick Nielsen is always friendly and will joke around with you, likes to talk to my wife too.

Robin Zander seems to like to talk to woman more (Can't blame him there..) and biker looking dudes.

Tom never seems to be all there to me.

Bun E doesn't seem to like to talk to fans other then hi. Wanted to buy a snare drum I own.

I talked to Vernon Reid (Living Colour) at a Hamer fan Club thing. I was looking at a Hamer guitar hanging on a wall at the factory and Vernon came up and started talking to me first. I was caught off guard wasn't ready to talk to him but thought of some great questions later.. <g>

Also met Eddie Martinez at the Hamer factory (I think it was the next year) and he was nice.

I met Bruce Hornsby at a Phillies spring training game in Clearwater. Did the "hey how ya doing?" thing.. Nobody else seemed to know who he was but me.

Jeff

[scottlr]

Knew Billy Gibbons when I was a kid, actually all of them, but Billy was the one I talked to the most. He and his buddy gave me a ride home once in a 65 Mustang they were driving. LOL

Played foosball and air hockey with Black Oak Arkansas in the early 70s, nice guys except Jim Dandy was and is a jerk.

Toked up with Peter Frampton in his limo when he was with Humble Pie after he showed up at our club gig. Nobody knew who he was :) He told us, though :roll

Talked to Herbie Hancock a little, and Paul Jackson (IIRC) at the same gig.

Partied with T Lavitz and Andy West from Dixie Dregs after a show one night.

Opened for Pure Prairie League.

Opened for 3 Dog Night and hung out with them afterwards.

Hung out and drank with the Brian Setzer Orchestra horn section in a bar at Caesar's in AC after a show (these guys were a riot! And I'm still in awe that I bought a drink for a guy that played sax for Frank Sinatra!), also met Bernie (the drummer). Also met Joe Piscapo that same night LOL He was pretty nice, had a BABE on his arm, and the hotel staff falling all over themselves giving him the VIP treatment.

Exchanged picks with SRV mid song. I have his, he finished his set with mine :D

Met ? and the Mysterians (96 tears) LOL and a guy from The Box Tops.

Met Jerry LaCroix (Edgar Winter's White Trash & BS&Ts)) several times.

GG Shinn (Chase)

Most recently (last summer) said hello and shook Derek Trucks' hand. VERY nice guy!

Everyone (except JDM) were extremely nice folks.

Also have had online conversations with Elliot Easton & Will Ray, email correspondence with Billy Zoom.

[karmadave]

I've never met a 'rock star' but I have met some brilliant musicians including:

Robben Ford
Chris Cain
Phil Lesh
Coco Montoya
Steve Freund

I really don't believe in the whole 'rock star' thing...

-KD
Tab Beniot

[kurtsstuff]

Being in the biz for over 25 years I've met too many rock stars to count but the one that always comes to mind as being the coolest most gracious guys is Reb Beach

[casadyrocks]

I've met numerous famous musicians over the years.(Too many to list or remember) I used to work in a well-known venue, and just long term concert going has led me to meet all sorts of great individuals, many of whom I'm very proud of meeting.

With few exceptions, everyone I've met has been very real and very pleasant. The deal about "rock stars" and "famous musicians" being rude, obsessed, difficult, concieted I have not found to be true- BUT the upcoming local/regional bands I often dealt with ABSOLUTELY had this attitude. When you are not known outside the city limits, the "we're the new Beatles " thing gets tired quickly. And -if you think you are getting a 10 pack of 9v batteries, organic apricots, and 7 bottles of Diet Strawberry Kiwi Snapple, private dressing rooms,unlimited alcohol,and other stupid shit you can think of on your rider- think again.

I remember seeing a media story on what a horrible bitch/prima donna Jennifer Lopez was, and how insane her rider was. It happened to be posted on the Smoking Gun.com, so I had to look. The list was fairly sane and reasonable...I wished I had kept all my paperwork from back in the day to post - but then again- no one would know who the **** those bands are now, anyway!

[Billy Blooze]

I own a rental business and got a call one day from a lady who wanted to rent a kids bounce house for her son's birthday party . Her last name was "Coverdale" which I thought at the time was unusual as I had only ever heard of one person with that last name .

I delivered the bounce house on the day of the party to a very exclusive area in Lake Tahoe Nevada . The house had one of those electrically operated gates and an entry phone , I pressed the button and a man with an English accent asked who it was (I'm also from England originally) I told him and the gate opened .

We were met by a long haired guy that looked familiar - he said "Hi , I'm David" . Then it clicked DAVID COVERDALE the lead singer with Whitesnake - Deep Purple etc , to which I responded "Are you David Coverdale" (Duh) and he replied "Yes , I'm David Coverdale" .

Anyway , he turned out to be a really nice guy with a typical British caustic sense of humour - we talked about life in England - his old band members and then about Richie Blackmore , who he was making fun of because at the time Richie was playing Old English music with a lute etc and dressed in medieval clothing .

When I got home he had left a message on my answer machine - I said to my wife "That's David Coverdale on our answer machine" . Very cool !!! .

[Born2Blues67]

I've met Cyndi Lauper (played guitar in her Blue Angel Band), Mark Knopfler, Billy Joel, Guess Who, Judas Priest, Mitch Ryder, Bruce and Bob Kulick, Wayne Fontana (Game of Love), Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, Vinnie Vincent, John McLaughlin, Billy Cobham, Barney Kessel, Robben Ford, Vinnie Moore, Rick Derringer, Phil Keaggy, Judy Collins, Sandy Denny (Fairport Convention and Led Zep 4), David Spinozza, Cornell Dupree, Steve Khan, Fred Lipsius (Blood, Sweat, and Tears), Laurel Massey (Manhattan Transfer), Dottie West, Thommy Price (Billy Idol, Joan Jett), Kasim Sultan, Elliot Randall, Jeff Baxter, Johnny and Edgar Winter, Meatloaf, Rick Laird, Danny Kalb, Otis Rush, Buddy Guy. Industry people would be Larry DiMarzio, Seymour Duncan, and Paul Reed Smith.

Lucky dog!

[freedom's door]

David T CHastain a couple of times at his shows- a bit stand-offish, but a cool guy, and he seemed to appreciate the support.

Michael Angelo (when Nitro was opening for Steve Stevens)- very cool, down to earth guy.

Skunk Anansie- singer, guitarist, and drummer were awesome, bassist was a dick with an attitude (it was right after a show, maybe he had a bad gig)

Met a bunch of jazz cats, but that's for a different thread...

[scottlr]

It's really cool to me, that most famous musicians are just down to earth folks, unless you catch them at a time when they fed up with harassment. I have never asked for a single autograph. I'd rather talk to them as a musician, and shake their hand, and treat them as normal human beings. I think most of them prefer that, too. That is, after all, what they are.

[PedalFreak]

Rick Nielsen, Warren Haynes, Jack Johnson, Zack Gill, Jerry Cantrell, Scotty Moore, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Hubert Sumlin, Robert Randolph, Billy Shehan, Steve Vai, Wayne Johnson, Jack Cassady many others that I can't think of.

[billm408]

Living in the SF area, I've had the chance to meet, hang & party with most of the bands during the heydays of Bay Area Thrash scene. Some very cool...some very not.

Slightly OT, but....it always struck me how short they were. Anyone 5'9" or taller looked like a freakin' giant!

[Babaji]

Here's a few...
Mark Knopfler, Billy Cobham, Robben Ford, Vinnie Moore, Rick Derringer, Phil Keaggy, Cornell Dupree, Elliot Randall, Buddy Guy, Billy Gibbons, Chris Cain, Coco Montoya, Warren Haynes, Scotty Moore, Eddie Martinez, Elliot Easton, George Lynch, Eric Johnson, Joe Bonamassa, Blues Saraceno, Joe Satriani, Allen Woody, Allen Holdsworth, Mike Stern, Wayne Kranz, Will Ray, Jerry Donahue, Dan Toller, john Sebastian, Steve Howe, Albert Collins, Jr. Wells, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Molly Hatchet, Tommy Shannon, Chris Layton, Red Volkart, David Grissom, Ian MacDonald, Brent Mason, Johnny Hiland, Jimmy Vivino, Tuck & Patty, Gatemouth Brown, Marty Stewart, Danny Gatton, Buddy Miles, Eddie Van Halen, Al Cooper, Jerry Lee Lewis, Brad Whitford.
Bill

[blood5150]

Here is my list....

Eric Johnson
Steve Vai
Joe Satriani
Yngwie Malmsteen
John Petrucci
Robin Zander
Rick Neilsen
Bun E. Carlos
Trey Anastatio
Morris Day and the Time
Bruce Kulick
Peter Criss
311

[pbradt]

Pete Townshend and John Entwistle.

[MBreinin]

Oh, yeah...I also helped Yngwie find his way out of the Sears in the Aventura Mall in '93. I was working there and he was lost and having a fit. Full rock regalia and some hot chick on his arm. LOL. I think he was kinda shocked that I was the only one who knew who he was.

Mike

[DC1]

John Sebastian is a friend of the extended family...super nice guy.

Talked guits with John at NAMM a few years back. Had a nice time yakking and he was really cool. I said bye, and my buddy comes over with:

Dude, didn't you know that was John Sebastian??

Of course!

My friend was shocked at how casually I had approached him and figured I must not have recognized him.

Being treated like normal folks is a breath of fresh air for many well known people.

DC

[fyrwyr]

Phil Keaggy and Kerry Livgren who are both huge influences on me so a dream come true to say the least!!!

[Gasp100]

A friend and I met with and ended up hanging out with Doug Pinnick and Ty Tabor from King's X after a few shows actually. I remember one show in NJ at a smaller club and we were busting on Ty, I think because he was a Houston Rockets fan and we were Knicks fans... I guess he got the last laugh :(
I drank some shots with Lemmy Killmister (spelling?) of Motorhead with my friends from Norway while going to Berklee - forget the name of the bar, it was actually like a meat market / dance club... we were all hammered, Lemmy included <I think they had a local gig and he got lost or something ;) Pretty burnt.

[B_of_H]

I tend to think of myself as a rockstar. at least I party like one. :)

[Catoogie]

Maybe it's just me (although I can't imagine it is, what with a board with serious guitar players) but over all the years I've been playing guitar in bands and doing sessions, it's sorta hard not to have come in contact with "Rock Stars". If you've been in this game for any length of time, devoting your life to it in a SERIOUS way you are bound to make friends or have friends who become "Rock Stars". This questions reeks of goo goo eyes, "Rock Stars" are just normal, regular people like us all. Nothing all all that interesting about them one way or another.

Maybe you should be asking the same thing about plumbers? Or the guy who works at the gas station. Asking what it's like to meet a "Rock Star" displays an immature attitude and outlook and tells me that YOU should be concentrating more on music, playing your instrument or reading People magazine.

[sega]

Maybe it's just me (although I can't imagine it is, what with a board with serious guitar players) but over all the years I've been playing guitar in bands and doing sessions, it's sorta hard not to have come in contact with "Rock Stars". If you've been in this game for any length of time, devoting your life to it in a SERIOUS way you are bound to make friends or have friends who become "Rock Stars". This questions reeks of goo goo eyes, "Rock Stars" are just normal, regular people like us all. Nothing all all that interesting about them one way or another.

Maybe you should be asking the same thing about plumbers? Or the guy who works at the gas station. Asking what it's like to meet a "Rock Star" displays an immature attitude and outlook and tells me that YOU should be concentrating more on music, playing your instrument or reading People magazine.

I do all these things and composed too.
But I guess you don't like my question....:munch

It's always good to have models.
The Beatles had some...
I do to...

Mine would be meeting the guys from New-England and hear them playing in studio...

[bostonwal]

Maybe it's just me (although I can't imagine it is, what with a board with serious guitar players) but over all the years I've been playing guitar in bands and doing sessions, it's sorta hard not to have come in contact with "Rock Stars". If you've been in this game for any length of time, devoting your life to it in a SERIOUS way you are bound to make friends or have friends who become "Rock Stars". This questions reeks of goo goo eyes, "Rock Stars" are just normal, regular people like us all. Nothing all all that interesting about them one way or another.

Maybe you should be asking the same thing about plumbers? Or the guy who works at the gas station. Asking what it's like to meet a "Rock Star" displays an immature attitude and outlook and tells me that YOU should be concentrating more on music, playing your instrument or reading People magazine.


Please, it was a decent enough question. It was a People magazine question. Nothing wrong with that. I'm just left rather disappointed in the lack of big stars and great stories. I was hoping for more along the lines of say David Bowie, U2 folks, more Led Zep stuff, Beatles, Rush (for my own curiousity - hardly People magazine-worthy), Elton John, etc.

My best story isn't even my own. The last time U2 came through Boston a friend of mine hung out with the band after the show at the Ritz Residences (through a friend who was the son of a rather famous local and national politician). She was in a room sharing a table with her two friends and Bono and Ashlee Judd who was in town to meet Bono for some charity business. The talk revolved around.... drum roll please..... rising college tuition and where to get the best burger in town - first in Boston, then expanded to various cities around the world. Bono and my friend reached for the same fry at the same time. Bono, graciously, let her have it. I'm pretty sure she tucked it into her purse and framed it later! (just kidding!) The Edge was at another table in the room with some folks. Adam and Larry would pop in an out. Clearly some adventure was afoot for the rhythm section!

[prsflame]

I met Steve Vai at a shop in Nashville, along with my bandmates. He was trying on cowboy boots. He was a very friendly, down to earth guy.

[Catoogie]

It's always good to have models.
The Beatles had some...
I do to...

Mine would be meeting the guys from New-England and hear them playing in studio...

Huh?

Once you've reached a certain point in your musical abilities and personal growth the need to be vailidated or interested in others is greatly diminished.

It's not that I don't like your questions, it's more to the fact that it is glaringly obvious just how much professional experience you have. You aren't a peer of professional musicians, you are a fan. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but this place is for musicians not fans.

[kram21]

donald fagen-extemely nice and appreciative person ;his wife is just an all around lovely person too.
Ian Gillan--met him on bourbon st. in New Orleans after a Deep Purple and Rod Stewart and the Faces at the Warehouse.Ian was extremely nice ; i just saw him hanging out on the corner and went and talked with him

[Catoogie]

it was a decent enough question

Eh, not really. It was the question of an amateur and I was of the impression that this was the place of serious musicians not fawning fans. Who cares about famous people? I care about music.

[skhan007]

I've met many rockers over the years, but the one who stands out the most was the biggest jerk I have ever met in my life...Paul Stanley.

[DEMENTED]

Eh, not really. It was the question of an amateur and I was of the impression that this was the place of serious musicians not fawning fans. Who cares about famous people? I care about music.

Good for you. Perhaps you should have just stayed away from posting to this thread if meeting "rock stars" is of no interest to you, being the "artiste" that you are and all.

[sega]

Eh, not really. It was the question of an amateur and I was of the impression that this was the place of serious musicians not fawning fans. Who cares about famous people? I care about music.

But i'm still interested in some people who made it with a great ''attitude''.
It's not really a fan thing, but more interested in some behavior.

I should have post it in the pub....it's my error.

[Cottage]

When I was 18 my band was one of numerous others to warm up for Cream in about 1968. Met Eric and Jack Bruce backstage and had my guitar signed (actually etched in the paint with a key!) by EC and had a photo taken with he and Jack Bruce. Both really nice guys. I didn't dare talk to Ginger as he looked like a drunken pirate and frightened us all! One day I'll figure out how to get that photo on the forum.

[Impulse 101]

Working in TV and Radio, I've met boatloads of famous people. I've done sound for many major label acts and almost always have a good experience doing it because so few broadcast facilities have professionals with proper equipment anymore.

I've also done a lot of NBA/NFL/MLB broadcasts and from my experiences I'd rather deal with a cocky rock guy any day of the week before I'd deal with a cocky athlete. Oddly enough the worst bunch of jackasses I've ever dealt with was a college basketball team, from a catholic university! Total A-holes.

Of all I've met Joe Satriani was the nicest. Sir Ben Kingsly was the coolest. John Gruden was one of the classiest.


JT

[UndergroundVint]

Bought John Fogerty a couple of beers back in the mid-80s when he was down on his luck and playing tiny venues just to get by...did not reconize him...he looked and presented as a bum, but when we interrogated him...he had all the right answers and it is no doubt it was him...very glad he got it back...


Wouldn't John Fogerty have been at his absolute peak in the mid 80's?

[louderock]

I have a pretty good list but I'll say one of the high points was Thanksgiving dinner with Bono, Miami 2002. Super cool and personable.

[Ravindave_3600]

Huh?

Once you've reached a certain point in your musical abilities and personal growth the need to be ... interested in others is greatly diminished.

It's not that I don't like your questions, it's more to the fact that it is glaringly obvious just how much professional experience you have. You aren't a peer of professional musicians, you are a fan. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but this place is for musicians not fans.

Too true, too true. I'm surprised no one but you and me got the memo they're not allowed in without the gold record or two. I still can't believe the stories about Eric Clapton being blown away by Hendrix when he first saw him, to the point he actually thought Jimi was interesting!

But anyway, I'll play along. I ran into McCartney (Paul, that is) in the grocery store once. His kids were running up and down the canned food aisles. He didn't seem impressed to meet me (go figure) but that was before my multi-selling CD Live in the Living Room.

[daddyo]

Huh?

Once you've reached a certain point in your musical abilities and personal growth the need to be vailidated or interested in others is greatly diminished.

It's not that I don't like your questions, it's more to the fact that it is glaringly obvious just how much professional experience you have. You aren't a peer of professional musicians, you are a fan. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but this place is for musicians not fans.
Too cool for school, eh?

[TwoTubMan]

I backed into Ron Wood's limo at a book signing in Houston. He never even glanced at me, but he told his driver to tell me to forget about it and hit the highway. Which I did.

[Dr. Tweedbucket]

Huh?

Once you've reached a certain point in your musical abilities and personal growth the need to be vailidated or interested in others is greatly diminished.

It's not that I don't like your questions, it's more to the fact that it is glaringly obvious just how much professional experience you have. You aren't a peer of professional musicians, you are a fan. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but this place is for musicians not fans.

Sorry, we're not all as awesome as you think you are. http://img3.harmony-central.com/acapella/ubb/wink.gif

IMO, it's an interesting thread / forum for whoever wants to participate.


I met and got a lift from Jimmy Page and Robert Plant while hitchiking to Glastonbury in 1971. They were nice guys and drove us 40 odd miles past their turnoff to help us on our way.




Now THAT would be something! What did you guys talk about, do you still remember? :drink

But anyway, I'll play along. I ran into McCartney (Paul, that is) in the grocery store once. His kids were running up and down the canned food aisles. He didn't seem impressed to meet me (go figure) but that was before my multi-selling CD Live in the Living Room.

I've got that 'Live in the Living room' CD !!! GREAT stuff !!

[Paul Conway]

A friend of mine in a blues band went to a party before a festival they were playing at. Van Morrison was a little worse for wear (as they say), but he spent a long time talking to the Blind Boys of Alabama, who were lovely guys and extraordinarily nice, apparently.

[sega]

Left the casino late at night heading back to my room, got to the hotel lifts, pressed the button, the doors opened, and there was Freddie Mercury with one bodyguard taking the lift up to his room.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyCxONVnRFI

I would have like to see your face when you met him.
It's funny how things turn out, we never know what's next!!!

nice stories....

[GUITARFORCE]

Billy Sheehan before a show when he was in his band Talas. They were opening for Twisted Sister...I always felt that he was the EVH on the bass:D

Scott Ian of Anthrax. This was at the Bayou in Georgetown, Washington DC...After the show Scott came up and started to talk to us...However, a minute later his guitar tech came walking up with a broken Jackson Randy Rhoads...the tech had just dropped it, ...cracked the neck and took a nice chunk out of the headstock...talkin about pissed--you should have seen his face....

Erik Turner and Joey Allen of Warrant. They are endorsees...talk to them periodically.

Rob Arnold of Chimaira - endorsee

Jed Simon of Strapping Young Lad... endorsee

Riggs from Rob Zombie and Scum of the Earth...endorsee

[MBreinin]

I don't know if he is a rock star, I would say the antithesis of rock star actually, but I spent about an hour last night hanging out with John Mooney in a bar...and picking his brain on guitar in general. Probably the greatest practitioner of delta slide on the planet. He had some interesting things to say, and is a very cool guy.

Mike

[Phil M]

I don't know if he is a rock star, I would say the antithesis of rock star actually, but I spent about an hour last night hanging out with John Mooney in a bar...and picking his brain on guitar in general. Probably the greatest practitioner of delta slide on the planet. He had some interesting things to say, and is a very cool guy.

Mike

Hey, Mike! He's from right near where I live and I've met him and his brother before. I love when he goes electric and teams up with bass and drums. Very unique. He has, of course, picked up a ton of inspiration from down your way...

[Kalalau Hiker]

most stars are still on fire I think... so I can't get too close to em.

but I'm waiting for one to extinguish ... get cold... and fall to earth so I can touch it.

Been waiting for a WHILE... YEARS really!

that's why I don't have any time to practice ands still suck at guitar. :(

[MBreinin]

Hey, Mike! He's from right near where I live and I've met him and his brother before. I love when he goes electric and teams up with bass and drums. Very unique. He has, of course, picked up a ton of inspiration from down your way...

Yeah, I have been listening to him since I moved down here, 20 years ago. Wasn't the first time I had met him...but it was the first time I got to actually talk to him at length. A very down to earth guy. I know his fiance', she has been the bartender in my favorite bar for years now. I was in there last night and she got stuck alone, so she called him over until some backup could arrive. So, it was just me and him for about an hour. I probably wouldn't even have talked shop, but she told him I was a guitar nut...so there it went. :o

Yeah, he surely has picked up alot from down here. But, he learned up there...from Son House. How amazing is that?

Mike

[tcforec]

Two posts by the same guy, on the same day on the same message board. WTF? So you get your "validation" from an unknown on a message board? And about a pedal board. Too funny. :AOK

Originally Posted by Catoogie http://img.thegearpage.net/board/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?p=4358183#post4358183)
Huh?

Once you've reached a certain point in your musical abilities and personal growth the need to be vailidated or interested in others is greatly diminished.

It's not that I don't like your questions, it's more to the fact that it is glaringly obvious just how much professional experience you have. You aren't a peer of professional musicians, you are a fan. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but this place is for musicians not fans.





Originally Posted by Catoogie http://img.thegearpage.net/board/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?p=4358183#post4358183)
http://img.thegearpage.net/board/images/statusicon/post_old.gif Yesterday, 05:04 PM
Catoogie (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/member.php?u=38722) http://img.thegearpage.net/board/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 537


Thanks so much man!! I wish I could act as if I'm detatched and cool enough that your positive remarks didn't matter, but it's always nice to have some validation. Thanks again!

[Catoogie]

HAHAHAHAHA!! You're right that is REALLY funny!! What can I say, I'm an ass!! I still don't see the big deal or interest in meeting someone "famous".

Two posts by the same guy, on the same day on the same message board. WTF? So you get your "validation" from an unknown on a message board? And about a pedal board. Too funny. :AOK

Originally Posted by Catoogie http://img.thegearpage.net/board/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?p=4358183#post4358183)
Huh?

Once you've reached a certain point in your musical abilities and personal growth the need to be vailidated or interested in others is greatly diminished.

It's not that I don't like your questions, it's more to the fact that it is glaringly obvious just how much professional experience you have. You aren't a peer of professional musicians, you are a fan. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but this place is for musicians not fans.





Originally Posted by Catoogie http://img.thegearpage.net/board/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?p=4358183#post4358183)
http://img.thegearpage.net/board/images/statusicon/post_old.gif Yesterday, 05:04 PM
Catoogie (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/member.php?u=38722) http://img.thegearpage.net/board/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 537


Thanks so much man!! I wish I could act as if I'm detatched and cool enough that your positive remarks didn't matter, but it's always nice to have some validation. Thanks again!

[MBreinin]

HAHAHAHAHA!! You're right that is REALLY funny!! What can I say, I'm an ass!! I still don't see the big deal or interest in meeting someone "famous".

Maybe because you are immune to it..being that you are a professional musician and all. Alot of us are just regular guys that like to play guitar as a hobby, so meeting someone who does it for a living is interesting. Does that make sense to you?

Mike

[MuseCafeChris]

Met plenty via jobs at Guitar Center and the Hard Rock Cafe: Allan Holdsworth, Derek Frigo, all of the Smashing Pumpkins, Rick Nielsen, Bo Diddley, Eddie Van Halen, Billy Sheehan, Steve Lukather, Rod Morgenstein, Tony Martin and Bobby Rondinelli when they were in Black Sabbath, all of Blind Melon (including Hoon), Vince Neil and Steve Stevens, all of Collective Soul, etc.

[Kalalau Hiker]

I lived in L.A. till I was 5... there are a LOT of stars there... but I lived next door to the DOG from the LITTLE RASCALS!

http://celiasue.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/petehomeimage.jpg

true story! :dude

THAT make me impotent!

[wrxplayer]

When I was about 13 (1971, +/-) I was camping with my brother and his girlfriend in Martha's Vineyard. I met an older English guy named Keith. Very nice guy as I recall and we chatted a bit while at the lake on two or three occasions. On the day I left, I found out his last name: Emerson. My brother, who is five years older than I, was a big fan and I too liked the band a lot. Fun looking back on it.

My wife had a similar experience as a young girl. Her family has a home in Barbados next to an old hotel (now closed) called Sam Lord's Castle. It used to be one of Mick Jaggar's favorite spots, and we have several pictures of a little skinny girl of 11 or 12 hanging out with Mick.

[sega]

When I was about 13 (1971, +/-) I was camping with my brother and his girlfriend in Martha's Vineyard. I met an older English guy named Keith. Very nice guy as I recall and we chatted a bit while at the lake on two or three occasions. On the day I left, I found out his last name: Emerson.


Wow, you met the great K Emerson....

That is one hell of a keyboard player.

Is he a good swimmer ? ;-)

[mr.mattphisto]

When I was in North Carolina for work I stayed at the same hotel that U2 was at for the same night. I heard about it in the morning before I checked out. I guess they were at the bar for a few minutes. That is about as close as I got to a "rock star".

[Catoogie]

Maybe because you are immune to it..being that you are a professional musician and all. Alot of us are just regular guys that like to play guitar as a hobby, so meeting someone who does it for a living is interesting. Does that make sense to you?

Mike

It makes sense but I still don't get being excited by meeting a celebrity. Maybe if you're a kid but, I don't know as I got older and I realized how we're all just regular people the fascination wore off. Again that's just me. Whatever, live and let live. I apologize for being an ass.

[cram]

bob weir as I had stage passes from the openning act. nice guy.
zakk w at an air port. he was alone having a beer. No conversation to speak of, but I got a nod while I was heading out for my flight. I hate bothering people - private time is good.
victor wooten - coffee shop next door to the somerville theater.
bela fleck after that same show, cool as hell.
suzanna hoff.
chris cornell as he waited outside of this temporary play house near the seattle center. I believe the place was called tiatro zinzani... Right off of mercer ave I believe. I enjoyed talking with him.
Oh - and speaking of chris I met the one and only "spoon man" several times! he's a rockstar for sure.

[humbuster]

Clarence Gatemouth Brown (RIP) a National treasure and very approachable.
Kenny Loggins - a nice guy
Peter Frampton, Chad Cromwell and John Reagan - all very nice
Tom Rush - funny as hell and very nice.

[mmcquain]

I've met several over the years... got photos with a few and autographs from a few more.
Some just wanted to talk but do no signings, pics, etc. I've found that if you are cool with
'em and treat them like normal people (vs. some kind of "rock god") then they are usually
cool back to you. There are a few others that I can't remember right now but here's the
main ones.

Rick Derringer (Orlando guitar show) - really nice guy who took time with each fan.

http://www.mcquain.com/lespaul/Orlando_1-27-07/RickDerringer_Mike.jpg

Les Paul (met him twice at the Iridium club in NYC. Go see him some Monday night!
It is well worth the price and he is a true legend (also a very funny guy).

http://www.mcquain.com/lespaul/LesPaulJune2001/MikeLesPaul.jpg

BB King (met him 3 times) - once on his tour bus (autograph/no picture), backstage after a show
(autograph for my dad), and at the opening of his Orlando blues club. He is by far the most
humble "legend" I've ever met. Here he is signing my book.

http://www.mcquain.com/BB_King_12-3-2007/BB_Signing_MyBook2.jpg

Outlaws (Hughie, Henry, Chris, etc.) also met 3 times: mid 80's when I was manager of my
college radio station and we co-sponsored a show with them (Hughie was cool/Henry was
an ass) and after 2 different shows during their 30th Anniversary tour a few years ago
(Henry was cool then). Never got a pic with them or autograph at any of these meetings
but I did snap some pics at the shows.

http://www.mcquain.com/lespaul/Outlaws/OutlawsNov3005/HueyHenry05.jpg
http://www.mcquain.com/lespaul/Outlaws/Outlaws1.jpg

Dickey Betts - autograph after a show (no pic with him but some pics of the show).

http://www.mcquain.com/lespaul/Dickey_Betts_10-12-2007/Dickey05.jpg

Skynyrd (Rossington, King, Wilkeson) - autographs at a charity softball game in Atlanta
in the late 80's.

Bruce Hornsby & The Range - band autographs and took a of pic of my sister with Bruce
and the guys after a show in Pittsburgh.

Glenn Frey - talked with him for a while after a show but he said no pics/autographs
because if he did it for 1 then he'd be there forever doing it for everybody else.

Not Rock Stars but still cool:

Patrick Ewing - Dulles airport on a flight to NYC. Same as Frey (no pics, etc.) but he spent
a few minutes talking to my 7 year old and me. Talked to my kid about the movie Space Jam
that he was in with Michael Jordan. Nice guy!

Penn & Teller - autographs at Tampa airport. My wife spoted them first but was afraid
to go over and say HI. I went over and joked that she would never believe it when I told
her that Teller actually spoke. So that's what we wrote... "He wasn't lying - Teller"

Hulk Hogan - he lives down here and I've run into him at the airport and while they were
filming the Punisher movie at the building I used to work in.

David Letterman - front row at a taping for the old NBC show. The mother of a co-worker
of mine at a radio station had went to high school with Dave (she was a year younger).
I took her/his high school yearbook and waved it at him while he was standing right in
front of me doing an opening meet/greet before they started taping the show. When he
recognized the book he was like "where the hell did you find that..." He showed his senior
picture to the audience and commented on what a "dork" he thought he looked like back
then. He said he'd sign it after the show... the taping ends but Dave is rushed out the
door by staff and I don't get my autograph. So, back home, I make copies of the pages
with his pictures on it and send those use to get autographs (didn't risk mailing the actual
book since I wasn't sure I get it back). Dave signs all the photocopies (3 pages) and send
them back so now I've got one, my friend has one and her mom has the third one.

Oh, at the time I was working in radio but wanted to get into TV so I had my resume stuck
in the page of the yearbook when Dave picked it up to show the audience. Of course, he didn't
keep it... but I can legitimately say that my resume has been in David Letterman's own hands!

He also didn't reply back about it when I mailed a copy along with the photocopies to be
autographed... oh well, I didn't want to live in NYC anyway!!! LOL

[freedom's door]

Forgot to mention that as a kid, i knew Dee Dee Ramone- one of the most "unique" people i've ever known :dude

[Kentano2000]

Joe Satriani
Steve Vai
Eric Johnson
Danny Gatton
Allan Holdsworth
Neil Schon
Warren DiMartini

All extremely nice and gracious guys :dude

[Phil M]

Yeah, I have been listening to him since I moved down here, 20 years ago. Wasn't the first time I had met him...but it was the first time I got to actually talk to him at length. A very down to earth guy. I know his fiance', she has been the bartender in my favorite bar for years now. I was in there last night and she got stuck alone, so she called him over until some backup could arrive. So, it was just me and him for about an hour. I probably wouldn't even have talked shop, but she told him I was a guitar nut...so there it went. :o

Yeah, he surely has picked up alot from down here. But, he learned up there...from Son House. How amazing is that?

Mike

Yup, Son House lived about 5-10 minutes from where I'm sitting right now (at work). Amazing. Rochester is a cool little town with some great history.

[mark norwine]

Rock Stars? Well, I've met quite a few "musicians". Whether or not they qualify as Rock Stars is, I suppose, a personal judgment....

Without question, the nicest musician.....possibly one of the nicest people!....I've ever met is Bill Kirchen. He's got this way of making a total stranger feel like a long-lost friend in about 30 seconds. As a player, he's a monster.....

On the other end of the spectrum is Dickey Betts. In our brief conversation (backstage, Duke University, 1980) I told him [among other things] that I was learning how to play Jessica. He countered, "do I F&%k with your songs? Don't F&%k with mine..." Mean? Like a rattlesnake. As a huge ABB fan all through the 70's, I have to say that meeting him was devastating. An enormous letdown. OTOH, Gregg & Butch were wonderful, nice & engaging.

[jeffhef]

Friend of mine works with a lot of bands. He got me in to an Aerosmith concert backstage. We were standing in this room talking to a crew member and Brad Whitford kinda strolls in smoking a cigarette. Aerosmith is one of my favorite bands of all time.

Brad sat down at one of the desks and just started talking. I didn't actually meet him but me, my friend and the crew guy sat there talking for about 15 minutes. He was really kind of quiet. I remember him talking about the space shuttle at one point. He was in jeans and a plaid shirt. Then when the concert started he was dressed in the same stuff.

Dude just seemed real down to earth. Big thrill for me. I've always thought Brad was pretty awesome. Not to mention I hear he's a real gear freak.

Also, met Les Paul and Lou Paulo at the Iridium Jazz Club in NYC. Both guys are about as cool as you can get. Les posed for pix with my boys and wife.

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2/jeffhef/Les%20Paul/BethandLesPaul.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2/jeffhef/Les%20Paul/ZibbyandLesPaul.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k2/jeffhef/Les%20Paul/JJandLesPaul.jpg


jeffhef

[opdev]

I met

Sammy Haggar at a Fish and Chips place north of Malibu.

Greg Hawkes (Cars Keys Player) at the local Starbucks

Jorma Kaukonen when I took his class at Fur Peace Ranch

[Dr Git]

Thats right, I know Marty. Whats cookin bro:dude



I've met Cyndi Lauper (played guitar in her Blue Angel Band), Mark Knopfler, Billy Joel, Guess Who, Judas Priest, Mitch Ryder, Bruce and Bob Kulick, Wayne Fontana (Game of Love), Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, Vinnie Vincent, John McLaughlin, Billy Cobham, Barney Kessel, Robben Ford, Vinnie Moore, Rick Derringer, Phil Keaggy, Judy Collins, Sandy Denny (Fairport Convention and Led Zep 4), David Spinozza, Cornell Dupree, Steve Khan, Fred Lipsius (Blood, Sweat, and Tears), Laurel Massey (Manhattan Transfer), Dottie West, Thommy Price (Billy Idol, Joan Jett), Kasim Sultan, Elliot Randall, Jeff Baxter, Johnny and Edgar Winter, Meatloaf, Rick Laird, Danny Kalb, Otis Rush, Buddy Guy. Industry people would be Larry DiMarzio, Seymour Duncan, and Paul Reed Smith.

[Bluesbuff]

I've met a few "famous" musicians over the years. My favorite was Larry Coryell. Went to see him in a smallish club in Connecticut in the mid 70s. It was a very snowy winter night and there were maybe 10 people in the club. Between awesome sets the band just sat at the bar with us and talked about a wide variety of subjects, musical and not. Very cool. As other posters have said Les Paul is one of the most gracious people I've met and seems to have a genuine interest in the fans that take the time to stand in line at the Iridium for an autograph and a couple minutes conversation.

[Diezelman]

Jim Peterik of Survivor, Ides of March, Pride of Lions. Seems to really enjoy meeting with people and enjoys a crowd as well. Nice guy.


Never knew the guy wrote for VanZandt,.38 Special,Sammy Hagar, Let alone Eye of the Tiger, etc. . He also wrote the cool song "Vehicle". I always thought it was Blood Sweat & Tears.

[jordanL]

I met Jerry Garcia in a Sharper image store in SF, The day before the New Years 1990 run started. I got to speak with him for a few minutes. I recall asking him about whether he still used the Adamas picks, he seemed much more into talking to my friend and I After that.

earlier that year I met Graham Nash as he was walking out of the Anchor BAr in Buffalo, he was polite but seemed to want to get out of the restaurant.

I saw John Popper talking on a Cell phone one afternoon in NYC. Didn't want to disturb him and wasn't in the mood to wait.

I took a few lessons with the late Rod Price of Foghat, his former guitar tech ran a music store. Very under appreciated slide player, and a very nice guy.

[sega]

. You ask the most talented musician you know. Someone that loves music, I would put my mortgage on the line that they are a "fan" of music too. I am glad you are so proficient at something you can't appreciate unless its you.

Very true.
I read somewhere that Alex Lifeson from the band Rush was acting like a little kid when he met Jimmy Page.

It's a funny thing that some people critics my thread and read all of them posts...

But thats ok....
Nobody is perfect!

Keep this thread cool and more pics.

I love to hear from people who met some of the music's great.

[drod2045]

so...um...yea...this just happened...as in 2 minutes ago

im already goin to see john mayer july 15th at pnc but my gf called z100 this morning on the way home and won 2 tickets to pnc but the real kicker is this...

she won 2 tix to see him time square next tuesday to a private show and we get to meet him! im gonna be a little queer and bring my john mayer strat and get it signed and ill probably be so nervous that i drop my guitar...but its a pretty wierd feeling knowing this going to happen

so... im in a band. do i mention that? do i try and pass a cd? or do i stick to hey, love your work and how it inspirational he has been to me (if i catch flack for that, so be it but he has inspired me in ways...and im 23 about to be 24...im not a teeny bopper ;))...the usual?


open for suggestions!

[TwinandTwang]

Brad Rice. Now there's a rock star.

[foghorn99]

Back in November 2001...played the first nine holes (golf) with three other 'walk-on' golferes just knowing that one of the other guys was named Alex. He was old, gray haired, had a pot belly, was a chain smoker. Had GREAT clubs, but struggled with his swing...like the rest of us (LOL)

At the turn, I asked what he did for a living...turns out he was Alex Lifeson!! (Yes....I did a double-take at that point)

I tried not to overreact....I mean, he's just out for a round of golf before heading to the studio for the evening shift (Geddy had the day shift that day). Of all things, he was playing at Don Valley GC....a municipal course. He said the course was located between his house and the studio, so it made sense...even though he was a member at one of the nicest courses (King Valley). It was an honour to spend time with him chatting about this and that....

Super nice guy...weird day.

[sega]

Back in November 2001...played the first nine holes (golf) with three other 'walk-on' golferes just knowing that one of the other guys was named Alex. He was old, gray haired, had a pot belly, was a chain smoker. Had GREAT clubs, but struggled with his swing...like the rest of us (LOL)

At the turn, I asked what he did for a living...turns out he was Alex Lifeson!! (Yes....I did a double-take at that point)

.weird day.

I'm from Montreal and when I was about 14 I went to Don Valley to play hockey in a tournament.(back in 1976)

And I remember I was living at one of the other team player's house.
I do recall pretending to play guitar, but also I remember that he had put a Rush album on his stereo and did not really like it.
Since then, I got to know Rush a little more :Spank and appreciate their music a lot (well the older stuff).

Alex Lifeson is a riot, on Rush's in Rio he get to fool around and it's always cool to get to see another side of the musician.

Lucky you, one thing I would like to have in his gear is the old Hiwatt and his new Gibson guitar with the vibrato.....really really nice !!!

[zombywoof]

I met Keith Moon in '67 at a snack bar in between shows. We sat and talked a bit and he gave me an authograph on his nakpin - complete with mustard stains from the hot dog he was eating.

Others:
Not sure he qualifies as a rock star but I met Ed Sanders (the Fugs). For a short while in the 1960s I was playing in a band with his nephew.

Eric Burdon - I got to talk with him after a show he did with the Eye Band in Natchez, MS.

Arlo Guthrie - I used to hang around quite a bit with Lee Hays (the Weavers) at his home and Arlo would drop by.

Roger McGuinn - a friend and I found out when he was flying in for a solo show in OKC and went out to the airport to meet him.

[cugel]

well i have met lots of famous biologists...no celeb musicians

[TommyMambo]

Wouldn't John Fogerty have been at his absolute peak in the mid 80's?
Yup!

[mge80]

I didn't read all the responses...but what I want to know is what is a "Rock Star"? I can't say if I've met one if I don't know what one is?

I heard one major artist say "I don't think there were any "rock stars" still around. Maybe Bono. At least he acts like he's a "rock star".

[zzzezums]

Years ago, I met Rick Danko at a club where he was playing. I was at the bathroom urinal doing my thing and he pulled up to the next one. It was one of those uncomfortably small spaces, but we made eye contact and both smiled at the situation. I told him how much I enjoyed his set and he thanked me, we made some brief small talk and I left the bathroom.

[enocaster]

Arlo Guthrie - I used to hang around quite a bit with Lee Hays (the Weavers) at his home and Arlo would drop by.

I passed Arlo on the sidewalk yesterday.

[groovetuber]

My wife's sister is a Goo Goo dolls fan. She got tickets to a showcase. Met the band. Actually very nice guys. That's me 2nd from right talking to the bass player.

http://i27.tinypic.com/1zxuyh5.jpg

Cool picture man, my old guitar teacher is actually now a touring member of the Goo Goo Dolls, his name is Korrell. Other than Korrell I have met a few other rock legends (at least in my mind), including Dweezil Zappa and Mike Keneally. Dweezil played a small Detroit show with Lisa Loeb a few years back when they were dating. It was a really neat experience. I was right up front with a buddy of mine and Lisa actually made a comment about my hair, saying that I looked like Dweezil when he was younger, haha. After the show I got to chat with Dweezil for a few mintues and had him sign a CD for me.

[sega]

I didn't read all the responses...but what I want to know is what is a "Rock Star"? I can't say if I've met one if I don't know what one is?

I heard one major artist say "I don't think there were any "rock stars" still around. Maybe Bono. At least he acts like he's a "rock star".



Wikipedia:
A rock star or rockstar is a member of a rock and roll band, or a solo artist in the genre (the term usually implies celebrity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celebrity) status, or 'stardom').

[C.SCAN3]

I was at a Black Keys show in Boston at the Paradise Rock Club and pissed next to Al Kooper the legendary Organ and guitar player. It was ****in awesome. Got to meet him....after we washed our hands.

[chrisjw5]

Met Jerry Cantrell. Could say he was rude, but I think it was painful shyness. I still love him.

Had dinner with the drummer from the Smithereens and then went to guitarist Jim Babjak's birthday party after the show.

Talked with Brad Delp from Boston for an hour about a year before his death. SUPER guy and a total shame that he ended the way he did.

Shook hands with Warren Zevon and got his guitar pick (fender medium).

Same with Gary Lee Connor from Screaming Trees. Watching he and his brother Van on a wooden stage was painful. Every jump it looked like it was gonna let loose. That had to be close to 700 pounds of beef jumping. At the same show I also met Josh Homme, who was at the time breaking up Kyuss. This was before he started Queens of the Stone Age. Tried to meet Lanegan but he was a mess.

I knew Fuel when they were doing covers and trying to break the originals that became Sunburn. Knew them really well up through the second record.

Talked with Gino from Filter once and met the bass player from Buzzcocks outside the Tweeter in Camden where they were opening for Pearl Jam.

[Kenny D]

I met Brian May at Disneyland a couple of years ago - a really nice gentleman.

Tim Foreman from Switchfoot was at my studio last week while we were recording bass tracks. Nice guy.

[GerryJ]

Shook hands once when I was ~ 8 yrs old with the late great Jimmy Smith.
Wasn't a rock star by conventional criteria, tho I suspect most keyboard guys would disagree ;).

[datguytim]

More than I can even remember . . . .toured w/some, one-off gigs w/some, friends of friends, etc.

Most memorable & refreshing: Roger Daltrey. One of the nicest, most down-to-earth cats I've ever hung with. No details, but let's just say we partied it up a bit...before being hounded by the press (not me - him!).

[Alister]

Here's a few...
Mark Knopfler, Billy Cobham, Robben Ford, Vinnie Moore, Rick Derringer, Phil Keaggy, Cornell Dupree, Elliot Randall, Buddy Guy, Billy Gibbons, Chris Cain, Coco Montoya, Warren Haynes, Scotty Moore, Eddie Martinez, Elliot Easton, George Lynch, Eric Johnson, Joe Bonamassa, Blues Saraceno, Joe Satriani, Allen Woody, Allen Holdsworth, Mike Stern, Wayne Kranz, Will Ray, Jerry Donahue, Dan Toller, john Sebastian, Steve Howe, Albert Collins, Jr. Wells, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Molly Hatchet, Tommy Shannon, Chris Layton, Red Volkart, David Grissom, Ian MacDonald, Brent Mason, Johnny Hiland, Jimmy Vivino, Tuck & Patty, Gatemouth Brown, Marty Stewart, Danny Gatton, Buddy Miles, Eddie Van Halen, Al Cooper, Jerry Lee Lewis, Brad Whitford.
Bill


Wait a minute......back up.

Jerry Lee Lewis, did you say?

Man.

[pickslide]

Back in November 2001...played the first nine holes (golf) with three other 'walk-on' golferes just knowing that one of the other guys was named Alex. He was old, gray haired, had a pot belly, was a chain smoker. Had GREAT clubs, but struggled with his swing...like the rest of us (LOL)

At the turn, I asked what he did for a living...turns out he was Alex Lifeson!! (Yes....I did a double-take at that point)

I tried not to overreact....I mean, he's just out for a round of golf before heading to the studio for the evening shift (Geddy had the day shift that day). Of all things, he was playing at Don Valley GC....a municipal course. He said the course was located between his house and the studio, so it made sense...even though he was a member at one of the nicest courses (King Valley). It was an honour to spend time with him chatting about this and that....

Super nice guy...weird day.

That is a great story!

I met Satriani - very nice guy. One of my friends sold him a guitar on ebay and we talked about which songs he used it for on his album and the intricacies of keeping a 12 string Rickenbacker in tune.

Les Paul a couple of times at Fat Tuesdays (before Iridium)- very nice

Herb Ellis - not a "rock star", but a jazz legend - very nice

Did a meet and greet with Velvet Revolver. None of them seemed terribly interested, but Matt was pretty nice. Weiland was not even there.

Tony Bennett - nice guy too

[relix63]

I've met a number of rock star type folks and everyone on this list was very gracious.
Dave Mustain
Scott Ian
George Lynch
Steve Vai - Talked about my home recording set up. He actually seemed interested in my stuff
Billy Sheehan
Tom Araya
Robert Cray
Buddy Guy
Chris Duarte
Ian Moore
Mike Patton - Faith No More & Mr Bungle
Jimmy Vaughan
Lou Ann Barton
Seputura - Smoked with them in their dressing room before a show

Everyone of these folks was down to earth. Discussing recording techniques with Steve Vai had to be the highlite of all of them.

[Rotten]

I would really like to meet Alex Lifeson.

So far, I met:

Steve Vai at a King Crimson show;
David Lee Roth at the Belly Up Tavern in San Diego;
Sammy Hagar (not really, he flipped off my wife in the car in Westwood (to be fair, she is not a really great driver));
Joe Walsh at Home Depot.

My biggest thrill, though, was having lunch with Howard Roberts.

[prsnstrat]

Dave Grohl at First Avenue in Minneapolis after a show. He was really cool, so approachable.

[straticus]

Chris Hayes is a friend of mine (although I haven't seen him in a few years). But through him I've met all the guys in the band (except for Huey) and I also met the base player for Night Ranger. This was all back when these guys were at the top. Lots of fun!

Back in the early 80's I got to meet SRV back stage and shake his hand. That was a great night! He's the only guy I've ever gotten an autograph from. I normally don't do that ......but I had to. He was amazing.

[zep41]

I am kind of friends with Glenn Schwartz, who used to be a star but now he's just a washed up legend.

I met and hung out with Marc Ford last year.

I have met Eddie Harsch and Chris Robinson of the Crowes.

I breifly met Robert Plant and got his autograph before a show in 2001.

I met and talked with Steve Lukather a few weeks ago. He was completely wasted though.

[Red Barchetta]

I met Eric Johnson in the late 80's at Tipitina's in New Orleans. (He was supporting Ah Via Musicom, I think) I was there early for his show, and he came out on sidestage. I approached him and talked to him for about 5 minutes or so...the usual about how much I liked his music, playing, and TONE. I said something goofy like "you make me wanna turn my guitar into a coffee table". He kinda laughed and said all the cool encouraging things.

He was very gracious and polite, and although busy, took a few minutes out for me. Later, he proceeded to blow the doors off of Tips.

RB

[iluvstrats]

I've met or known several well known "famous" musicians. The most interesting would have to be Captain Beefheart.

[The Doper]

Talked blues w/ Vernon Reid for an hour on the phone. Dude knows his stuff!

[franksguitar]

http://a816.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/61/m_8d102f21481cc2a7699df267dd683b9f.jpghttp://a542.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/9/m_6b52cb9c2ce52847d3ae71694c1adeb5.jpghttp://a583.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/29/m_eca1e7f0dfc1c8902c7cf90ebf4328be.jpghttp://a675.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/12/m_523a0b2bb517a2bd717702bda13a631a.jpghttp://a597.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/76/m_7616c4fbd5515ff6b48393cf81df93dc.jpghttp://a932.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/73/m_a03999e953e992957e534408103e06a3.jpghttp://a231.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/37/m_3ffd4d9a77526bc3c663627c9e89550e.jpghttp://a449.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/44/m_74e062097344e2512399c884c8553b38.jpghttp://a422.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/40/m_b1e77cba93a31cf88b54f1170d90191d.jpg[Buck Dharma (old friend @ VA Beach) know all members of BOC, Randy Bachman, Atlanta Chili Cookoff Concert, Al DiMeola, Bugs Henderson, Dave Grissom, Howard Leese, Mark Tremonti, Pat Travers (met a few times). Met not pictured. Johnny Hiland, Jim McCarty, Nicky Moroch (old friend), Paul Jackson Jr. at PRS Experience 2008 Have also met, Eric Johnson, Steppenwolf, Original Foghat, GE Smith, Nazareth, April Wine, Steve Morse, Andy West, Dave LaRue, Harvey Brooks, Chambers Bros., Leslie West.Knew and jammed with Late Sean Costello,know Tinsley Ellis, met Jimmy Thackery, Jammed with Danny Miranda of Queen, Jon Miceli of Meatloaf,& Buck Dharma (not pictured) top left. Met Pat Metheny in 1978 and got to play his old 175 in the dressing room. Met and talked with James Burton 20 minutes at Atlanta Airport, we were on same flight. Met Roger McGuinn at solo concert in small club in CT.

[iaresee]

At the turn, I asked what he did for a living...turns out he was Alex Lifeson!! (Yes....I did a double-take at that point)
Living and working in Yorkville in Toronto for many years I used to run into Geddy Lee pretty frequently. He'd be out walking his dog in the morning around the neighbourhood. Always a nice guy and a few times he was more than willing to chat for a few minutes.

[GAT]

I've met several and opened shows for many cool musicians.


Santana
Jimmy Page
Sonny Landreth
Johnny A.
The Fixx
Lee Roy Parnell
Steve Lukather
Joe Bonamassa
Edgar Winter
David Coverdale
Los Lobos
Lover Boy
Merle Haggard
Rick Neilsen
Gunnar Nelson
Ted Nugent
Robben Ford
Roscoe Beck
Eric Johnson
Tommy Taylor
Tom Breichlin
Pat Travers
Billy Cobham
Michael Anthony
Otiel Burbridge
Kofi Burbridge



Many others my brain can't recall...

[fyrwyr]

Peter Frampton (back stage pass)
Kerry Livgren and Dave Hope(Kansas)
Phil Keaggy (got to jam with him!!!)
Michael Been (The Call)
Gordon Kennedy (Former White Heart guitarist, famous songwriter)

[kurtsstuff]

Too many to list as...I'm a veteran of too many N.A.M.M. shows

[GAT]

Too many to list as...I'm a veteran of too many N.A.M.M. shows

Oh Yeah! I met Kurtstuff in the 70's! :boxer

[bilbal]

Last year Buddy Whittington borrowed my 335 / Dr. Z rig for a show John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers did here in CT. At one point I nearly fainted because I realized that I was on stage bs'ing with Buddy, Sir John Mayall, and Dave Mason. All three are exceptionally nice guys. Buddy is one of the nicest dudes I have ever met. He's friggin' hilarious too, not to mention a monster player.

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc178/williamballato/IMG_0909.jpg


http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc178/williamballato/IMG_0906.jpg

I also briefly met Alvin Lee years ago at a show in Misquamicut Beach, RI. Ten Years After, Blackfoot, and Nazereth played that night.

[Guitarplayerdan]

I met the edge and Bono in a private airport, he signed my #1 most played guitar. It was pretty cool, I caught the edge after he walked out of the bathroom and Talked to Bono as his van was driving off, He stoped everything (that includes 8 escort cops and 2 other vans) just to talk to me, I have alot of respect for them, By the way the edge is a midget. This was probally in 06

[90wreck]

Smoked a joint with the singer from Nazareth many years ago. His weed and it was killer.:D

My friend just told me a similiar story with "The guys from Nazareth"
They drove in an Ohio blizzard to a club in Dayton, Oh.
3 feet of snow and barely made it.
He said the band was there and only about 20 people total.
The club owner was PISSED.
He locked the doors, told the 20 people "Open bar...fix your own drinks."
Made the band play and him and my other buddies rolled up all night long and traded tokes with the band for the entire show.
...There was a level 3 snow emergency.
No cars are allowed on the road and they have 2 hours to go.
They got pulled over by a sheriff...He said he fell out of the drivers seat into the snow.
The cop asked who was sober enough to get the hell out of the county and a bud of mine who SMASHED said "Me!"
He jumped in the drivers seat and busted drifts all the way.......Made it and no arrests.:eek:

[GAT]

My friend just told me a similiar story with "The guys from Nazareth"
They drove in an Ohio blizzard to a club in Dayton, Oh.
3 feet of snow and barely made it.
He said the band was there and only about 20 people total.
The club owner was PISSED.
He locked the doors, told the 20 people "Open bar...fix your own drinks."
Made the band play and him and my other buddies rolled up all night long and traded tokes with the band for the entire show.
...There was a level 3 snow emergency.
No cars are allowed on the road and they have 2 hours to go.
They got pulled over by a sheriff...He said he fell out of the drivers seat into the snow.
The cop asked who was sober enough to get the hell out of the county and a bud of mine who SMASHED said "Me!"
He jumped in the drivers seat and busted drifts all the way.......Made it and no arrests.:eek:

Great story!

[KBR]

I met Eric Clapton in Dallas Nov 23rd 1983, He was at the Gig (I played with Marcia Ball Band Austin, TX 1980-84) and stayed the whole Hour and forty five minute set we did at Tango's on Greenville Ave, Dallas, Texas.
A nice dude and a Great Player He is. Bill Wyman and Kenny Jones of the Who were also there.
They had a night off from the MS Ronnie Lane Tour they were doing.
Eric was impressed that I could bend the strings with the 11-54 set I used, and I asked him if he had heard of Stevie Ray Vaughan, (he said he hadn't heard of Stevie) This was a month before Texas Flood and the David Bowie record came out. I said that's nothin, SRV used 13-56 strings. I read in a magazine, when Eric first heard Stevie he had to pull over his car and find out Who on Earth could play like that.

I had met Stevie Ray in 1980 when I moved to Austin to work with The Marcia Ball Band. We did a record together, and he brought Charlie Watts (Nice Cat) to the session with him.
I also got to play with Albert Collins, and many great players, they may not be Rock Stars, but I think they are cooler, like Anson Funderburgh, Ronnie Earl, Musselwhite, Rod Piazza, William Clarke, Paul De Lay, James Harman, got to jam with all of them, Kim Wilson, too.
I met BB, Albert & Freddie King, Buddy Guy N Junior Wells, knew Luther Tucker.
Gregg Allman, Little Milton, all Cool.
SRV, Eric & BB & Anson are the nicest Cats. (& I think the best players, too.)

www.myspace.com/kennyblueray

[DEMENTED]

, just about everyone was Kind to me, except for one, I offered a cd to the dude , my first of 14 cds in 1994, I did as a Band leader, and he wouldn't take it. a rhode island Punk, I guess?

Oh well maybe he thought he was a Rock Star.


www.myspace.com/kennyblueray (http://www.myspace.com/kennyblueray)

Who was that? Young Neal?, Duke ?

[kurtsstuff]

Oh Yeah! I met Kurtstuff in the 70's! :boxer

LOL!!! yeah!!! Ya prick!!!! lol!!! J/K..... ;)

[guitbeef]

Kid Rock. He was very, very laid back, struck me as a just a regular guy. Introduced himself as "Bobby" (his real name, of course).

[retro]

Brad Rice. Now there's a rock star.

Brad Rice....cool.

[Tonefish]

I met Carl Perkins, Magic Dick, and Keith Richards in the lobby of the Omni Hotel (then) that was across the street from Carnegie Hall where the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions were going on back in 1987.

[ando]

i've met quite a few...billy gibbons was really funny...met him after a killer show in 1977...he played his '59 les paul most of the night..i got to hang out with him after the show for quite a while..he was stunned when i told him i knew about his old band Moving Sidewalks and i asked him about opening for jimi..he told me the story of he & hendrix painting a big backdrop with dayglo sponges on their strat headstocks with the amps turned all the way up feeding back was true..he also talked among other things about the pink strat jimi gave him......
bb king was the biggest star of 'em all..i met him after a private concert...his large presence is matched only by his graciousness & kindess...he actually wouldn't sign his cd for me unless i gave him one of our band's cd & signed it for HIM! imagine that..i did & have a photo of it & shake my head everytime i look at it..

[Marc Roy]

Met Ty, Doug and Jerry from King's X. They played a club here in 2004, and that show practically changed my life. King's X is the best live band out there. They're also very down-to-earth guys who took the time to sign autographs and talk to anyone who approached them.

[bigeric]

Shot dice and drank shots with Billy Gibbons in Vegas! Had dinner with Bon Jovi and band. Met Keith Richards in the Bronx NY at a Reggae Record store. Lots more.............

[traviswalk]

The full Dave Matthews Band in 1996 in addition to the rest of the HORDE tour such as Lenny Kravitz, Blues Traveler and Rusted Root, got to spend a good amount of time with all of them plus time on the DMB bus. Dave Matthews himself was the best by far followed closely by Carter Beauford...just a great group of guys.

Outside of that, not much to report...unfortunately.

[dgzieg]

In the mid '70's I was working for Budget Rent a Car in downtown St. Louis. Touring bands would sometimes stay at the Mansion House Hotel at 4th and Pine. I met the Allmans (minus Duane) walking out of the hotel, got autographs from Greg, Dickie and Jaimoe. Arlo Guthrie actually came in to our location to rent a car. Mike Quatro doesn't qualify as a star, rock or otherwise, but had at least a local hit with "Toccata and Fugue in D minor". He's less famous than his sister, Suzie Quatro, who played Pinkie Tuscadero on Happy Days. Another non-rock star I met was Huntz Hall (Satch from the Bowery Boys).

[boldaslove1977]

I have met John Mayer.

There. I said it. And he was a very nice guy.

[iaresee]

Every morning when I look in the mirror.

[DavidE]

I've met a few, but the one that stands out is when I met Roger McGuinn of the Byrds when he was a guest at a wedding my tux band played. Yup, he got up and we played about a dozen of his hits. It was awesome.

[zombywoof]

I met Keith Moon in 1967. Ran into him at a snack bar in between shows. I sat and just chatted with him a bit. He gave me an autograph on his napkin complete with mustard stain from the hotdog he was eating.

I used to work for Lee Hays (bass singer with the Weavers) and all kinds of folks were always dropping by. Aro Guthrie was a frequent visitor - even Steve Stills dropped by once I think with Judy Collins.

Just recently I got to sit around a bit with Kerry Livgren from Kansas. I have never been much of a Kansas fan but the guy is one heck of a guitar player and one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet.

[picnic]

I have met several over the years. Billy Joel in Aspen back in 82 sat a midstation lunch table with him. John Denver in Annie's in Aspen. We did some shots. My BIL was roommates with Harry Chapin's step brother. He got us into to hang out with Harry and the band. Really miss Harry. A drummer I played with joined Johnny Winter And. We got to meet Randy Jo Hobbs. Bruce Springsteen came to a picnic back in the mid 80's He was friends with the owners of the bar having its staff party. It was my father's 64th pirthday and Bruce wished him a happy one. Thanks Bruce.

A friend grew up with Al DiMeola. She brought him down to the Jersey Shore back in the early 70's. He was the fastest thing I had ever seen on a guitar. Hung out with Green Day after they played Giants Stadium a few years ago. Billy Joe and Trey were real nice guys taking lots of pics with my BIL's kids. Talked to Buddy Whittington many times after I met him at a Mayall/Ford show. Talked to Joe B during the intermission after he opened for Frampton. There's a gear head!

Best one was the time I was picking up my guitar at the tech's store. At the counter was Pat DiNizio of The Smithereens and he is a conversation with the store owner. The tech give sme my guitar to test drive and I go right into the opening lick of "Only A Memory" Pat looks up a says, "Hey, that's my song." I said I had just seen the band play a couple of weeks earlier and really enjoyed them over the years. We talked for a half hour, Turns out my BIL had signed them to their first record deal way way back. Real nice guy.
Been to the last two NAMM's and met lots at the show. Yngwie was probably the biggest ass. Tomo was the nicest guy. Got to hang out and drink with Jimmy Wilsey at last year's' NAMM. Very cool dude who plays real sssslllllllooooooowwwwwww.
Peter Criss lives in town. I haven't met him but my town clerk neighbor has.

[Johnny Raz]

i am a rock star.

i am not a rock star - but i would like to be one....

[Prodigy]

Met Lawrence Gowan of "You're A Strange Animal" fame at a baseball game with my Dad in the mid 80's. Didn't really 'meet' Nickelback, but they were playing at a little bar in Northern Ontario before they got big, and I asked Chad and his guitarist to play Sweet Home Alabama. I was pretty buzzed of course, but they seemed like dicks. Met Joe Satriani on the Super Colossal tour of 2006. Really humble, nice guy...kind of diminutive. Signed my guitar on the back and drew one of his cartoon aliens on it. Got a professional quality pic of him and I with him holding my JS 1200. Also met Galen Henson, Dave Larue, and Jeff Campitelli, who were all super nice as well... Met Steve Vai last year on the Sound Theories tour after waiting by the bus after the show. Nice guy as well, but he seemed to be pretty full of himself. He was wearing his custom designed clothes and sunglasses in the pitch black night, and kind of posed when he talked to you. If he was just some guy on the street, I would have thought he was gay for sure. Probably going to meet Satriani again next week after the show. Gonna ask him about the new delay pedal, the Time Machine, that's just about ready for the masses.

[John Hurtt]

Tons of guys over the years, most at NAMM or one of shows/parties afterwards. Virtually all were very cool, several standout as being especially gracious and down to earth. Recently got to listen and hang out and chat a bit with Jackson Browne's guitarist Mark Goldenberg at a private party. Super cool guy, and a terrific player.

Not a rock guy, but I live in the same small town as Stanley Burrell aka MC Hammer. Really nice guy, his boy and mine played little league together. Just ran into him in the market a few days ago, seem to bump into him a few times a year.

[bleomonkey]

I have met plasma stars before:
http://www.monthly.se/nucleus/media/6/stars.gif

[mtmartin71]

Never met any famous musicians, but I would love to someday. I have to say though that I'm normally not one to "disturb" a famous person so that probably doesn't help.

[Accio Recto]

I met a bunch of people at NAMM in Anaheim back in '93 or '94:

Steve Vai
Joe Satriani
Paul Gilbert
Tony MacAlpine
Ronnie James Dio
Glenn Hughes
John Petrucci
Joe Walsh
Randy Hansen
Buddy Miles
Lemmy

And, there were more there who I saw, but didn't actually meet:
Dimebag
Michael Anthony
Howard Leese
Ginger Baker
Rick Nielsen
Brian Setzer

Lemmy and Paul Gilbert were the coolest I met there. We were walking in opposite directions, and Lemmy actually went out of his way to shake my hand and say Hi.

[voodoochile]

Roger Daltry after a show. I won some radio station contest and got to go to the show. The DJ happened to know one of the managers who set it up and we got to talk for a couple of minutes. I asked him if he ever hits people in the head when swinging his microphone around. He said, "yeh- usually the poor bloke in the front row."

Alice Cooper at the Phoenix airport. He was wearing black jeans, a back t-shirt with skulls on it, and a black leather jacket. That alone did not stand out, except that he was leading a little 7-8 old girl in a frilly blue dress around by the hand. It was his daughter I suppose, but the contrast of how he was dressed with the little girl stood out. I made eye contact and pointed at him as if asking, "are you...?" He nodded, smiled, and held his finger up to his mouth as if to make a "sssshhhh, don't tell" motion. I smiled back and respected his privacy while he ate an ice cream with his little girl. I have heard he is a super cool guy.

[doctorx]

I met Ted Nugent when I was a teenager back in the seventies, before he went national. I talked to him two or three times in fact, he played in my hometown a lot and it was easy to get backstage at those gigs.

He was still full of him self back then, but was very gracious. He answered all my fool teen guitarist questions patiently without being a dick.

[StompBoxBlues]

I think the posts just listing stars they met (maybe because there are many, and the person is used to it) are less interesting than the stories "he was really cool, signed my napkin" or "told me "don't ¤%%// with my song!" etc.

Pretty much that is the interesting part.

When I was a kid (15 or so) took a job at a Holiday Inn as bellboy, the deciding factor (besides saving up for amp, but I could have had other jobs) was that I knew the folkks that played Ravinia festival often stayed there.

My goal was to meet B.B. King. Still haven't....but...

I did meet Arlo Guthrie....he parked his bag by my desk and asked if I could watch it for him while he ate in the restaurant. I said sure and added "I really like your music" but I think he was tired, and distracted. No reponse really.

Ella Fitzgerald. I knew more OF her than about her (NOW I know...d'oh!) and I helped with the contrabass, some drums...her bags. WOW...she was gracious as could be...she gave me a huge smile, even after I said "Miss Fitzgerald, my father really loves your music!" (what a dolt I am) and turned to what I guess was her manager and said "George, give this nice young man a GOOD tip, okay?"

Met Taj Mahal (also a personal hero, LOVE his music when he cooks!) at a festival here in Norway. Ran up to him (I never do that...but I had to this once) as he was leaving the stage from a sound check, just to tell him how much his music meant to me, that I once liived in Utrecht, Holland, and though I could have brought many CDs- just had his "evening of acoustic music" and listened to it literally every evening for months.
He was very nice, asked what "an american is doing out here in Norway, in Notodden". The local folk too were charmed, cause he loves to fish, and spent most of his non-playing time fishing, then bragging about what he caught on stage. Excellent show, excellent performer!

[Red Barchetta]

One more comes to mind. Steve Winwood at the House of Blues in NOLA. My buddy (and other guitarist from our band) won tickets to the show, but then won a meet-and-greet with Steve. We were taken backstage where we met a very nice, kind and friendly Steve. He signed a Peavey Strat provided by the radio station, talked to us for a bit and then we were brought to the balcony on the side of the stage. We had a great veiw of the show...great sound, and Steve absolutely killed. One of my particular faves was when Steve played the opening synth lines to "When you see a chance" on an overdriven Strat. Waaaaay cool.

Very nice, proper English gentleman.


RB

[Prodigy]

I met and talked with Steve Lukather a few weeks ago. He was completely wasted though.

I knew there was something behind those rosy cheeks!

[ElDiabloBlanco]

The ones I can remember...
Adrian Belew
Tony Levin
Sonny Landreth
Vernon Reid
Steve Morse
Eric Singer ( Kiss)
Terry Bozzio
Spencer Davis
Carmine and Vinnie Appice
Stu Hamm

Local Phiily guys like Robert Hazard, The A's, Tommy Conwell and the Hooters ( still see some of these guys around town)

grew up with a couple of the guys from Cinderella

The weirdest has to be the time my original new wave band in the mid-80s was booked to open at a college auditorium for Otis Day and The Knights. We were floored when the band that showed up was 4 guys in black shirts and pants, "Otis"'s niece and nephew on backing vocals and the guy who played Otis in the movie dressed in modern clothes with a short Afro - they were a Vegas-style review.
They opened with "Heart Of Rock and Roll" by Huey Lewis.
:jo

[Yossi]

In the late 70's I was lucky enough to get a backstage pass for a Santana concert in Pittsburgh. After the show I met Carlos and I told him that he was one of my favorite guitar players. He asked me if I played and I told him that I did and I asked him if he had any advice for me. He said, "You've got to play from here". and he poked me on the heart.

[ski_fast]

Either hung out with or visted with these: Eddie Money, Keith Richards, Lars Ulrich, their tour after party was big fun. Pat Monahan from Train, Andy York and the rest of Mellencamp's band, Buck Dharma BOC, The band Head East (remember them?), Elliot Easton and Todd Rundgren, and more... plus, not a rock star but met Bob Barker from the price is right at an airport in Hawaii when I was 10. Got his autograph. He got a kick out of it because I was his youngest fan--LOL.

[doublee]

Lonnie Mack at the Lonestar NYC...

[jeffhef]

I remember Head East! They rocked!!!

jeffhef

[Prodigy]

In the late 70's I was lucky enough to get a backstage pass for a Santana concert in Pittsburgh. After the show I met Carlos and I told him that he was one of my favorite guitar players. He asked me if I played and I told him that I did and I asked him if he had any advice for me. He said, "You've got to play from here". and he poked me on the heart.

So true. Carlos is a great guy!

[WahmBoomAh]

Dyan Cannon gave me a backrub one night when I was the host at a jazz club

we have a winner !

[jetydosa]

Ive met a bunch over the years, but my two fav:

Shawn Lane - Years ago he was doing a guitar clinic at this SMALL music store in south GA near where I lived. Me and my bandmates went and besides us there were maybe 7 or 8 people there tops. He of course was incredible, jaw-dropping. So we got to talk to him afterwards for awhile and he was SUPER nice, humble etc. He actually gave us his mailing address and wanted us to send him recordings of us, we were like YEAH RIGHT! He was serious but we were WAAAAAAAAY too insecure to send anything to him.

George Lynch - Again he was doing a guitar clinic years ago at a store in Atlanta. I was a big fan of his tone and also vintage Marshalls, and some of you may be familar with the story how he rented this purple 72 Marshall Superlead from Aspen Pittman to record Back for the Attack (or was it Under Lock and Key I forget) for $75 a DAY, tried to buy it etc. So I brought my copy of the "Tube Amp Book" for him to sign the picture of the purple Marshall. He tripped and laughed when he saw it (everyone else was having him sign CDs, cassettes etc) and wrote "To Steve - Hey, only $75 a day, what a deal!!" Super nice guy and great sense of humor.

[MrMike]

These names may be meaningful only to a few, but I spent the better part of a day driving for Jeremy Camp and his band, along with Adam Watts and his band. Very nice guys, every one of them. They thanked me profusely for breaking the mold of maniacal drivers. Building 429 was also on the bill for the evening, so I hung out with them off and on throughout the day. Also great guys.

[dkals]

Ringo Starr, Cancun airport early 1990's. I actually walked up to a bar at the airport to get a beer and a very attractive woman in a white dress, white hat and white sunglasses said her husband was sitting in the empty seat. I said no problem I was only getting a beer and would be gone before he got back. It was Barbara Bach and I was back at my table before Ringo came back from the bathroom.

Bono, Cabo San Lucas at a restaurant 2005.

[arthur rotfeld]

I met and got a lift from Jimmy Page and Robert Plant while hitchiking to Glastonbury in 1971. They were nice guys and drove us 40 odd miles past their turnoff to help us on our way.


Anything to add? Be great to hear the details!:munch


------------


I met Robert Plant and Brian Setzer at one of Les Paul's gigs back in '85.


When I worked for Cherry Lane I would either meet, or occasionally interview, our artists....so met Gavin Rossdale and the guys from Bush, Veruca Salt.....partied with Slayer one night. I did phone interviews with James Hetfield, Joe Satriani, John Scofield and Bill Frisell.

[reaiken]

Brad Rice. Now there's a rock star.

Ha! I played with Brad in my first couple of "real" bands back in college. He played a Gibson Firebird through a fawn Marshall 100W head and black 4x12 and I played my '78 Gibson Explorer through a purple Marshall 100W head into a black 4x12. We played all the local clubs, and Brad got all the girls. ;) Those were the good ol' days! I get such a kick out of seeing him on CMT all the time playing with Keith Urban...I should have practiced more and hung around him and I might have been able to play by now!

On a related note, in keeping with the theme of this thread, I watched a wet t-shirt contest in an almost-empty bar down in Ft. Lauderdale with the guys from Iron Maiden back around 1985. They were very nice.

Also, my band used to back up Percy Sledge a few times a year when he played this dive in the backwoods of SC. My band did a couple of sets, then he'd come up and sing a set of all his hits with us backing him, and then we'd end the night with another set of our stuff. He was a very nice gentleman. I remember one time sitting in his car with my guitar learning a song he wanted to do that we didn't know...talk about pressure!

Randall Aiken

[jeffhef]

Ha! I played with Brad in my first couple of "real" bands back in college. He played a Gibson Firebird through a fawn Marshall 100W head and black 4x12 and I played my '78 Gibson Explorer through a purple Marshall 100W head into a black 4x12. We played all the local clubs, and Brad got all the girls. ;) Those were the good ol' days! I get such a kick out of seeing him on CMT all the time playing with Keith Urban...I should have practiced more and hung around him and I might have been able to play by now!

On a related note, in keeping with the theme of this thread, I watched a wet t-shirt contest in an almost-empty bar down in Ft. Lauderdale with the guys from Iron Maiden back around 1985. They were very nice.

Also, my band used to back up Percy Sledge a few times a year when he played this dive in the backwoods of SC. My band did a couple of sets, then he'd come up and sing a set of all his hits with us backing him, and then we'd end the night with another set of our stuff. He was a very nice gentleman. I remember one time sitting in his car with my guitar learning a song he wanted to do that we didn't know...talk about pressure!

Randall Aiken

C'mon man!!! My SC boy never met any of the Marshall Tucker guys?!?!? Doesn't their drummer give lessons in some music store down in Spartanburg or Greenville? Toy? Tommy? Surely you did.

Heck man...half the people up this end 'o' 85 claim to have known them. ;)

jeffhef

[reaiken]

C'mon man!!! My SC boy never met any of the Marshall Tucker guys?!?!? Doesn't their drummer give lessons in some music store down in Spartanburg or Greenville? Toy? Tommy? Surely you did.

Heck man...half the people up this end 'o' 85 claim to have known them. ;)

jeffhef

Nope, never met them Tucker boys, unfortunately. Never saw Elvin Bishop sittin' on a bale of hay, either... :)

RA

[jeffhef]

Nope, never met them Tucker boys, unfortunately. Never saw Elvin Bishop sittin' on a bale of hay, either... :)

RA

Hey...he ain't good lookin' but he shore can play!! Now there's NC boy that did that there song. So many people don't know Charlie Daniels can just rip a guitar!!

Dude...if I ever get a little money I need to check out one of your amps. Ain't heard nothin' but good things. Have you heard any of Scott Splawn's stuff? His shop is about 10 minutes from my house.

jeffhef

[musicman1]

Met Elliott Easton, Steve Stevens, Greg Kihn, Billy Squire, Southside Johnny at gigs back in the mid 80's when I was playing w/an original band regularly at NYC clubs like the Bitter End, The China Club, Trammps, the Red Parrot and the Ritz Theater.

Met Rick O'Casek, Jon Anderson, John Entwhistle, Frank Gamble, Larry Carlton, Nuno Bettencourt, George Lynch, and probably two dozen more rock stars working for a large music retailer and also attending winter NAMM shows from 1988 to 1992.

[paraedolia]

I met and got a lift from Jimmy Page and Robert Plant while hitchiking to Glastonbury in 1971. They were nice guys and drove us 40 odd miles past their turnoff to help us on our way.You win!

[Alvis]

Well,last Summer I met Gary Moore,Brian Downey AND Phil Lynott's mom

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v36/ayhcult/PhilomenaPhil.jpg

That's in Phil's office

[Rockinrob86]

My band in high school played at this gig, I dont even remember where, and this guy walks up to us afterwords. He says to me "you sound really good, I work for ____ radio station (dont remember) and I have some backstage passes for a gig tomorrow night, do you want them?" The gig was for Brian Wilson!!!! I walked down a hall backstage and he was singing and playing piano. His voice sounded so amazing when you where hearing it without any microphones or anything. I turned into the room with the tour manager, and Brian freaked out and was kinda crazy, but it was really awesome.

I Shook Buddy Guy's hand after a show and he signed my ticket.

I met Tom Morello after a gig and he signed my vinyl copy of the first audioslave record. We talked for about 20 minutes, he is a very smart (harvard grad, so this would be expected) and really nice guy.

My pinch me moment was definitely meeting all of wilco this past august. They are my favorite band, and Jeff Tweedy in particular is just one of those artists that I relate to in a very cool way. Their music is a huge part of my everyday life, and I got to talk with all of them individually over about a 1 hour period, they all signed my vinyl copy of their newest record, and I got my picture taken with Tweedy. I didnt sleep well for like 2 days after that, I was so excited!

Even the most hardened professionals will have a musician that makes them go gaga. They might be too cool to admit it, but there is somebody that made us want to pick up a guitar in the first place, or reminds us why we love music, or maybe even why we love life. When you meet those individuals, it is a big deal.

[moozak]

i've met all these guys at various autograph signings:

JOHNNY A (seemed nice enough... but said as he was signing my cd "if you don't wanna listen to it you can take it home and use it as a f***in' coaster"... i think he was trying to be funny... but it was a bit strange)

ROBBEN FORD (a bit aloof, seemed not to be into greeting folks - but i think he was annoyed by a couple of drunks right beside him... so i can't say that i blame him)

WALTER TROUT (nice guy... very friendly)

CHRIS DUARTE (very nice... but he was really lit up that night though. that's right before he kicked the coke)

LARRY CARLTON (super nice guy... humble... looked right at me and smiled... reached out to shake my hand... like talking to your neighbor)

and i met WARREN HAYNES walking through the crowd during a break at one of his shows - just bumped into him. at first i didn't realize it was him... then he reached out to shake my hand... that's when i realized it. we talked for a few mins. very nice guy... down to earth. headed up on stage and started playing right afterward. pretty cool.

[les]

Don't know about rock stars, but...

Steve Stills
Jimmy Page
Michael McDonald
Carlos Santana
BB King
Greg Rolie
Leon Russell
Burton Cummings
Robben Ford
Russell Ferrante
Gabor Szabo
Tom Coster
Kenny Rankings
David Girabaldi

[WAH-WAH MCFUZZ]

Met Buddy Guy at Antones. Nice guy, really talkative. Junior Brown was kind of an a-hole.

[multifoil 88]

One of my favorite rock stars ever ....

walking down the street of my city :JAM

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/4331/2076192383gael5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[SybianRiot]

I'll give ya the top three tales....
1) Kurt Cobain a month or two before his demise- He had just been swarmed by frat brothers hangin on his shoulders snapping pics and seemed very resigned to being a piece of meat for them. As he walked outside I walked up and said thanks for the tunes and playing Tallahassee. He shook my hand and gave a warm, seemingly heartfelt, "Thanks man, thanks", and got on his bus and headed off towards Rome and shortly thereafter, Oblivion and Legendhood. Before meeting him I got to hang out in Chirs Novoselic's room and smoke out while Pat Smear tried to flirt with me.

2) Mike Patton-Played with Tomahawk at a local 300 seater and my brother and I got to meet him and talk video games and September 11th (I think this was in 2002). An awesome night 'cause he was kindof my brother's and my mutual hero and now my brother is gone so I cherish that experience...

3)Layne Staley-We were hangin' outside the bus at the hotel and he comes staggering out of the shadows from the opposite way of the hotel. Slurredly asks if we want autographs, scribbles something and stumbles onto the bus......that was a good ten years before he died....

[pickaguitar]

I'll give ya the top three tales....
1) Kurt Cobain a month or two before his demise- He had just been swarmed by frat brothers hangin on his shoulders snapping pics and seemed very resigned to being a piece of meat for them. As he walked outside I walked up and said thanks for the tunes and playing Tallahassee. He shook my hand and gave a warm, seemingly heartfelt, "Thanks man, thanks", and got on his bus and headed off towards Rome and shortly thereafter, Oblivion and Legendhood. Before meeting him I got to hang out in Chirs Novoselic's room and smoke out while Pat Smear tried to flirt with me.

2) Mike Patton-Played with Tomahawk at a local 300 seater and my brother and I got to meet him and talk video games and September 11th (I think this was in 2002). An awesome night 'cause he was kindof my brother's and my mutual hero and now my brother is gone so I cherish that experience...

3)Layne Staley-We were hangin' outside the bus at the hotel and he comes staggering out of the shadows from the opposite way of the hotel. Slurredly asks if we want autographs, scribbles something and stumbles onto the bus......that was a good ten years before he died....
Cool post!

[6Tones]

[quote=bluesjunior;4355931]I met and got a lift from Jimmy Page and Robert Plant while hitchiking to Glastonbury in 1971. They were nice guys and drove us 40 odd miles past their turnoff to help us on our way.


Are you serious ?? Thats way cool

[6Tones]

I met Elvis once, isle #4 in the superstop and shop last year ,Im pretty sure it was him,he was real nice and preffered frostedmini wheats.:AOK

[buddaman71]

I have hung out with Steve Lukather a couple of times and he was very cool and pretty hilarious. Despite Toto's soft rock rep, he's pretty much a rock star.

Drank beers with John Jorgensen in a hotel bar for like 2 hours and he was one of the nicest, most humble players of his stature I have ever met. Treated me like a regular person and we got along great. He had some great stories about touring with Elton John and the crazy over-the-top first class treatment that he said was petty amazing for a "country boy".

[sausagefingers]

Pat Sajak lives in my parent's town. Severna Park MD, near Annapolis (really!)

We see him at the supermarket sometimes.

Top THAT! Pat is a ROCKSTAR!

[TieDyedDevil]

I passed Bruce Springsteen coming out of my favorite local pizza shop. This was years ago, on the east coast. He was on his way to do a show at Foxboro stadium.

Recently I stood in line with Andy Summers at a local bakery here in Portland.

Years ago (late `70s) Steve Hillage looked me up and came to visit at my apartment. Miquette Guirady was also there. He had been doing an interview with the Boston alternative newspaper. Someone at the paper knew I was working on a guitar synthesizer. That's what Hillage came to check out. To this day I have no idea who at the newspaper tipped him off or how they knew I was working on a synth. I thought I was *way* below anyone's radar...

I got a chance to talk to and have my picture taken with James Thomas, guitarist for The Mermen, at Burning Man a few years ago. That made my freakin' *year*. The Mermen are one of my favorite bands.

My wife and I met Herschel Yatovitz at Saul Koll's shop. Nice guy. Mrs. TDD nearly peed her pants.

[BurstWurst]

I've worked on videos with : (certainly forgetting some)
Prince, Jimmy Buffet, Al Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Brian Setzer

And have met (under various circumstances) :
Vince Gill, Rick Danko, Eric Anderson, Springsteen, REO (breifly swapping bursts with Richrath)

Most interesting was enjoying Banana-nut bread with Frank Zappa in his kitchen and sitting and talking with Neil Young while noodling on Blackie.

[opdev]

Met and saw are different.

I met Cars keyboardist Gregg Hawkes at the local Starbucks

I met Sammy Haggar at a fish and chips place North of Malibu. Said hi, chatted briefly. That's it for me.....

I also met Taj Mahal at Tipitinas in New Orleans.

I have seen (in person).

Bruce Springsteen - coming out the back of a theater after a charity show
Andy Summers - at a pizza shop in Santa Monica
Ric Ocasek (and Paulina) on Newbury St. in Boston

[mike walker]

I've passed within feet of a ham sandwich that was left on a plate by the sister of the waiter that worked at the same pizza place as the father of one of the lighting guys from the Boney M infamous icelandic 82 tour. The thrill.

[duster77]

my idols for years and years were King's X...Namely Dug....
So to go from a super fan to this was and is sweet indeed:
http://i36.tinypic.com/2hh2a7r.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/3479nxj.jpg


http://i35.tinypic.com/23hrw3n.jpg

[heavysoul]

Robert and Dean Deleo from STP. Really nice guys....

[JohnK24]

Let's see...the Fixx, the Kinks (both bands...full of themselves and the Kinks..arrogant A-holes), The Bangels (got hugs from all of them), Phil Collins (nice guy, sorta a wise cracker), Rick Vito (decent guy, was in Jackson Brown's band then...Jackson would not associated with anyone "Don't look, talk or approach Mr. Brown" is what his tour manager told us), Level 42 (cool guys, but a bit ticked about their baseball locker room that was acting as a dressing room)...and finally my favorites...Steve Winwood (ask me if I like the show as he walked off stage...I said "more Traffic!" - he signed my t-shirt, smiled and shook my hand and finally...James Taylor (what a thrill, I still have the autographed pic in my music room. James was a class act, thanking me for the nice dressing room, food and wine).

All of these meeting occurred while I was hospitality manager backstage at Penn State Univ. during the eighties. Oh, I turned down meeting Jerry Garcia and Arlo Gutherie...not my type of music and my college republican t-shirt wasn't exactly welcome backstage at that double bill !

[eBay]

I met quite a few before they were famous--Mark Ford, Rob Thomas, Qwen and No Doubt, and the Offspring. They wouldn't remember me because I was the 2nd who made the food run to Del Taco during the sessions.

[todd richman]

Jimmy Page-met and got to hang with him for a few hours after a Page/Plant show in Philly on the Unledded Tour in 1994. He was really funny, friendly, shy and a lot shorter than I expected.

Mick Taylor-sat down with him and chatted for a few minutes after a show at the Tin Angel in Philly-2003. He is very quiet but a nice, timid guy.

Had a beer with Alan Holdsworth in 1991 at the Chestnut Cabaret after his gig. Really nice guy.

Paul Stacey, Sven Pipien and Adam McDougal of The Black Crowes-hung out and talked with them and with Paul's guitar tech whos' brain I picked for a while after the final show of the 2007 tour, last November, 2007 in Philly.

[bluesjuke]

I've passed within feet of a ham sandwich that was left on a plate by the sister of the waiter that worked at the same pizza place as the father of one of the lighting guys from the Boney M infamous icelandic 82 tour. The thrill.



Man, I would have stole a bite.

[twinrider1]

Warren Zevon. I hit his tour bus.

I was driving (big Ford van) down the alley behind the venue (The Newport) and my mirror hit his mirror, causing his to explode into a million pieces.
So I'm on the stage working it out with some guy (don't know if he was with Zevon or the house). But Zevon is standing there, observing.
They wanted to call a glass man to come in and cut a new piece of glass. It was the weekend and I knew that would cost a mint. I found an open parts place and bought a whole new mirror. Had my toolbox with me and installed it right there.
They put me on the guest list. :-) I think they were relieved that they weren't going to be on the road that night minus a mirror.

[epluribus]

Warren Zevon. I hit his tour bus.

:roll

[sugarlou]

I was a stage hand for a while at the Capital Theater in Passiac NJ...so I met quite a few...never really got all "silly" over meeting them, they are after all just people...one who stands out is SRV .One guy I got to meet in California at the Rainbow was none other than the Rev. Billy G. Shook his hand and told him I was a longstanding member in the Church of ZZ TOP!. He replied "hey man mmnmgallflashoo!" And gave me the ZZ Top "point". Awesome

[bluesjuke]

They put me on the guest list. :-) I think they were relieved that they weren't going to be on the road that night minus a mirror.


Or they wanted to make sure you weren't driving around back there until after they left.

[Cary Chilton]

everytime I walk past the mirror my man.... ;)


LOL

[jads57]

Always cool when you get to meet your heros, but it can also be dissapointing,especially when their wasted. I got to meet Roy Buchanon back in the late 70`s and his advice to me was "You need to wrestle an Indian Woman" I think that was some kind of inside joke I didn`t get.

[iamdavea]

I had a long talk with Vinnie Moore during his Meltdown tour, after a show at one of S.F.'s better sounding clubs. He was extremely gracious and chatty--it might have helped that I told him that, if there was any justice, Meltdown would do for his career what Surfing With The Alien did for Satriani's. I've had brief talks with Eric Johnson (total sweetheart), Blues Saraceno (humble and happy to chat), Ian Moore (lots of ego), and Katell Keineg. I was most nervous talking to Katell, but she was very welcoming and could not have been nicer.

[fenderball]

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv95/fenderball1/garciabasketball.jpgi was in the radio biz for 25+ years and have met a TON ...
met jerry garcia in a non radio situation at the 4 seasons hotel palm beach in january '95...

left the meeting with this PRIZED MEMORY!

[fenderball]

I met him once backstage at a dixie dregs/ roy buchanon show...my buddy and i were backstage walking past a door...door opens and a guy asks me if I had joi_t...i asked why and he said roy buchanan wanted to smoke one and didnt have any...i said i had one but only if we did it with him..the guy opened the door and my buddy and i proceeded to hang with roy for about 15-20 minutes...it was cool...he didnt mention any indian woman tho...

Always cool when you get to meet your heros, but it can also be dissapointing,especially when their wasted. I got to meet Roy Buchanon back in the late 70`s and his advice to me was "You need to wrestle an Indian Woman" I think that was some kind of inside joke I didn`t get.

[Rad Skronker]

Back in about '78 I ran into Brian Wilson in the lobby of the Hilton Hawaiian Hotel, he was very gracious and seemed very surprised that someone recognized him (he wasn't playing the star role), after a little chit-chat (I didn't know what to say, I was 15 and kinda starstruck), I asked for his autograph.

Very cool. :AOK

[johnrussell]

I saw Steve Howe from Yes at the Long Island Guitar Show several years ago. He could tell that I recognized him and he had a look on his face that said "Please don't bother me" so I didn't.

[epluribus]

Bobby Bare when I was five. He sang 500 Miles in our living room and couldn't quite make head or tail of the rocket I drew for him to autograph. The events that change our lives...

:)

[Structo]

Met Billy Gibbons in 72 or 73 at a small armory show in my town.
I was working for the promoter and my job was to guard the dressing rooms.
I was 15 and had just bought my first ZZ Top album.

He was very cool and when I told him I was learning guitar he smiled and said, that's cool, keep at it. Or something like that.
But he was friendly. Dusty was cool as well. Frank must be kind of shy as he just hung back until it was time to go on.
Me and a friend were both working there and as soon as the opening act was done, we snuck out and watched ZZ lay it down. This was way before the funky dance steps and long beards.

[bforest4]

Lots of Jazz,Fusion and Session players mostly in the studio - Tim Pierce(the coolest of them all),Mike Landau, Scott Henderson, Vinnie Caliuata, Josh Freese, Lyle Workman - all really nice.


EVH, Gene Simmons, Neal Schon, Metallica, Kevin Gilbert, pretty cool, had some ego going.

Rick James, pretty cool, except he spilled red wine all over my nice jacket.

Bill Bruford, very cool, had a dinner meeting for him to possibly score a movie my friend(a huge King Crimson fan) was producing, the movie never happened. Met him at a show years later, he still remembered my name. My friend ended up producing Tony Levin's 2008 solo album 20 years later! Persistence can pay off.

[Ravindave_3600]

I met Elvis once, isle #4 in the superstop and shop last year ,Im pretty sure it was him,he was real nice and preffered frostedmini wheats.:AOK

Late 70s-early 80s I ran into Paul and Mrs. Paul Mac in the local grocery. When I saw him my face must've lit up, because he looked at me and took a hard right into the canned goods aisle. Guess spending Sunday afternoon talking with a kid wasn't high on his agenda. :p

[mototpsychel]

Lots of 70's NYC punks numerous times - Lou Reed, Johnny Thunders, Stiv Bators, Cheetah Chrome, Iggy, Chrissie Hynde, all of the Dolls, all of the Ramones, The Dictators, Hell, Smith, Lenny Kay, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, etc..

All of Bon Jovi (early 80's)

George Thorogood.

Got stoned with a mix of the Velvets & Warhol's Factory crew at one of Lou Reed's early solo concerts (73 ?) at Tanglewood Mass. (Nico, Gerard Melanga, Joe D. etc..)

From the previous gen I met, David Bowie and Marc Bolan together, Leslie West, The Pretty Things, Ted Nugent, The J. Giels Band, The OutLaws,

I liked Bert Summer the best - not really a Rock Star, but a wonderful guy with maybe one the most interesting carrer arcs ever. Played a lead in the Original cast of Hair, played Woodstock, had some recorded success, played on Saturday morning T.V's Captain Kool & the Kongs, etc etc etc

Best drunk I can remember was with cheetah Chrome from the Dead Boys.

[iamdavea]

Forgot to mention: I lied my way backstage at a relatively small Buckethead concert. Told his gatekeeper I was a freelance journalist planning to write a review of the concert, and needed clarification about a song Buckethead played. He waved me in. Buckethead, unmasked, was sitting on a really ratty sofa, next to a female admirer. He looks nothing like what you'd expect--very plain, kind of an angular face, someone you've walked past a million times on the street. I asked him a few questions; he was very cordial (seemed stoned) and kind of not-quite-yet-an-adult-ish. His masked/bucket persona definitely fits his music better than his actual face does.

[eric-d]

Isn't that the picture I took? That was a fun show! I still like my pic with Dug... :D

http://i34.tinypic.com/2q0r0yh.jpg


my idols for years and years were King's X...Namely Dug....
So to go from a super fan to this was and is sweet indeed:
http://i36.tinypic.com/2hh2a7r.jpg

[cottoneyedjoe]

Let's see...

John Paul Jones: at a festival, he had produced a string band, playing with them. Very nice guy. Down to earth and willing to chat.

Jamie West Oram ( the Fixx): Had to meet this guy. He was one of my heroes as a kid. Met him after a gig. Also very nice, talked equipment the entire time. Learned a lot about how to use compression with him.

Robben Ford: Small festival. Robben played on Sunday morning at 11am. I was sixteen at the time. We approached him after the show and he asked "where are the Megadeath shirts?" We told him we loved his music and that we weren't into "metal". That turned into a thirty minute rig discussion and a private lesson for me and my buddy!

Mark Knopfler: Radio interview. Talked with him about Chet Atkins, Vince Gill, and his love for country music. Really nice guy. LOVES his guitars!

Sir Paul McCartney: Another radio interview. We discussed John Lennon and new developments in technology stemming from the Beatles recordings. Really, really nice. We also talked off line about how he gets song ideas....

Little Feat: Paul Barrere actually talked me into buying my first Rivera amp. Thanks Paul.

Johnny and June Carter Cash: While not a rockstar per se, I had the chance to spend thirty minutes with him and June waiting for a plane in Nashville. We talked about his life for most of the time. He was very polite. June bought me candy (just like my grandmother would have...) He seemed more interested in me. Which seemed funny. There are a lot of things that we talked about that have shaped my personal life since that meeting. Johnny knew how to put things in perspective and his conversation with me made me a better man.

I currently work with a lot of country music notables and bluegrass notables. Hearing about the early days in country music would blow your mind. If you think rock and roll is bad, it ain't got NOTHIN' on country music! The stories of the early days really are good to hear. People like Ray Price, Jack Greene, Marty Stuart, Curly Seckler (Flatt and Scruggs), Marty Stuart, Roy Clark (who grew up a few miles from my home), and many others.

[rikvee]

In my job as a live soundman I meet a lot of musicians, but often there isn't much time to really get to know one another, so although the list is in the thousands, these ones stand out:

1985: did sound for a small British band ("Kissing the Pink") at a European Festival, got to chat for a few hours with Brian Robertson, who was there with Frankie Miller.

Thin Lizzy are among my all-time favourite bands (with Skynyrd in the US and the Tatts in Oz), and Brian was a big part of Thin Lizzy's best period....

His funny story was about secretly doubling up every one of Lemmy's rattley basslines with a Fender Precision, so there was at least SOME low end on the Motorhead record he played guitar on just before I met him....

My impression of Brian was that here was a man with a heart full of love for music, in a world where real musical joy, like love itself, is often just a fleeting thing....


Among the big rock stars I worked with only last week; British guitar legend Hank Marvin and Canadian Jeff Martin of the Tea Party, now the Armada.

Hank Marvin is a very friendly, polite and amusing guy, now 67 years old, lives in Perth, Western Australia, where I live.
After inspiring an entire planet of guitar players with Shadows music Hank is now totally into playing the music of HIS hero, Django Reinhardt.
We talked guitars, he's been checking out Piers Crocker's work, one of the best luthiers I know (Piers made guitars for Australian artists Tim Rogers and Mark Lizotte, he's in Sydney).

Ex-Tea Party guitar player and vocalist Jeff Martin must also like a bit of Gypsy Jazz, since he called his son Django.
Nevertheless, his new band The Armada is a powerful rock 3 piece with great melodies and virtuoso musicianship, sounding like a natural offshoot of Led Zep with Jim Morrison up front....
Jeff is musically one of the most impressive people I know, and as a person, he's a warm and friendly guy, very focused on his music.

One more unsung star I've met, is British session guitar player Phil Palmer, known for his "Palmer picking" with Joan Armatrading and Chris de Burgh. I toured with him in France in the eighties, and somehow was present when he auditioned (at a London soundcheck ! ) as a last minute replacement for a European Tina Turner tour.
Largely unfamiliar with her reportoire, he jammed along for half a song when Tina pointed at him to take a solo, and what followed, produced a delayed look of astonishment and delight on Tina's face, it had taken Phil all of 2 minutes to get hired!
Phil's a nephew of Ray and Dave Davies of the Kinks, and since then has played with Dire Straits, Paul McCartney, Dave Gilmour, Pete Townsend, the list goes on....

[CharAznable]

A couple of months ago King Crimson was playing at the Nokia Theater in NYC. As I got to the door, there was Adrian Belew telling the woman at the door to let him in cause he's in the band. Me and a couple of other guys had to tell her that he's the singer and he's a big deal. The thanked us, shook our hands, and ran in.

[Ian Anderson]

I met Motley Crue back in '85 when I was 15 durning a night of total debauchery and mayhem that resulted in a car chase with the band through downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul that rivaled the chase scene in Bullit. Thats all I can say about that incident on public record.

[JeffD]

I met Paul & Linda McCartney in an audio/phile store in Tucson, AZ, around 1981. He was buying some relatively modest stereo components, which he loaded in a Ford pickup that was several years old. He used to have a place east of Tucson back then, and he and Linda spent some time there. Anyway, I was struck by how he behaved towards the salesperson; no rock star ego or anything of that sort. He behaved as any customer might, and seemed to want to be treated the same.

[realityczech]

No
But I've played with a few.
Its no big deal.
We/they are all peeps with feelings/friends and followings

[customstrat]

[quote=cottoneyedjoe;5066755]Let's see...




Johnny and June Carter Cash: While not a rockstar per se, I had the chance to spend thirty minutes with him and June waiting for a plane in Nashville. We talked about his life for most of the time. He was very polite. June bought me candy (just like my grandmother would have...) He seemed more interested in me. Which seemed funny. There are a lot of things that we talked about that have shaped my personal life since that meeting. Johnny knew how to put things in perspective and his conversation with me made me a better man.

I humbly disagree with "while not a rockstar per se"....Cash was the ultimate rockstar imho.

[neastguy]

too true, too true. I'm surprised no one but you and me got the memo they're not allowed in without the gold record or two. I still can't believe the stories about eric clapton being blown away by hendrix when he first saw him, to the point he actually thought jimi was interesting!

But anyway, i'll play along. I ran into mccartney (paul, that is) in the grocery store once. His kids were running up and down the canned food aisles. He didn't seem impressed to meet me (go figure) but that was before my multi-selling cd live in the living room.

:d:d:d:d

[SkyhighRocks]

It depends on who you classify as a rock star. My original band opened for alot of the 80's bands and i got to meet and hang out with alot of them. in no particular order:

Warrant
Slaughter
Dokken
Sebastian Bach
White Lion
Honeymoon Suite
Living Color
Saigon Kick
CC Deville
Quiet Riot
Firehouse
Great White

there's probably more

[Paul Conway]

[quote=cottoneyedjoe;5066755]Let's see...




Johnny and June Carter Cash: While not a rockstar per se, I had the chance to spend thirty minutes with him and June waiting for a plane in Nashville. We talked about his life for most of the time. He was very polite. June bought me candy (just like my grandmother would have...) He seemed more interested in me. Which seemed funny. There are a lot of things that we talked about that have shaped my personal life since that meeting. Johnny knew how to put things in perspective and his conversation with me made me a better man.

I humbly disagree with "while not a rockstar per se"....Cash was the ultimate rockstar imho.

I humbly contend that you, sir, have won this little contest, in style. :D

I don't think anyone here is goign to beat that.

[JuanK]

When I was 10 years old, I met Louie Armstrong, but my dad ended up being "the star"!
We were in an airport, and there he was waiting for the same flight. My dad grabs my hand and says "Let's go talk to him!", more excited than I was. It ends up my dad had met him numerous times in the past (when he managed a nightclub) and Louie remembered him and they reminiced about his band members, manager, gigs at the club, etc. Louie was wonderful and gracious.
That was just one of the many times my father amazed me like that; I really miss him.

[mrmojorisin]

My most memorable mtg was when I was a grad student traveling to MN to present a paper at a conference. As I got off the plane I couldn't help but notice all the beautiful women. And as I got to the hotel there were more and more. And the hotel lobby was completely over the top. I remember thinking that I simply must move to this city when I graduate. After I checked in to the hotel I went to the elevator. When the door opened Jon Bon Jovi and Ritchie Sambora were in the elevator. This was when they were at their prime, and at or near the height of fashion. Turns out they were playing a show in Minneapolis that night. Suddenly, I understood why there were so many beautiful women around. Talked to them for a few minutes, and explained my story, and they got a big kick out of it. They were very cool and friendly.

They did not however invite me to share in the backstage babes :-( which I am CERTAIN would have been an absolutely life altering experience. :-)

[DC1]

When I was 10 years old, I met Louie Armstrong, but my dad ended up being "the star"!
We were in an airport, and there he was waiting for the same flight. My dad grabs my hand and says "Let's go talk to him!", more excited than I was. It ends up my dad had met him numerous times in the past (when he managed a nightclub) and Louie remembered him and they reminiced about his band members, manager, gigs at the club, etc. Louie was wonderful and gracious.
That was just one of the many times my father amazed me like that; I really miss him.


Great story.

My Dad saw the famous Benny Goodman / Frank Sinatra show at the Paramount in NYC that launched Frank's career. He ran into Frank on the sidewalk before the show and yakked for a while with him. I wish I could have seen that one.

dc

[uberdave]

I got to meet Ella Fitzgerald and she was ever so graceful,until one the photographer
use a flash and she layed into him. Coolest legend though was my neighbor George Fullerton.He was always working on some different projects.

[triple_vee]

When I was living in Sydney, David Crosby and his wife visited my flatmate while touring with CSN and spent a couple of nights with us. My (now) wife got to go shopping with him and his wife Jan. My wife said that *everyone* recognized him and did the nervous fan thing around him. I joined them later for dinner at a Thai restaurant. I have a picture of him playing one of my guitars. The next night we got to go backstage at the CSN show and meet Graham Nash too. All of them were super nice!

[CharAznable]

I met Scott Henderson a few years ago in a blues trio show at the Jazz Cafe in San Jose, Costa Rica. I went to the club to buy tickets the afternoon before he show and he was doing soundcheck. Seeing that happen was absolutely awesome.

During the show, I basically sat as his feet. That was probably the single most important experience that shaped my conception of what can be done with blues guitar playing.

During intermission, he went to get a coke (held the glass with his fingertips, to keep his fingers warm) and I came to him and told him what a big fan I am and how important his playing is to me, and when could he come to Costa Rica with Gary Willis. He was a total sweetheart.

[VintageToneGuy]

This is funny and I'm almost ashamed to mention it. I used to work the light show for a local band in Ft. Smith Arkansas around 1980. We played anywere that would let us play, including Disco prone clubs (though our Band did most Rock cover songs). The pinnacle of our local touring was to open for 'Wild Cherry' Whoooooooooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! Play that funky music white boy...!!!!

All I rememeber is how some of them looked down on us because we were asked to play only 'cover songs' and one even made a nasty, negative comment about it to me.

vtg

[stormin1155]

I've met Randy Bachmann. My ex-father-in-law is his personal doctor. Nice guy. I also ran into Bo Diddley in an airport and visited with him awhile. Also ran into Los Lobos guys in an airport. They weren't at all interested in visiting with me. I've chatted with Robben Ford a couple times and Larry Carlton once, both great guys.

[Jimmydeez]

I met Dave Matthews at the height of his popularity. A freind and I got back stage before one of his shows in Camden. We got there at like 4 and were luck enough to eat dinner with him.

He was very down to earth and kept blowing off the radio people to talk to me and my buddy about movies.

Also met Greg Howard (who plays the Chapman stick with DMB sometimes) that night. He was the best and really shocked when we told him we had a bootleg from like '92 with him filling in for Stephan the bass player. This was the first tour he had played with them and he didn't really know many people. We sat drinking with him for about an hour and a half. Greg had the quote of the day. "Guys you don't understand... last week I was playing solo shows at Borders for like 30 people... tonight I'm playing for like 20,000"

[FFTT]

I've met all of the original Faces, very drunk! Really really drunk!
Still hard to understand how they sounded so great totally wasted.
Escorted their limo to Dulles International after the sprited show at Shady Grove :-)
Alice Cooper, a few times, far more normal that you might imagine, very smart.
Edgar Winter, quiet composed and still rockin
and Uli Roth and his new band, very nice people.

Shared the stage with
Skunk Baxter-Wisdom and Wizardry. The jam of my life!!! Sweet Carolines Winchester
Nils Lofgren and Grin trampoline and all! Falls Church Community Center
What a party afterwards!

Did not meet, but saw Jimi Hendrix at the Washington Hilton
Janis Joplin, Alexandria Roller Rink
also Yes, Jethro Tull, Black Sabbath, Winter and Cooper there.

Those were the good old days for sure!

[Guitar Josh]

Twice.

Saw Ed K. from LIVE in a dive bar near York PA. Talked with him for a few minutes about music and other things. Left him alone with his friends. Found out later he covered our tab.

Met Billy Corgan at the height of my SP obsession. Long story short - he did not appreciate my well intentioned comments about Adore. Still love the man anyway despite the fact he looked like he wanted to kill me, lol.

[Renardm]

Nuno Bettencourt when "More Than Words" was at it's peak. I was working at a discount store in MA when I was on Christmas break from college. There were rumblings in the store that Nuno had been in there earlier. I left a 6PM and I was waiting outside for my ride to pick me up. A few minutes later Nuno pulled up in a Camaro, if i remember correctly, and started walking towards me. I approached him with my hand out and said "Nuno, I love you guys" and shook his hand. He said "thanks" and when I asked why he was at the store he said he was shopping with his brother or something. He seemed shy and was not very tall. Nice enough though.

[donnievaz]

Had a beer with Layne Staley (Alice in Chains) back in the early 90's at Hammerjacks in Baltimore. They opened up for Extreme and he was relaxing before the show started. Didn't even know who he was until the show started. Real nice guy.

I was at that show. :BEER

[hellbender]

Just tonite, I spent a nice evening tasting Jonathan Cain's latest blend. A 2006 Chanconne Pinot. He had a tasting at a local wine bar here in Santa Rosa. Seems he is quite the oneophile and said as much. He was in on most of the wines production and really enjoys the entire process. We talked about his recent tour and a few quick "remember this" kind of moments. Arnel, of course and his profile in Keyboard mag.

One interesting tidbit was revealed was that crazy milk commercial with the over the top rock god who looks a lot like Jeff Watson............well.

[equatorinstru]

Used to work as a freelance producer for CNN...got to cover the first 2 Bonnaroo festivals. The list is long....but some of the nicest were:

Ben Harper - the nicest guy ever!
jack Johnson - down to earth
Trey Anastastio - inspiring
Phil Lesh - funny as hell
Bobby Weir - still on an acid trip from the 60's
Warren Haynes - chill dude
String Cheese - like hanging out with 16 yr olds
Bela Fleck - farthest from a rock star...nice guy
Robert Randolph, Karl Denson.....there are more, but i forget.

[bogner100b]

I switched planes in Dallas and ran into Eddie and Alex Van Halen while they were traveling with Steve Lukather....they sat in First class, and............well I sat in the crap seats.

[donnievaz]

I just met Pat Travers Friday night. Very cool guy and his show was killer!!

[Jazzydave]

Eh, not really. It was the question of an amateur and I was of the impression that this was the place of serious musicians not fawning fans. Who cares about famous people? I care about music.

Even "Rock Stars" are "fawning fans" of someone. The horse doesn't sit that high.

Most of the people who influence us "serious musicians" are those who are most humble and are still chasing after that sound they loved when they started out.

[Taller]

Alvin Youngblood Hart - I'll mention him first since he hangs here and he's a truely nice guy. Met him a few times actually, at club gigs and coffee houses and concert halls (playing guitar for Bo Diddley). Opening and headlining, acoustic or electric, Alvin brings it every time.:AOK

The classic line up of the Black Crowes, after a gig in Norfolk in 2005. All very gracious to their fans.

Vernon and Corey from Living Colour.

King's X - Doug (He was still DoUg at the time!), brought me aboard the bus to meet Ty and Jerry. This was while they were touring to support their first album.

Gene Simmons.

Robert Plant. He was stand-offish, so I spent most of the evening talking to his guitarist, Doug Boyle.

Ace Frehley.

Joe Satriani.

Dan Huff.

John Mayall and Buddy Whittington.

Robbie Kreiger, doing his laundry backstage at the Portsmouth Ampitheater.