4 hours later, Greg signed off. It's just amazing how many people participated and how long we were all on there.
As expected, Greg talked a lot about his upcoming tour (and I'm relieved that he plans to play Boston too, just in case CT sells out before I have the bucks to buy tickets) but he also announced that his autobiography will finally be published this winter. Before the tour. He just kept saying to watch for announcements about his book, no title yet. But the tour will be called the "Songs of a Lifetime" tour and he'll tell stories from his life and take questions from the audience. And he's not just hitting the states. It's a world tour. No band, just him and his guitar up there. He'll follow his life story song by song.
Through the whole thing I was wondering what it must be like to be him. People asked a lot of personal questions. He was diplomatic as can be and only got pissy once- at a ridiculous request. Under the circumstances and for that length of time in dealing with us fans, I was impressed. It was 9 p.m. GMT when it started and after 1 a.m. when he bowed out. He's 64. He's had 47 years of dealing with fans. I can't imagine. Everyone wants a piece of you, everyone wants special attention or information. People know so much about your life and you don't know any of them at all. Something like that chat makes it easier to see why the famous may lose their way in life. When everyone tries to take a slice of you, what do you have left?
Reminds me of the infamous Judy scene:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GirOMCxZSm4
It's a miracle any of them have any sanity left.
So I have a new appreciation for him. It can't be easy to live his life. But it was terrific and a thrill, and Eileen and all did a great job giving us an early Christmas present. I can't wait to see him next year.
MYSTERIOUS GARDEN
11 months ago
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10 comments:
You know, you are going to think I am just terrible but....I have no idea who this Greg is....he must be pretty special for you to be all gaga over him.
Lawless- Do you remember King Crimson or Emerson, Lake and Palmer? Everyone knows "Lucky Man" ("oooo, what a lucky man he was..")He was the singer and songwriter of those bands. "I Believe in Father Christmas" was his biggest hit, even though it was released as an ELP collab. Don't feel bad, a lot of people never got Progrock. And I'd never think you were terrible. :)
p.s. I can't believe I didn't mention he was guitarist and bassist for them, too. I'd get shit fer that if I omitted it.
No, I don't remember any of those people/groups... never heard of "I Believe in Father Christmas". I'm going to google it. I never was "with it".
Here's IBiFC:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXCEdrnaFlY
And here's "Lucky Man":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm7-cysfE2c
Remember Yes? Those great album covers they had?
Too bad the music wasn't as good (imo).
ELP was the only prog rock I liked enough to buy. Genesis was sort of interesting and those guys really hit big as solo acts (Gabriel & whazzizname), but ELP rocked!
Did you get a question in?
Paul- Yes! Saw them a couple of times at MSG. And I have a book of Roger Dean's artwork. I'll pull it out next time you're here. Love that stuff.
ELP and Crimso are my bands, but I liked Yes, Tull, Gentle Giant, the Moody Blues, Procol Harum, early Genesis. At one time Floyd was considered Prog. Even Queen was. Didn't like Genesis much. Rush's lead singer made my ears rebel. But ELP were the top, IMHO.
And yes. I asked him for a Christmas memory and he recalled recording "I Believe in Father Christmas" with a 100 piece orchestra and choir. He's in full promo mode for his autobiography. He kept saying it'll all be in the book.
I think that the life of a celebrity must be hell, although so many want to be one.
Glad you had a good time.
I can't imagine how exposed they must feel. And what a weird Day of the Locust kinda deal on a smaller scale.
Even trying to relate it to something in your own life, there's no comparison. I'm uncomfortable when someone I don't know says they "know all about" me at first meeting. It's happened and it's weird. Feels kinda creepy. And these people have it all the time, for decades. I'm saying nothing like that to Greg. And I picked a spot for the autograph/tattoo (thanks, Manning).
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